| Climate
Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with 3 distinct seasons - summer from March through May,
rainy with plenty of sunshine from June to September and cool from October through February.
The average annual temperature is 28' C (83' F), ranging, in Bangkok, for example, from 30' C
in April to 25' C in December..
- Back to top
Currency
The local currency is the baht which is worth a little less than 4 US cents. One US dollar
= approximately 37 baht.
The baht is divided into 100 satang. "Copper" coins are valued at 25 and 50
satang. "Silver" coins are in denominations of 1' 2 and 5 baht. A 10 baht coin is composed of both "silver" and
"copper". Banknotes are valued at 10 baht (brown), 20 baht (green), 50 baht (blue), 100 baht
(red), 500 baht (purple) and 1,000 baht (khaki).
US dollar traveler checks can be conveniently cashed at all provincial banks and
authorized money changers. Traveler checks in other currencies are best changed in
Bangkok where better rates prevail. Generally, hotel exchange rates are lower then those offered by banks and
authorized money changers.
Major international credit cards, such as American Express, Diners, Carte Blanche, Master Card and VISA are accepted
by major banks, restaurants, hotels and shops.
Thai and foreign banks provide standard services nationwide, Monday through Friday, except
public and bank holidays, between 9.30 AM and 3.30 PM.
Major banks such as Bangkok Bank, Thai Danu Bank, Thai Farmers Bank and Siam
Commercial Bank operate currency exchange centers in most tourist areas from 7.00 AM to
9.00 PM, seven days a week, including holidays.
Many first-class hotels provide 24-hour money exchange services, but only for major currencies
such as American dollars, British pounds, German marks and Swiss francs.
Travelers checks are generally accepted only from bona fide hotel guests..
-
Back to top
Customs
& Formalities
Regulations are now relaxed for travelers arriving by air in Wattay Vientiane
airport. Passengers should have completed immigration and customs declaration forms during the flights and must submit these on arrival. Diethelm
Travel representative or guide will meet travelers on arrival after airport immigration and customs control points have been passed. In the arrival hall
our representative or guide will display a Diethelm Travel signboard written down the name of guests or groups for ease of recognition.. -
Back to top
General
Advice on Traveling to Thailand
Polite behavior is welcomed everywhere, and what is considered polite in other countries is
probably considered polite in Thailand, too.
However, there and a few cultural pitfalls, mainly social and religious taboos, the breaking of
which can cause offence:
- For example, Thais revere their royal family. Even social malcontents who ignore legal and
community standards refuse to tolerate a faintly implied slight on the Thai monarchy.
- Outward expressions of anger are regarded as crude and boorish. The visitor who remains
calm and smiles appreciatively will find all sorts of doors open to him.
-Visitors should dress neatly in all religious shrines. They should never go shirtless, or in
shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attire.
- Shoes should be removed when entering private Thai homes; chapels where Buddhist
images are kept; and any of the Islamic community's mosques.
- Each Buddha image, large or small, ruined or not, is regarded as being a sacred object.
Never climb onto one to take a photograph or do anything that might show lack of respect.
- Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon. Westernised Thai
couples may hold hands but that's as far as it goes in polite society.
- It is considered rude to point your foot a person or object.
-Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body, both literally and figuratively. Therefore,
they do not appreciate anyone patting them there, even as a friendly gesture. - Back
to top
Health
Every year, more than 8 million tourists visit this country as one of their travel destinations.
Many arrive with insufficient health advice which often results in bounts of illnesses that spoil a good part of their
journey. The information provided in this page will help you come up with appropriate protection against some
common illnesses and promote enjoyment of your happy stay in Thailand.
Malaria
Bangkok and most provinces in the central region as well as major tourist resorts such as
Chiangmai, Phuket, Hua-Hin and Koh Samui have been free from malaria for decades. Now all
cities in Thailand are malaria free. However, tourist destinations in rural
neighbourhoods, especially those in the mountainous and border areas are still at certain risks.
Chloroquine and most other chemoprophylactic drugs have proved to be ineffective against
falciparum malaria in Thailand. Tourists visiting these endemic areas are rather recommended
to take general precautions against mosquito bite. After sunset, they should stay in screened
quarters or mosquito nets, wear long sleeve shirts and pants, and may apply mosquito
repellents. Those who develop fever within two weeks of entry to risk areas should seek
prompt medical examination and treatment.
