Area Guide – Thailand
The information below is a general guide to help you familiarize yourself with the culture, geography and practicalities of Thailand. Here you can also gain a clearer insight into what areas offer the most to visitors.
Thailand is often called the "land of smiles", and rightly so because you will see more smiling people here than anywhere else in the world. More visitors go to Thailand than any other country in South East Asia and Thailand offers something for every type of traveler. Thailand has breathtaking beauty, ruins of ancient kingdoms and wonderful temples and its national symbol is the elephant.
The Kingdom of Thailand covers an area of 514,000 sq kms in the heart of South East Asia, roughly equidistant between India and China. It shares borders with Burma to the West and north, Laos to the north and northeast, Cambodia to the east and Malaysia to the south. The time zone is GMT + 7 hours. The currency of Thailand is the baht, divided into 100 satang.
Thailand's capital is the fantastically hot, crowded, traffic-choked city of "Krung Thep" - Bangkok. Bangkok is an exciting city with plenty of rewards in store for adventurous travellers. Built on the banks of the Chao Phraya River it is home to many of Thailand's most spectacular temples and monuments and amazing shopping, dining and nightlife.
The three main destinations that cater for families are Hua Hin, Phuket and Bangkok. Hua Hin is just a three-hour drive from Bangkok or a short flight, and it boasts good beaches for swimming, golf courses, spa resorts and excellent shopping.
Phuket is an island known as the "Pearl of the South" and has a huge choice of resorts from three to five star. The scenery is beautiful and diverse and the attractions are many, including the spectacular limestone scenery of Phang Nga Bay, the idyllic Phi Phi Island, elephant rides, canoeing, rock climbing and horse riding.
95% of the population follow the Buddhist religion which is a religion based on the teachings of Buddha, "The enlightened". About 4% of the population, mainly living in the south of Thailand, are Muslim. The remaining 1% are Confucians, Taoists, Christians, and Hindus. Thai people are very tolerant of other faiths and treat all religions with respect.
One of the oldest languages in East and South East Asis Thai is a monosyllabic language which uses five tones (high, mid, low, rising and falling tone) and this alters the meaning of a single syllable. English is widely spoken in all major tourist locations.
The Thais really appreciate it when foreigners respect both their laws and heritage as their culture is very different to the west. Sunbathing on the beaches is banned by law and rudeness or anger should never be shown in public as Thai people are very polite and rudeness is not tolerated in any form. When visiting a Buddhist Monastery the grounds are holy so it is appreciated if appropriate dress is worn. Women should be careful as no monk may come into physical contact with any woman. Touching people of the head should be avoided and your feet should not be pointed at people or objects as it is considered rude. Footwear should be removed when entering a private home and public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon.
The temperature is high in both heat and humidity and is dominated by monsoons. The hottest months are April and May and the beginning of the monsoons starts in June bring with it the rainy seasons which continues on and off until the end of October.
Most visitors prefer to be in Thailand between November and the end of February when there is a cool north east breeze and a reduction in the humidity level making it the main tourist season.
The primary means of employment is agriculture and Thailand is one of the world’s largest producers of rice with industry, commerce and services account for 80% of the gross domestic product.
Thailand has several international airports, including Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai, and Thai Air is the national airline
Public transport in Thailand is extremely cheap and very convenient. All major towns are linked by rail or bus routes and more out of the way places can often be reached by songtaew which is a utility truck with two rows of seats for passengers in the back. Transport around towns is usually in the form of taxis or tuk-tuks which are three-wheeled motor-cabs. In Phuket the word tuk-tuk refers to small, red vans with seating in the back. Many cities now have metered taxi services, but when getting in a tuk-tuk, it is advisable to negotiate a fare first, and don't be afraid to do some hard bargaining!
The elephant, although the national symbol of Thailand, faces a decline in natural habitat as ivory poachers if caught within human settlements. There is a strong bond between the Thai people and elephants and they hold a revered place in society because of their symbolic importance to monarchs, religion and the nation as a whole.
Information Required When Travelling to Thailand
Visas
Upon arrival in Thailand citizens of many nations are given a 30 day entry stamp which may be extended. Visas for longer periods and multiple entries may be applied for at Thai embassies.
Vaccinations
There are no compulsory vaccinations needed for Thailand but generally polio, typhoid, tetanus and Hepatitis A are recommended.
Time Zone
GMT + 7 hours
Electricity
220 volts, 50 Hz
Weights and Measures
Metric system.
Tel. Dialing Code
0066
Healthcare in Thailand
Doctors, dentists and opticians are readily available in Thailand. In general doctors and staff in the larger hospitals speak good English and every major town in Thailand has its own public hospital but some are poorly equipped and overcrowded. There are however many private hospitals and these offer better services and easier communication.
Most doctors work from a Polyclinic which offers a full range of services with laboratory facilities and tests carried out with very quick results. These are usually open from 8.00 am to 9.00 pm.
