VISA CONDITION AND FEES
Travelers from 39 countries do not require a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes if their stay in the Kingdom does not exceed 30 days. The applicant however must posses instrument of means of living expenses 10,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per family accordingly. For the list of those 39 countries please visit www.mfa.go.th/web/12.php
CURRENCY
The Thai unit of currency is the Baht. Major currency bills and travelers cheques are cashed easily at hotels, tourist shops, all provincial banks, shopping centers and money changers. Travelers cheques are best changed in banks (you will need your passport). Rates of exchange at banks or authorized money changes are better than those at hotels and department stores.
CLIMATE
Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons hot and dry from February to May (average temperature 34°C); rainy with plenty of sunshine from June to October 9 average day temperature 29°C ); and cool from November to January (temperatures range from 32°C to below 20°C with a drop in humidity). Much lower temperatures are experienced in the North and Northeast during night time. The South has a tropical rainforest climate with temperatures averaging 28°C almost all year round.
BUSINESS HOUR (GMT+7)
Most businesses in Bangkok operate on a five-day week, usually from 8 am to 5 pm. Many stores open seven days a week, from 10 am to 10 pm with a noon to 1 pm lunch break, Monday to Friday except on public holidays. Banks are open Mondays to Fridays from 9.30 am to 3.360 pm except on public holidays.
AIRPORT TAX
Airport departures taxes for international departure cost 500 baht/person at Donmuang International Airport, while departure tax for domestic flight has already been added to your ticket fare.
HOW TO GET TO THIALAND
With Bangkok serving as the international travel of South East Asia, the capital serves ast the landing port for numerous international airlines, most with direct flights from their destinations. Some chartered and regional flights may land at one of the other international airports within Thailand, consisting of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Phuket, and Ubon Ratchatani. The country’s national airline is Thai Airways. Local carriers are: Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, PB Air, Orient Thai and Air Asia. ( Note : Angel Air and Air Andamam are no longer service )
COMMUNICATION
Thailand’s mail service is reliable and efficient. Major hotels provide basic postal services on their premises. All of Thailand’s leading hotels offer facsimile (fax) and e-mail services. Numerous private businesses offer such facilities as well. Internet services are available at Thailand’s leading hotels and at the many “cyber-cafes” that are cropping up in all major tourist destinations. A Subscriber Identity Module Card (SIM Card) is now available for Thai and Foreign customers. The SIM Card must be used in conjunction with a Digital GSM mobile phone within the 900-MHz range or a Digital PCN mobile phone within the 1800-MHz range.