Thailand

From idyllic, unspoilt beaches with turquoise seas and pure, white sands to bustling cities sporting exotic markets and a vibrant, colourful nightlife, it is easy to see why Thailand has become one of the most popular tourist destinations for the adventurous and young at heart.

A turbulent and often bloody history has left Thailand scattered with ruins, forgotten temples and deserted cities; revealing a rich tableau of past eras that contrasts sharply with the more modern aspects of the nation's contemporary face.

Thailand's booming tourist economy, driven largely by Hollywood (the country has been the setting for The Man with the Golden Gun, The Bridge over River Kwai and Alex Garland's The Beach), has resulted in the opening of a number of expensive and luxurious international hotels. Those looking for the rustic splendour of the beaches and islands will find plenty of cheap and comfortable accommodation, however.

The size and geographical diversity of Thailand provides for a variety of activities: snorkelling, diving and a host of watersports are very popular around the Islands, while inland enthusiasts can trek into the mountains or cycle across the flat river areas of the northeast. Bustling, crowded cities like Bangkok and Patong display the wilder urban side of Thailand, ensuring the country has something to offer everyone who visits.

Climate

High temperatures and humidity levels are experienced throughout the year. The country is hottest between March and May, and monsoon season runs from June to October. In September and October much of the country suffers from flooding, particularly in the north, north eastern and central regions. The cool season, most favoured by visitors, runs from November to February.

Money

The unit of currency is the Baht (THB), which is divided into 100 satang. Currency can be exchanged at the airport, banks, hotels and bureaux de change. Banks are open Monday to Friday. ATMs are available in most cities and tourist resorts. Most large hotels and shops accept travellers cheques, but a better rate will be given at banks. Most major credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger businesses.

Passport Visa

All nationalities require passports valid for at least six months. Travellers entering Thailand are required to prove they have sufficient funds to cover the length of their stay, and are recommended to hold documentation for return/onward travel. If issued a visa prior to arrival, travellers are permitted to travel on a one-way ticket.

Entry Requirements

• US passport in good condition required for US citizens valid for at least 6 months upon arrival. Visa required, except for touristic stay of max. 30 days.
• Visas are not required for travel by UK passport holders endorsed British Citizen, or British National (Overseas) issued in Hong Kong, for periods of 30 days or less. Other UK passport holders require a visa. Passport muct be valid for six months beyond intended travel.
• Canadian Passport required for Canadian citizens valid for at least 6 months upon arrival. Visa required, except for touristic stay of max. 30 days.
• Australia Passport required for Australian citizens valid for at least 6 months upon arrival. Visa required, except for touristic stay of max. 30 days. APEC Business Travel Card holders endorsed for Thailand may stay up to 90 days.
• SA Passport required for SA citizens valid for at least 6 months upon arrival. Visa required, except for touristic stay of max. 30 days.
• Irish Passport required for Irish citizens valid for at least 6 months upon arrival. Visa required, except for touristic stay of max. 30 days.
• New Zealand passport required for New Zealand nationals valid for at least 6 months upon arrival. Visa required, except for touristic stay of max. 30 days. APEC Business Travel Card holders endorsed for Thailand may stay up to 90 days.

Health

As a health precaution, travellers should take medical advice at least three weeks before travelling to Thailand. Malaria is a risk outside Bangkok and the major tourist resorts, and immunisation against Hepatitis A and typhoid fever is also advised. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required for travellers from infected areas. There has been an increase in reported cases of dengue fever, particularly in the south, and vaccination against Japanese encephalitis is also recommended. Outbreaks of leptospirosis occur during the rainy season and after flooding. There have been outbreaks of waterborne diseases in the Provinces of Khon Kaen, Lop Buri, Phitsanulok and Prachin Buri. Outbreaks of cholera have also been reported. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during your visit you should seek immediate medical attention.There have been outbreaks of bird flu in poultry, and several human deaths, although the risk of travellers contracting the disease is slight; contact with live birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked. HIV/AIDS is prevalent in the major cities and resorts. Medical facilities are good in major cities, but good medical insurance is vital - without insurance, or cash/credit card, travellers will not be treated. Bangkok has excellent international hospitals.

Embassy Consulates

• Royal Thai Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 944 3600.
• Royal Thai Embassy, London, United Kingdom: (also responsible for Ireland) +44 (0)20 7589 2944 ext 5500.
• Royal Thai Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 722 4444.
• Royal Thai Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6206 0100.
• Royal Thai Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 5470.
• Royal Thai Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 476 8616.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Bangkok: +66 (0)2 205 4000.
• British Embassy, Bangkok: +66 (0)2 305 8333.
• Canadian Embassy, Bangkok: +66 (0)2 636 0540.
• Australian Embassy, Bangkok: +66 (0)2 344 6300.
• South African Embassy, Bangkok: + 66 (0)2 659 2900.
• Honorary Consul of Ireland, Bangkok: +66 (0)2 677 7500.
• New Zealand Embassy, Bangkok (also responsible for Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar): +66 (0)2 254 2530.