Japanese encephalitis
This viral infection of the brain, is contracted through the bite of mosquitoes that prevail in rural agricultural areas. It is found in many Eastern and Southeastern Asian countries, primarily in
the rural and suburban areas. Similar to malaria, the disease can be prevented by avoiding
mosquito bite during the night time. Travelers who plan to spend their time exposing to rural
environment in these regions for over several months are recommended to take Japanese
encephalitis vaccination before entry.
Dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever
These diseases are endemic in Southeast Asia. They are caused by dengue virus from the
bite of aedes mosquito that lives in the houses and their neighborhood. This mosquito bites
during the day time. Dengue infection in local people, mostly children, often results in fever with bleeding in the skin and other organs (dengue hemorrhagic fever) which is sometime fatal;
but for travelers from non-endemic areas, the infection usually minifests as fever with rash in
the skin, severe headache and muscle and pains (dengue fever), which is usually non-fatal.
Dengue infection is common in the rainy season (approximately May to September in
Thailand) when aedes mosquito is abundant. Travelers visiting local households or their
vicinity, especially in the rainy season, should be using mosquito repellent even in the daytime. Ones who are ill with symptoms suspected of dengue infection
should seek medical consultation to establish the cause of the illness.
Rabies
Rabies can be found in many animals especially dogs and cats. Although Thailand has been
working toward elimination of the disease and the situation has been much improved,
travelers are recommended to take prevention if their travel itineraries allow possible exposure to animal
bites. Those who plan walking sight-seeing in local communities should consider having
pre-exposure rabies vaccination before starting off. Three intramuscular injections of
cell-culture rabies vaccine are required. In case of exposure to animals without prior
vaccination, the pose-exposure vaccination is usually effective if it is initiated without delay.
However, for those who have had pre-exposure vaccination, if they are bitten, they should also
seek prompt consultation with the physician for evaluation and consideration for booster
vaccination.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is mostly caused by ingestion of food and drinks contaminated with bacteria or
viruses. To prevent diarrhea, avoid uncooked food and drink only boiled of bottled or
carbonated water. Food served at street vendors should be considered at risk. Fresh
vegetables and fruits should be adequately washed with clean water. Fresh salad should be
taken only from a salad bar or a restaurant of hygienic standard. Tap water in many Southeast
Asian cities is claimed to be safe for drinking, but it is still advisable to stick to safety
precautions.
Danger from diarrhea primarily is the result of the loss of water and electrolytes from the body.
If you happen to have diarrhea during your travel, the most helpful remedy is drinking
electrolyte solution to replace the loss. Therefore, it is always useful to keep some electrolyte
solution packets in your first-aid kit. If your diarrhea gets worse or does not improve within
12-24 hours, consult the physicians for proper investigation and treatment.
Typhoid fever
Typhoid fever has become uncommon among Thai people. However,
travelers should not neglect taking prevention against this food and water borne disease. Precaution measures for
diarrhea, as mentioned above, are effective for typhoid as well. It is also recommended that the
travelers receive typhoid vaccination, in injectable or oral form, before start of the journey.
However, those who need initiation or booster vaccination can find the service at most
hospitals and clinics in Thailand.
Sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS
Urethritis remains the most common treatable sexually transmitted disease (STD) among
tourists to Asia. Gonorrhea from Southeast Asia is frequently multi-drug resistant. While
syphilis become less common, HIV/AIDS is spreading at worrisome speeds in most Asian
countries, resulting mostly from unprotected sexual contacts.
Promiscuous sex anywhere can be dangerous. For travelers, local sex workers, either of
explicite or concealed types, are potential sources of STDs and HIV/AIDS. All casual sex
should be avoided or strictly protected with the use of condoms. Danger from intravenous drug
use with sharing of needles and syringes cannot be overemphasized. However, blood
transfusion at all medical centers in Thailand is considered safe as intensive screening of
donated blood for HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis is implemented nationwide.
