Sunday, January 14, 2007
Thailand Information Handbook
Contents
Facts and Figure
National Flag
Historical Background
Geography
Climate
Capital City
Time zone
Population
Politics
Religion
Language
Currency
Entry and Exit
Passports
Visas
Additional Documentations
Minors
Customs Regulations
Currency and Monetary Instruments
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Transportations
Travel in Bangkok
Travel Around
Communications
Local Calls
International Calls
Telephone Rental
Postal Services
Courier Services
Internet and E-mails
Where to go: Special Interests
Bangkok
A Majestic Metropolis on the ‘River of Kings’
Northern Thailand
Gold in the Hills
Northeastern Thailand
A Wealth of History and Traditions
Pattaya
Jewel of Thailand’s East Coast
Puket, Pi Pi and Samui
Treasure Islands of the South
What to eat: Thai Food
Security and Health
Security Overview
Personal Security
Health
Immunizations
Staying Healthy in Thailand
Other Travel Precautions
Cultural Hints
Greeting peopl
Body Language
Royalty
Monk
Etiquette at Wats (Temple)
Suitable Dress
Cultural Do’s and Don’ts
Miscellaneous
Church
Films and Photography
Clothing
Electricity
Business Hours
Banking and Money Exchange
Shopping Tips / Bargaining
Paying for Services in Thailand
Useful Phone Numbers
Facts and Figures
Capital City – Bangkok
Time zone – Time in Thailand is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+ 7).
Population – The population of Thailand is approximately 65,000,000.
Politics – A constitutional monarchy headed by King Bhumibol Adulyadej, with 76 provinces each sub-divided into Amphur (district), Tambon (sub-district) and Mubaan (village).
Religion – 90% of the population in Thailand is Theravada Buddhist. Other religious minorities are Muslims, Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs.
Language – Although Thai is the language spoken in Thailand, English is widely known in major tourist destinations. Thai-English road signs exist nation-wide.
Currency – ฿
The Thai unit of currency is the Baht. A baht is divided into 100 satang. Coins and notes currently in use are as follows:
Coins: 25 and 50 satang; 1, 5 and 10 baht
Banknotes: 20 (green), 50 (blue), 100 (red), 500 (purple) and 1,000 (grey) 40 Baht is approximately US $1.
National Flag – The red, white and Blue bands symbolize the nation, Buddhism and the monarchy respectively.
Historical Background – There are conflicting opinions as to the origins of the Thai. It could say that they originated in Northwestern Szechuan in China and later migrated down to their present homeland. However, this theory has been altered by the discovery of prehistoric artifacts. It now appears that the Thais might have originated here in Thailand and later scattered to various parts of Asia. The country was named “Siam” until 1949. On May11, 1949 an official proclamation named the country “Prathet Thai” or “Thailand” meaning “Land of the Free”.
Geography – Located in Southeast Asia. Thailand has a land area of 513,115 sq. km. (198,114 sq.m.) bordered by Malaysia (South), Myanmar (West & North), Laos (North & East) and Cambodia (Southeast).
Climate – Thailand has a tropical climate with long hours of sunshine. The average low temperature is 20°C (68°F) and the average high temperature is 37°C (98.6°F). The year is split into 3 seasons in Thailand, hot (from March to June), rainy (from July to October) and cool (from November to February).
Entry and Exit
Passports: Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay.
Visas: Many nationalities, including the citizens of most European countries*, Australia and the US, can enter Thailand for up to 30 days without a pre-arranged visa. Proof of a confirmed return flight or other on-going travel arrangements must be presented upon arrival in Thailand. This 30 days period is not extendible.
For visitors from 14 countries**, temporary tourist visa valid for 15 days may be obtained at any of the 23 designated immigration check-points including the four international airports at Bangkok International Airport (Don Muang) at Arrival Hall of the International Passenger Terminal 1 and 2, Chiang Mai airport, Phuket airport and Had Yai airport. Re-Entry permit counter is on 3rd floor of Departure Hall of the International Passenger Terminal 1, Bangkok International Airport.
(For more details, please contact the Thai embassy or consulate in your country or visit www.embassyworld.com)
For those wishing to stay longer, a 60 days tourist visa can be arranged from Thai embassy or consulate prior to arrival in Thailand. A 90 days nonimmigrant visa must be applied for in your home country and required a letter of verification from a Thai source giving a valid reason.
With all visas, entry into Thailand must occur within 90 days of issue. Visa extensions are at the discretion of the Immigration Department in Bangkok or any other immigration office in Thailand with the following: passport with a photocopy, one photo, and the medical certificate (in case of being sick). Over-staying a visa carried a fine of 100 baht per day and can result in serious penalties. For more information, please visit www.police.go.th/trenglish.htm
Documents required for visa’s application are: valid passport, visa application form completely filled in, confirmed air ticket, one recent photo (4x6 cm) and application fee of 800 baht for transit visa valid for 30 days or 1,000 baht for tourist visa valid for 60 days.
(The amounts of money specified above are subject to change. Please check with the Thai embassy or consulate in your country for confirmation)
Additional Documentations: Travelers should have all documentation required for travel and entry to next destination country. This includes tickets.
Minors: 15 years and below inserted in passport of parent/legal guardian must be accompanied by that parent/legal guardian.
Customs Regulations: In Thailand, customs regulations are standard. During an inbound flight you will be given a customs form that must be filled in and handed over at the customs desk after claiming your baggage.
If you have nothing to declare, you may proceed to the Green Channels. If you have goods to declare, i.e. you are carrying articles in commercial quantity or prohibited or restricted articles, and then proceed to the Red Channels. Thai customs restrictions for goods carried into the country are the following: 200 cigarettes, 1 liter of wine or spirits, 1 video camera, 5 rolls of film, 3 video cassettes, 1 item of electrical goods per person.
Cameras, video cameras and portable computers must be declared to the Customs officer in order to confirm outbound accompaniment upon re-entry to Thailand. Jewellery and ornaments are required to go through the Customs formalities at the Outbound Section, Passenger Control Division, Bangkok International Airport Customs Bureau (3rd Floor, International Terminal1).
Currency and Monetary Instruments: Foreign visitors may freely bring in foreign currencies or other types of foreign exchange. Cheques or drafts brought in, if the owner desires to sell, must be sold to a bank. Upon leaving Thailand, they may freely take out all foreign exchange they have brought in.
Foreign visitors may bring in an unlimited amount of Thai currency.
For travelers leaving Thailand, both Thais and foreigners, the maximum amount permitted to take out without prior authorization is 50,000 baht per person or, if they are going to one of Thailand’s neighboring countries: Myanmar, Laos, Malaysia, Cambodia and Vietnam, 500,000 baht per person. Failure to do so may lead to arrest, confiscation of the excess amount involved and/or prosecution.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Prohibited goods are goods for which either the import into or export out of the Kingdom is prohibited e.g., narcotics, pornographic materials, protected wild animals or related products etc. Violators of laws related to illicit drugs, e.g., having and holding, holding for use, or being a producer, seller, or transporter are subject to life imprisonment or the death sentence.
Restricted goods are goods the import and export of which are restricted by law and therefore require a permit from the related government agencies. The following items require a permit from the government agency concerned in order to go through the Customs formalities.
• Firearms, ammunitions, explosive objects (Office of National Police or the local registration office )
• Antiques and artifacts, whether officially registered as art or not,
• Items of historical or archaeological interests and Buddha images, each traveler is permitted one small image of Buddha. (Fine Arts Department)
• Radio transceivers and telecommunications equipment (Post & Telegraph Department)
• Plants and planting materials (Department of Agriculture)
• Live animals, and animal products (Department of Livestock Development)
• Medicines and chemical products (Office of Food and Drugs Administration)
Transportation:
Thailand is a popular launching point for other Southeast Asian destinations, so it is necessary to book hotel, airline tickets or train tickets well in advance. This is especially so during Thailand’s peak tourist season. If you plan to travel during November to February, when flights and hotels are heavily booked, it is wise to make arrangements at least three to six months prior to departure.
Travel in Bangkok
Metered Taxis: Operate in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Hat Yai, distinguishable, by a prominent “Taxi-Meter” sign on the roof. Drivers tend to know only the names and locations of the major hotels and sights.
Public Buses: Orange, white or blue air-conditioned buses and pink and grey microbuses are comfortable and cover the popular routes. Ordinary (non-air conditioned) white, cream and red buses and green minibuses are cheap and cover all of Bangkok and run into night.
Riverboats: Express riverboats with conductors serve popular piers on the Chao Phraya River, running every 10-15 minutes. Ferries also link east and west banks.
Samlors (3 wheeled, bicycle rickshaw), Songthaews (trucks with seats installed in the bed of the truck) and Tuk Tuks (3 wheeled, open-air automobiles) are widely available transportations in Bangkok and provincial capitals. You need to negotiate a price before climbing into either typically between baht 30-60 is reasonable for short hops.
Skytrain: The Bangkok Transit System (BTS) travels between the business districts in Bangkok. It comprises two routes: the Sukhumvit Route (14 km.) and the Silom Route (9 km.) with and interchange at the Siam Center.
Underground: The Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) travels between Bangkok railway station (Hua Lumphong) and Bang Sue railway station (22 km.), which connects with the BTS System on the Sukhumvit route.
