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Thailand FAQs

Communication

  • How big is the language barrier; is English widely spoken in Thailand?

    • In most of the tourist areas, a degree of English will be spoken by many Thai people particularly those directly employed in the tourist industry e.g. hotel waiters, receptionists etc. Away from tourist areas there is less chance of English being spoken, but sign language, a smile and a calm temperament works wonders.
    Read tips and hints about learning the Thai language >>

  • How do I phone home?

    • Dial 001 followed by the relevant country code then the number you wish to call.
    Country codes:
    Australia 61
    Canada 1
    Ireland 353
    New Zealand 64
    United Kingdom 44
    USA 1

    You may need to drop the initial 0 of any regional code e.g. to call London number 0171 123 4567 from Thailand, dial 001 44 171 123 4567 (dropping the 0 in the regional code of 0171).

  • Will my cell phone/mobile phone work in Thailand?

    • You may need to arrange a roaming agreement with your service provider before you go. Check the rates you will be charged for outgoing and incoming calls as these can be very high compared to your home country. A cheaper alternative is often to buy a Thai SIM card to make calls during your stay in Thailand. These are cheap and easy to get hold off at any shopping mall in Thailand which will have an assortment of telephone shops; Thais love their mobile phones almost as much as they love their food.

  • Is Internet access readily available?

    • Internet shops and cafes are plentiful in all cities and tourist areas. Rates vary and can range from 20 Baht – 60 Baht per hour. Wi-fi is available in many hotels, guest houses and bars.

Culture

  • How should I dress when visiting temples?

    • Thai temples are quite relaxed serving as a focal point for local communities. Nevertheless, when entering the main hall of worship (the bot) visitors should dress and act respectfully. Men and women should ensure their knees and shoulders are covered and remove their shoes.
    Find out more detailed information and advice for visiting Thai temples >>

  • Do I need to wai?

    • The wai is actually more complex than many visitors realize. I don’t want to put people off who are trying to be culturally considerate, but there are times when a wai is wholly inappropriate even if a Thai person has waied you.
    Read more about the Thai greeting, the wai >>

  • How do I say please and thank you?

    • How to be polite in Thai >>

  • Why is it important not to lose your temper?

    • Being jai yen is a trait that will win you lots of friends in Thailand.
    Read more about being jai yen >>

  • Is it true that everybody is always smiling?

    • Thailand has successfully marketed itself as the Land of Smiles, but that doesn’t mean that people don’t get upset, have arguments and moan about life. People have their good days and their bad days just as they do anywhere in the world, but there are certainly times when Thai people smile when you wouldn’t expect them to.
    Find out more about the Thai smile and what it means >>

Food

General

  • What is the time difference?

    • Thailand is +7 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).

  • Can you suggest an itinerary?

    • Suggested 2 week itinerary for Thailand >>

  • What should I pack?

    • Light, loose-fitting cotton clothes are best for the tropical climate. Make sure you have at least one pair of long trousers for visiting temples.
    My advice is to travel light >>
    Wearing shorts in Bangkok >>

  • Where can I get a tattoo done in Thailand?

    • All the main towns and resorts will have a tattoo parlour. Be advised that the standard of hygiene might not always be what you would receive in your home country so use common sense and discretion. Lots of people ask about Yant tattoos. If you’re going to get one done, make sure you know what you’re letting yourself in for.
    Getting a Sak Yant tattoo in Thailand >>

  • How do I get from Bangkok Airport to my hotel/guest house?

    • An airport shuttle bus runs from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport to downtown Bangkok. Cost is approximately 120 Baht. However, this service won’t drop you directly to the door, but will just take you to the general vicinity and you will have to walk the remainder of the way. For a few more Baht, a taxi-meter will take you directly to your destination.
    Article about taxis from Bangkok’s international airport >>

Health

Money

Safety

  • What is the threat from terrorism?

    • In common with most other countries in the world, Thailand is not free from the spectre of terrorism. In particular, there has been an ongoing insurgency in the Deep South of the country which has claimed many lives. It is an area off the tourist trail and one which most governments strongly advise against travelling to. The affected regions of Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla and Yala are well away from the popular tourist areas on the Andaman and Gulf coasts.
    Read more about the problems in the Deep South of Thailand >>

  • How safe are the tuk-tuks?

    • They’re generally quite safe and can be a lot of fun. The driving often looks more precarious than it is, but some of the Bangkok tuk-tuks have gained a bad reputation over the years for the notorious scams they try to pull on unsuspecting tourists
    Read more about the Bangkok tuk-tuk scams >>

  • Is it safe to hire a motorcycle or car?

    • Driving in Thailand can be a precarious affair and motorcycle accidents, particularly in places like Ko Samui and Pattaya, claim a disproportionately high number of foreign victims.
    Find out what to watch out for when hiring a motorbike in Thailand >>

  • How safe are the roads?

    • Visitors hiring any vehicle should be advised that Thais drive on the left hand side of the road as they do in Australia and the United Kingdom. That is probably where the similarities end. It’s true that there is good and bad driving in any country, but Thailand’s roads can be particularly hazardous.
    Read why Thailand’s roads can be so dangerous >>
    Read all other articles about Thailand precautions >>

Tickets & Visas

Weather

  • When is the best time to visit Thailand?

    Most guide books will tell you that November-February is the best time to visit Thailand. However, any month can have its pros and cons as this article explains. >>

  • When is the rainy season?

    This varies slightly from region to region. For instance, the rainy season in the north (e.g. Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai) will be different to that on the Andaman Coast (e.g. Krabi or Phuket). More specific weather information is available by clicking on the region/city headings on the main menu.
    This article details the general weather trends on a month-by-month basis >>