Climate:
Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons
| |
* Hot Season March - May
* Rainy Season June - October
* Cool Season November - February |
 |
|
The average annual temperature is about 28 degrees C with the northern region a bit colder in the cool season which would require a sweater or light jacket.
During the rainy season, downpours hardly last more than a couple of hours.
|
Passports & Visas:
Many nationalities, including the citizens of Australia, Canada, South Africa, the USA and most European countries do not need a visa for stays of up To 30 days. A passport with 6 months validity beyond the date of entry, a return ticket or onward travel arrangements need to be presented upon request on your arrival in Thailand. These requirements are subject to change and a check with the embassy or consulate in your home country is necessary prior to departure.
Customs Regulations:
Importation of all kinds of narcotics ( opium, heroin, cocaine, etc. ) and pornographic media are strictly prohibited. Firearms and ammunition can be imported only after a permit has been obtained from the local police department. A reasonable amount of clothing for personal use, toiletries and professional instruments can be brought in free of duty. In addition, 200 cigarettes or smoking materials in total 250 grams, one litre of wine or spirits, one video camera, five rolls of still film, three rolls of video film, and one item of electrical goods per person are allowed in duty free. Buddha images, antiques or fragments therof are not allowed to be taken out of Thailand without authorization from the Fine Arts Department.
Health Requirements :
No vaccinations are presently required unless you are travelling from or through contaminated areas. It is recommended that you be immunized against polio, typhoid, tetanus and hepatitis A and B.
Money:
The Thai monetary unit is the Baht. There are 100 Satang to one Baht. Coins are used in denominations of 25 Satang, 50 Satang, 1 Baht, 5 Baht and 10 Baht. Bank note denominations comprise of 20 Baht (green), 50 Baht (red), 500 Baht (purple) and 1000 Baht (grey). Notes are also scaled in size; the larger the denomination, the larger the note.
| |
Money Exchange:
Money and travellers cheques of all major currencies can be exchanged at hotels, banks, exchange booths and mobile exchange kiosks in tourist areas. Banks usually offer the best rates.
Credit Cards:
Credit cards are widely accepted in department stores, major hotels, up-market shops and restaurants. They can also be used for cash advances at banks and exchange counters. The most commonly accepted cards are VISA and Mastercard, followed by American Express, JCB and Diners Club.
|
|
|
Electricity:
The electric current for the whole of Thailand is 220 volts AC, 50 cycles. Dual –prong rounded [plugs as well as flat-pin plugs can be used in sockets. Adaptors are provided by most hotels.
Safety & Security:
Thailand is a safe country, but like anywhere in the world, it is wise to be a little cautious. Simple safety precautions such as ignoring touts, keeping away from trouble areas, not wearing excessive jewellery, being careful when crossing the roads ( remember: left-hand traffic ) and taking care of valuables will keep you out of trouble. Valuables such as money, travellers cheques, passports and flight tickets are best kept in your hotel's safety box.
Public Holidays:
- 05 Dec H.M. The King's Birthday
- 10 Dec Constitution Day
- 31 Dec New Year's Eve
- 01 Jan New Year's Day
- 06 Apr Chakri Memorial Day
- 01 May National Labour Day
- 05 May Coronation Day
- 12 Aug H.M. The Queen's Birthday
- 23 Oct Chulalongkorn Day
|
|
If any of the above dates fall on a Saturday or Sunday, the following working day might also be observed as a holiday.
Airport Tax:
Airport tax or departure tax is required to be paid by all international and domestic passengers departing from any Thai airport. The airport tax & insurance surcharge of a domestic flight ticket bought within Thailand is usually added to the ticket fare automatically, except for flights originating from Kho Samui, Sukhotai and Trat airports.
For international flights: 500 Baht
For flights ex Samui: 400 Baht
For flights ex Sukhothai: 200 Baht
For flights ex Trat: 200 Baht
Time Zone:
Thailand time is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), 6 hours
Ahead of Rome, Paris and Vienna, 5 hours ahead of Pretoria, 13 hours ahead of New York and 3 hours behind Sydney. All these time differences are based on winter time. Thailand lies in the same zone as its neighbours Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
