About Thailand

29-30 Queens Gate, London SW7 5JB, UK

Tel: (020) 7589 2944 (ext.115). Fax: (020) 7823 7492 (visa section) or (020) 7823 9695.

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1230 (consular section).

Honorary Consulates in: Birmingham, Cardiff, Dublin, Glasgow, Hull and Liverpool.

International - 500 Thai Baht
Domestic - 40 Thai Baht
Koh Samui - 400 Thai Baht

Thai baht (B) 1 Baht (Bt) = 100 satang. Notes are in denominations of Bt1000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of Bt10, 5 and 1, and 50 and 25 satangs. In addition, there are a vast number of commemorative coins which are also legal tender.

The following goods may be imported into Thailand without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco or equal weight of cigars

• one litre of wine or spirits

• one still camera with five rolls of film or one movie camera with three rolls of 8mm or 16mm film

Note: There are restrictions on the export of items of archaeological interest or historical value without a certificate of authorisation from the Department of Fine Arts in Thailand. The export of images of Buddha and other religious artifacts is also subject to this ruling.

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.

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.

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.

Drinking water should be bottled in all areas of Thailand.

Thailand's voltage is 220-240AC, 50 Hertz

Valid passport required. No visa is required for a stay of up to 30 days if traveler enters via an international airport and has proof of a confirmed onward ticket.

Please Note: You should check with the local Thai consulate / embassy for up to date visa information. There are different rules for different nationalities.

Thai

English (secondary)

Ethnic and regional dialects

Money changing services are available at most banks, hotels and shopping complexes. Money is also available from ATM's, which are widely available in all areas. Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1530 (Bangkok); 0830-1530 in the rest of the country.

60,609,046 (July 1999 est.)

Buddhism, Muslim, Christianity, Hinduism

514,000 sq km

GMT + 7.

Tipping is discouraged at the airport and discouraged in hotels and restaurants.

Transportation in the city of Bangkok now includes the "Sky Train" which opened on 5th December 1999. And, cities like Bangkok have extensive public transportations.

Check with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for more details. Tipping is discouraged at the airport and discouraged in hotels and restaurants.

Tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to September); dry, cool northeast monsoon (November to mid-March); southern isthmus always hot and humid

	Bangkok			Chiang Mai			Phuket
Month	Max	Min	Rain	Max	Min	Rain	Max	Min	Rain
	°C	°C	mm	°C	°C	mm	°C	°C	mm
Jan	32	20	8	29	13	0	31	23	40
Feb	33	22	8	32	14	10	32	23	35
Mar	34	24	36	34	17	8	33	24	60
Apr	35	25	58	36	22	36	33	24	130
May	34	2	198	34	23	122	32	25	270
Jun	33	24	160	32	23	112	31	25	240
Jul	32	24	160	31	23	213	31	25	220
Aug	32	24	160	31	23	193	31	24	235
Sep	32	24	305	31	23	249	30	23	290
Oct	31	24	206	31	21	64	31	23	290
Nov	31	22	66	30	19	31	31	23	180
Dec	31	20	5	28	15	13	31	23	80
Avg	32	23	116	32	20	90	31	24	173