Viral hepatitis
There are two major groups of viral hepatitis. Hepatitis spread by contaminated food and water,
hepatitis A and E, are endemic in many parts of Asia. Most local people are immune to these
types of hepatitis through natural infection, but travelers from better hygienic environments
can be receptive to infection. Therefore, travelers are recommended to practice prevention
measures against food and water borne diseases, as suggested for diarrhea. An alternative
protection for hepatitis A is the immunization with hyperimmune serum or hepatitis A vaccine.
Consult with the physician at an established medical service for the immunization.
Another group of hepatitis; hepatitis B, C and D; are transmitted through contaminated blood
and sexual contacts, or passed from infected mothers to their babies at the time of birth;
similar to the ways HIV/AIDS is transmitted. This group of hepatitis can be simultaneously
and effectively avoided if precautions against HIV/AIDS are strictly taken. However, for those
who require immunization, effective vaccine against hepatitis B is available at most medical
services.
Note: Please check the latest regulations with your local Health Office.
- Back
to top
Hours of
Business
Time in Thailand is 7 hours ahead of Gree wich Mean Time (GMT+
7). Thus 12 noon in Bangkok is 1 AM in New York, 5 AM in London 6 AM in Paris.
Working hours: Government offices are generally opened from Monday to
Friday from 08:00 - 12:00 am and from 13:00 - 16: 00 pm. Shop and private
businesses open and close a bit later and either stay open during lunch or
close for just an hour. - Back
to top
Language
Spoken and written Thai remain largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor.
However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Phuket where
it is almost the major commercial language. English and other European languages are
spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants, in major tourist destinations, and Thai-English
road and street signs are found nationwide.
- Back to top
Population
Throughout her long history, Thailand has gently absorbed immigrants. Many were skilled as
writers, painters, sculptors, dancers, musicians and architects, and helped enrich indigenous
culture.
People inhabiting Thailand today share rich ethnic
diversity - - mainly Thai, Mon, Khmer, Laotian, Chinese, Malay, Persian and Indian stock - - with the result that
there is no typically Thai physiognomy or physique. There are petite Thais, statuesque Thais, round-faced
Thais, dark-skinned Thais and light-skinned Thais.
Some 80% of all Thais are connected in some way with
agriculture which, in varying degrees, influences and is influenced by the religious ceremonies and festivals that
help make Thailand such a distinctive country.. - Back to top
Post &
Communication
Thailand's mail service is reliable and efficient. Major hotels provide basic postal services on
their premises. Bangkok's Central G.P.O. on New Road is open from 8.00 AM to 6.00 PM,
Mondays through Fridays, and from 9.00 AM to 1.00 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
Telegrammes may be sent at any time of the day or night. Upcountry post offices
maintain similar hours, except that they close at 4.30 PM.
International phone calls can be made quite easily from mid- to upper-level hotels. There
is direct dialing to and from more than 80 countries on five continents. Rates for calling out of
the country are normally considerably higher than for calling in so if you expect a long
conversation you might save some money by having your party call back if possible. If you
can't call from your hotel, go to the General Post Office (GPO) on New Road, or major post
offices, and call from special booths for overseas calls..
- Back to top
Religion
Theravada Buddhism is the professed religion of more than 90% of all Thais, and casts strong
influences on daily life.
Buddhism first appeared in Thailand during the 3rd Century B.C. at Nakhon Pathom, site of
the world's tallest Buddhist monument, after the Indian Buddhist Emperor Asoka (267-227
B.C.) dispatched missionaries to Southeast Asia to propagate the newly established faith.
Besides molding morality, providing social cohesion and offering spiritual
guidance, Buddhism provided incomparable artistic impetus. In common with medieval European cathedrals,
Thailand's innumerable multi-roofed temples inspired major artistic creation.
Another reason for Buddhism's strength is that there are few Thai Buddhist families in which at
least one male member has not studied the Buddha's teachings in a monastery. It has long
been a custom for Buddhist males over twenty, once in their lifetimes, to be ordained for a
period ranging from 5 days to 3 months. This usually occurs during the annual Rains Retreat,
a 3-month period during the Rains Season when all monks forego travel and stay inside their
monasteries.
