General Info

THAILAND INFO

 Geography:

The Kingdom of Thailand is situated in Southeast Asia, a popular destination for tourists, also used as a hub for exploring nearby regions such as Southern China, Indochina and Myanmar.

The shape and geography of the country is quite diverse and interesting, divided into four natural regions:

 The North – with its mountainous terrain and forestation

 The Central Plains – and its vast rice/paddy fields

 The Northeastern Plateau – owning semi-arid rural farmlands

 The Southern Peninsula – and its tropical islands and meandering coastlines

The Kingdom is divided into 76 provinces, which are then split into districts, sub-districts and villages respectively. The capital and commercial centre of Thailand is Bangkok, with a population of 9.1 million inhabitants in the city alone. This world famous city benefits from rich cultural influences and is also the industrial centre of the Kingdom.

Being a constitutional monarchy, the Thai Royal Family is revered across the nation, benefitting from considerable power. His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, is otherwise known as King Rama IX, who is the ninth king of the Chakari Dynasty and the longest reigning monarch in the nation’s history, ruling for over 50 years. Therefore, King Bhumibol Adulyadej is officially recognized as the Head of State, the upholder of all religions and regions in the country, and also the Head of the Armed Forces. In layman’s terms, when the king states an opinion on social and current affairs, people listen!

Embracing rich cultural diversity and traditions, this charismatic country is a magnet for visitors who come to sample the unique philosophy and upbeat nature of its inhabitants. The Thai population are immensely nationalistic and proud of their history, religious attitude and the Royal Family. With its tropical climate, natural wonders and its reputation for unparalleled hospitality, it is hardly surprising that since the turn of the millennium, over 10 million people have visited the country each year.

 Area:

513,115 sq. km.

 Topography:

There are four natural regions for which Thailand is divided:

The North – The mountainous regions of the north own a cacophony of colour, beauty and interesting cultural influences. With its mixture of cooler temperatures, exotic fruits, hilltribe handicrafts and colourful orchids, this is a melting pot of culture.

The Central Plains – These fertile farming and rural areas are a hotbed for rice and fruit cultivation. Including the cosmopolitan Bangkok region and the picturesque beaches on the East Coast, the Central Plains offer a wealth of beauty and interesting places to see. 

The Northeastern Plateau – This region owns a wealth of semi-arid rural farmlands and many archaeological masterpieces and anthropological mysteries.

The Southern Peninsula – Home to tropical islands and meandering coastlines, this idyllic region holds important economical industries such as tin mining, fishing and rubber plantations.

 Population:

This densely populated Kingdom has over 65 million citizens, with around 9 million people living in the city of Bangkok alone.

 People:

The ethnicity of the nation is largely split into three categories:

 Thai – 80%

 Chinese – 10%

 Malay – 3%

 The remaining 7%

are made up of minority groups such as the Mons, Khmers and hilltribe villagers. Although ethnic Thais make up the majority of the population, the country’s location is a famous crossroads in a migratory sense, providing the vast cultural influences we see in the Kingdom today.

 Religion:

 Buddhism (95%) 

 Muslim (4%)

 Others (1%)

 Government:

As the constitutional monarchy has been in place since 1932, the organization of state is gradually moving forward. The parliament consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate, whose members, representatives and the Prime Minister are elected by the people. The Kingdom is divided into 76 provinces, which are then split into districts, sub districts and villages. An elected governor is also chosen for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. The remaining 75 provinces receive appointed governors.

 Head of State:

H.R.H. King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX of the Chakri Dynasty)

 Prime Minister:

Abhisit Vejjajiva (March 2010)

USEFUL INFO

 Time:

Time is + 7 hours ahead of GMT, 1 hour behind Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia.

 Currency: Thai baht

 Clothing:

One would be expected to wear sensible clothing to formal meetings or dining in top restaurants. When visiting beaches or resorts, it is considered suitable to wear skimpy and revealing clothes, but in normal public circumstances, this style of clothing is inappropriate, especially when visiting a temple or place of worship.

 Weights & measures:

Metric is the numerical system used throughout Thailand. You will notice that the numbers on vehicle speedometers, highway markers and the speed limits all indicate kilometres.

 Business hours:

Most commercial concerns 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. Government offices are generally open between 8.30 am and 4.30 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 3.30 pm except on public holidays.

