1. GENERAL
INFORMATION
2. THAI PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
3. LANGUAGE
4. DO'S AND DON'TS
5. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
6. BUYER BEWARE
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Climate : We enjoy a tropical climate with 3 distinct
seasons - hot from March through May, wet from June to
September, and cool from October through February. The
average annual temperature is 28o C (83o
F), ranging from in Bangkok, for example, from 30 C in
April to 25 C in December.
What
To Wear : Light, loose cotton clothing is best.
Nylon should be avoided. Sweaters are needed during
the cool season evenings or if visiting mountainous
areas or national parks. Jackets and ties are required
in a few restaurants and nightclubs. Neat clothes are
required for entering temples or palaces.
Local Time : GMT +
7 hours. Business
Hours : Most offices open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday
to Friday, except on public holidays. General banking
hours are Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 3.30 pm. Many stores
open 12 hours a day, seven days a week. Currency
: There are 100 satangs in 1 baht. (B=baht) Notes
are issued in denominations of B1000 (gray), B500 (purple),
B100 (red), B50 (blue), B20 (green), and B10 (brown).
There are 10, 5 and 1 baht coin, and 50 and 25 satang.
Most foreign
currencies and traveller cheques are easily changed
at banks, hotels or moneychangers. All major credit cards
are widely accepted throughout the kingdom. Electricity
: The electric system is 220 Volt AC
(50 cycles). There are many plugs and sockets in use.
Travelers with shavers, tape recorders and other appliances
should carry a plug-adapter kit.
2. THAI PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
1999
| January
1 |
New
Year's Day |
| March
1 |
Makha
Puja Day |
| April
6 |
Chakri
Day |
| April
13-15 |
Songkran
Festival |
| May
5 |
Coronation
Day |
| May
14 |
Royal
Ploughing Ceremony Day |
| May
29 |
Visakha
Puja Day |
| July
1 |
Mid-Year
Day |
| July
27 |
Asalha
Puja Day |
| July
28 |
Khao
Phansa Day (Buddhist Lent) |
| August
12 |
H.M.
The Queen's Birthday |
| October
23 |
Chulalongkorn
Day |
| December
5 |
H.M.
The King's Birthday |
| December
10 |
Constitution
Day |
| December
31 |
New
Year's Eve |
January
Elaphant Round-up,Chaiyaphum
Smaller than the November festival in Surin, this colourful
event
brings elephants from all over the province to demonstrate
their powers.A spectacular re-enactment of a medieval
battle is one of the highlights of the two day extravaganza.
Umbrella Fair, Bo Sang, Chaing Mai
Almost everyone in the small village of Bo Sang derives
a livelihood from making gaily painted paper umbrellas.
This fair celebrates the traditional skill and features
contests, exhibitions and demonstrations.
Phra Tat Phanom Fair, Nakorn Phanom
An annual seven day Buddhist homage paying festival,
attracting
thousands of devotees to this northeastern township.
Don Chedi Memorial Fair, Suphan Buri
A high-spirited re-enactment of a famous duel where
King Naruesanthe Great of Ayuthaya defeated a challenger
to the Thai Kingdom.
February
Luang Wiang Lakorn, Lampang
A procession through town culminating in northern style
entertainment spectacular at Wat Lampang Luang.
Flower Festival, Chiang Mai
Spectacular floral floats and unique handicraft displays
a the
highlights of this three day extravaganza in the Northern
Capital.
Dragon and Lion Parade, Nakhon Sawan
A procession of colourful costumes and Chinese dragons
and
venerated deities.
Bang Sai Arts & Crafts Fair, Ayuttaya
A shopping extravaganza of products from H.M. the Queen's
support programme.
Straw Bird Fair, Chai Nat
Using the residue from the rice harvest, villagers construct
large
colourful models of bird species in the local Bird Park.
Phra Nakhon Khiri Fair, Phetchaburi
'The City on the Hill' is host to a historical light
and sound show.
Homage Paying Fair, Nakon Si Thammarat
A series of religious ceremonies to pay homage to locally
enshrined relics of Lord Buddha.
Kite Flying, Sanam Luang-Bangkok
Enjoy surrogate 'Fight of the Sexes' as the larger male
kites try to
ensnare the more agile female kites.
Chao Mae Lim Ko Nieo Fair, Pattani
Exotic feats of endurance are performed in respect of
a goddess
believed to possess magical powers.
March
Asean Barred Ground Dove Festival,
Yala
Dove lovers from all over Thailand, as well as from
other ASEAN countries come to Yala for this event.
