Essential Information

Language
The spoken and written language is Thai. However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial language. English and some European Languages are spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants in major tourist destinations, and Thai-English road and street signs are found nationwide.

Health/Water
All Thailand tourism destinations and provincial capitals have hospitals and clinics staffed by well-trained doctors and nurses. In the case of an emergency, an ambulance can be summoned from any private hospital. Major public and private hospitals are equipped with the latest medical technology and internationally qualified specialists. Almost all pharmaceuticals are widely available.

Tap water is clean but drinking from it directly should be avoided. Bottled water is recommended.

Safety
Visitors to major Thai cities are advised to keep an eye on their passports and credit cards and ensure they don't carry around too much money or jewelry. In Bangkok visitors should be aware of scams, often involving gems recommended by kind strangers.

Political Demonstration Update
Since the beginning of 2006 numerous political demonstrations have taken place in Bangkok and provincial towns, and more demonstrations are expected due to opposition to the Prime Minister. On 19 September 2006 the commander of the army established a Reform Council to take over the administration of the country; a state of martial law has been declared in 35 provinces (excluding Bangkok), and although the situation in Bangkok remains calm, visitors are encouraged to avoid all government buildings and military personnel.

Climate
Thailand boasts a tropical climate with three distinct seasons-hot and dry from February to May (average temperature 34 degrees Celsius and 75% humidity); rainy with plenty of sunshine from June to October (average day temperature 29 degrees Celsius and 87% humidity); and cool from November to January (temperatures range from 32 degrees Celsius to below 20 degrees Celsius with a drop in humidity).

Much lower temperatures are experienced in the North and Northeast during nighttime. The South has a tropical rainforest climate with temperatures averaging 28 degrees Celsius almost all year round.

Seasons
There are three main seasons in Thailand:
Dry Season- March to May
Rainy Season - June to October
Cool Season - November to February

Time Zone
The time in Thailand is seven hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+7 hours GMT).

Electricity and Public Services
The electric current in Thailand is 220 volt AC (50 cycles) throughout the country. Many different types of plugs and sockets are in use. Travelers with electric shavers, hair dryers, tape recorders and other appliances should carry a plug adapter kit. They offer 110-volt transformers upon request at check-in.

Currency
The Baht is the standard currency unit.
Current exchange rate is:
1 US Dollar = 35.86482 Thai Baht
1 Thai Baht (THB) = 0.02788 US Dollar (USD)
Bank Notes:  20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 baht
Coins: 1, 5, and 10 baht

In Thailand, currency can be exchanged at the airport, banks, hotels and bureaux de change. Banks are open Monday to Friday. ATMs are available in most cities and tourist resorts. Travelers checks are accepted by most large hotels and shops, but a better rate will be given at banks. Most major credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger businesses.

Banks
Thailand's central bank is the Bank of Thailand. Major Thai commercial banks include the Bangkok Bank, Siam Commercial Bank, Krung Thai Bank, Thai Farmers Bank and Thai Military Bank. Business hours are 0830 - 1530 hours, Monday to Friday. Several international banks also have offices in Thailand.

Tipping
Tipping is not a usual practice in Thailand although it is becoming more common. Most hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxi drivers do not require a tip, but the gesture is appreciated.

Business Hours
Thailand government and business offices are open from 0830 to 1630 hours, Monday to Friday.