Information
This guide is spread over several parts:
It is also available as a PDF, and is accompanied by a Thai language cheatshert.
Home to some 62 million people, Thailand is Asia’s most popular holiday destination. It sits centrally within Asia, bordering Laos and Myanmar to the North, Malaysia to the South, and Cambodia to the West. It has been a constitutional monarchy since 1932 and remains one of the few Asian countries to escape colonial interference.
Thailand can be roughly split into four regions:
- North – mountains and forests
- North East – partially arid farm lands
- Central – Rice fields and Bangkok
- South – Tropical islands and coastline
The Thai language, created in 1283, consists of monosyllabic words and is based on the Indian alphabets of Sanskrit and Pali. The language is tonal and, like Chinese, the meaning of words changes depending on the tone of your voice. Fortunately, basic words are easy to pronounce.
English is widely spoken in larger cities and tourist areas.
Thailand has that rare quality of allowing itself to be suffused by Western modernisms, but still remains distinctly Thai at the same time.
Culture and customs
Thailand is almost entirely a Buddhist country. Religion plays an important role in everyday life, and you can’t fail to notice how devoted people are. Small shrines can be found in most buildings, where people burn incense and leave drinks.
It is important to show respect when visiting temples and shrines, and there are certain rules to follow. Notices normally inform you of these before entering a temple, but just to make sure:
- Dress conservatively – no hot pants, miniskirts, or shorts!
- No shoes – go bare foot or wear socks
- Don’t point your feet at the Buddha
In general society, you should also follow these guidelines:
- Don’t touch anyone’s head. This is considered very rude
- Don’t put your feet on tables or point with your feet
- Tone down any public signs of affection
As well as being devoutly Buddhist, the Thais are very proud of their Royal Family. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the current King, has been head of the country for the last 60 years. Pictures of him can be found everywhere, and you may be shown short videos of the royal family at cinemas and similar places.
Things to know
Currency
The currency of Thailand is the Baht, with bills ranging in colour, size, and denomination from 10 to 1000. Coins also exist for smaller denominations.
Average exchange rates are:
- 1 GBP = 67 baht
- 1 RMB = 5 baht
- 1 EUR = 50 baht
- 1 USD = 40 baht
Unless items are marked with a price, you should bargain for everything. Do not be afraid to walk away from a deal.
Visa
Entry requirements for Thailand are aimed at attracting tourists. Visitors from over 40 countries do not need a visa, provided they stay under 30 days. Visitors from another 20 countries can apply for a visa on arrival, costing 1,000 baht, and after waiting in line at another queue. If you can get a visa in advance then it will speed up your entry and may be cheaper. Everyone else must apply for a visa in advance.
Official documentation states that you need to show at least 10,000 baht in funds to pay for living expenses. No one seemed interested in this during immigration, and I suspect that a credit card would be appropriate, should anyone ask.
A full list of the countries can be found at the Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
General advice
Without sounding intimidating, you do need to apply a lot of common sense in Thailand. As a tourist you will be a prime target for small-time scams, cons, and rip-offs. Just remember the old adage: ‘if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is’.
The main swindle you will face is one where you are promised an impossible deal, or are given advice. Both will invariably require you to visit a shop or restaurant, or join a tour. You will quickly get tired of this.