Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Thailand depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for ThailandEmergency Numbers
- Police
- 191
- Ambulance
- 1669
- Fire
- 199
- Tourist police
- 1155 (Tourist Police)
Currency
- Name
- Thai Baht
- Code
- THB
- Symbol
- ฿
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type A, Type B, Type C
- Voltage
- 220V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
ICT (UTC+7)
Best Time to Visit
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Rainy season: June–October (afternoon downpours but fewer crowds). Songkran (Thai New Year) is mid-April
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 20–50 THB | Leave on the table; not traditional but appreciated in tourist areas |
| Taxis / Tuk-tuks | Round up | Negotiate fare before you get in |
| Massage | 50–100 THB | — |
| Hotel staff | 20–50 THB per bag or service | — |
Dress Code
- Temples: cover shoulders and knees — sarongs are usually available for rent at entrances
- Remove shoes before entering temples and many shops
- Beachwear stays at the beach
- General dress is casual but neat
Social Etiquette
- The 'wai' greeting (palms pressed together, slight bow) — return it when received
- Never touch anyone's head — the head is spiritually the highest part of the body
- Do not point feet at people, Buddha images, or monks — feet are spiritually the lowest
- Respect the monarchy — any criticism is a serious crime
- Monks cannot accept anything directly from a woman
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- Lèse-majesté law: any insult to the royal family can result in 3–15 years imprisonment
- E-cigarettes and vapes are illegal — confiscated at the border and fines apply
- Drug trafficking can result in the death penalty
- It is illegal to leave a casino in Thailand (they are largely illegal) — be aware of illegal establishments
- Littering can result in fines of up to 2,000 THB
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello / Goodbye | สวัสดี / Sawasdee | sah-wah-DEE |
| Thank you (man speaking) | ขอบคุณครับ / Khob khun krap | kohb koon KRAP |
| Thank you (woman speaking) | ขอบคุณค่ะ / Khob khun kha | kohb koon KAH |
| Never mind / No worries | ไม่เป็นไร / Mai pen rai | my pen RYE |
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