Thailand

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Thailand. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html

US Embassy/Consulate

[66] (2) 205-4000; US Embassy Bangkok, 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; acsbkk@state.gov; https://th.usembassy.gov/

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

Telephone Code

66

Local Emergency Phone

Ambulance: 191; Fire: 199; Police: 191

Vaccinations

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Thailand: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to September); dry, cool northeast monsoon (November to mid-March); southern isthmus always hot and humid

Currency (Code)

Baht (THB)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): A, B, C, O

Plug Type APlug Type BPlug Type CPlug Type O

Major Languages

Thai, Malay, Burmese

Major Religions

Buddhist 94.6%, Muslim 4.3%, Christian 1%

Time Difference

UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Suggested

Road Driving Side

Left

Tourist Destinations

Bangkok (includes Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew & Wat Pho, Prasart Museum); Railay Beach; Koh Phi Phi; Sunday Walking Street; Khao Yai National Park; Ban Chiang; Chang Mai

Major Sports

Muay thai (Thai boxing), soccer, badminton, golf, tennis

Cultural Practices

In Thailand, the head is considered the scared part of the body and not to be touched without permission.

Tipping Guidelines

A 10% tip is adequate in restaurants, but check to see if a service charge has been added; if so, leave behind some loose change. It is common to round up the fare to the nearest bill in taxi cabs. Most hotels include a 10% service charge in the bill, but you can tip bellhops $1-2 (USD) for carrying bags to a room. Leave housekeeping 20 baht under your pillow.

Souvenirs

Buddha statues, silk harem pants and other fabric items, Hill Tribe bags, spices and sauces

Traditional Cuisine

Pad Thai — stir-fried rice noodles with scrambled eggs, fish sauce, dried shrimp, tamarind pulp, bean sprouts, roasted crushed peanuts, and tofu; if meat is added it is typically chicken or pork


Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Wednesday, March 27, 2024