During the daytime doctors are available in the hospitals to see and there may also be an emergency service.
The general police emergency number throughout Thailand is 191.
If you contact the police in a medical emergency, they will arrange an ambulance to your location, while public transport is also commonly used to transport patients to hospitals. All the hospitals have ambulances but these are mainly used to transfer patients and emergency numbers are only useful if you speak Thai. In the event of a car accident for example the ambulance will probably not be called but quite often a passing motorist will take the injured to hospital.
Hospital telephone numbers
Chiang Mai Ram: 053-224-861
Lanna Hospital: 053-357-234
McCormack Hospital: 053-262-200
There are no compulsory vaccinations needed for Thailand but generally polio, typhoid, tetanus and Hepatitis A are recommended.
Most streets in Thailand have a pharmacy which sells a wide range of products which are both locally and internationally produced. All pharmacies close on the 25th of each month. Most drugs can be purchased from a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription.
In most towns water passes through a treatment plant but this is no guarantee of its purity but bottled water can be bought easily and inexpensively at most shops.
In most tourist centers like Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Phuket malaria is not a problem, however it is wise to take precautions again insect bites. Windows are usually fitted with screens and insect spray can be used. If you intend to travel away from these areas it is recommended you seek medical advice before leaving your country of origin and the course may have to be started before leaving home.
Food stalls in the streets of Bangkok use oil that is reused over and over again which of course must be contaminated by car exhausts to cook food in. Most of the smaller restaurants and the street traders use cheap oils such as palm and coconut oil and these oils are not recommended if you have concerns about your cholesterol levels. Food contains much less meat than in most countries but fresh fish and poultry make the basis of Thai food.
Thai Cuisine
Thai food is one of the world’s most exciting cuisines and is the result of an eclectic mix of Eastern influences. Below is a general guide to tempt your taste buds.
Thai food has been influenced by soups and noodles from China, curries from India and satay from Indonesia. Contrary to popular belief, not all food is fiery hot and there are plenty of tasty dishes suited to the western palate.
A meal usually consists of many complementary dishes served concurrently instead of a single main course with side dishes. It is known for its balance of five fundamental flavours in each dish or overall mean which are, hot (spicy), sour, sweet, salty and sometimes bitter. Thai food is meant to be equally satisfying to eye, nose and palate.
Thai food is usually eaten with a fork and spoon rather than with chopsticks: the fork is held in the left hand and is used to shovel the food onto the spoon. It is common however for Thais and hillside people to eat sticky rice with their right hands by making it into balls which are dipped into side dishes and then eaten.
Thai cuisine varies in different regions of the country. Meals in the north are somewhat milder than in the central plains while north eastern food is fiery hot. Seafoods are most common in the south and the Muslim communities of the deep south are very partial to all kinds of curries.
In the villages large Thai families often live together and work the land, as the majority of Thailand 's people make a living in one way or another from the land. Seafood, coconuts, tropical fruits, rice, tapioca, cane sugar, mushrooms, bananas and shrimp are plentiful foods.
Thai food contains many spices and herbs such as hot peppers, garlic, coriander, ginger, onions and curries. These hot tastes are often offset by steamed rice (eaten at almost every meal), mild noodle dishes, sweet Thai teas and coffees, sweet desserts and fruits.
Meat is very expensive, and beef or pork based recipes would contain far less meat than most Europeans would expect.
Thai food is mainly stir fried or steamed, usually in a wok, and 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.
Most non-Thai curries consist of powdered or ground dried spices, whereas the major ingredients of Thai curry are fresh herbs. A simple Thai curry paste consists of dried chilies, shallots and shrimp paste. More complex curries include garlic, galanga, coriander roots, lemon grass, kaffir lime peel and peppercorns.
For centuries good health came with the right variety of food as it was the only dependable cure offered by local healers. These medicines have mostly derived from plants found in the wild. Though modern practice has changed medical thinking, belief in natural medicines is still strong.
With this in mind most of the ingredients used in Thai cooking carry medicinal benefits. In the past, the effects of natural conditions was studied which brought on various physical ailments. They counteracted them with natural products that offered the opposite effect: cooling herbs or fruits for an imbalance of heat, for instance.
In Thailand the summer heat is relentless and it activates the fire element in our bodies, causing headaches, thirst and sometimes constipation. The conventional antidote is simple - anything sweet or bitter! Tamarinds, oranges, acacia, gourd, pineapples, and water melons are all effective.
Greasy or spicy foods are advised against, as they will only heat up the body. Durian, jangfruit, and longans may be tempting, but they have similar consequences.
During the wet season the element of wind blows blustery inside the body so it is easy to catch a cold or suffer flatulence. The cure is to add some spices hence the fiery vegetables such as chillies, sweet basil, fennel and ginger can warm up the body and soothe these conditions.
In winter, the commonest complaints are dry skin, headaches, running nose, and indigestion. Hot, bitter, and sour foods are recommended so dishes containing peppers, chillies, turmeric, galingale, or other spicy ingredients are served.