 Postal Services:

Thailand's mail service has a fairly good reputation. The major hotels provide basic postal services on their premises. The opening and closing times of provincial post offices are usually 8.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

 Mobile Phones:

Instead of using your SIM card from your home country, you should purchase a Thai SIM Card when visiting the country because the tariffs are much cheaper.

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. If your phone is not compatible, you can buy a new mobile for 1,200 THB and a new SIM card, which will save you much more money in the long-term.

 Internet Services:

There are Internet Cafes situated everywhere, especially in the major tourist regions where Wi-Fi is now becoming a permanent fixture.

 Tipping:

You will find that most hotels and some restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill and for porters 20 baht. Taxi drivers do not require a tip, but in bars it is usual to leave 20-baht minimum.

 Bargaining:

Bargaining, or haggling, as it is known, is something you need to acclimatize to, unless you are visiting department stores and shopping centres where fixed prices are applicable. If visiting market stalls, it is expected that you will haggle for the price of the chosen item. By not bargaining, you could pay 10-30% more than the going rate. When bargaining, do not be aggressive. Be polite, respectful and ensure you keep a smile on your face.

 Tourism information:

Tourism Authority of Thailand http://www.tourismthailand.org

Health

When it comes to health care, Phuket has everything you’re likely to need, and to international standards at third world prices. There are three local hospitals with English-speaking doctors.

 Health Insurance - All visitors to Phuket should be adequately covered by health insurance. This insurance should be purchased before you leave home. Most of the private hospitals have contractual arrangements with the major health insurance companies and if you need hospitalization, they will arrange direct billing on your behalf.

 Water – Do not under any circumstances drink tap water always drink bottled water

 Mosquitos – Cause dengue fever and malaria, so use anti mosquito sprays in evening

 Sun – More than 20 minutes in Phuket sun or even when overcast you will burn, so use sun cream always.

 Immunisation – If you're traveling to Phuket, consult your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before your journey to discuss what vaccinations are suitable for you. Phuket International Hospital recommends the following vaccinations (as appropriate for age):

 Hepatitis A

 Hepatitis B

 Typhoid

 Tetanus-diphtheria booster if needed

 Measles booster if needed

 Polio

National Travel Health Network & Centre – Here you will find the best advice for visiting Thailandhttp://www.nathnac.org/ds/c_pages/country_page_th.htm#general

Thai Etiquette

Visas

Thailand passport and visa requirements - All tourists must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond their intended length of stay (Retirement visa requires at least 18 months validity).

Passport holders from most western countries do not require a visa when entering Thailand for tourist purposes if their stay does not exceed 30 days or 90 days . You must show proof of a confirmed return ticket and sufficient funds during your stay, which according to the Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a minimum of 20,000 baht per individual or 40,000 baht for a family (or equivalent in foreign currency). You may or may not be asked to show these depending on the discretion of the immigration officer. 

Immigration

Phuket Town

482 Phuket Road,

A. Muang, Phuket Town 83000

Tel: (66) 076.221.905

Tel&Fax: (66) 076.212.108

http://phuketdir.com/pktimmigration

Hospitals

 Phuket International Hospital

44 Chalermprakiat Ror 9 Rd

Located between Big C and Tesco Lotus on the bypass road.

Tel: +66 (0)7 624 9400, +66 (0)7 621 0936

Email: info@phuket-inter-hospital.co.th

Website: www.phuket-inter-hospital.co.th

 Bangkok Phuket Hospital

2/1 Hongyok utis Rd, Phuket City

Located in Phuket City.

Tel: +66 (0)7 625 4421

Email info@phukethospital.com

Website www.phukethospital.com

 Mission Hospital Phuket

4/1 Thepkrasattri Rd

Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000

Tel: (66-76) 237220/5 - 211907 or 212149 - 01-4299627

Email: pkah@phuket.ksc.co.th

Website: www.missionhospitalphuket.com

 Patong Hospital

Sawatdirak Road, Patong Beach, Phuket 83150

Tel: (66-76) 344225 - 340617 For EMERGENCIES call 340444

Email: patonghospital@hotmail.com

Website: www.patonghospital.com

 Thalang Government Hospital

Thepkrasattri Road, Thalang

Phuket 83110

Tel: (66-76) 311111

 Vachira Hospital

Yaowarat Road, Phuket Town

Phuket 83000

Tel: (66-76) 212150 - 211155

Email: vachirapkt@hotmail.com

Website: www.vachiraphuket.go.th

Important Tel Numbers

Police  191

Tourist Police 1699 or 076 214 368

Ambulance 076 254 425 /210 935

Bangkok-Phuket Hospital  076 254 421

Patong/Kathu Hospital   076 340 444, 342 633

Phuket International Hospital   076 249 400

Hyperbaric Services Thailand 076 342 518/9; 09 871 2335 emergency

Embassies

 Australian Embassy

Street and mailing address:

