Fast Facts about Thailand
- Capital: Bangkok (Krung Thep Maha Nakhon)
- Official Language: Thai
- Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
- Time Zone: Indochina Time (ICT) – UTC +7
- Electricity: Electric and Plugs Voltage is 220 Volts with either 2 flat blades (NEMA 1-15 or JIS C 8303) or round 2 pin plugs (Europlug CEE 7/16). You can buy an adapter for shavers, laptop computers, mobile chargers, etc., on arrival at most department stores.
- Visa: Many countries can enter Thailand visa-free for 30 days (or 60 days for certain countries). Please check your local embassy or consulate for latest information. For Australians, always check travel advice on Smartraveller.com.au
- Starting 1 May 2025, non-Thai passport holders entering Thailand by air, land, or sea must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online prior to the arrival.
https://lnkd.in/gueepVby - Seasons: Summer: March – May, Rainy season: June – October, Cool season: November to February
- Major Tourist Attractions:
- Bangkok: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Chatuchak market, Yaowarat (China Town), shopping malls
- Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai old town, Doi Suthep, elephant sanctuaries, handicraft markets
- Chiang Rai: Golden Triangle, White Temple
- Phuket: Beaches, Phuket old town
- Krabi: Koh Phi Phi, Railay beach
- Phang Nga: Khao Lak beach, Similan islands, Surin islands
- Ayutthaya: Ayutthaya Historical Park (UNESCO World Heritage site), temples
- Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan: Islands, beaches
- Pattaya: Beaches, Sanctuary of Truth
- Transportation:
- Public Transit: Skytrain (BTS) and subway (MRT) in Bangkok, buses, tuk-tuks, taxis, regional trains, planes
- Major international airports: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok Don Mueng, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Samui, Chiang Rai
- Cuisine: Must try dishes are Pad Thai, Tom Yum Soup, Som Tum, Pad Kraprao, and Massaman Curry. Most popular dessert is mango sticky rice. The newly released Michelin Guide Thailand (2025) features 462 establishments – with its first-ever Three MICHELIN Stars, 7 Two MICHELIN Stars, 28 One MICHELIN Star, 156 Bib Gourmand and 270 MICHELIN Selected entries.
- Drinking Water: Tap water in Thailand is not recommended for drinking.
- Gambling: Gambling, other than betting on horse races or the government-sponsored Thai lottery, is illegal.
- Religions: 90% Buddhism. The rest are Islam, Christianity, Hindusim.
- Cultural Etiquette:
- Show respect to elderlies regardless of their social status, Buddhist monks, the royal family.
- Dress modestly when visiting temples. (See tips on what to pack for a sustainable week in Thailand here.)
- Remove shoes before entering homes and temples.
- Say thank you after you receive the services or before you leave the shop. (Some useful Thai words for travellers, here.)
Safety: Thailand is generally safe for tourists, but be cautious in tourist areas, particularly with scams. Always follow local laws and regulations. For Australians, always check travel advice on Smartraveller.com.au.
Emergency Telephone Numbers: Emergency Police: 191, Tourist Police1155, Fire: 199, Ambulance: 1554