Besides sustaining monastic communities, Thai temples have traditionally served other
purposes - - as the village hostelry, village news, employment and information agency, a
school, hospital, dispensary and community center - - to give them vital roles in Thai society.
The Thais have always subscribed to the ideal of religious freedom. Thus sizeable minorities of
Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Sikhs freely pursue their respective faiths..
-
Back to top
Shopping
Thailand has become one of Southeast Asia's most popular shopping
centers. You find not only Thailand's well-known host of unique handicrafts, but also a superb choice of luxury buys.
All items are distinguished by fine Thai workmanship and of modern technological skills.
The variety of what to buy is fully matched by an exciting choice of where to buy. From the
ease of modern air conditioned shopping plazas and department stores to the traditional
markets and street stalls, there is every scope for both the browser and the dedicated
bargain-hunter. In addition in Bangkok, which naturally offers the greatest wealth of shopping
opportunities, other cities and resorts provide excellent scope, notably for regional handicrafts,
such as woodcarving and other typical northern handicrafts in Chiang Mai, or nielloware
products in the southern city of Nakhon Si Thammarat.
TRADITIONAL HANDICRAFTS
Thailand is renowned for its traditional handicrafts. Produced in variety of designs, these make
not only ideal souvenirs gifts, but are also perfect for design and home decoration.
ROYAL CRAFTS
No finer examples of craftsmanship can be found then those produced under royal patronage.
In 1976,Her Majesty Queen Sirikit sought a way both to give rural Thais alternative sources of
income and to revive some of the Kingdom's traditional crafts. The result was the establishment of the Foundation for Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related
Techniques, popularly known as SUPPORT. The project has flourished and today craftsmen
working under SUPPORT guidance produce a wonderfully rich collection of many kinds of
traditional handicrafts.
Among items available are exquisite hand-woven silks, including the famous tie-dyed mat mee
silks of the Northeast;elegant yan liphao woven handbags, Thai cottons and many other reasonably priced souvenirs. These SUPPORT handicrafts can be purchased from the
Foundation's chain of exclusive outlets, known as Chitrlada Shops, and all proceeds go to the
on-going development of the project.
RATTAN AND WICKER WORK
Thailand has earned a fine reputation for its high quality rattan and wicker furniture. Both
elegant and durable, these items are available in a wide variety of designs and styles.
Decorative objects in rattan and wicker work display an excellent standard of workmanship,
and are ideal for lending a light tropical touch to any interior decor.
NIELLOWARE
Practiced in southern Thailand for hundreds of years, nielloware is the craft of decorating gold
and silver objects with delicated designs filled with a metal alloy. Workmanship of high quality
today finds expression in a number of beautiful nielloware trays, boxes, vases and other items
widely available in Bangkok and in the South, notably in the province of Nakhon Si
Thammarat.
BRASS & BRONZEWARE
Shoppers have long recognized the excellent value of made-in-Thailand brass and
bronze-ware. Techniques combine traditional methods with modern innovations, such as
silicon coating to prevent tarnishing, while designs similarly reflect both the old and the new.
Especially popular are fine cutlery sets, bowls and other tableware, as well as brass
sculptures of figures and animals in classical and contemporary styles.
LACQUERWARE
Very Oriental and very attractive are lacquer ware bowls, boxes, tray and numerous other
items for interior decoration or for souvenirs. Native to Chiang Mai and the North, the craft
involves coating split bamboo or wood with lacquer, then adding intricate
hand-painted designs. Typically, objects are produced in either gold-on-black
lacquer or yellow and green on a red-brown background
SILVERWARE
Silver-beating is another craft traditional to Chiang Mai. Bowls and boxes with skillfully worked
patterns are popular buys, while vases and other ornaments in both old and modern designs
are available particularly in Chiang Mai and Nakhon Phanom but also in Bangkok and else
where.
PEWTERWARE
Like silver, pewter is fashioned with great skill by Thai craftsmen, and the smooth, silky finish
of this attractive alloy is often enhanced by delicate decoration. Among pewter ware items are
plates, boxes, vases and pocket flasks.
CERAMICS
Pottery of consistently high artistic value has been produced throughout the Thai history.
