The Kingdom of Thailand draws more visitors than any other country in southeast Asia with its irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, robust cuisine and ruins of fabulous ancient kingdoms. Few countries are so well endowed.
From the stupa-studded mountains of Mae Hong Son and the verdant limestone islands of the Andaman Sea, to the pulse-pounding dance clubs of Bangkok and the tranquil villages moored along the Mekong River, Thailand offers something for every type of traveller.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/thailand/
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.
People
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. 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.
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.) despatched missionaries to Southeast Asia to propagate the newly established faith. Besides moulding morality, providing social cohesion and offering spiritual succour, Buddhism provided incomparable artistic impetus. In common with medieval European cathedrals, Thailand's innumerable multiroofed 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 some days to months. 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 centre 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.
Language
Spoken and written Thai remain largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor. However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok 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 nation-wide.
http://www.asia-planet.net/thailand/thailand-brief.htm
Travel Documents.
To enter Thailand, you are required to have a valid passport with at least six months validity from the time of entry. It is always good to have your passport size photos together with you while you are travelling overseas.
Food
Thai food is internationally famous. Whether chilli-hot or comparatively blands, harmony is the guiding principle behind each dish. Thai cuisine is essentially a marriage of centuries-old Eastern and Western influences harmoniously combined into something uniquely Thai. The characteristics of Thai food depend on who cooks it, for whom it is cooked, for what occasion, and where it is cooked to suit all palates. Originally, Thai cooking reflected the characteristics of a waterborne lifestyle. Aquatic animals, plants and herbs were major ingredients. Large chunks of meat were eschewed. Subsequent influences introduced the use of sizeable chunks to Thai cooking.
Eating & Ordering Thai Food
Thai food is eaten with a fork and spoon. Even single dish meals such as fried rice with pork, or steamed rice topped with roasted duck, are served in bite-sized slices or chunks obviating the need for a knife. The spoon is used to convey food to the mouth.
The ideal Thai meal is a harmonious blend of the spicy, the subtle, the sweet and sour, and is meant to be equally satisfying to eye, nose and palate. A typical meal might include a clear soup (perhaps bitter melons stuffed with minced pork), a steamed dish (mussels in curry sauce), a fried dish (fish with ginger), a hot salad (beef slices on a bed of lettuce, onions, chillies, mint and lemon juice) and a variety of sauces into which food is dipped. This would be followed by sweet desserts and/or fresh fruits such as mangoes, durian, jackfruit, papaya, grapes or melon.
http://www.sawadee.com/thailand/food/index.htm
clothes
Light, natural fabrics. For example, cotton are best for staying cool. A sun hat or baseball cap is another extremely useful item to take with you.
Men should usually wear a suit and tie for business however, as a concession to climate, going in tie and shirtsleeves is acceptable. Generally, Thai tend to dress informally (mostly in western style) bu neatly and prefer visitors to do likewise. Respectable dress is required when visiting temples. Shoes and any head gear cap etc. shoud be removed whenever you enter a temple or a private home.
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/Thailand/Central_Eastern_Thailand/Bangkok-1445238/Packing_Lists-Bangkok-Lightweight_clothing-BR-1.html
Tipping
Tipping in customary in Thailand, although perhaps not to the extent or magnitude that is practised in many western countries. All public taxi rates are metered, and both Thais and local expats commonly round off the fare upwards as a tip. High-end tourist oriented restaurants and major hotels may include a ten percent service charge in the bill. For hotels in busy tourist areas, it is customary to tip hotel staff.
Bear in mind that the majority of workers in the hospitality and service industries in Thailand earn very little, so a small tip goes a long way. Of course, if the service is unacceptable (which is unlikely) then don't tip. Residents in urban areas like Bangkok have grown accustomed to tipping. In fact, many a taxi driver has given their blessing and hope for eternal riches on the back of an unexpected tip. It doesn't hurt to give a little. And the smile of appreciation will light up your day.
Etiquette
When visiting temples, dress conservatively - women particularly should wear long skirts or trousers, have their shoulders covered, and should not wear sandals. Many temples state as you enter that photography is not allowed. Even if there is no sign, please be respectful and consider whether it is appropriate to be taking flash photography of a place of worship. Even more so if monks are present worshipping!
Always remove your shoes when entering temples, and do not sit with your feet towards the Buddha - sit either cross-legged, or with your feet tucked behind you. In many Asian cultures the feet are considered the lowest, dirtiest part of the body, and the head the highest. Hence do not point to things with your feet, hold doors open with your feet, point your feet to the Buddha images, point at or touch peoples' heads, or under any circumstance, touch monks.
The King is very highly regarded, almost universally, as evidenced by the pictures displayed everywhere. Do not say anything disrespectful of the King or the royal family, even to the extent of stomping on a coin which has been dropped and is rolling away (it bears an image of the King's head, and is insulting to Thais to be touched by your feet.)
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g293915-s606/Thailand:Tipping.And.Etiquette.html
Electricity
he electricity in Thailand is 220 volts, 50 cycles/sec.
http://www.thailandguru.com/electricity-220volts-thailand.html
Customs Procedures.
As a basic rule-of-thumb, all valuable items brought into the country such as jewelry, cameras, electrical equipment, etc. must be declared upon arrival and subsequently brought out of the country upon departure. All foreign currency in excess of $2,000 must also be declared. Export of handicrafts considered to be antique, or of artwork thought to have archaeological significance is prohibited. Export of any allowed items must be accompanied by an official dealer's receipt. Our NXNE Ground Staff will be at Airport to assist your arrival.
