Here is information to help you plan your holiday and to aid you once you arrive in the desired destinations. Print it out and carry it with you.

Banks in the major cities offer currency exchange counters that accept most major global currencies at rates set each day by the Bank of Thailand.

Each season has its own special appeal. Most visitors prefer the cool months but even the monsoon has its charms—cooler, clearer air—and storms seldom last more than a few hours. Be warned: Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year (usually in January) are popular with travelers and hotels are generally packed.

Business hours are from 8:00 a.m. or 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some businesses are open Saturdays 8:30 a.m. -12:00 a.m.. Government offices are open 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Banks open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. Money-changing kiosks open 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. daily. Post offices hours are 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Department stores are open 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. or 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., seven days a week. Shops, restaurants, and pharmacies open at 8:30 a.m. or 9:00 a.m.; most close at 10:00 p.m.

Thailand’s tropical climate is hot and humid, but there are regional and seasonal temperature variations.

Bangkok enjoys three seasons: Hot (March to mid-June; 27-35 C i.e. 80-95 F), Rainy (June to October; 24-32 C i.e. 75-90 F), and Cool (Nov. to Feb; 18-32 C i.e. 65-90 F), although the humidity is considerably lower.

Chiang Mai in the far North is somewhat cooler with winter temperatures ranging between 13 and 28 C (56 and 83 F); in rare instances, temperatures in the hills can drop as low as 2 C (36 F). As in Bangkok, the heaviest rains fall in September and city streets often flood in October and early November.

In the South, temperatures on the island of Phuket can warm to 34 C. (92 F) in the hot season but the water temperature never drops below 20 C. (68 F). During the monsoon (May to late October) the undertow can be quite strong; look for red warning flags on the beaches. In all regions, nighttime temperatures are often only four degrees Celsius lower than daytime highs and the humidity often runs above 70%.

Clothes should be light and loose; natural fibres or blends are best. Sunglasses are essential; light hats are advisable. Shorts are taboo for men and women at temples and mosques. Shoes must be removed upon entering temple buildings, so non-laced shoes (but not sandals without backstraps) are best.

Winter nights in the North can be chilly and a sweater will be welcome in the evenings and early mornings. Choose light clothes for Phuket's balmy weather. Many visitors save luggage space by buying inexpensive vacation clothes after arriving in Thailand, leaving them behind when they return home.

Major credit cards are accepted throughout Thailand. Overseas credit cards can also be used in the ATMs operated by major Thailand banks to obtain an equivalent amount in bath.

Electrical outlets are rated at 220 volts, 50 cycles, and accept flat-pronged plugs. Since many do not accept three-pronged grounded plugs, it is best to bring an adaptor or purchase one in a Thai department store.

Although the chance of contracting diseases such as polio, typhoid, etc are rare, it is best to contact your doctor prior to departure for advice on vaccinations.
At first-class hotels, doctors are on call for minor medical treatments. For more serious cases, hospital in Thailand’s major destinations are equal to those in major Western cities, with Intensive Care Units fully equipped to handle any emergency. Many doctors have been trained in Western hospitals but locally-trained doctors are also first-rate and usually speak English. In Bangkok, if you are injured in a crime-related incident, you must go to the Police Hospital at the Rajprasong intersection of Rama I and Rajdamri Roads.

The Thai bath is divided into 100 satangs. Paper currency includes a 1,000 (gray), 500(purple), 100(red), 50(blue), and 20(green) bath note. Ten-bath coins are brass disks in a silver ring, five-bath coins are silver with copper rims. Two-bath coins are silver and can be mistaken for five-bath coins; look carefully when being given change. One-bath coins are silver. The 50 and 25 satangs coins are brass. The value of the Thai Bath per major world currencies is determined by the Bank of Thailand on a daily basis.

Thai, the country's official language, is spoken by nearly all its people. English language fluency is limited to city residents; even fewer speak Asian or European languages. Hotel personnel speak English and travel agency guides are fluent in several languages.

In Bangkok, the police emergency number is 191. There are also Tourist Police assigned to assist travellers. Find them at the Tourist Assistance Centre at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) headquarters, at the TAT Building on Rajdamnern Avenue at the corner of Chakrawatdiwongse Road (Tel: 02 282-1144, Ext. 515). Most Tourist Policemen speak English. In Chiang Mai, they are located on the ground floor of the TAT office at 105/1 Chiang Mai-Lamphun Rd. (Tel: 053 248-974, 248-130). In Phuket, find them in the S.T. Plaza Hotel on Sakdidej Road (Tel: 076 219-878)

212-213, 211-036). In Hat Yai, they are located at 1/8 Sripuwanart Road (Tel. 074 246-733). Nationwide, ring the TAT emergency hotline at 1155 for assistance.

These days are observed as official public holidays:

New Year's Day: January 1
Magha Puja: February full moon
Chakri Day (ascension of the present dynasty in 1782): April 6
Songkran: April 13-15
Labour Day: May 1
Coronation Day: May 5
Visakha Puja: May full moon
Asalaha Puja: July full moon
H.M. the Queen's Birthday: August 12
Chulalongkorn Day: October 23
H.M. the King's Birthday: December 5
Constitution Day: December 10
New Year's Eve: December 31

Chinese New Year in January (and sometimes February according to the lunar calendar) is not an official holiday, but many shops close for four days.

Thailand is +7 hours GMT. There is no daylight savings time.

TAT Tourist Information Center in Thailand

Address: 1600 New Phetburi Road, Makkasan, Rajatevee, Bangkok 10310.

Tel: +66 2250 5500

Open Monday to Friday 8.30-16.30 hrs.

Closed on weekends and public holidays.

Web site: http://www.tourismthailand.org/

• Transit Visa: 30-day, 800 Baht per entry
• Tourist Visa: 60-day, 1,000 Baht per entry, exemption for 39 countries)
• Non-Immigrant Visa: initially 90-day, 2,000 Baht for single entry and 5,000 Baht for multiple entries

• Passport holders from many countries may apply for tourist visas at any of the designated immigration checkpoints for a period not exceeding 15 days. 
• For more information, please contact Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Consular Affairs, Visas and Travel Documents Division, 123 Chaengwattana Road, Bangkok 10210

Tel: +66 2981 7171 ext.3201-2, 3204-5

Web site: http://www.mfa.go.th