Travel Around
Air: Domestic flights within Thailand are easy and cut journey times considerably with provincial airports dotted generously around the country. Flights to surrounding countries are cheaper if booked with any authorized Thai travel agents.
Departure tax for passengers departing on international flights from Bangkok International Airport or Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Koh Samui or Phuket must pay a baht 500 departure per person. For domestic flights the departure tax ranges from baht 40 to baht 50 – except for Koh Samui, where the fee is baht 400. Check with the airline whether these taxes are included in the price of your ticket.
Bus: Well-maintained, long distance buses connect all major cities to Bangkok and provincial buses serve all smaller towns and many villages. Long distance buses run from the Eastern (Ekamai), Northern and Northeastern (Mochit) and Southern (Pinklao) bus terminals in Bangkok. Buses can be faster than trains, overnight services are popular and VIP buses have the best facilities.
Boat to the Islands: Scheduled ferries are always erratic since their service is dependent on the weather conditions. Regular services are available to Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao from Surat Thani. Koh Pi Pi is served from Phuket and Krabi. Smaller islands have less regular services, sometimes just a makeshift ferry run by local fishermen. Travel agents will be able to give you rough timetables. Many services stop in the rainy season.
Car Hire / Rental: Those possessing valid International Driving Licenses may prefer to hire automobiles. English- language road signs and maps are commonplace. The Bangkok Yellow Pages list local and international automobile rental companies. Visitors are advised to shop around since most companies offer different conditions. Self-drive and chauffeur-driven automobiles are widely available. International car hire companies such as Avis and Hertz also operate in Pattaya, Hat Yai, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Samui Island.
Train: Thailand’s railroad system known as the SRT (State Railway of Thailand) with for major rail routes connecting Bangkok with the North (Chiang Mai), the Northeast (Nong Khai), the East (Cha Choeng Sao) and the South (Sungai Kolok).
Train tickets of all classes may be purchased 90 days in advance at principal stations and at the Advance Booking Office in Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lumphong). Some major travel agents in Bangkok also provide train reservation services. To obtain further information, please contact the Bangkok Advance Booking Office.
Communications:
Thailand’s communication network is be increasingly sophisticated. It is possible to make international calls and send faxes or access to the internet and send e-mails from all business centers and main hotels. Public phones and internet cafés can be found on main roads and many minors one in provincial cities. The postal system, however, can be erratic; if you are sending valuables it is advisable to use courier services. Local Calls: Calls can be dialed throughout Bangkok and greater Bangkok at one baht for the first three minutes. Your calling time is limited, do have some coins handy to continue the call if needed. In-country long distance calls are charged according to destination while calling to mobile phones is charged at three baht per minutes. International Calls: International phone calls can be made easily from mid to upper level hotels. There is direct dialing to and from more than 50 countries on five continents. Rates for calling out of the country are normally considerably higher than for calling in so if you expect a long conversation you might save some money by having your party call back if possible. If you can't call from your hotel, go to the General Post Office (GPO) on major post offices, and call from special booths for overseas calls. At Bangkok International Airport, you can be made at Credit Card Telephone booths or Post and Telegraph Offices located in the departure and arrival lobbies. Pre-paid international phone cards can be purchase and used from specified phone booths such as Lenso or any phone to make international calls. They are generally available in places such as; post offices, bookstores, department stores and mini-marts. Prices are Baht 300, 500 and 1000. o Operator assisted international calls Dial 100 + (country code) + (area code) + (telephone number) o Direct international calls Dial 001 + (country code) + (area code) + (telephone number) Telephone Rental: Rental of cellular telephones is available to arriving passengers at the counter in the arrival hall at Bangkok International Airport other provincial airports around the country. Postal Services: Thailand's mail service is reliable and efficient. Major hotels provide basic postal services on their premises. Be wary of sending valuable items through the mail as parcels have been known to go astray. Greater reliability can usually be assured by sending letters and packages by registered mail or via International Express Mail (EMS). Courier Services: The major international courier companies such as DHL, FedEx and TNT operate in Thailand so it is easy to have goods air freighted home. However, for very heavy items, shipping is the better option. Internet and E-mails: Major hotels often provide the internet service for guests. However, should be aware that as with phone calls, hotels add a heavy markup for the service. It can be cheaper to take advantage of the internet service available at the internet cafés that can be found on main roads in provincial cities or larger tourist areas. Typically, baht 30-60 per hour.
Where to go: Special Interests
Thailand is endowed with a wealth of natural resources which serve as a backdrop for business and leisure travelers. The scenery is rich and varied ranging from misty mountains and lush rain forests in the north, through the flat emerald rice fields of the central plains, to white sandy beaches and magnificent tropical islands along the eastern seaboard and throughout the south.
Bangkok: A Majestic Metropolis on the ‘River of Kings’
Thailand’s capital city, straddling the great Chao Phraya River, the mighty ‘River of Kings’. First impressions are of a bustling modern international metropolis but if you look closer you will find a magical kingdom hidden away among the high-rises and shopping center.
Bangkok's major tourism attractions include:
o The fabulous Wat Phra Keo (Emerald Buddha Chapel) and Grand Palace complex.
o Famous temples: Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn); Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha): Wat Saket (Golden Mount): Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple).
o Wirnan Mek Palace, favorite residence of King Chulalongkorn (1868-1910) and the world's largest golden teak building.
o The fabulous royal barges
o The Pasteur Institute's Snake Farm where poisonous snakes are fed daily and venom is 'milked' from cobras and krauts to make invaluable serum
o Jim Thompson's House Museum which contains a superb collection of Asian objects d'art
o Suan Packard Palace's lacquer pavilion, which is decorated with medieval gold leaf murals
o The world's largest Crocodile Farm
o The Ancient City: a 200-acre open-air museum
Northern Thailand: Gold in the Hills
Northern Thailand, home of the ancient Lanna kingdom, offers a great diversity of activities. The scenery of Northern Thailand is stupendous: mountains, forests, rice fields set in verdant valleys and several spectacular national parks.
The Northern’s major tourism attractions include:
o Jungle treks in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, these 2-6 day treks take visitors through forested mountains and high meadows the lower extremities of Himalayan foothills. Major attractions are remote hill tribe villages. Mountains surrounding Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai host seven major, once-itinerant hill tribes of Tibet- Burma origin – the Meo, Lisu, Lahu, Yao, Akha, Lawa and Karen. Each has distinctive dialects, costumes and customs. o Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai, incorporates the highest mountain in Thailand. Visitors come for the stunning scenery, including several waterfalls and rich wildlife. o Orchid Farms establishments in Chiang Mai province welcome visitors who may wish to admire, purchase or learn more about these fabled blooms. o Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, 28 kilometers outside Lampang on the main highway to Chiang Mai. Logging training sessions for young elephants are held daily at 9.00 am in an attractive forest setting, and visitors are welcome.
Northeastern Thailand: A Wealth of History and Traditions
Known locally as Isan, the northeast has an extremely rich history. One of the first areas in the world where rice was cultivated, silk woven and bronze produced.
The Northeastern's major tourism attractions include:
o Prasat Hin Phimai in Korat or Nakhon Ratchasima, dating from the 11th-12th centuries, is one of the most extensively restored Khmer temple complexes in Thailand.
o Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Ratchasima, is one of over 60 protected parks in Thailand and the perfect place to observe the country’s exotic wildlife at close quarters.
o An archaeological site Ban Chiang, 50 kilometers east of Udon Thani, unearthed the remains of a Bronze Age civilization that flourished over 5,000 years ago.
Pattaya: Jewel of Thailand’s East Coast
For complete change of pace there in the sun-and-fun centre of Pattaya Province, just two hours drive southeast of Bangkok. Here you will find an endless variety of water sports plus horseback-riding, go-kart racing and bungee jumping. For Golfers, there are many international courses, designed by pros like Nick Faldo and Jack Nicklaus. And for children, there are water parks, a model village and an open zoo.
Puket, Pi Pi and Samui: Treasure Islands of the South
Three lush tropical islands, Samui in the Gulf of Thailand and Phuket and Pi Pi in the Andaman Sea, offer all the ingredients for truly memorable holidays. Both boast luxury accommodation, numerous water sport activities and opportunities for exploring neighboring islands.
Phuket also has three international golf courses, including one chosen as the venue for the 1994 Johnis Wlaker Classic. Island-hopping is a popular pursuit and both Pi Pi and Similans feature magnificent underwater coral gardens, populated by multi-hued tropical fish-a heaven for snorkellers and scuba divers.
Where to eat: Thai Food
Thai Food offers a variety of flavors and discoveries. The subtle combination of spices, herbs, and market-fresh ingredients that has made it so popular around the world differs from region to region and thus makes dining a special culinary experience wherever on goes. Plenty of 'seasoning' ingredients such as garlic, onions, galangal root, ginger, basil, tamarind juice, lemon grass, mint, chilies and lime go into the making of Thai cuisine. Rice forms the staple of most Thai meals and this is eaten with one or two curries, seafood/pork, soup, and vegetables (usually salad). Red and green chilies are always discreetly mixed into the food, which can take the uninitiated by surprise and food can range from the mild to fiery hot. Below are some that you could try while you are in Thailand. Dessert may consist of fresh fruit or on of the many traditional Thai sweets. A century or so ago, meals were eaten by hand, pressing the rice into small balls and then dipping into the other dishes; today most Thai food is already cut into small pieces before serving or made soft enough to be cut with a spoon or forks, as well as chopsticks for Chinese-type noodles.
