Thailand

Thai society is non-confrontational, and as such, you should avoid confrontations at all costs. Never loose, your patience or show your anger now matter how frustrating or desperate the situation because this is considered a weakness in Thai society. It is important to cultivate an air of diplomacy when traveling in Asia. Conflicts can be easily resolved with a smile. Dress code is also important. Thais like to dress smartly and neatly. Do not wear revealing clothing such as shorts, low cut dresses, and bathing suits as they are considered as improper attire in Thailand. Keep in mind that this type of clothing is only acceptable in the beach. It is advisable to wear long skirts or long trousers when entering a temple. Women should not touch monks. If a woman wants to hand something to a monk, she must do so indirectly by placing the item within the monk’s reach.

Remove shoes when entering houses and temples. Public display of affection between sexes is frowned upon. Avoid touching people. The head is the highest part of the body, so avoid touching it. The feet are the least sacred, so avoid pointing it at anyone or kicking them as it is extremely insulting to do so. Thais usually do not shake hands. The ‘Wai’ is the usual greeting. The hands are placed together and raised upwards towards the face while the head is lowered with a slight bow. The height to which the hands are held depends on the status of the people involved. The higher, the more polite. In case of monks, higher dignitaries, and elderly, hands are raised to the bridge of the nose, while with equals only as far from the chest. Young people and inferiors are not Wai’d but a slight nod is acceptable. Do not blow your nose or lick your fingers while eating. While Thai people may commonly pick their noses they have high table manners. The right hand must be used when picking up food eaten with fingers. When entering a foreign culture for the first time, it is highly likely to make a mistake. If you do so in Thailand, just smile or ‘Wai’ and you will be forgiven.

Can I buy a SIM card for my cell phone?
 

SIM cards of local Thai network providers are widely sold and may be used to call/text both local and internationally.

Is it convenient to make phone calls in Thailand? What kind of phone card is available to foreign travelers?
 

All the hotels in Thailand provide international phone call service. Public phone booths can also be found at most places in Thailand. Moreover, several types of international phone cards are sold at shops such as the ubiquitous 7-11 chain.

What are the work days and hours in Thailand? What about shops and stores hours?
 

Business and commercial transactions are normally done on a Mon-Fri basis between 8am and 5pm. Most stores are open everyday from 10am to 10pm. Government offices are on a Mon-Fri basis (except on public holidays) from 8.30am to 4.30pm with a 12.00 to 1.00pm lunch break. Banks, on the other hand, are on a Mon-Fri (except on public holidays) schedule from 9.30am to 3.30pm.
What should I do if I lost my passport while traveling in Thailand?x
In case you lost your passport, make file a report at the nearest police station immediately. Take a copy of FIR report to your national embassy in Thailand in order to issue a new travelling document.

What important phone numbers should I be aware of?
 

• Tourist Police (English, French and German spoken) : 1155
• Central Emergency (Police, Ambulance, Fire) : 191
• Crime Suppression : 195 or (662) 513 3844
• Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Call Centre : 1672
• Immigration Bureau : (662) 287 3101-10
   

I am considering moving to Thailand, where can I get relocation information?

Thailand is well established as one of the world’s most exciting and inexpensive travel destinations and many guests wish to move to Thailand for temporary or even permanent residence. The Thai Government is now actively encouraging “Long Stay” visitors. The popular places to visit for long term stay are Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Phang Nga, Hua-hin, Kanchanaburi, and Koh Samui.. Those interested in studying or receiving Thailand's heritage of natural healing, traditional massage and herbal treatment are one group who are welcomed to apply for long term visas. Others are those with retirement visas, or those who wish to teach English in the Kingdom. Information about relocating to Thailand can be procured from a Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Check directly with the Thai Government in order to be aware of the most current legal guidelines for those wishing to study or work in Thailand. Be sure to meet all the requirements before you arrive in Thailand in order not to face any problems later on.

What is the capital of Thailand?

Bangkok, known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (the rough translation of Krung Thep is “City of Angles”) is the capital city of Thailand.
It is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, near the Gulf of Thailand, and is the 22nd most populous city in the world.
Bangkok has a recorded population of about 7 million, but the actual number is thought to be much higher.

The city is a major economic and financial center of Southeast Asia. Bangkok has one of the fastest rates in the world for construction of high rise buildings. The city's wealth of cultural sites makes it one of the world's most popular tourist destinations.
Bangkok became the capital around 1782 when “King Rama I” decided to move across the river from Thonburi, as he thought it was a better place to defend the city from invaders. Former Capitals include the cities of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, now both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.