Thailand FAQ

• Do I need a Visa to enter Thailand?
• Where is the best information about getting a visa in Thailand? Thailand’s Embassy in USA, UK, AUS, CA.
• Public forum for visa info? www.ThaiVisa.com

Money & Currency

• What is the currency of Thailand? Thai Baht.
• Credit cards/ATM cards in Thailand?
• What is the rate of exchange? Usually it’s between 25 baht and
  40 baht to the dollar. Currently in December, 2008 it is at 35 baht to the dollar.

Cautions to be Aware Of:

• Here are some ThaiPulse articles about specific cautions to be aware of in Thailand. Here are some blogs at Thaipulse about
  things you should be aware of in Thailand.
• Are there any poisonous/dangerous animals in Thailand?
  Many snakes, centipedes. You’re not likely to see any unless you’re sleeping outside.
• Is it safe to drink the water? Probably in most places, but don’t. Always drink bottled water with a seal. If using ice – make sure the ice is round, not chips. Round ice at restaurants is almost always safe.
• Is it safe to walk the streets at night? If you’re in a crowd – yes. If you’re alone – maybe. If you’re drunk, no.
• Do’s and Don’ts
• Do I need innoculations? None are compulsory for entering
  Thailand, however there is Dengue fever, Malaria and Encephalitis all passed by mosquitoes here.
• Crime in Thailand? You betcha… the link to left is about crimes I’ve blogged about.
• Don’t miss Mike Fook’s “Thai Black Book,” a Thailand guide to staying safe. Essential reading if you’re visiting or staying long-term in Thailand.

Thailand in General

• What’s the climate like? Hot, humid, rains often. Never snows.
• What is the word for hello in Thai? Sawasdee (pronounced sa wad dee)
• What is the biggest island? Phuket
• Where was “The Beach” with Leonardo Di Caprio filmed?
  Maya Bay, off Phi Phi
• When is the best time to visit Thailand For weather: December to May. For low season and few people: June to November.
• What is the voltage of electricity supply? Do I need to take a converter? 220. Check your electronics before you come.
• What is the capital of Thailand Bangkok. Thais’ call it, “Groong Tep.”
• Are there any international schools in Thailand? Many in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya. Even one in Krabi now.
• What languages are spoken in Thailand? Thai and in the tourist areas – English. English is not spoken well outside tourist areas, and sometimes there are few signs in English in the Northeast
  especially.
• Where are the foreign embassies? Bangkok.
• What should I read about Living in Thailand?
• Should I tip? Maybe. If you are on vacation and you can afford it
  - then tip. If you are on vacation and you spent your last $1000 to make it to Thailand, then I wouldn’t worry about it. If you feel great about the service you can offer a tip. Sometimes I tip at two different restaurants I like. Usually, I don’t tip.
• What side of the road do Thais drive on? Opposite from USA, same
  as UK (England).
• What is the predominant religion? Buddhist – about 99%. Some
  muslims in south near Malaysian border.
• Thai Politics – what’s going on? Some recent (late 2008) posts about political crisis and more.
• Where can I learn about Buddhism and meditation retreats in Thailand?
• Is there a site dedicated to Wat Suan Mokkh meditation retreats at the International Dhamma Hermitage in Chaiya? Yes, click this link.
• Is there good information about Suan Mokkh on the Thai side? Yes, click that link.

Food and Dining

• What is the food like? Amazing. Read this blog to get an idea:
  Joy’s Thai Food!
• Key phrase: “My Pet” – means, less spicy. It may still be spicy,
  but not overwhelming I hope.

Accommodation

• What types of accommodation are available in Thailand?
  Everything from 5-star hotels to bamboo bungalows on Ko Tao island. Oh, and tents in Krabi at the Ko Phi Phi National park.

Entertainment

• What kind of night-life is available in Thailand? Outrageous and insane (Pattaya, Patong Beach, Patpong in Bangkok)
• Where are the Thai Boxing stadiums?
  Bangkok, Patong Beach, Pattaya, Krabi, most big cities have them. Many smaller cities have them.
• Do they have festivals in Thailand? Yes, many festivals – be sure to check out this link to see what’s coming.

Beaches

• Are the beaches clean? In Pattaya – no. In Ko Lanta during off-season, no. Most other beaches I’ve been to around Thailand have clean beaches.

Technology

Where can I find out about technology in Thailand?
ThaiPulse Blog’s Technology Category >

Adventures

• “Living in Thailand” by Mike Fook – free ebook
• Where can I learn about Live Aboard Boats and Diving?
• Is there a Thailand backpacking FAQ? Yes, that link goes to Pass Planet’s FAQ for backpackers.
• Thailand Kitesurfing FAQ >
• Full Moon Party (Ko Phangnan) FAQ >
• Thailand adventures I’ve blogged about at ThaiPulse
• Here is a Skydiving Thailand FAQ
• Here’s a Motorbiking (motorcycling) Thailand FAQ

Travel Times

• Bangkok to Hua Hin – approx. 2/3 hours by road
• BKK to Pattaya – approx. 2 hours by road
• BKK to Phuket – approx. 1 hour by air
• BKK to Samui – approx. 1 hour by air
• BKK to Chiang Mai – approx. 1 hour by air
• BKK to Surat Thani by train – overnight sleeper 10 hours.
• BKK to Ubon Ratchathani in northeast – overnight sleeper train,
  10-12 hours
• Surat Thani to Ko Samui – overnight by ferry 7 hours.
• Surat Thani to Phuket by van – 2.5 to 3 hours.

Health

• Hospitals in Thailand
  If you’re anywhere near Bangkok you’ll want to go there for anything major. If you’re in the south of Thailand then Phuket has a nice International hospital that’s about $300 per night, but they speak great English and will make you feel like they know what they’re doing. For bang up jobs or serious injuries that can’t wait – try the emergency room at the biggest local hospital you can find. They have a LOT of experience treating motorbike accident wounds.
• Another perspective on Thailand hospitals >

Videos of Thailand

• Many videos of Thailand, scroll down there are many pages with links.

Photos of Thailand

• Thailand photos category at ThaiPulse blog >

Free Thailand E-Books

• Meditation without Religion, a 22 day program. 75 pages, illustrated.
• Living in Thailand, An expat going from USA to Thailand. 77 pages, many photos.

Ultimate Thailand Guide

• Thai Black Book – Thailand guide for visitors looking to stay safe and have the best vacation possible.

Miscellaneous

• How do I go about adopting a child from Thailand? That link goes to a FAQ at World Association for Children and Parents (WACAP).
• What is it like “Livingin Thailand?“
• What is there to know about Teaching in Thailand? (Ajarn.com)
• Stickman’s article (50K words) about teaching in Thailand
• How do I go about finding a good Thai wife to marry?

Large Thailand FAQ at TravelFish Covers:

Accommodation, Bargaining, Cost of traveling, Food glorious food, Getting around, Getting there and away, Help Police!, Money, Packing, Resources, Scams and warnings, Security, Stay healthy, Technology, Things to learn