Crab, Shrimp and Bean Thread Noodle Clay pot (Poo/ Gung Op Wunsen) This fragrant dish is a popular offering in the seafood market cafes and garden restaurants of Thailand. Once the dish is cooked, the pot is carried straight from the burner to the table sizzling hot, with the savory aromas escaping from under the lid.
o Pork Satay (Mooh Satay) Although the concept of satay, cooking meats on skewers, originated in Indonesia, it has been enthusiastically adopted by nearly every Southeast Asian cuisine and fashioned to suit the local taste and palate. o Fish Cakes with Pickled Cucumber Relish (Tod Mun) Asian fish cakes tend to have a spongy texture that appeals to the Asian palate. They are traditionally made with a mild whitefish, although salmon makes a delicious substitute. Fresh fish paste, ground daily.
Massaman Curry (Gang Massamam) This dish, based on a Thai and Muslim combination includes potatoes, peanuts, and five-spice powder, is one of the best. For this spicy dish, a Chenin Blanc wine from the Loire Valley in France or from California is a good match.
o Stir-fried Thai Noodles (Pad Thai) Although this dish is traditionally made with flat rice stick noodles, thin dried rice vermicelli can also be used. Dried shrimp and preserved radishes can be difficult to find, but the considerable flavor and texture they provide make them well worth the search. o Chiang Mai Curry Noodle Soup (Khao Soi) Although this noodle soup from Thailand is delicious served plain, a variety of crispy, tasty toppings deliver an exciting flavor boost and lively textures.
o Thai Coconut Chicken Soup (Tom Khaa Gai) A signature dish of Thailand, also works beautifully with a Western menu. In winter, its herbal flavors of galangal, lemongrass and kefir lime warm the body; in summer, its characteristic lightness makes it pleasingly refreshing. o Mangoes with Sticky Rice (Khao Niau Mamuang) If you cannot find good-quality mangoes for this dish, nectarines, papayas or peaches can be substituted. This recipe uses sticky rice, which is also known as glutinous rice. English is spoken in large restaurants in tourist provinces; and most establishments have menus in Thai and English, except street-side food stalls and some small restaurants.
Security and Health
Security Overview: Thailand is a fairly safe country. The crime rate in Thailand is moderate. Theft of personal property in beach resort areas is endemic. Public buses and trains are generally safe for travel, but petty crime is a concern. Although legitimate taxis generally provide good service, a series of murders of foreign tourists in late 1998 and early 1999 prompted local authorities to advise travelers against taking unlicensed taxis from the airport. Hotel limousines or private cars/drivers are preferable.
Large-scale demonstrations and protests do not occur often in Thailand, but travel may be impeded by general strikes. Public transportation and other services are severely affected during strike periods. Labor unions may hold large demonstrations. Most demonstrations occur in urban areas and are generally peaceful.
International terrorism is not a concern in Thailand. Thai officials maintain a high level of security awareness and actively conduct terrorist investigations. The threat of terrorism is moderate in Thailand but current intelligence suggests that it is increasingly at risk. Domestic terrorist activity is mostly conducted by Muslim separatists active in the southern regions of Narathiwat, Pattalung, Pattani and Yala. Groups such as Bersatu, the Pattani United Liberation Organization (PULO), Mujahedin and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) have conducted attacks in southern Thailand. Targets included military and government buildings, police stations, schools, Buddhist temples and public transportation.
Thai and Malaysian authorities have agreed to improve the security situation along the border, where many rebels operate. Attacks on police and military personnel and installations are common in the southern regions.
Border areas are sometimes precarious places. Changing political conditions tribal skirmishes and the haziness of border lines have made some areas of Thailand dangerous. Travel to this region should be avoided.
Personal Security: Simple safety precautions keep the vast majority of travelers out of trouble.
o Beware of hustlers and pickpockets when in remote or poorer parts of the city at night.
o Should be especially alert in crowded buses, streets and markets.
o Limit use to daylight hours and avoid routes that service poorer areas.
o Should avoid taking taxis alone at night and women should maintain a high level of awareness.
o Should avoid straying from populated areas if possible.
o Try not to be alone on beaches, even at the best resorts.
o Do not accept food or drink from strangers. Drugging is a common way for thieves to incapacitate tourists before robbing or assaulting them.
o Do not flash large amount of money or leave your luggage unattended.
o Buy valuable items such as antiques and jewelry (gems) only from reputable dealers.
o Credit card fraud is a concern. Limit credit card use to high-end restaurants, hotels and stores and demand receipts for all purchases and monitor all transactions closely.
o Do not let credit cards out of sight when buying goods and safeguard them when not in use.
o Beware of persons posing as guides. A tour guide should be hired from a Tourism Authority of Thailand counter or from a reputable guide service.
o Should never agree to transport packages or luggage of strangers anywhere. Drug traffickers sometimes try to recruit unsuspecting travelers by offering them free return trips to Thailand in exchange for transporting luggage or packages containing drugs.
o Never accept any gift from anyone that is not a trusted friend.
o Keep away from troubled border areas.
Health: The infrastructure of emergency services for health is efficient throughout Bangkok and provincial capitals. The main resorts and other large cities have modern equipments and doctors, many of whom are Western-trained and speak good English. Hospitals in Bangkok both public and private are modern, clean and efficient, although waiting times are longer at public ones.
There is no shortage of well-stocked pharmacies in Bangkok and provincial capitals. There will be several on every main street and shopping mall and supermarkets will have drugstores kiosks. They are all supplied with up-to-date medications and can dispense antibiotics over the counter without a prescription.
Immunizations: There are no legal immunization requirements unless you are traveling from a country known to be infected with yellow fever. The types of immunizations a person needs to travel internationally vary by person and by country or region. It is best to begin consultation for immunizations well before you travel, to allow time for protection to become effective. Some vaccines need to be given separately or in stages, Malaria tablets, meanwhile, are started a week before leaving and continued for several weeks after returning. For the reasons it is advisable to contact your doctor at least six week before departure.
You can directly contact nearest medical institution for personalized counsel concerning your health and international travel or any travel clinic specializing in international travel medicine. Travel agents may also be able to assist you in locating the nearest facility. The World Health Organization (WHO) also offers advice for international travel and health.
For further clarification please look up the CDC or WHO websites at: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/seasia.htm,
http://www.who.int
In addition to vaccines, prescription medications can be important.
Traveler's Diarrhea (TD): Travelers who will visit areas of questionable sanitation can carry an antibiotic to be used in case traveler's diarrhea develops, or in some cases, as prophylaxis against traveler's diarrhea. A zithromycin is the antibiotic of choice for prophylaxis and treatment of traveler's diarrhea in Thailand.
Malaria: All travelers to risk areas of Thailand should receive medication to prevent malaria. There is no risk of malaria in cities and most major tourist resorts, but antibiotic resistant malaria has been reported in the areas bordering Cambodia and Myanmar.
Staying Healthy in Thailand: For your visit to the host country, you will want to take some preparatory steps to protect your health. The stress of travel and changes in climate and diet can make you more susceptible to various illnesses. We strongly recommend you take preventative measures now as you prepare for your travel. Please check the latest health regulations with your local Health Office. Construction is strenuous physical activity and you will be working in an unfamiliar climate. If you have any health concerns or limitations, we trust that you will provide us with full detail in your emergency contact information. This information will be kept confidential.
To Stay Healthy:
• Wash hands often with soap and water.
• Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles.
• Drink a lot of water OFTEN. Tea and drinks rich in mineral salts are recommended in cases of exhaustion. Unless contraindicated, the addition of a little table salt to food or drinks helps to prevent heat exhaustion, especially during the period of acclimatization.
• Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it.
• Protect yourself from insects by remaining in well-screened areas, using repellents and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants from dusk through dawn.
• Avoid insect bites, especially mosquito bites, to protect yourself from other diseases, such as dengue fever.
• Keep feet clean and dry and do not go barefoot to prevent fungal and parasitic infections.
• Avoid blood products, and always use latex condoms to reduce risk of HIV and Hepatitis B
To Avoid Getting Sick:
• Don’t eat cold, stale, or raw food purchased from street vendors. Only piping hot!
• Don’t eat dairy products unless you know they have been pasteurized.
• Don’t share needles with anyone.
• Don’t handle animals (especially monkeys, dogs, and cats), to avoid bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague).
• Don’t swim in fresh water. Swimming pools and salt water is usually safer.
Other Travel Precautions: For information of a non-medical nature including civil unrest, crime, or natural disasters (such as earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding, forest fires etc.) you may want to check the U.S. State Department consular information sheets or warnings by country at http://travel.state.gov
Cultural Hints
It is not by accident that Thailand is often referred to as “the land of smile”. The Thais are exceptionally friendly and helpful people, and getting along with them is easy-simply smile wide and laughs a lot. Being Buddhists, they are an amazingly tolerant people. Avoiding offensive behavior can generally be achieved through simple courtesy and common sense. A few taboos do exist, though, mostly with regard to the monarchy and Buddhism.
