Thailand

EXPLORE THAILAND Your Comprehensive Destination Guide At a Glance Total area: 513,120 square kilometers (198,115 square miles) Capital: Bangkok Religion: Predominantly Buddhism and Taoism; also Christianity and folk religions Population: Approximately 70 million Language: Thai (official), English (widely spoken in tourist areas) Currency: Thai Baht (THB) Banking Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 am–3:30 pm; some banks open on Saturday mornings Telephone/Communication: The country code is +66; excellent mobile network coverage and widespread Wi-Fi hotspots in cities and tourist areas Climate: Tropical, with three seasons: hot (March-June), rainy (July-October), and cool (November-February)   VAT in Thailand Foreign tourists can get a VAT refund for eligible purchases made in Thailand! Who qualifies? Non-Thai nationals visiting Thailand for tourism. You must depart Thailand by air within 60 days of the purchase. The total number of purchases from a single store in one day must be at least 2,000 THB (around $55 USD). How to claim a VAT refund Shop at participating stores with a “VAT Refund for Tourists” sign. Ask for a P.P.10 form when you purchase (you’ll need your passport). At the airport before check-in: Present goods and forms at the Customs Export Inspection Counter. After check-in and security, go to the VAT Refund Office at the airport with stamped forms to claim your refund. Additional Notes: Goods must be taken out of Thailand within 60 days. Refunds are issued via cash (small amounts), credit card, or bank draft. You can’t claim VAT refunds on: Prohibited or restricted goods (e.g., guns, gems) Services (like hotels or dining) Items consumed or used in Thailand Travel Requirements Entry & Visa Visa-Free Entry: U.S. passport holders can enter Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa. Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date. Proof of Onward Travel: You may be asked to show evidence of a return or onward ticket. Financial Proof: Travelers should be prepared to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover their stay. Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) Effective May 1, 2025, all foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC): Submission Window: Complete the TDAC online within 72 hours before arrival. Applicability: This requirement applies to all travelers, regardless of visa status. Information Required: Personal details, travel itinerary, accommodation information, and a health declaration. Submission Portal: Access the TDAC form through the Thailand Immigration Bureau’s official website. Upcoming Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) Starting June 2025, Thailand will implement an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for travelers entering under the visa exemption program. Requirement: All visa-exempt travelers must obtain an ETA before their trip. Application Process: Submit an online application through the Thai E-Visa portal, providing documentation such as a valid passport, travel itinerary, and accommodation details. Purpose: The ETA aims to enhance border security and expedite entry procedures. Health & Vaccination Yellow Fever Vaccination: Required only if arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. COVID-19: No vaccination or testing requirements are currently in place. General Health: It’s advisable to stay updated on routine vaccinations and consult a healthcare provider before travel. Additional Tips Customs Declarations: Declare any currency exceeding USD 20,000 upon entry or exit. Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended to cover unforeseen medical or travel-related incidents. Local Laws & Etiquette: Familiarize yourself with Thai customs and legal regulations to ensure a respectful and lawful visit. Getting there from the US Direct flights from major cities like Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and New York (JFK) to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) Flight duration approx. 17-20 hours, depending on route and stops   Travel Safety Tips   Before You Go: General Safety Thailand is generally safe; it is one of Southeast Asia’s most visited countries, and most trips are incident-free. Watch out for petty theft. Pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in tourist-heavy areas, night markets, and crowded public transport. Use anti-theft bags and stay alert. Avoid political demonstrations – Protests can happen, especially in Bangkok. While usually peaceful, they can disrupt travel and sometimes escalate. Emergency Contacts Tourist Police (English-speaking): 1155 General Emergency (Police): 191 Ambulance/Fire: 199 Natural Hazards The monsoon season runs from May to October, especially in the south. Be cautious of flooding and rough seas. Ocean safety—Observe red flag warnings at beaches. Rip currents and jellyfish can be a hazard. Mosquito-borne illnesses: Dengue fever and, in rare cases, malaria can be risks in rural areas. Use repellent and sleep under nets if trekking. Transportation Safety Avoid renting motorbikes if you lack experience, as accidents involving tourists are common. Always wear a helmet. When using tuk-tuks and taxis, negotiate fares upfront with tuk-tuk drivers or insist that taxi drivers use the meter. Use Grab (ride-share app) for fair pricing. Night buses—Stick with reputable companies and keep valuables on you, not in the baggage hold. Health & Hygiene Stick to bottled water; tap water isn’t considered drinkable. Pharmacies are widely available—Thailand has well-stocked pharmacies, but always carry your prescription meds in original containers. Medical care—Thailand has excellent hospitals, especially in major cities. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Cultural & Legal Tips Respect the monarchy—critiquing the royal family is illegal and can result in imprisonment. Modesty matters: dress respectfully at the temples and remove shoes when required. There is a zero-tolerance policy for drugs, and harsh penalties apply for the possession or use of illegal substances. session or use of illegal substances. Avoid touching people’s heads, as it is considered disrespectful toward children. Feet are considered unclean; avoid pointing them at people or sacred objects/statues. Extra Tips Scams exist—common ones include the “gem scam” or being told an attraction is “closed” and rerouted to a shop. Trust your instincts and only book tours through reputable companies. Use sunscreen and stay hydrated; the sun is strong year-round. Travel with copies of your passport—keep the original in a hotel safe and carry a copy when out and about. Transportation: Bangkok has an extensive BTS Skytrain and MRT subway network. Negotiate fares before using the iconic tuk-tuks