Bording crossings:
Make sure to get an exit stamp when you leave Thailand by land, river or sea. At some border crossings stamping may be lax. If you were to re-enter Thailand and the immigration police noticed you didn't have an exit stamp from your previous visit, you could find yourself in jail for weeks while the case was sorted out. These are the international border points where Thai Customs and Immigration posts allow foreigners to legally cross to or from neighboring countries.
Thailand
Betong, Padang Besar, Sadao, Sungai Kolok, Chiang Khong, Chong Mek, Mukadahan, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Khai, Aranya Prathet, Hat Lek, Mae Sai, Mae Sot, Ranong, Three Pagodas Pass
http://www.lostluggagetales.com/resources/thailand-border-crossing.shtml
duty free allowance
The duty free allowance will be applied to accompanied personal effects up to Baht 10,000 worth if:
• The items are intended for your own personal or professional use.
• The quantity is reasonable.
• The items are not subject to prohibition or restriction.
TOBACCO PRODUCTS AND ALCOHOLIC DRINKS
There are limits on the amount of alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, cigars and smoking tobacco to which you may include in your duty free personal exemption as follows:
• No more than 200 cigarettes
• No more than 500 grams* of smoking tobacco (includes cigars)
• 200 cigarettes and cigars or smoking tobacco each or in total must not exceed 500 grams*
• 1 litre of spirituous liquor
http://www.tatnews.org/others/3225.asp
Passport & Visa
Passports
Passport valid for six months on date of application required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for touristic stays of up to 30 days, provided they hold valid passports, sufficient funds and confirmed tickets to leave
Thailand, except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Romania and Malta who do need to obtain a visa before travelling to Thailand;
2. nationals of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Poland, Slovak Republic and Slovenia who may apply for visas on arrival for stays of up to 15 days.
Visa Note
(a) The total duration of stay in Thailand for persons who enter Thailand without a visa cannot exceed 90 days during any six month period, counting from the date of first entry. (b) If you intend on staying or working in Thailand for longer than 30 days you must obtain an extension of stay or a valid visa. (c) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Single-entry tourist visa: £28; double-entry tourist visa: £56.
Validity
Single-entry: three months. Multiple-entry: six months.
http://www.worldtravelguide.net/country/279/passport_visa/South-East-Asia/Thailand.html
Behavior:
The Kingdom of Thailand attracts more visitors than any other country in Southeast Asia with its irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples and ancient ruins or erstwhile kingdoms, its renowned hospitality and its robust cuisine. Few countries are so well endowed with national and natural treasures.
From the stupa-studded mountains of Mae Hong Son and the verdant limestone islands of the Andaman Sea, to the pulse-pounding dance clubs of Bangkok and the tranquil villages nestling along the Mekong River, Thailand offers something for every type of traveller.
The Land of Smiles
A smile comes easily to Thai lips and for that reason the country is been called the Land of Smiles.
Thai Greeting the Wai.
The Wai is the traditional Thai greeting which is used instead of a handshake, but it can also be used as a means of saying sorry, thank you or to pay respect. A Thai person will often Wai as he or she approaches a temple, Buddha image or other item of religious or cultural significance.
On being introduced to a Thai he or she will wai you the greeting should be should returned with a Wai. Generally the younger Wais first, but the Wai of a small child is best return by a big smile.
If you receive a ‘thank you’ or courtesy Wai from an airline stewardess, a doorman or after tipping a waitress it is inappropriate to return the Wai but a smile is always welcome.
Whilst Thai people are among the most tolerant, friendly and forbearing of hosts, they have nevertheless a number of customs and taboos which the visitor should respect.
Some Dos and Don’ts
• Avoid touching people on the head even as a friendly gesture.
• Keep your feet on the ground where they belong.
• Do not touch, point at, display or show the soles of your feet to anyone especially a Buddha image.
• Do not criticise the king or the monarchy.
• Do not criticise Buddhism or the Lord Buddha.
• Take off shoes when entering private houses, temple chapels, places where there is a Buddha image.
• Women should dress appropriately in Buddhist temples, cover shoulders and legs, do not wear shorts.
• Even in stressful situations stay calm and smile do not raise your voice or become angry this achieves nothing.
• Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon. You may see Westernised young Thai's holding hands in public, but that is as far as it goes, in polite society. Men on the other hand display friendship by holding hands.
• Topless bathing is against the law in Thailand so do not do it as it causes great offence.
The Thai people have a deep traditional reverence for the Royal Family, and the visitor should also show respect for the King and the Queen, and the Royal Children. When attending a public event where a member of the Royal Family is present, the best guide on how to behave is to watch the crowd and do as it does.
Follow these few simple rules and your stay in the Land of Smiles will be a memorable one.
http://thailand-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/thailand_dos_and_donts
Communications.
International Telephone calls, Internet access, Fax and postal services are available at major hotels.
Local time
GMT + 7:00 hrs hours or +13:00 hours for EST (subtract 1 hour for daylight savings).
International Telephone Code.
++66
Drinking water
In general, people don't drink tap water, with bottled water being the norm.
Brushing your teeth with tap water is generally safe.
When eating out, the water is generally safe. In cafes and restaurants, you have an option of buying a small bottle of water for your table or getting a glass of water without the bottle. The latter generally comes from a big bottle in the back, i.e., is the same as if you order your own small bottle. However, many street vendors will give you water that has a pale color. The coloring is due to a tea leaf, and signifies that it is boiled tap water.
It is common for vendors to purchase large quantities of ice rather than produce it themself. Ice is produced in factories that are licensed and inspected by the government. This ice is distributed to vendors all over. There are occasionally hygiene problems in packaging, transportation and storage, but it's rare that anyone gets sick from it.