Greeting people: The Thai greeting is known as the wai and consists of the palms being pressed together and lifted towards the chin. If someone wais you, you should wai back (except wai-ed by child).
Body Language: The head is considered a sacred part of the body by Thais. The feet are seen as the lowliest part of the body.
Royalty: The royal family is the most revered institution in Thailand. Criticizing or defaming it in any way can be considered lèse-majesté. Not only could this mean a jail sentence but Thai people will nearly always be deeply offended.
Monk: The monkshood is a respected institution that comes just below royalty in the social hierarchy.
Etiquette at Wats (Temple): As in churches and other houses of worship, a certain decorum should be observed when entering the grounds of any Wat.
Suitable Dress: Because the Thais are modest people, clothing should be kept respectable whether you are in the city or in the country. Dress properly; wear clothing that covers ones arms and knees. Miniskirts, shorts and sleeveless shirts are not allowed when visiting a temple.
Cultural Do’s and Don’ts: Polite behavior is welcomed everywhere, and what is considered polite in other countries is probably considered polite in Thailand, too. Below you will find a list of cultural do’s and don’ts:
Cultural Do’s
• Be respectful of each other “waiing” when greeting each other.
• Be respectful of elders by serving or addressing them first in social
situations.
• Be respectful of the monarchy by standing when the royal anthem is played –
this occurs before a movie is show in the theatres and at special
occasions.
• Be respectful of the Thai Government by standing when the national anthem
is played – this occurs at 8:00am and at 6:00pm daily.
• Be respectful of the Buddhist religion by observing their guidelines.
• Always take your shoes off when entering Buddhist Temple, private Thai
homes; chapels where Buddhist images are kept; and any of the Islamic
community’s mosques.
• Monks are not to touch or be touched by women.
• Visitors should dress neatly in all religious shrines. They should never go
shirtless, or in shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attire.
• Do not sit on or put your arms around Buddhist images. Each Buddha image,
large or small, ruined or not, is regarded as being a sacred object. Never
climb onto one to take a photograph or do anything that might show lack of
respect.
• Never sit with your feet pointing toward all Buddha images. Some areas of a
temple may be off limits for women-there is usually a sign indicating so.
• The intimacies between man and woman should not be shown in public.
• Sunbathing in the nude is prohibited.
Cultural Don’ts: However, their and a few cultural pitfalls, mainly social and religious taboos, the breaking of which can cause offence:
• Be boisterous in public places, unless it is during a festival or holiday.
• Point at things or people with your feet or rest them on a table is
considered rude.
• Touch a Thai person’s head, especially an elderly. A sincere apology should
be offered immediately if you touch someone’s head unintentionally.
• Touch Thai women without their consent. Generally, they are conservative.
• Step over people sitting around you.
• Step on a coin or paper money intentionally, as this is disrespectful of
the King (his picture is on all Thai currency)
• Outward expressions of anger are regarded as crude and boorish. The visitor
who remains calm and smiles appreciatively will find all sorts of doors
open to him.
Miscellaneous
Church: Christian churches are found in Bangkok and most provincial capitals. Services are mostly in Thai, with certain services in English, French and German. Local English-language newspapers provide comprehensive listings of services in Bangkok.
Films and Photography: Camera films in Thailand should be stored in relatively cool conditions as heat and humidity lead to rapid deterioration. Major international film manufacturers maintain excellent photo finishing laboratories. Instant developing can be done within one hour. Popular films are available countrywide at reasonable prices.
Still photographers are free to shoot almost everything but as in any country, it is polite to ask first before photographing. Movie cameras are not allowed without permission in Bangkok's Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Chapel complex. Photography is also prohibited in certain branches of the National Museum.
Clothing: As the climate in Thailand is generally hot and humid, it is advisable to dress in cool, nonrestricting clothes made from natural fibers. Thin cotton is the best. A jacket or sweater may be necessary in the cool season, especially in a mountainous area in the North or Northeast.
Throughout Thailand, the rainy season brings sudden downpours, a light raincoat is handy. If visiting temple, appropriate dress is required, as is easily removable footwear.
Electricity: The electric current is 220 volt AC, 50 cycles throughout the country. Travelers with shavers, tape recorders and other appliances should carry a plug-adapter kit. Adaptors can be bought in any department store or electrical store, the better hotels will, makes available 110 volt transformers.
Business Hours: Almost all destinations and sights in Thailand can be visited throughout the year, though accommodations on, and ferries to, some of the southern islands may be limited during the rainy season.
In general, most offices open from 08.30 a.m.-05.00 p.m. Monday to Friday. General banking hour are Monday to Friday 08.30am-03.30 pm., except public and bank holidays. Major tourist attractions open at 08.00 a.m. or 09.00 a.m. and close any time between 03.30 p.m. and 06.00 p.m. A few also shut for lunch between noon and 01.00 p.m. Most major sights are open daily, but some national museums close for public holidays and on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Large department stores are usually open daily 10.00 a.m.-09.00 p.m. In small towns markets are usually held on a daily basis.
Banking and Money Exchange: Throughout Bangkok and the main provincial towns, banking facilities and exchange services are plentiful. Thai and foreign banks provide standard services nation-wide, major foreign currencies can be exchanged for Thai baht with banks and authorized money changers. Exchange booths are usually located in the central parts of towns and mobile exchange units are stationed near larger tourist attractions. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) can be found in all cities. The major banks can also organize international money transfers.
The currency exchange counters and ATMs are available in the Departure and Arrival Halls of international and domestic airports and are open to service 24-hrs, 7 days a week. Many first-class hotels provide 24-hrs money exchange services, but only for major currencies such as American dollars, British pounds, German marks and Swiss francs. Traveler’s cheques are generally accepted only from bona fide hotel guests.
Shopping Tips / Bargaining: Bargaining is an art long practiced in Asian countries including Thailand. It is always a good idea to ask about “special rates” or the possibility of a reduction in price. It is not considered impolite to ask, so feel free to ask for a proper discount when shopping in places where prices are not marked.
Department stores and a number of shops in Bangkok have fixed prices, but at most of the others bargaining is acceptable and expected. No fixed rules can be given on the process, depending as it does on the bargainer's skill and the shopkeeper's mood. Providing you have the time, a good general rule is to make a survey of several shops selling the sort of items you want before coming to a final decision.
Receipts should be obtained for goods you buy. For jewellery you must get a certificate of guarantee as well. Some shops can offer a money-back guarantee but you should clearly determine all conditions with the shopkeeper beforehand.
Paying for Services in Thailand:
* Credit Cards: Major hotels, department stores and upscale shops and restaurants accept major credit cards, such as VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express and AMEX. They can also be used at major banks and some exchange kiosks for cash advances.
* Traveler’s Cheques: Banks, main hotels and most exchange booths cash traveler’s Cheques, generally banks provide the best value as their surcharge is minimal. US dollar traveler’s cheques can be conveniently cashed at all provincial banks and authorized money changers. Traveler’s cheques in other currencies are best changed in Bangkok where better rates prevail.
* Tipping: Traditionally, tipping is not common practice in Thailand. It is customary to tip porters and hotel personnel who have given good personal service but it is not necessary to tip cinema ushers. Between 10 and 50 baht is adequate in almost every circumstance. A 10%-15% tip is appreciated in restaurants, particularly where service charge is waived. Expensive hotels will automatically include a service charge on the bill.
* Taxes and VAT: The tax situation in Thailand is rather confusing and apparently anomalous. Thailand imposes a seven percent value added tax (VAT) on goods and services, generally levied only in upscale hotels, restaurants and shops. All hotels should charge seven percent VAT and some luxury hotels will also add a ten percent services charge on top of their basic rates. Some of the top hotels include tax in the room rates quoted. At small hotels outside the main resorts, tax is rarely charged and service is paid for by tipping. It is not possible to claim VAT back.
Useful Phone Numbers
Airport Bus 0 2535 7481-2
Bangkok Airport (Directory Service) 0 2535 1111
Bus Station -East (Ekamai) 0 2391 8097
North (Mochit) 0 2936 2852-66 ext. 311
Northeast (Mochit) 0 2936 2852-66 ext. 611
South (Pinklao) 0 2435 5605
Crime 195
Health Line 0 2714 3333
Information Service Center 1506
Long Distance Service-Domestic 101
Long Distance Service-International 100
Medical Evacuation and Ambulance Service 0 2255 1133-6
Overseas Subscriber Call 001
Police Emergency 191
Railway Station
-Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lumpong) 0 2223 0341-8
-Bangkok Advance Booking Office 0 2223 3762, 0 2224 7788
-Thonburi Railway Station 0 2411 3102
Telephone Directory Service Center 1133
Time Enquiry 181
Tourist Police 1155
Weather Information Service Center 0 2399 4012-3
Contents
Facts and Figure
National Flag
Historical Background
Geography
Climate
Capital City
Time zone
Population
Politics
Religion
Language
Currency
Entry and Exit
Passports
Visas
Additional Documentations
Minors
Customs Regulations
Currency and Monetary Instruments
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Transportations
Travel in Bangkok
Travel Around
Communications
Local Calls
International Calls
Telephone Rental
Postal Services
Courier Services
Internet and E-mails
Where to go: Special Interests
Bangkok
A Majestic Metropolis on the ‘River of Kings’
Northern Thailand
Gold in the Hills
Northeastern Thailand
A Wealth of History and Traditions
Pattaya
Jewel of Thailand’s East Coast
Puket, Pi Pi and Samui
Treasure Islands of the South
What to eat: Thai Food
Security and Health
Security Overview
Personal Security
Health
Immunizations
Staying Healthy in Thailand
Other Travel Precautions
Cultural Hints
Greeting peopl
Body Language
Royalty
Monk
Etiquette at Wats (Temple)
Suitable Dress
Cultural Do’s and Don’ts
Miscellaneous
Church
Films and Photography
Clothing
Electricity
Business Hours
Banking and Money Exchange
Shopping Tips / Bargaining
Paying for Services in Thailand
Useful Phone Numbers
Facts and Figures
Capital City – Bangkok
Time zone – Time in Thailand is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+ 7).
