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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
South African tourists who wish to visit the Kingdom of Thailand may now enter without a visa and are permitted to stay no longer than 30 days providing, on arrival, they can produce a confirmed onward airticket and/or confirmed travel arrangements proving that they will leave the Kingdom within 30 days of arrival.
VISA INFORMATION
WEATHER
Warm tropical humid climate, with heavy rain in the period August-October and temperatures more moderated in November-March. Medium temperature from a maximum of 38-40° C and minimum around 25° C. Humidity rates between the 70 and 90%. The mountainous areas can be very cold especially during the dry season.
GENERAL INFORMATION
| Country: | Thailand |
| Capital City: | Bangkok |
| International Airports: | – Suvarnabhumi International Airport (Bangkok) – Don Mueang International Airport (Bangkok) – Phuket International Airport – Chiangmai International Airport – Hat Yai International Airport – Chiangrai international Airport – Samui International Airport |
| Area: | 513,115 km² |
| Population: | 32,9 million |
| Time Zone: | (UTC)+7:00 |
| Religion: | Predominantly Buddhist |
| Language: | The official mother tongue is Thai. English is also widely spoken. |
| Currency: | The official currency is BAHT but in the major centres American dollars are widely used. Credit Cards are accepted only in big Hotels. |
| Exchange Rate: | Please consult your local bank as exchange rates fluctuate. |
| Credit Card Payment Availability: | Easily Available |
| ATM Accessibility: | Easily Accessible |
| Dialling Code: | +66 |
TRAVEL TIPS
| Electricity: | Voltage in most places is 220v AC/DC. Socket sizes vary, so it is recommended to carry adapters. |
| Water: | It is advisable to drink only bottled or distilled water. |
| Business Hours: | Government Offices: Mon- Fri from 08:30 – 16:30 Most Businesses: Mon- Friday from 08:30 – 17:30, with some also opening on a Saturday. |
| Banking Hours: | Mon- Fri from 08:30 – 15:30 |
| Photography Restrictions: | No main objections, however you will notice no PHOTO signs in many Temples. If you see these signs please be respectful as it is a place of worship. |
| Tipping: | Tipping is NOT customary in Thailand, there is absolutely NO mandatory requirement to tip anyone, but small gratuities for great service are very much appreciated. Unlike some other parts of the world, you will never see a Thai service provider with his hand out waiting for a tip. In all restaurants it is customary to leave behind any loose change as a tip. In more upscale restaurants, with professional waitering staff who provide excellent service, a larger tip of 5%-10% is quite common. |
| Vaccination Requirements: | It is not necessary to get any vaccinations if you are visiting only big cities or main tourist locations. Anti-malaria prophylaxis could be useful if you decide to visit swampy territory at the border with Laos. Caution; avoid eating ice and raw fruit & vegetables sold on the streets. At the hotels you are free to consume any food including ice. |
| Dress Code Restrictions: | Dress conservatively when entering a temple, women particularly should wear long skirts or trousers and cover their shoulders and knees.Take your shoes off and never sit with your feet facing Buddha. |
| Peculiar Customs to Observe: | – Don’t cross your legs in the presence of a monk – Don’t disrespect the Royal Family – Don’t touch a Thai women without her consent – Don’t sunbathe Nude – Don’t raise your voice – Don’t put your feet on the table – Don’t touch someone’s head or ruffle their hair – Remove your shoes when entering a temple or someone’s home – Don’t point |
FESTIVALS
- Wonderfruit Music and Arts festival – December/ January
- Makha Bucha Day – February
- Songkran (Water festival) – April
- H.M. King’s Coronation day – 06 May
- Visakha Bucha Day – May
- Phi Ta Khon (Ghost festival) – June/ July
- Boon Bang Fai (Rocket festival) – June/July
- H.M. The King’s Birthday – 05 July
- Candle festival – July
- Asalaha Bucha Day – July
- Chulalongkorn Day – October
- Wing Kwai (Buffalo racing) – October
- Lopburi Monkey banquet – November
- Yi Peng ( Lantern Festival) – November
- H.M. The Late King’s Birthday – 05 December
- Constitution Day – 10 December
MAP
“One of the dreams on my wish list is to spend more time in Thailand.”
– Kevin Kwan