Various styles, both indigenous and Chinese-influenced, have predominated at various periods
to leave a rich legacy. So today's shopper is presented with a full choice of both faithful
reproductions of traditional styles and modern wares. Among the former are the distinctive
sea-green celadons, Chinese blue-and-white and the colorful Bencharong wares which are
unique to Thailand. Modern ceramics are also produced in an exciting range of contemporary
designs which exemplify the continued vitality of the craft. Whether old or new in style, Thai
ceramics are available in many forms -- from dinner services and bowls to vases and lamp
bases, from small figurines to huge glazed water jars perfect for garden decoration.
FABULOUS FABRICS
The Orient has always been famous for its textiles, and Thailand in particular has a rich
tradition of producing fine hand-woven fabrics. Best known is Thai silk, which enjoys worldwide
renown and is perhaps the most popular of all the Kingdom's shopping treasures, but cotton
and batik are also available
THAI SILK
Produced in countless colors and eye-caching designs, Thai silk has traditionally been used for clothing, and is sold both by the length and as ready-to-wear fashions.
With enhanced production in recent years, Thai silk is also now produced in heavier weights ideal for draperies, upholstery and other household furnishing. Additionally, the rich fabric is
further used for place mats and napkins, neckties, scarves and other accessories, as well as
exquisite coverings for a whole range of souvenirs from jewelry boxes to notebooks.
MAT MEE SILK
A unique style of Thai silk, known as Mat Mee, is a handicraft traditional to the northeast
region of the country. Produced from tie-dyed silk threads, the fabric is hand-woven in a variety
of beautiful designs, typically distinguished by intricate patterns and subtle
colors. Once a neglected craft, Mat Mee silk has been revitalized in recent years through rural
development projects initiated by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. Today, Mat Mee enjoys an
unprecedented vogue as a fashion material favored by Her Majesty and other members of the
Royal Family.
COTTON & BATIK
Thai cotton has gained an enormous reputation over recent years and is today as famous and as popular as silk. A fabric of fine texture and durable quality, Thai cotton is produced in a
broad range of colors, prints and embroidered designs, and is found in a wide variety of goods
from clothing to bedspreads, table linen, cushion covers, rugs, bags and more.
Notable among cottons products are hill tribe handicrafts and batik designs. Woven in
traditional patterns by the tribal people of the North and typically displaying bold designs and
often lavish embroidery, hill tribe cottons make and especially attractive buy. Difference in
style but equally distinctive are original batiks crafted at several studios in Bangkok.
GEM AND JEWELERY
Bangkok is today the colored gemstone capital of the world. The country is a major source of
rubies and sapphires, while Bangkok has also become an established cutting and setting
center for all kinds of precious stones.
GEMS
Bangkok offers many opportunities to purchase polished gems. Rubies and
sapphires are indigenous stones, but virtually all colored gems, as well as, increasingly, diamonds, are
also available. Shoppers should exercise caution and know what they are looking for.
Remember, there are no bargains in the gem business, or so few as to be negligible -- good
and cheap simply don't go together when it comes to precious stones. But what the careful
shopper can expect is excellent value for money.
JEWELERY
Jewellery-making facilities have expanded rapidly in recent years, and today Thailand ranks as
the world's second biggest jewelery exporter. Cutting skills are matched by creative flair in
jewelery design and setting, affording the shopper a splendid choice of quality items in a wide
price range. Alternatively, many leading jewelers will also accept commissions for
custom-made pieces. In addition to jewelery, gemstone pictures and other decorative items
are to be found.
GOLD
Good and inexpensive craftsmanship, combined with standard gold prices, make Thai gold
articles excellent value. Handcrafted chains, bracelets, earrings, pendants and other articles
are all widely available at the many specialist gold shops in Bangkok, as well as at
jewelery stores.
ART
Fine art has been produced in Thailand since the birth of the nation, while the Kingdom's
neighbors similarly have a rich tradition of creating exquisite artworks. Modern art also
flourishes today, and both the collector and the occasional shopper will discover plenty to
catch the eye.