Population – The population of Thailand is approximately 65,000,000.
Politics – A constitutional monarchy headed by King Bhumibol Adulyadej, with 76 provinces each sub-divided into Amphur (district), Tambon (sub-district) and Mubaan (village).
Religion – 90% of the population in Thailand is Theravada Buddhist. Other religious minorities are Muslims, Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs.
Language – Although Thai is the language spoken in Thailand, English is widely known in major tourist destinations. Thai-English road signs exist nation-wide.
Currency – ฿
The Thai unit of currency is the Baht. A baht is divided into 100 satang. Coins and notes currently in use are as follows:
Coins: 25 and 50 satang; 1, 5 and 10 baht
Banknotes: 20 (green), 50 (blue), 100 (red), 500 (purple) and 1,000 (grey) 40 Baht is approximately US $1.
National Flag – The red, white and Blue bands symbolize the nation, Buddhism and the monarchy respectively.
Historical Background – There are conflicting opinions as to the origins of the Thai. It could say that they originated in Northwestern Szechuan in China and later migrated down to their present homeland. However, this theory has been altered by the discovery of prehistoric artifacts. It now appears that the Thais might have originated here in Thailand and later scattered to various parts of Asia. The country was named “Siam” until 1949. On May11, 1949 an official proclamation named the country “Prathet Thai” or “Thailand” meaning “Land of the Free”.
Geography – Located in Southeast Asia. Thailand has a land area of 513,115 sq. km. (198,114 sq.m.) bordered by Malaysia (South), Myanmar (West & North), Laos (North & East) and Cambodia (Southeast).
Climate – Thailand has a tropical climate with long hours of sunshine. The average low temperature is 20°C (68°F) and the average high temperature is 37°C (98.6°F). The year is split into 3 seasons in Thailand, hot (from March to June), rainy (from July to October) and cool (from November to February).
Entry and Exit
Passports: Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay.
Visas: Many nationalities, including the citizens of most European countries*, Australia and the US, can enter Thailand for up to 30 days without a pre-arranged visa. Proof of a confirmed return flight or other on-going travel arrangements must be presented upon arrival in Thailand. This 30 days period is not extendible.
For visitors from 14 countries**, temporary tourist visa valid for 15 days may be obtained at any of the 23 designated immigration check-points including the four international airports at Bangkok International Airport (Don Muang) at Arrival Hall of the International Passenger Terminal 1 and 2, Chiang Mai airport, Phuket airport and Had Yai airport. Re-Entry permit counter is on 3rd floor of Departure Hall of the International Passenger Terminal 1, Bangkok International Airport.
(For more details, please contact the Thai embassy or consulate in your country or visit www.embassyworld.com)
For those wishing to stay longer, a 60 days tourist visa can be arranged from Thai embassy or consulate prior to arrival in Thailand. A 90 days nonimmigrant visa must be applied for in your home country and required a letter of verification from a Thai source giving a valid reason.
With all visas, entry into Thailand must occur within 90 days of issue. Visa extensions are at the discretion of the Immigration Department in Bangkok or any other immigration office in Thailand with the following: passport with a photocopy, one photo, and the medical certificate (in case of being sick). Over-staying a visa carried a fine of 100 baht per day and can result in serious penalties. For more information, please visit www.police.go.th/trenglish.htm
Documents required for visa’s application are: valid passport, visa application form completely filled in, confirmed air ticket, one recent photo (4x6 cm) and application fee of 800 baht for transit visa valid for 30 days or 1,000 baht for tourist visa valid for 60 days.
(The amounts of money specified above are subject to change. Please check with the Thai embassy or consulate in your country for confirmation)
Additional Documentations: Travelers should have all documentation required for travel and entry to next destination country. This includes tickets.
Minors: 15 years and below inserted in passport of parent/legal guardian must be accompanied by that parent/legal guardian.
Customs Regulations: In Thailand, customs regulations are standard. During an inbound flight you will be given a customs form that must be filled in and handed over at the customs desk after claiming your baggage.
If you have nothing to declare, you may proceed to the Green Channels. If you have goods to declare, i.e. you are carrying articles in commercial quantity or prohibited or restricted articles, and then proceed to the Red Channels. Thai customs restrictions for goods carried into the country are the following: 200 cigarettes, 1 liter of wine or spirits, 1 video camera, 5 rolls of film, 3 video cassettes, 1 item of electrical goods per person.
Cameras, video cameras and portable computers must be declared to the Customs officer in order to confirm outbound accompaniment upon re-entry to Thailand. Jewellery and ornaments are required to go through the Customs formalities at the Outbound Section, Passenger Control Division, Bangkok International Airport Customs Bureau (3rd Floor, International Terminal1).
Currency and Monetary Instruments: Foreign visitors may freely bring in foreign currencies or other types of foreign exchange. Cheques or drafts brought in, if the owner desires to sell, must be sold to a bank. Upon leaving Thailand, they may freely take out all foreign exchange they have brought in.
Foreign visitors may bring in an unlimited amount of Thai currency.
For travelers leaving Thailand, both Thais and foreigners, the maximum amount permitted to take out without prior authorization is 50,000 baht per person or, if they are going to one of Thailand’s neighboring countries: Myanmar, Laos, Malaysia, Cambodia and Vietnam, 500,000 baht per person. Failure to do so may lead to arrest, confiscation of the excess amount involved and/or prosecution.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Prohibited goods are goods for which either the import into or export out of the Kingdom is prohibited e.g., narcotics, pornographic materials, protected wild animals or related products etc. Violators of laws related to illicit drugs, e.g., having and holding, holding for use, or being a producer, seller, or transporter are subject to life imprisonment or the death sentence.
Restricted goods are goods the import and export of which are restricted by law and therefore require a permit from the related government agencies. The following items require a permit from the government agency concerned in order to go through the Customs formalities.
• Firearms, ammunitions, explosive objects (Office of National Police or the local registration office )
• Antiques and artifacts, whether officially registered as art or not,
• Items of historical or archaeological interests and Buddha images, each traveler is permitted one small image of Buddha. (Fine Arts Department)
• Radio transceivers and telecommunications equipment (Post & Telegraph Department)
• Plants and planting materials (Department of Agriculture)
• Live animals, and animal products (Department of Livestock Development)
• Medicines and chemical products (Office of Food and Drugs Administration)
Transportation:
Thailand is a popular launching point for other Southeast Asian destinations, so it is necessary to book hotel, airline tickets or train tickets well in advance. This is especially so during Thailand’s peak tourist season. If you plan to travel during November to February, when flights and hotels are heavily booked, it is wise to make arrangements at least three to six months prior to departure.
Travel in Bangkok
Metered Taxis: Operate in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Hat Yai, distinguishable, by a prominent “Taxi-Meter” sign on the roof. Drivers tend to know only the names and locations of the major hotels and sights.
Public Buses: Orange, white or blue air-conditioned buses and pink and grey microbuses are comfortable and cover the popular routes. Ordinary (non-air conditioned) white, cream and red buses and green minibuses are cheap and cover all of Bangkok and run into night.
Riverboats: Express riverboats with conductors serve popular piers on the Chao Phraya River, running every 10-15 minutes. Ferries also link east and west banks.
Samlors (3 wheeled, bicycle rickshaw), Songthaews (trucks with seats installed in the bed of the truck) and Tuk Tuks (3 wheeled, open-air automobiles) are widely available transportations in Bangkok and provincial capitals. You need to negotiate a price before climbing into either typically between baht 30-60 is reasonable for short hops.
Skytrain: The Bangkok Transit System (BTS) travels between the business districts in Bangkok. It comprises two routes: the Sukhumvit Route (14 km.) and the Silom Route (9 km.) with and interchange at the Siam Center.
Underground: The Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) travels between Bangkok railway station (Hua Lumphong) and Bang Sue railway station (22 km.), which connects with the BTS System on the Sukhumvit route.
Travel Around
Air: Domestic flights within Thailand are easy and cut journey times considerably with provincial airports dotted generously around the country. Flights to surrounding countries are cheaper if booked with any authorized Thai travel agents.
Departure tax for passengers departing on international flights from Bangkok International Airport or Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Koh Samui or Phuket must pay a baht 500 departure per person. For domestic flights the departure tax ranges from baht 40 to baht 50 – except for Koh Samui, where the fee is baht 400. Check with the airline whether these taxes are included in the price of your ticket.