Australian Embassy, Bangkok

37 South Sathorn Road 

Bangkok 10120 Thailand

General Contact details

Phone: +66 2 287 2680

Facsimile: +66 2 287 2029

Email: austembassy.bangkok@dfat.gov.au

 New Zealand Embassy

M Thai Tower , 14th Floor,

All Seasons Place

87 Wireless Road

Lumpini

Bangkok 10330

THAILANDTel: +66 2 254 2530

Fax: +66 2 253 9045 or 253 0249

E-mail: nzembbkk@loxinfo.co.th

Office hours:

8:00am- 12 noon

1pm-4:30pm

Monday-Friday

 Philippine Embassy, Bangkok

The Official Website of the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Bangkok , Thailand .

760 Sukhumvit Road corner Soi 30/1 (Soi Philippines ),

Klongtan, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 , Thailand

Tel (662) 259-0139 / 259-0140

Fax (662) 259-2809

Email: inquiry@philembassy-bangkok.net

Office Hours : 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Consular Services: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

 British Embassy at Bangkok , Thailand

We provide consular information, general information about visa and and some useful recommendation for the travelers who want to go to Thailand . Web site presented both in English and Thai.

1031 Wireless Road

Lumpini, Pathumwan

Bangkok 10330

Thailand

Tel: +66 (0) 2 305 8333

ext: 2334, 2318

Fax: +66 (0) 2 255 6051

Consular email: Consular.Bangkok@fco.gov.uk

Opening Hours:

Monday - Thursday 0800-1100, 1300-1530

Friday 0800 - 1200 only

 British Embassy, Chiang Mai.

British Honorary Consul

198 Bumrungraj Road

Muang, Chiang Mai 50000

Thailand

Tel: +66 (0) 53 263015

Fax: +66 (0) 53 263014

Email: ukconsul@loxinfo.co.th

Opening Hours:

Monday - Friday 0900-1130

 Canadian Embassy in Bangkok 

Our mission is to represent Canadian interests. In addition our consular officers provide assistance of various kinds to Canadian citizens in our host countries.

The Embassy is located at:

15th Floor, Abdulrahim Place

990 Rama IV Road

Bangrak, Bangkok 10500

Thailand

Tel: 662-636-0540

Fax: 662-636-0565

E-mail: bngkk@international.gc.ca

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 2090

Bangkok 10501

Thailand

 United States Embassy in Thailand 

United States Embassy in Thailand .

Visas / American Citizen Services

American Citizen Services (ACS)

Address: 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330 , Thailand

Tel: [66](2) 205-4005

E-mail: acsbkk@state.gov

Consular Services

Address: 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330 , Thailand

Tel: [66](2) 205-4000

Fax: [66](2) 254-1171

Consulate General in Chiang Mai

Address: 387 Witchayanond Road , Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand

Tel: [66](53) 252-629

Fax: [66](53) 252-633

 Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) 

Address: 120-122 Wireless Road , Bangkok , 10330, Thailand

Tel: [66](2) 205-5352

Fax: [66](2) 650-7770

Visa Information\

Address: 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330 , Thailand

Non-Immigrant Visas Tel: [66](2) 205-4005

Immigrant Visas Tel: [66](2) 205-4287

E-mail: visasbkk@state.gov

Deutsche Botschaft Bangkok

German embassy Bangkok .

9 South Sathorn Road

Bangkok 10120

Tel: (0066-2) 287 9000

Fax: (0066-2) 287 1776 oder 285 6232

E-Mail: info@german-embassy.or.th

 Embassy of Belgium , Bangkok

 

Official site of the Embassy of Belgium in Bangkok , Thailand .

