Thailand

FACTS ON THAILAND THAT MAY INTEREST YOU…

The actual name of what Westerns refer to as Bangkok is: Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udom Ratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanu Kamprasit.

Thailand fought a counter insurgency war against communist  guerrillas in the 60s and 70s. Thailand is one of the few countries in the world that have conducted a successful campaign against a large-scale insurgency.

It snowed in Thailand in 1955 (Christian calendar) in Chiang Rai province.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is the Englishborn, Oxford-educated 44-year-old leader of Thailand’s Democrat Party. In 1992, Mr. Abhisit joined Thailand’s oldest party, the Democrats and, at the age of 27, entered parliament as one of its youngest ever members. Having tried and failed to become party leader in 2001, he eventually got the post in 2005.

Before the Thais the Mon ruled much of what is now Thailand. The Khmer also held large areas. The Mon had a large Buddhist empire and they had been trading with Indians for centuries when the Thai arrived. Before the Mon it is thought the Lawa people also had a large kingdom. Both the Mon and the Lawa continue to live in Thailand and Burma, but they are now small and poor minority groups.

VISA REQUIREMENTS & DEPARTURE TAXES

If you are planning a short holiday in Thailand you may not require a Thailand visa if you are citizen of one of the approximately 40 nations that qualify for a Thai visa waiver or Thai visa exemption. With evidence of onward/return travel, citizens of New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the USA, and most European nations may enter Thailand for up to 30 days without a Thai visa. These Thailand visa waivers are issued upon arrival in Thailand. Those entering Thailand by land may not receive a 30 day exemption however; the Thai visa waiver was reduced to 15 days

MONEY

Most foreign currency and traveler’s checks are cashed easily at hotels and tourist shops, as well as all provincial banks, shopping centers and money changers. Traveler’s checks are best changed in banks, which will often require your passport. Credit cards are widely accepted, though using a credit card may incur a usage fee of 2-3%

Tipping is not a usual practice in Thailand, although it is becoming more common. Most hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill. At restaurants, Thais will often leave the coins as change, though it’s becoming more common to leave 20-100 baht (up to 10%)

Visitors entering the kingdom on tourist visas are entitled to a refund of the 7% V.A.T. on goods purchased at registered retail outlets. To qualify for VAT refund a visitor must purchases must total at least 2,000 baht per store per day, with a total value of at least 5,000 baht.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Some people may worry about their health in Thailand or about Thailand safety, but Thailand is a very safe country, generally free of crime and most dangerous diseases. Regardless, travelers should take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in remote areas and keep tabs on your valuables (such as your wallet or camera) when in crowded public areas.

Some diseases that travelers may be exposed to, such as Dengue Fever, are mosquito borne and should be protected against with quality mosquito repellant. Minor stomach illnesses can be avoided by drinking bottled water and by eating made-to-order foods. Fortunately, if you need to go to a Thailand hospital, there are many hospitals with world class service around the kingdom, particularly in Bangkok. Furthermore, there are police stations and tourist police booths located in and around all  major tourist areas and police are typically very helpful to foreigners.