Bus: Well-maintained, long distance buses connect all major cities to Bangkok and provincial buses serve all smaller towns and many villages. Long distance buses run from the Eastern (Ekamai), Northern and Northeastern (Mochit) and Southern (Pinklao) bus terminals in Bangkok. Buses can be faster than trains, overnight services are popular and VIP buses have the best facilities.
Boat to the Islands: Scheduled ferries are always erratic since their service is dependent on the weather conditions. Regular services are available to Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao from Surat Thani. Koh Pi Pi is served from Phuket and Krabi. Smaller islands have less regular services, sometimes just a makeshift ferry run by local fishermen. Travel agents will be able to give you rough timetables. Many services stop in the rainy season.
Car Hire / Rental: Those possessing valid International Driving Licenses may prefer to hire automobiles. English- language road signs and maps are commonplace. The Bangkok Yellow Pages list local and international automobile rental companies. Visitors are advised to shop around since most companies offer different conditions. Self-drive and chauffeur-driven automobiles are widely available. International car hire companies such as Avis and Hertz also operate in Pattaya, Hat Yai, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Samui Island.
Train: Thailand’s railroad system known as the SRT (State Railway of Thailand) with for major rail routes connecting Bangkok with the North (Chiang Mai), the Northeast (Nong Khai), the East (Cha Choeng Sao) and the South (Sungai Kolok).
Train tickets of all classes may be purchased 90 days in advance at principal stations and at the Advance Booking Office in Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lumphong). Some major travel agents in Bangkok also provide train reservation services. To obtain further information, please contact the Bangkok Advance Booking Office.
Communications:
Thailand’s communication network is be increasingly sophisticated. It is possible to make international calls and send faxes or access to the internet and send e-mails from all business centers and main hotels. Public phones and internet cafés can be found on main roads and many minors one in provincial cities. The postal system, however, can be erratic; if you are sending valuables it is advisable to use courier services. Local Calls: Calls can be dialed throughout Bangkok and greater Bangkok at one baht for the first three minutes. Your calling time is limited, do have some coins handy to continue the call if needed. In-country long distance calls are charged according to destination while calling to mobile phones is charged at three baht per minutes. International Calls: International phone calls can be made easily from mid to upper level hotels. There is direct dialing to and from more than 50 countries on five continents. Rates for calling out of the country are normally considerably higher than for calling in so if you expect a long conversation you might save some money by having your party call back if possible. If you can't call from your hotel, go to the General Post Office (GPO) on major post offices, and call from special booths for overseas calls. At Bangkok International Airport, you can be made at Credit Card Telephone booths or Post and Telegraph Offices located in the departure and arrival lobbies. Pre-paid international phone cards can be purchase and used from specified phone booths such as Lenso or any phone to make international calls. They are generally available in places such as; post offices, bookstores, department stores and mini-marts. Prices are Baht 300, 500 and 1000. o Operator assisted international calls Dial 100 + (country code) + (area code) + (telephone number) o Direct international calls Dial 001 + (country code) + (area code) + (telephone number) Telephone Rental: Rental of cellular telephones is available to arriving passengers at the counter in the arrival hall at Bangkok International Airport other provincial airports around the country. Postal Services: Thailand's mail service is reliable and efficient. Major hotels provide basic postal services on their premises. Be wary of sending valuable items through the mail as parcels have been known to go astray. Greater reliability can usually be assured by sending letters and packages by registered mail or via International Express Mail (EMS). Courier Services: The major international courier companies such as DHL, FedEx and TNT operate in Thailand so it is easy to have goods air freighted home. However, for very heavy items, shipping is the better option. Internet and E-mails: Major hotels often provide the internet service for guests. However, should be aware that as with phone calls, hotels add a heavy markup for the service. It can be cheaper to take advantage of the internet service available at the internet cafés that can be found on main roads in provincial cities or larger tourist areas. Typically, baht 30-60 per hour.
Where to go: Special Interests
Thailand is endowed with a wealth of natural resources which serve as a backdrop for business and leisure travelers. The scenery is rich and varied ranging from misty mountains and lush rain forests in the north, through the flat emerald rice fields of the central plains, to white sandy beaches and magnificent tropical islands along the eastern seaboard and throughout the south.
Bangkok: A Majestic Metropolis on the ‘River of Kings’
Thailand’s capital city, straddling the great Chao Phraya River, the mighty ‘River of Kings’. First impressions are of a bustling modern international metropolis but if you look closer you will find a magical kingdom hidden away among the high-rises and shopping center.
Bangkok's major tourism attractions include:
o The fabulous Wat Phra Keo (Emerald Buddha Chapel) and Grand Palace complex.
o Famous temples: Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn); Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha): Wat Saket (Golden Mount): Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple).
o Wirnan Mek Palace, favorite residence of King Chulalongkorn (1868-1910) and the world's largest golden teak building.
o The fabulous royal barges
o The Pasteur Institute's Snake Farm where poisonous snakes are fed daily and venom is 'milked' from cobras and krauts to make invaluable serum
o Jim Thompson's House Museum which contains a superb collection of Asian objects d'art
o Suan Packard Palace's lacquer pavilion, which is decorated with medieval gold leaf murals
o The world's largest Crocodile Farm
o The Ancient City: a 200-acre open-air museum
Northern Thailand: Gold in the Hills
Northern Thailand, home of the ancient Lanna kingdom, offers a great diversity of activities. The scenery of Northern Thailand is stupendous: mountains, forests, rice fields set in verdant valleys and several spectacular national parks.
The Northern’s major tourism attractions include:
o Jungle treks in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, these 2-6 day treks take visitors through forested mountains and high meadows the lower extremities of Himalayan foothills. Major attractions are remote hill tribe villages. Mountains surrounding Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai host seven major, once-itinerant hill tribes of Tibet- Burma origin – the Meo, Lisu, Lahu, Yao, Akha, Lawa and Karen. Each has distinctive dialects, costumes and customs. o Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai, incorporates the highest mountain in Thailand. Visitors come for the stunning scenery, including several waterfalls and rich wildlife. o Orchid Farms establishments in Chiang Mai province welcome visitors who may wish to admire, purchase or learn more about these fabled blooms. o Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, 28 kilometers outside Lampang on the main highway to Chiang Mai. Logging training sessions for young elephants are held daily at 9.00 am in an attractive forest setting, and visitors are welcome.
Northeastern Thailand: A Wealth of History and Traditions
Known locally as Isan, the northeast has an extremely rich history. One of the first areas in the world where rice was cultivated, silk woven and bronze produced.
The Northeastern's major tourism attractions include:
o Prasat Hin Phimai in Korat or Nakhon Ratchasima, dating from the 11th-12th centuries, is one of the most extensively restored Khmer temple complexes in Thailand.
o Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Ratchasima, is one of over 60 protected parks in Thailand and the perfect place to observe the country’s exotic wildlife at close quarters.
o An archaeological site Ban Chiang, 50 kilometers east of Udon Thani, unearthed the remains of a Bronze Age civilization that flourished over 5,000 years ago.
Pattaya: Jewel of Thailand’s East Coast
For complete change of pace there in the sun-and-fun centre of Pattaya Province, just two hours drive southeast of Bangkok. Here you will find an endless variety of water sports plus horseback-riding, go-kart racing and bungee jumping. For Golfers, there are many international courses, designed by pros like Nick Faldo and Jack Nicklaus. And for children, there are water parks, a model village and an open zoo.
Puket, Pi Pi and Samui: Treasure Islands of the South
Three lush tropical islands, Samui in the Gulf of Thailand and Phuket and Pi Pi in the Andaman Sea, offer all the ingredients for truly memorable holidays. Both boast luxury accommodation, numerous water sport activities and opportunities for exploring neighboring islands.
Phuket also has three international golf courses, including one chosen as the venue for the 1994 Johnis Wlaker Classic. Island-hopping is a popular pursuit and both Pi Pi and Similans feature magnificent underwater coral gardens, populated by multi-hued tropical fish-a heaven for snorkellers and scuba divers.
Where to eat: Thai Food
Thai Food offers a variety of flavors and discoveries. The subtle combination of spices, herbs, and market-fresh ingredients that has made it so popular around the world differs from region to region and thus makes dining a special culinary experience wherever on goes. Plenty of 'seasoning' ingredients such as garlic, onions, galangal root, ginger, basil, tamarind juice, lemon grass, mint, chilies and lime go into the making of Thai cuisine. Rice forms the staple of most Thai meals and this is eaten with one or two curries, seafood/pork, soup, and vegetables (usually salad). Red and green chilies are always discreetly mixed into the food, which can take the uninitiated by surprise and food can range from the mild to fiery hot. Below are some that you could try while you are in Thailand. Dessert may consist of fresh fruit or on of the many traditional Thai sweets. A century or so ago, meals were eaten by hand, pressing the rice into small balls and then dipping into the other dishes; today most Thai food is already cut into small pieces before serving or made soft enough to be cut with a spoon or forks, as well as chopsticks for Chinese-type noodles.