Sathorn City Tower - 17th floor

175 South Sathorn Road

Tungmahamek - Bangkok 10120

Tel: +66(0)2-679.54.54

Urgencies: +66(0)1-833.99.87

Fax: +66(0)2-679.54.67

Fax: +66(0)2-679.54.65

Bangkok@diplobel.org

Opening hours:

Monday through Friday

8 AM to 4 PM

8 15 AM to 11 30 AM (visa and administration)

 Royal Netherlands Embassy in Bangkok

Royal Netherlands Embassy in Bangkok (covering Thailand , Laos , Cambodia and Burma/Myanmar)

Royal Netherlands Embassy in Bangkok

(covering Thailand , Laos , Cambodia and Burma/Myanmar)

106 Wireless Road , Lumpini.

Bangkok 10330

Postal address & Contact Info:

Royal Netherlands Embassy in Bangkok

P.O. Box 404

Bangkok 10330

Thailand

General phone number: (662) 2547701/5

General fax number: (662) 2545579 or (662) 2541679

Faxnumber Consulair affairs section: (662) 2539181

General: ban@minbuza.nl

 EMBASSY OF MALAYSIA IN BANGKOK 

Address : 35 South Sathorn Road ,

Tungmahamek,Sathorn,Bangkok 10120Kingdom of Thailand

Telephone : (662) 679 2190

Kawat:MALAWAKIL BANGKOK

Telex: 87321 Answerback 87321

MALAWAKIL TH

Fax :(662) 679 2208

E-Mail: mwbngkok@samart.co.th

 CONSULATE GENERAL OF MALAYSIA IN SONGKHLA

Address: No. 4 Sukhum Road ,

90000 Songkhla

South Thailand

Telephone: (074) 311 062, 316 274

Fax:(074) 324 004

E-Mail: mwsgkhla@hatyai.inet.co.th

Kawat:MALAWAKIL SONGKHLA

Telex: 60208 MAWAKIL TH

 Singaporean Embassy, Bangkok

Address : 129 South Sathorn RoadBangkok 10120.

Telephone: +286 2111, +286 1434

Fax: +286 6966, +287 2578

E-Mail: singemb@pacific.net.th

Operational Hours: Monday to Friday: 9.00 am to 12.00 pm ;

1.00 pm to 5.00 pmSaturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: Closed

Mission 's Duty H/P No: 001-66-(1) 844-3580 (24 hours)

Burma Embassy Of The Union Of Burmese Embassy.

Tel: 0-2234-4789

Tel. 0-2233-2237

Tel. 0-2233-7250

Address: Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500.

 Embassy of Denmark 

10, Sathorn Soi 1

(Soi Attakarn Prasit)

South Sathorn Road

10120 Bangkok

Tel: +66 (0) 2 343 1100

Fax: +66 (0) 2 213 1752

Email: bkkamb@um.dk

24-hour emergency 

telephone: +66 (0) 1 834 8010

The embassy can assist Danes in emergency cases such as death, acute illness etc.

 Russian Embassy 

78 Sap Road , Surawongse, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500

Tel: 02-234-98-24, 02-268-11-69

Fax: 02-237-84-88

E-mail: rusembbangkok@rambler.ru

Royal Norwegian Embassy in Bangkok

Office address: Postal address:

UBC II Building, 18th floor

591 Sukhumvit Road , Soi 33

Bangkok 10110

Thailand G.P.O. box 81

Bangkok 10501

Thailand

Tel: +66 (0)2302 6415

Fax: +66 (0)2262 0218

E-mail: emb.bangkok@mfa.no

 Swedish Embassy In Bangkok 

Postal address:

Embassy of Sweden

P.O. Box 1324

Nana Post Office

BANGKOK 10112

Visiting address:

20th Floor, One Pacific Place

140 Sukhumvit Road ,between soi 4 and soi 6

The Embassy is next to the Landmark Hotel

Phone: +66-(0)2 263 72 00

Fax: +66-(0)2 263 72 60

Fax visa section: +66-(0)2 263 72 67

Telegram: svensk bangkok

The telegrams are carried out with the daily mail

E-mail: ambassaden.bangkok@foreign.ministry.se

E-mail to the visa section: visabkk@foreign.ministry.se  

Police

Phuket Police Stations

 Station: Chalong Sub-District Police Station

Address: Tambon Chalong, Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000

Tel: 076-381-247

Fax: 076-381-930

 Station: Cherng Talay Sub-District Police Station

Address: Tambon Cherng Talay, Amphur Thalang, Phuket 83110

Tel: 076-270-043 

 Station: Kamala Sub-District Police Station

Address: 96 Moo 3, Tambon Kamala, Amphur Kathu, Phuket 83120

Tel: 076-279-058

 Station: Kathu District Police Station

Address: Tambon Patong, Amphur Kathu, Phuket 83150

Tel: 076-342-719/21

Email: patongpolice@patongpolice.net

 Station: Marine Police Division 5

Address: Phuket Road, Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000

Tel : 076-211-883

 Station: Muang District Police Station

Address: 1 Chumporn Road, Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000