Phra Buddha Bat Fair, Saraburi
Large numbers of Buddhist pilgrims come to pay their
respect to theHoly Footprint of Lord Buddha.
International Jewellery Fair, Bangkok
Hundreds of Thai and International Jewellery manufacturers
will
present exquisite jewellery and gemstone collections.
Phanom Rung Fair, Buri Ram
Centred around the Khmer Temple, dating from the early
Angkor
Wat period, this temple is the showcase for exhibitions
and displays.
April
Poi Sang Long, Mae Hong Song
During this annual ordination ceremony for young novices,
offerings are carried through town accompanied by brightly
clad dancers.
Food Fair
A gastronomic extravaganza at Bangkok's Queen Sirikit
Exhibition Centre, with delicacies from Thailand's top
food exporters.
Song Kran, Nationwide
The tossing of sweet scented water to mark the Thai
New Year is a major celebration for Thais.
Pattaya Festival, Pattaya
The World-famous seaside resort plays host to floral
floats, fireworks and foodstalls, as this city celebrates
it's annual parade.
Redy to Wear Fair, Bangkok
Another grand showcase of Thai export garments, where
buyers
from aroud the world will be able to snap up clothing
bargains.
May
Royal Ploughing Ceremony, Bangkok
Various ceremonies are performed in this ancient Brahman
festival, to mark the official commencement of the rice
planting season.
Rocket Festival, Yasothon
Skyrockets as big as people are despatched to the heavens
in a
ceremony to ensure plentiful rains during the coming
rice planting
season.
Home & Craft Show, Bangkok
This annual event features decorative items, textiles,
furniture, and
household goods.
June
Phi Ta Khon Festival, Loei
Young men dressed as spirits parade a sacred Buddha
image and
tease villagers.
July
Phuket International Marathon, Phuket
One of the most picturesque marathons on the Asian circuit.
Candle Festival, Ubon Rachathani
To mark the commencement of Buddhist Lent, Beautiful
beeswax candles, some several metres long, are paraded
through
town before being presented to the temples.
Tak Bat Dok Mai, Saraburi
During this impressive meritmaking ceremony marks the
start of the annual three-month start of the annual
three-month 'Rains Retreat', when Buddhist monks must
remain in their monastries.
Nakhon Si Thammarat
During the fifteen nights of the waning moon, Buddhists
offer food and other gifts to the monks, amid cultural
performances, contests andother performances.
August
Phichit Boat Races, Phichit
This annual regatta draws hundreds of spectators to
the banks of the Nan River for three days of revelry.
International Swan-Boat Races, Bangkok
Where top Thai crews take on contenders from neighbouring
countries.
Wax Castle & Boat Racing Festival,
Sakon Nakhon
Beeswax creations of Buddhist temples are paraded to
mark the end of the 'Rains Retreat', in the belief that
the accrued merit from this act ensures their future
rebirth. On the following day, the annual regatta is
a day of merriment for all.
Korlae Boat Racing Festival
The festival on the Bangnara River includes boat racing
and dove
cooing contests, and sale of produce and handicrafts.
October
International Hospitality Show Exhibition,
Bangkok
Trade shows to review the latest in food service and
catering equipment. Includes ice-carving, bartending
and related contests.
Thai Leather Goods, Bangkok
A major export item, leather products of all shapes
and sizes are on display.
Vegetarian Festival, Phuket and Trang
Residents of Chinese ancestry go on a 10 day vegetarian
diet, and
ceremonies and parades are held at local Chinese temples.
Lanna Boat Races
This well known regatta is part of the festivities that
accompany the Kahtin season, when groups present robes
to monks in merit making ceremonies.
Chak Phra & Thot Phapa Festival
Land and waterborne processions carry elaborately decorated
carriages, following the dawn ceremony when robes are
offered to the monks.
Illuminated Boat Procession, Nakhon
Phanom
The Thai Lao friendship festival celebrates 30 years
of tourism in the Northeast, and features sports and
cultural exhibitions, and souvenirs.The festival is
enlivened in the evening when miniature boats are set
adrift carrying a lighted candle.
Chonburi Buffalo Races, Chonburi
When the traditional farming beast is put to more amusing
uses, as
crowds gather from near and far to witness the event.
Tak Bat Devo, Uthai Thani
To mark the descent from the hilltop temple, as Lord
Buddha himself is believed to have done.
Chinese Lunar Festival, Songkhla
Traditional festivities to make offerings to the moon,
including dragon dancing, lantern processions and contests.
November
Phimai Boat Races, Nakhon Ratchasima
Near the fascinating archaeological site of the Old
Khmer City of
Phimai, the boating regatta
Surin Elephant Round-up, Surin
This internationally renowned event brings crowds to
watch 100
trained elephants demonstrate their skills.