Crab, Shrimp and Bean Thread Noodle Clay pot (Poo/ Gung Op Wunsen) This fragrant dish is a popular offering in the seafood market cafes and garden restaurants of Thailand. Once the dish is cooked, the pot is carried straight from the burner to the table sizzling hot, with the savory aromas escaping from under the lid.
o Pork Satay (Mooh Satay) Although the concept of satay, cooking meats on skewers, originated in Indonesia, it has been enthusiastically adopted by nearly every Southeast Asian cuisine and fashioned to suit the local taste and palate. o Fish Cakes with Pickled Cucumber Relish (Tod Mun) Asian fish cakes tend to have a spongy texture that appeals to the Asian palate. They are traditionally made with a mild whitefish, although salmon makes a delicious substitute. Fresh fish paste, ground daily.
Massaman Curry (Gang Massamam) This dish, based on a Thai and Muslim combination includes potatoes, peanuts, and five-spice powder, is one of the best. For this spicy dish, a Chenin Blanc wine from the Loire Valley in France or from California is a good match.
o Stir-fried Thai Noodles (Pad Thai) Although this dish is traditionally made with flat rice stick noodles, thin dried rice vermicelli can also be used. Dried shrimp and preserved radishes can be difficult to find, but the considerable flavor and texture they provide make them well worth the search. o Chiang Mai Curry Noodle Soup (Khao Soi) Although this noodle soup from Thailand is delicious served plain, a variety of crispy, tasty toppings deliver an exciting flavor boost and lively textures.
o Thai Coconut Chicken Soup (Tom Khaa Gai) A signature dish of Thailand, also works beautifully with a Western menu. In winter, its herbal flavors of galangal, lemongrass and kefir lime warm the body; in summer, its characteristic lightness makes it pleasingly refreshing. o Mangoes with Sticky Rice (Khao Niau Mamuang) If you cannot find good-quality mangoes for this dish, nectarines, papayas or peaches can be substituted. This recipe uses sticky rice, which is also known as glutinous rice. English is spoken in large restaurants in tourist provinces; and most establishments have menus in Thai and English, except street-side food stalls and some small restaurants.
Security and Health
Security Overview: Thailand is a fairly safe country. The crime rate in Thailand is moderate. Theft of personal property in beach resort areas is endemic. Public buses and trains are generally safe for travel, but petty crime is a concern. Although legitimate taxis generally provide good service, a series of murders of foreign tourists in late 1998 and early 1999 prompted local authorities to advise travelers against taking unlicensed taxis from the airport. Hotel limousines or private cars/drivers are preferable.
Large-scale demonstrations and protests do not occur often in Thailand, but travel may be impeded by general strikes. Public transportation and other services are severely affected during strike periods. Labor unions may hold large demonstrations. Most demonstrations occur in urban areas and are generally peaceful.
International terrorism is not a concern in Thailand. Thai officials maintain a high level of security awareness and actively conduct terrorist investigations. The threat of terrorism is moderate in Thailand but current intelligence suggests that it is increasingly at risk. Domestic terrorist activity is mostly conducted by Muslim separatists active in the southern regions of Narathiwat, Pattalung, Pattani and Yala. Groups such as Bersatu, the Pattani United Liberation Organization (PULO), Mujahedin and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) have conducted attacks in southern Thailand. Targets included military and government buildings, police stations, schools, Buddhist temples and public transportation.
Thai and Malaysian authorities have agreed to improve the security situation along the border, where many rebels operate. Attacks on police and military personnel and installations are common in the southern regions.
Border areas are sometimes precarious places. Changing political conditions tribal skirmishes and the haziness of border lines have made some areas of Thailand dangerous. Travel to this region should be avoided.
Personal Security: Simple safety precautions keep the vast majority of travelers out of trouble.
o Beware of hustlers and pickpockets when in remote or poorer parts of the city at night.
o Should be especially alert in crowded buses, streets and markets.
o Limit use to daylight hours and avoid routes that service poorer areas.
o Should avoid taking taxis alone at night and women should maintain a high level of awareness.
o Should avoid straying from populated areas if possible.
o Try not to be alone on beaches, even at the best resorts.
o Do not accept food or drink from strangers. Drugging is a common way for thieves to incapacitate tourists before robbing or assaulting them.
o Do not flash large amount of money or leave your luggage unattended.
o Buy valuable items such as antiques and jewelry (gems) only from reputable dealers.
o Credit card fraud is a concern. Limit credit card use to high-end restaurants, hotels and stores and demand receipts for all purchases and monitor all transactions closely.
o Do not let credit cards out of sight when buying goods and safeguard them when not in use.
o Beware of persons posing as guides. A tour guide should be hired from a Tourism Authority of Thailand counter or from a reputable guide service.
o Should never agree to transport packages or luggage of strangers anywhere. Drug traffickers sometimes try to recruit unsuspecting travelers by offering them free return trips to Thailand in exchange for transporting luggage or packages containing drugs.
o Never accept any gift from anyone that is not a trusted friend.
o Keep away from troubled border areas.
Health: The infrastructure of emergency services for health is efficient throughout Bangkok and provincial capitals. The main resorts and other large cities have modern equipments and doctors, many of whom are Western-trained and speak good English. Hospitals in Bangkok both public and private are modern, clean and efficient, although waiting times are longer at public ones.
There is no shortage of well-stocked pharmacies in Bangkok and provincial capitals. There will be several on every main street and shopping mall and supermarkets will have drugstores kiosks. They are all supplied with up-to-date medications and can dispense antibiotics over the counter without a prescription.
Immunizations: There are no legal immunization requirements unless you are traveling from a country known to be infected with yellow fever. The types of immunizations a person needs to travel internationally vary by person and by country or region. It is best to begin consultation for immunizations well before you travel, to allow time for protection to become effective. Some vaccines need to be given separately or in stages, Malaria tablets, meanwhile, are started a week before leaving and continued for several weeks after returning. For the reasons it is advisable to contact your doctor at least six week before departure.
You can directly contact nearest medical institution for personalized counsel concerning your health and international travel or any travel clinic specializing in international travel medicine. Travel agents may also be able to assist you in locating the nearest facility. The World Health Organization (WHO) also offers advice for international travel and health.
For further clarification please look up the CDC or WHO websites at: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/seasia.htm,
http://www.who.int
In addition to vaccines, prescription medications can be important.
Traveler's Diarrhea (TD): Travelers who will visit areas of questionable sanitation can carry an antibiotic to be used in case traveler's diarrhea develops, or in some cases, as prophylaxis against traveler's diarrhea. A zithromycin is the antibiotic of choice for prophylaxis and treatment of traveler's diarrhea in Thailand.
Malaria: All travelers to risk areas of Thailand should receive medication to prevent malaria. There is no risk of malaria in cities and most major tourist resorts, but antibiotic resistant malaria has been reported in the areas bordering Cambodia and Myanmar.
Staying Healthy in Thailand: For your visit to the host country, you will want to take some preparatory steps to protect your health. The stress of travel and changes in climate and diet can make you more susceptible to various illnesses. We strongly recommend you take preventative measures now as you prepare for your travel. Please check the latest health regulations with your local Health Office. Construction is strenuous physical activity and you will be working in an unfamiliar climate. If you have any health concerns or limitations, we trust that you will provide us with full detail in your emergency contact information. This information will be kept confidential.
To Stay Healthy:
• Wash hands often with soap and water.
• Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles.
• Drink a lot of water OFTEN. Tea and drinks rich in mineral salts are recommended in cases of exhaustion. Unless contraindicated, the addition of a little table salt to food or drinks helps to prevent heat exhaustion, especially during the period of acclimatization.
• Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it.
• Protect yourself from insects by remaining in well-screened areas, using repellents and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants from dusk through dawn.
• Avoid insect bites, especially mosquito bites, to protect yourself from other diseases, such as dengue fever.
• Keep feet clean and dry and do not go barefoot to prevent fungal and parasitic infections.
• Avoid blood products, and always use latex condoms to reduce risk of HIV and Hepatitis B
To Avoid Getting Sick:
• Don’t eat cold, stale, or raw food purchased from street vendors. Only piping hot!
• Don’t eat dairy products unless you know they have been pasteurized.
• Don’t share needles with anyone.
• Don’t handle animals (especially monkeys, dogs, and cats), to avoid bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague).
• Don’t swim in fresh water. Swimming pools and salt water is usually safer.
Other Travel Precautions: For information of a non-medical nature including civil unrest, crime, or natural disasters (such as earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding, forest fires etc.) you may want to check the U.S. State Department consular information sheets or warnings by country at http://travel.state.gov
Cultural Hints
It is not by accident that Thailand is often referred to as “the land of smile”. The Thais are exceptionally friendly and helpful people, and getting along with them is easy-simply smile wide and laughs a lot. Being Buddhists, they are an amazingly tolerant people. Avoiding offensive behavior can generally be achieved through simple courtesy and common sense. A few taboos do exist, though, mostly with regard to the monarchy and Buddhism.
Greeting people: The Thai greeting is known as the wai and consists of the palms being pressed together and lifted towards the chin. If someone wais you, you should wai back (except wai-ed by child).
Body Language: The head is considered a sacred part of the body by Thais. The feet are seen as the lowliest part of the body.