Driving In Thailand
It is important to be aware of the cultural differences involved when driving in Thailand. Below is a general account of Thai standards and procedures on the road that will help save you potential stress and confusion.
There is a good network of well maintained highways and roads between major towns and most of the north-south route is dual carriageway. Road signs follow international standards and are in both English and Thai and motorists drive on the left hand side of the road.
Heavy trucks dominate the roads at night so night driving is not usually recommended as truck drivers in Thailand have little respect for cars.
Outside of the major towns and around resort areas driving is both a safe and enjoyable experience.
Bangkok has a very poor reputation for traffic conditions as the city is very overcrowded with traffic so if you are unfamiliar with the city it makes it very difficult. Thai people are very calm and do not show anger and take offence by other people showing it so drivers are usually well mannered and polite but traffic directions and entry and exit locations often change during the day but they are seldom advised by signs and none are in English.
The maximum speed limit in cities and towns is 60 km per hour and varies between 90 and 120 km per hour on main and country road outside the city centers and the police apply regular speed checks. Seat belts are compulsory and drink drive laws apply which makes insurance invalid if drivers exceed the legal limit.
All kinds of fuel is readily available with petrol stations being in plentiful supply. Most of the larger ones will accept major international credit cards. In remote locations cash will be needed.
All drivers must hold a current, non-probationary licence either Thai or from their own country but if it is not Thai or English they must carry an English translation or an international driving licence. A valid passport must be carried at all times. You will need a Thai driving licence as opposed to an international drivers licence once you have been in Thailand for more than 3 months.
If you get stopped by the police you will almost definitely get a fine of about B400, about £6, but if you are lucky it will be just B200, or £3. To get stopped you have done something wrong even if you don't know what it was! It is advisable to discreetly pay the money and never argue or lose your temper as it will cost your more.. Don’t expect a receipt for the money and you will never know if it is a genuine fine or whether it is being pocketed as a bribe.
When parking your car, never put your handbrake on (only where the car won't roll) and it is normal to double or triple park, therefore blocking other people in. If you find yourself blocked in, all you need do is simply push the other cars out the way!! Never park in front of railings or a curb which are painted red and white.
Crime & Police in Thailand
In general, Thailand is a safer place to be than most places in the West. Crimes against tourists are relatively rare and minor but, like everywhere in the world, crime is present and sometimes tourists to Thailand are victims.
There are certain areas that tourists should avoid when visiting Thailand. The Royal Thai Police has a respectable level of dealing with crime and law enforcement while the police are helpful and will readily assist visitors.
In Bangkok the usual crimes are pick-pocketing and bag snatching so it is wise not to walk around with too much cash or valuables – just as in every large city throughout the world. Women especially should not visit isolated areas alone or during night times and it is best to visit pubs and nightclubs in a group. As long as the same common sense precautions are taken as anywhere else foreigners are as safe as in Bangkok as in any big city.
Along with the regular police Thailand has a special Tourist Police force where the operators are multilingual and is a toll free number. The Tourist Police are usually quite trustworthy and reasonable and often have adequate to good English skills especially in the larger towns.
Foreigners who dress well and behave well are treated with high respect by the Thai police and if they are treated with respect they in turn will respect you. In Thai society keeping calm is very important and this includes with the police. Hotheads are considered dangerous to other people in additional to a danger to themselves and are dealt with by a decisive and swift display of force. If you stay calm you are treated reasonably and without force.
Thailand has a large number of organised crime groups which derive enormous profits from activities such as gambling, drug dealing, gun running, trafficking in people and prostitution. Although there are many good and honest policemen in Thailand others are known to be behind these trades and activities which overall makes the police one of the major forces in organised crime.
Safeguarding the welfare of Thai women and children is a national priority for the Government of Thailand and of particular concern to the Government is the exploitation of children. Whilst child prostitution is not unique to Thailand its existence is repugnant to the Thai people. Thai society and culture is based on close family ties and religion which are in direct conflict with the forced exploitation of individuals, particular children, for sexual or any other purpose. Prostitution is illegal in Thailand and sexual contact with minors is a criminal offence. Sexual intercourse with a minor is statutory rape and is punishable by imprisonment. Thai laws were strengthened in 1996 by new legislation which significantly increased the penalties for those caught engaging in sex with a minor.
The Government works closely with law enforcement agencies throughout the world to attack the problem from the outside. Part of these efforts is aimed at preventing known sex offenders and publishers of pornography from entering Thailand. Foreign nationals are not exempt from Thai law.
Thailand has some of the worst and most notorious prisons around, from “The Big Tiger” to the “Bangkok Hilton”, Bangkwang, Lard Yao Men and Women's prisons and several more. The investigation and prosecution of crimes is the responsibility of local authorities, but consular officers can help you understand the local criminal justice process and provide you with a list of lawyers if needed.
Police Emergency Number: 191
Police Routine Number: 053-276-040
Tourist Police: 1155