Tel : 076-216-856

 Station: Phuket Provincial Police Headquarters

Address: Yaowarat Road, Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000

Tel: 076-212-046

Email: phuket@police.go.th 

 Station: Phuket Tourist Police

Address: 100/31-32 Bypass Road, T. Rasada, A. Muang, Phuket 83000

Tel: 076-355-015

 Station : Phuket Traffic Police Station

Address: 1 Chumporn Road, T. Taladyai, A. Muang, Phuket 83000

Tel: 076-220-919

Fax: 076-220-931

 Station: Tah Chat Chai Sub-District

Address: Police Station, 22 Moo 5 T. Mai Kao, A. Thalang, Phuket 83110

Tel: 076-311-242

 Station : Thalang District Police Station

Address : Thepkrasattri Road, Amphur Thalang, Phuket 83110

Tel : 076-311-123

 Station: Thung Thong Sub-District Police Station

Address: 51/22 Wichitsongkram Rd, Moo 6, Amphur Kathu, Phuket 83120

Tel: 076-321-182 

Schools

 British Curriculum International School (formerly Dulwich College ) 

Boarding available for pupils over 9 years old. (Kindergarten to Grade Twelve)

59 Moo 2, Thepkrasattri Road 

T. Koh Kaew, A. Muang 

Phuket 83200

Tel: +66 (0)76 238711 

Fax: +66 (0)76 238750 

Email: info@bisphuket.ac.th

http://bisphuket.ac.th/

 QSI International School of Phuket (Nursery to Grade 12) 

A private international school which follows an American curriculum.

P.O. Box 432 

Amphur Muang 

Phuket 83000

Tel: +66 (0)76 354076 

Fax: +66 (0)76 354077 

Email: phuket@qsi.org

http://www.qsi.org/pkt_home/pkt_home.htm

 International Montessori School (Mixed 3 -12 years bi-lingual) 

14/1 Moo 5, Viset Road 

T. Rawai, A. Muang 

Phuket 83130.

Tel: +66 (0)76 288281 or 289200 

Fax: + 66 (0)76 383201 

Mobile: +66 (0)9-6969205

Email: admin@montessori-thailand.com 

http://www.montessori-thailand.com

 Kajonkietsuksa School 

1-6 years Pre School

291 Ranong Road 

Amphur Muang 

Phuket 83000

Tel: +66 (0)76 215787 or (0)76 256742

Fax: +66 (0)76 256632 

Mobile: +66 (0)1-8638646 

Email: info@kajonkiet.com 

www.kajonkiet.com

 Prince of Songkla University 

80 Vichit Songkram Rd., Amphur Kathu, Phuket 83120 

Tel: +66 (0)76 276000-1 

Fax: +66 (0)76 276002 

Email: sjirawad@ratree.psu.ac.th 

http://www.phuket.psu.ac.th/

 Phuket International Academy

115/15 Moo 7 ThepkasattriRoad,

Thepkasattri, Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand

Tel: +66 (0)76 336 000

Fax. +66 (0)76 336 081

Email : info@phuketinternationalacademy.com 

http://www.phuketinternationalacademy.com

Banks

 Phuket banks: Opening hours - 8.30am and 3.30pm (Monday to Friday) except public and bank holidays. 

 ATM Machines:  Most major banks have ATM machines which accept major cards 

 Currency exchange:  Operate from most banks. Also mobile currency exchange centres operate in the evening in major resorts like Patong and Karon from 7.00am to 9.00pm, 7 days a week including holidays.

 Credit Cards: Visa/Mastercard accepted by all banks and local stores. AMEX is not acceptable in many places including banks. 

 Hotels: Most major hotels will exchange money but at a less favorable rate than the banks.

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