ANTIQUES
Thai, Chinese, Burmese and Khmer antiques are excellent buys. If you spend the time to look
around and shop wisely it is possible to find items of museum quality. There is an export ban
on certain pieces, while some others require an export license, but any reputable dealer will
advise on restrictions and any necessary documentation.
There are many quality antique shops around Bangkok, but the greatest concentration is
found at River City Shopping Complex, on New Road, where there is also an antiques auction
on the first Saturday of every month.
PAINTINGS
The Thai art scene is vibrant and there are numerous shops offering original works by local
artists. Subjects range from renderings of classical temple mural and manuscript paintings to
landscapes, typical Thai scenes and contemporary works of high aesthetic value. Art lovers
should also remember that local framing is inexpensive and of high quality.
In addition to several art galleries around Bangkok, exhibitions are held regularly at various
leading hotels and other notable venues. For details, check the "What's On" column of the
local English language newspapers.
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
Clothing presents many excellent buys, both men and women's fashions off-the-peg and tailor made.
A whole range of accessories are also to be found, especially leather goods which offer particularly
good value for money.
READY-TO-WEAR
Thailand is one of the world's leading manufacturers of ready-to-wear clothing, producing
garments not only for local shops and department stores but also for export markets. The
staple of this booming business was formerly T-shirts and jeans, but while these still offer
good value, product lines now include a whole range of fashions which meet international
standards of workmanship and design originality. Fashion boutiques are found in every
shopping mall, while cheaper clothing is available from the street stalls.
CUSTOM TAILORING
Tailor-made clothing in Thailand is as affordable and as easy as buying off the peg. There are
literally thousands of establishments, small and large, which can produce the perfect fit in
virtually whatever style you want in just a few days or even hours. Tailors may suggest
patterns or copy any you care to provide, and you can choose from a wide selection of
materials, both locally-made and imported.
LEATHER GOODS
Complementing Thailand's clothing industry is an extensive production of quality leather
goods. Renowned for their durability and beautiful designs are shoes, either ready made or
made-to-order, leather jackets, belts, handbags, briefcases, luggage, wallets and a host of
other accessories Specialist leather shops and street stalls, offer a staggering variety of
products at very attractive prices.
FLOWER & FUN BUYS
Not least in Thailand's shopping kaleidoscope are a host of pleasure and fun buys, ranging
from fabulous fresh orchids to artificial flowers, toys and an array of inexpensive items found
on market stalls.
THAI ORCHIDS
Thailand is blessed with a huge variety of orchids Through meticulous
cross-breeding, plants previously found only in their natural forest habitat have been domesticated and now more than a thousand species are available from specialist orchid farms.
Magnificent colors and durable beauty make orchids a very popular purchase. Specially
packaged flowers, complete with water supply, are easily transported and long retain their
freshness and beauty. Orchids may be bought at many shops in Bangkok and at Bangkok
International Airport.
ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS
With nimble fingers and a sure eye for beauty, Thais are adept at producing super artificial
plants and flowers. In what is a rapidly growing export industry, a wonderful variety of faithful
replicas and original imaginative creations are available. All are entirely hand-made and
relatively inexpensive, and make splendid items for home decoration.
THAI DOLLS AND TOYS
The art of doll-making in Thailand dates back hundreds of years and remains very much alive
today. Doll collectors will delight in a broad assortment of detailed and beautifully crafted
figures of classical dancers in full costume, hill tribe people in their traditional colourful dress
and rural folk. For children there is a variety of soft cuddly dolls manufactured according to the
strictest international safety requirement.
FUN BUYS
On the fun side, you will enjoy the city's numerous traditional markets. Pak Klong
Talat, for example, overflows tropical fruits, fabulous flowers and fresh produce of all kinds. The
Weekend Market, on the other hand, is packed with stalls selling just about everything from
potted plants to pets, from yesterday's antiques to the latest pop T-shirts. Alternatively, street
stalls mushroom nightly along Silom Road and other major thoroughfares to offer a
colorful array of fun buys. - Back
to top
Tipping
It is not necessary to tip cinema ushers. It is customary to tip porters and hotel personnel who
have given good personal service. A 10%15% tip is appreciated in restaurants, particularly
where service charge is waived.
- Back
to top
|