Loi Krathong, Sukholthai
In the atmospheric ruins of the ancient city, a spectacular
light and
sound show marks the origination of the Loi Krathong
festival.
Bang Sai Loi Krathong, Ayutthaya
Krathong launching beneath the full moon, is complimented
with
special events and exhibitions.
Yi Peng Loi Krathong, Chiang Mai
An addition to the traditional Loi Krathong, the Yi
Peng festival is
marked by the launch of colourful paper balloons, fearing
trouble away.
Long-Boat Races, Phichit
Races to select Thailand's fastest longboat crews, to
send them to
compete in international regattas.
River Kwai Bridge Week, Kanchanaburi
The celebrated Bridge is the setting for a week-long
series of events, including historical and archaeological
displays and exhibitions.
Bangkok Marathon, Bangkok
Where runners from around the world will compete amid
temples and historic palaces, twice crossing the 'River
of the Kings'.
Silk Fair, Khon Kaen
The finest hand-crafted Thai Silk is offered for sale
amid processions and cultural shows.
Made in Thailand, Bangkok
A collection of Thailand's best exports, with everything
from
handicrafts to hi-tech.
December
Trooping of the Colours, Bangkok
The King and Queen preside over the ceremony where the
Royal
Guards swear allegiance to the King.
Phuket King's Cup Regatta, Phuket
In this event in honour of H.M. the King, who is himself
an avid sailor,yachtsmen from around the world vie for
honours as they cruise through the tranquil surrounds
of the Andaman Sea.
3. LANGUAGE
Thai is a tonal language belonging to the group
of Ka-Tai languages, the five tones are monotone, low,
falling, high, and rising. This can be a rather complicated
language for the visitor; however, English is quite
widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it
is almost the major commercial language
Here are a few Thai basic greetings and phrases to try.
Just click on the Thai versions to hear a native speaker
pronounce each phrase :
4. DO'S & DON'TS
The Monarchy : Thai people
have a deep, traditional reverence for the Royal Family,
and a visitor should be careful to show respect for the
King, the Queen and the Royal Children. Religion
: Visitors should dress neatly in all religious shrines.
They should never go topless, or in shorts, hot pants
or other unsuitable attire.
It is acceptable to wear shoes when walking around the
compound of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the chapel
where the principal Buddha image is kept.
Each
Buddha image, large or small, ruined or not, is regarded
as a sacred object. Never climb onto one to take a photograph
or do anything which might indicate a lack of respect.
Buddhist
monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman,
or to accept anything from the hand of one. If a woman
has to give anything to a monk, she first hands it to
a man, who then presents it.
Social Norms : Thais
don't normally shake hands when they greet one another,
but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like
gesture called a wai. Generally a younger person wais
an elder, who returns it.
Thais
regard the head as the highest part of the body, literally
and figuratively. Therefore, avoid touching people on
the head and try not to point your feet at people or
an object. It is considered very rude.
Shoes
should be removed when entering a private Thai home.
Public displays of affection between men and women are
frowned upon.
5. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are some of the questions we're asked
most frequently:
When is the best time to
visit Thailand ?
During the cool season between November and March What
vaccinations do I need before coming to Thailand ?
There are no required vaccinations, unless you are coming
from an infected area. Yellow fever certificates are required
for those who are coming from an infected area. Please
check the latest regulations with your local health office.
Do
I need a visa ?
Temporary visitors who are exempted from applying for
an entry visa must be of the nationality of and holding
a valid passport or travelling documents issued by
| AMERICAS |
Argentina,
Brazil, Canada, Mexico, U.S.A. |
| ASIA |
Bahrain,
Brunei, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia,
Myanmar, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, *Republic of
Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Turkey, United Arab
Emirates |
| PACIFIC |
Australia,
Fiji, *New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Western
Samoa. |
| AFRICA |
Algeria,
Djibouti, Egypt, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, Senegal,
South Africa, Tunisia, Yemen. |
| EUROPE |
Austria,
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands,
Norway, Portugal, Slovene, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
U.K. |
Persons
meeting the above conditions are exempted from a visa
and are permitted to remain in the Kingdom for a period
not exceeding 30 days, except for the nationals of the
Republic of Korea and New Zealand, who are permitted
to stay in Thailand for a maximum of 90 days from the
day of entry.
Note :
Please check the period of stay stamped in your
passport upon entry into the Kingdom.
For
more details contact the Immigration Division, Soi Suan
Phlu, Sathon Tai Rd.,
Bangkok 10120
Tel : (662) 287-3101 - 10
Fax : (662) 287-1740
Where
can I get information on the Orient Express?