Royalty: The royal family is the most revered institution in Thailand. Criticizing or defaming it in any way can be considered lèse-majesté. Not only could this mean a jail sentence but Thai people will nearly always be deeply offended.
Monk: The monkshood is a respected institution that comes just below royalty in the social hierarchy.
Etiquette at Wats (Temple): As in churches and other houses of worship, a certain decorum should be observed when entering the grounds of any Wat.
Suitable Dress: Because the Thais are modest people, clothing should be kept respectable whether you are in the city or in the country. Dress properly; wear clothing that covers ones arms and knees. Miniskirts, shorts and sleeveless shirts are not allowed when visiting a temple.
Cultural Do’s and Don’ts: Polite behavior is welcomed everywhere, and what is considered polite in other countries is probably considered polite in Thailand, too. Below you will find a list of cultural do’s and don’ts:
Cultural Do’s
• Be respectful of each other “waiing” when greeting each other.
• Be respectful of elders by serving or addressing them first in social
situations.
• Be respectful of the monarchy by standing when the royal anthem is played –
this occurs before a movie is show in the theatres and at special
occasions.
• Be respectful of the Thai Government by standing when the national anthem
is played – this occurs at 8:00am and at 6:00pm daily.
• Be respectful of the Buddhist religion by observing their guidelines.
• Always take your shoes off when entering Buddhist Temple, private Thai
homes; chapels where Buddhist images are kept; and any of the Islamic
community’s mosques.
• Monks are not to touch or be touched by women.
• Visitors should dress neatly in all religious shrines. They should never go
shirtless, or in shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attire.
• Do not sit on or put your arms around Buddhist images. Each Buddha image,
large or small, ruined or not, is regarded as being a sacred object. Never
climb onto one to take a photograph or do anything that might show lack of
respect.
• Never sit with your feet pointing toward all Buddha images. Some areas of a
temple may be off limits for women-there is usually a sign indicating so.
• The intimacies between man and woman should not be shown in public.
• Sunbathing in the nude is prohibited.
Cultural Don’ts: However, their and a few cultural pitfalls, mainly social and religious taboos, the breaking of which can cause offence:
• Be boisterous in public places, unless it is during a festival or holiday.
• Point at things or people with your feet or rest them on a table is
considered rude.
• Touch a Thai person’s head, especially an elderly. A sincere apology should
be offered immediately if you touch someone’s head unintentionally.
• Touch Thai women without their consent. Generally, they are conservative.
• Step over people sitting around you.
• Step on a coin or paper money intentionally, as this is disrespectful of
the King (his picture is on all Thai currency)
• Outward expressions of anger are regarded as crude and boorish. The visitor
who remains calm and smiles appreciatively will find all sorts of doors
open to him.
Miscellaneous
Church: Christian churches are found in Bangkok and most provincial capitals. Services are mostly in Thai, with certain services in English, French and German. Local English-language newspapers provide comprehensive listings of services in Bangkok.
Films and Photography: Camera films in Thailand should be stored in relatively cool conditions as heat and humidity lead to rapid deterioration. Major international film manufacturers maintain excellent photo finishing laboratories. Instant developing can be done within one hour. Popular films are available countrywide at reasonable prices.
Still photographers are free to shoot almost everything but as in any country, it is polite to ask first before photographing. Movie cameras are not allowed without permission in Bangkok's Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Chapel complex. Photography is also prohibited in certain branches of the National Museum.
Clothing: As the climate in Thailand is generally hot and humid, it is advisable to dress in cool, nonrestricting clothes made from natural fibers. Thin cotton is the best. A jacket or sweater may be necessary in the cool season, especially in a mountainous area in the North or Northeast.
Throughout Thailand, the rainy season brings sudden downpours, a light raincoat is handy. If visiting temple, appropriate dress is required, as is easily removable footwear.
Electricity: The electric current is 220 volt AC, 50 cycles throughout the country. Travelers with shavers, tape recorders and other appliances should carry a plug-adapter kit. Adaptors can be bought in any department store or electrical store, the better hotels will, makes available 110 volt transformers.
Business Hours: Almost all destinations and sights in Thailand can be visited throughout the year, though accommodations on, and ferries to, some of the southern islands may be limited during the rainy season.
In general, most offices open from 08.30 a.m.-05.00 p.m. Monday to Friday. General banking hour are Monday to Friday 08.30am-03.30 pm., except public and bank holidays. Major tourist attractions open at 08.00 a.m. or 09.00 a.m. and close any time between 03.30 p.m. and 06.00 p.m. A few also shut for lunch between noon and 01.00 p.m. Most major sights are open daily, but some national museums close for public holidays and on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Large department stores are usually open daily 10.00 a.m.-09.00 p.m. In small towns markets are usually held on a daily basis.
Banking and Money Exchange: Throughout Bangkok and the main provincial towns, banking facilities and exchange services are plentiful. Thai and foreign banks provide standard services nation-wide, major foreign currencies can be exchanged for Thai baht with banks and authorized money changers. Exchange booths are usually located in the central parts of towns and mobile exchange units are stationed near larger tourist attractions. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) can be found in all cities. The major banks can also organize international money transfers.
The currency exchange counters and ATMs are available in the Departure and Arrival Halls of international and domestic airports and are open to service 24-hrs, 7 days a week. Many first-class hotels provide 24-hrs money exchange services, but only for major currencies such as American dollars, British pounds, German marks and Swiss francs. Traveler’s cheques are generally accepted only from bona fide hotel guests.
Shopping Tips / Bargaining: Bargaining is an art long practiced in Asian countries including Thailand. It is always a good idea to ask about “special rates” or the possibility of a reduction in price. It is not considered impolite to ask, so feel free to ask for a proper discount when shopping in places where prices are not marked.
Department stores and a number of shops in Bangkok have fixed prices, but at most of the others bargaining is acceptable and expected. No fixed rules can be given on the process, depending as it does on the bargainer's skill and the shopkeeper's mood. Providing you have the time, a good general rule is to make a survey of several shops selling the sort of items you want before coming to a final decision.
Receipts should be obtained for goods you buy. For jewellery you must get a certificate of guarantee as well. Some shops can offer a money-back guarantee but you should clearly determine all conditions with the shopkeeper beforehand.
Paying for Services in Thailand:
* Credit Cards: Major hotels, department stores and upscale shops and restaurants accept major credit cards, such as VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express and AMEX. They can also be used at major banks and some exchange kiosks for cash advances.
* Traveler’s Cheques: Banks, main hotels and most exchange booths cash traveler’s Cheques, generally banks provide the best value as their surcharge is minimal. US dollar traveler’s cheques can be conveniently cashed at all provincial banks and authorized money changers. Traveler’s cheques in other currencies are best changed in Bangkok where better rates prevail.
* Tipping: Traditionally, tipping is not common practice in Thailand. It is customary to tip porters and hotel personnel who have given good personal service but it is not necessary to tip cinema ushers. Between 10 and 50 baht is adequate in almost every circumstance. A 10%-15% tip is appreciated in restaurants, particularly where service charge is waived. Expensive hotels will automatically include a service charge on the bill.
* Taxes and VAT: The tax situation in Thailand is rather confusing and apparently anomalous. Thailand imposes a seven percent value added tax (VAT) on goods and services, generally levied only in upscale hotels, restaurants and shops. All hotels should charge seven percent VAT and some luxury hotels will also add a ten percent services charge on top of their basic rates. Some of the top hotels include tax in the room rates quoted. At small hotels outside the main resorts, tax is rarely charged and service is paid for by tipping. It is not possible to claim VAT back.
Useful Phone Numbers
Airport Bus 0 2535 7481-2
Bangkok Airport (Directory Service) 0 2535 1111
Bus Station -East (Ekamai) 0 2391 8097
North (Mochit) 0 2936 2852-66 ext. 311
Northeast (Mochit) 0 2936 2852-66 ext. 611
South (Pinklao) 0 2435 5605
Crime 195
Health Line 0 2714 3333
Information Service Center 1506
Long Distance Service-Domestic 101
Long Distance Service-International 100
Medical Evacuation and Ambulance Service 0 2255 1133-6
Overseas Subscriber Call 001
Police Emergency 191
Railway Station
-Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lumpong) 0 2223 0341-8
-Bangkok Advance Booking Office 0 2223 3762, 0 2224 7788
-Thonburi Railway Station 0 2411 3102
Telephone Directory Service Center 1133
Time Enquiry 181
Tourist Police 1155
Weather Information Service Center 0 2399 4012-3
# posted by Enzo : 10:30 AM
Comments:
<< Home
Hello Enzo,
After reading your blog I am even more enthusiastic (if possible) about joining your team this June! I would love the opportunity to travel to Thailand and experience its rich culture while, at the same time, making a contribution. I believe I have a lot of great energy that I can bring to your team. I understand you may only have a few spots left but I just wanted to let you know how much I would like to be considered for one of them. I hope to hear from you soon!
Diana
Post a Comment
After reading your blog I am even more enthusiastic (if possible) about joining your team this June! I would love the opportunity to travel to Thailand and experience its rich culture while, at the same time, making a contribution. I believe I have a lot of great energy that I can bring to your team. I understand you may only have a few spots left but I just wanted to let you know how much I would like to be considered for one of them. I hope to hear from you soon!
Diana
<< Home