Eastern & Oriental Express Train Prince, contact
:
Sea Tours Co., Ltd
Suite No.88-92, 8th floor., Payathai Plaza 128 Phayathai
Rd,
Rajathevee, Bangkok 10400
Tel: (662) 216-5783-93
Fax: (662) 216-5757-58
Where can I find out more
about Thai Boxing ?
Thai boxing is both a sport and a means of self-defense.
Contestants are allowed to use almost any part of their
body: feet, elbows, legs, knees, and shoulders are all
'weapons.' The playing of traditional music during bouts
adds to the excitement. The three main venues in the Bangkok
area are:
Ratchadamnoen Stadium: Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue,
Bangkok
Tel: (662)281-4205
Lumphini Stadium : Rama IV Rd., Bangkok
Tel: (662)251-4303
Samrong Stadium : Samut Prakan
Tel: (662)393-3592 Where
can I find information on exporting and importing?
Department of Export Promotion,
22/77 Ratchadaphisek Road, Lad Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok
10900
Tel: 511-5066 to 77, 512-0093 - 0104
Fax: 512-1079, 513-1917 What
are the customs regulations ?
Prohibited items: All kinds of narcotics (hemp,
opium,cocaine, morphine, heroin), obscene literature,
pictures or articles. Firearms: Importation of firearms
and ammunition can be done only after a permit has been
obtained from the Police Department of the Local Registration
Office.
Personal effects : A reasonable amount of clothing
for personal use, toilet articles, and professional instruments
may be brought in free of duty.
Cameras : One still-camera or one movie camera
can be brought in without duty. Five rolls of still-camera
film or three rolls of 8 or 16 mm movie-camera film may
be brought in free of duty.
Tobacco, alcoholic beverages : Cigarettes,cigars,or
smoking tobacco each or in total must not exceed 250 grams
in weight. Cigarettes not exceeding 200 in quantity. One
litre each of wine or spirits may be brought in free of
duty.
Household effects : A reasonable amount of used
household effects, accompanied by the owner on change
of domicile are also free of duty.
Plants and animals: Certain species of fruits,
vegetables and plants are prohibited. Please contact the
Agricultural Regulatory Division, Bangkhen, Bangkok, Tel
: 5791581, 5793576. permission of entry for animals coming
in by air can be obtained at the airport. If entering
by sea, the application must be made at the Department
of Livestock Development, Bangkok, Tel: 251-5136, 252-6944.
Vaccination certificates are required. What
are the regulations regarding the export of antiques from
Thailand ?
Buddha images, Bodhisattva images or fragments thereof
are forbidden to be taken out of Thailand. A license must
be obtained from the Department of Fine Arts in order
that such objects of antiquity or objects of art, irrespective
of whether they are originals or reproductions, may be
taken out of the country. For a license application, contact
the National Museum, Tel. 226-1661, 281-04336.
BUYER BEWARE
The Tourism Authority of Thailand receives over 1,000
complaints a year about fake jewellery purchases. To avoid
being a statistic, you must stay alert to the warning
signs of a swindle at work. Heeding our warning could
help you stave off unpleasent surprises and make your
vacation what it should be - full of sparkle.
The following are valuable pointers for your protection
:
- Be
wary of any encounter that ends up requiring your
presence in a gem shop. Most probably it is a scam.
- Buying
gems or jewellery to resell at double or triple the
purchase prices is an impossible proposition under
any circumstances. Buy jewellery only for personal
satisfaction for your own use or for loved ones.
- Make
price comparisons in various shops before deciding
to buy. Never be in a hurry.
- Never
mail sapphires or other precious stones. Carry valuable
items with you.
- Do
not believe special (jewellery) sales of any kind.
Reputable dealers hardly ever offer sales and never
send touts to lure tourists to their stores.
- There
are no promotions, shows or special sales on jewelry
authorized by the government or any official agencies
at any time of the year.
- The
government does not own, operate, subsidize, or authorize
any jewellery stores.
- As
far as you can, take time to verify all claims. Words,
promises, personal guarantees, unchecked documents,
unauthorized verbal or written statements, casual
references, encounters and the like do not constitute
verification. Remember, you are your own best protection.
- All
Thai embassies, consulates or any delegations abroad
are neither bound nor responsible for refunding goods
that are bought in Thailand.
When
in doubt about a gem shop, check it with at:
Tourist Assistance Centre
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Le Concorde Building
202 Ratchadapisek Road
Bangkok 10310
Tel: 694-1222 ext. 1090-1094 |
