Medical Services
All tourism destinations and provincial capitals have hospitals and clinics staffed by well-trained doctors and nurse. In the case of an emergency, an ambulance can be summoned from any private hospital.
Vaccinations : As in most other countries, visitors do not require vaccinations unless coming from or passing through a designated contaminated area
Foreign Embassies and Consulates in Thailand
Most major embassies and consulates can be found within the city of Bangkok. So if you need to replace a lost passport, look no further
Country Address Telephone
Argentina Suite 1601, Glas Haus Bldg, 16 th, Sukhumvit 25, Bangkok 10110 (662) 259-0401,
259-9198
Australia 37 Sathorn Tai Road, Bangkok 10120 (662) 287-2680
Austria 14 Soi Nandha, Off Soi Sathorn1, Sathon Tai Road, Bangkok 10120 (662) 287-3970-2,
303-6057
Bangladesh House No.727 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thong Lo), Bangkok 10120 (662)392-9437-8
Belgium 17th Fl., Sathon City Tower, 175 Sathon Tai Road, Bangkok 10120
(662)679-5454
Belize 10 th Fl.,Pilot Pen Building, 331-331/1-3 Silom Road, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500 (662)636-8377
Bhutan 375/1 Soi Ratchadaniwet, Pracha-Uthit Road, Samsen Nok, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10320 (662)274-4740-2
Brazil 34th Fl., Lumphini Tower, 1168/101, Phra Ram 4 Road, Thung Mahamek, Sathon, Bangkok 10120 (662) 285-6080
British 1031 Wireless Road Lumpini, Pathumwan
Bangkok 10330 (662) 305-8333
Brunei 132 Soi 23 Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Toei, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 (662) 204-1476-9
Bulgaria 64/4 Soi Charoenmit (Ekkamai10), Sukhumvit 63 Road, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 (662)391-6180-1
Cambodia 185 Ratchadamri Road,Lumphini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 (662)254-6630,
253-9851
Canada 15th Fl., Abdulrahim Place, 990 Phra Ram 4 Road, Bangkok (662) 636-0540
Chile UBCII Bldg,10th Fl. 591, Sukhumvit 33 Road;Charan Tower, 10 Khlong Tan Nuea, Wattana, Bangkok (662)260-3870,
260-3892
China 57 Ratchadaphisek Road, Din Daeng, Bangkok 10310 (662)245-7043-4
Czech Republic 71/6 Ruam Ruedi Soi 2, Phloenchit Road, Bangkok 10330 (662) 255-3027,
255-5060
CUBA Mela Mansion Apt.3c, 5 Soi Sukhumvit 27, Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Toei Nuea, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 (662) 665-2803
Denmark 10 Soi Sathon1 (Atthakan Prasit), Sathorn Road, Bangkok (662)343-1100
Egypt No. 6, Las Colinas Bldg.,42nd Fl., Sukhumvit 21 (Soi Asoke) Wattana, Bangkok 10110 (662)661-7184,
266-0236
Finland 16th Fl.,Amarin Tower 500, Ploenchit Road,Bangkok (662)256-9306-9
France 35 Soi Rong Phasi Kao (Soi 36), Charoenkrung Road, Bangkok 10500 (662) 657-5100
Germany 9 Sathorn Tai Road, Bangkok 10120 (662) 287-9000
Greece 30th Fl, Thaiwah Tower II, 21/159 Sathon Tai Road, Bangkok 10120 (662) 679-1462
Hungary 20 th Fl., Oak Tower President Park Condominium,95 Sukhumvit Soi 24, Khlong toei, Bangkok (662)661-1150-2
India 46 Soi Prasanmit, Sukhumvit Soi 23, Bangkok (662)258-0300-5
Indonesia 600-602 Phetchaburi Road, Bangkok 10400 (662)252-3135-9
Iran 602 Sukhumvit Rd., (between Soi 22 and 24), Bangkok (662) 259-0611-3,
258-9322
Iraq 47 Pradiphat Road,Samsen Nai,Phayathai,Bangkok 10400 (662) 278-5335-7
Israel Ocean Tower II, 25th Fl., 75 Sukhumvit Soi 19, Bangkok (662)204-9200
Italy 399 Nang Linchi Road, Thung Mahamek, Bangkok 10120 (662) 285-4090-3
Japan 1674 New Petchaburi Road, Bangkok 10320 (662) 252-6151-9
Korea (DPRK) 14 Muban Suanlaemthong 2, Soi 28, Phattanakan Road, Suan Luang, Bangkok 10250 (662) 319-2686
Korea (ROK) 23 Thiam Ruammit Road, Ratchadaphisek, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10320 (662) 247-7537-41
Kuwait Sathon Nakhon Tower, 24th A Fl., 100/44 Sathon Nuea Road, Bangkok 10500 (662) 636-6600,
636-7461
Laos 520, 502/1-3 Wang Thongland, Bangkok 10310 (662) 539-6667-8,
539-6679
Malaysia 33-35 Sathon Tai Road, Thung Mahamek,Sathon, Bangkok 10120 (662) 679-2190-9
Mexico 20th Fl., 21/60-62 Thai Wah Tower 1, Sathon Tai Road, Bangkok (662) 285-0995
Morocco One Pacific Place Bldg, 19th Fl, 140 Sukhumvit Road (between Soi 4-6) Khong Toei, Bangkok 10110 (662) 653-2444-6
Myanmar 132 Sathon Nuea Road, Bangkok 10500 (662) 234-0278
Nepal 189 Sukhumvit 71 Road, Phra Khanong, Bangkok 10110 (662)391-7240,
390-2280
Netherlands 106 Witthayu Road, Bangkok (662) 254-7701-5
New Zealand M Thai Tower,14 th Fl, All seasons Place, 87 Witthayu Road, Lumphini, Bangkok 10330 (662) 254-2530
Nigeria 100 Sukhumvit Soi 38, Phra Khanong, Bangkok 10110 (662) 391-5197
Norway UBC II Bldg., 18 Fl., 591 Sukhumvit Soi 33, Bangkok 10110 (662) 302-6415
Oman 82 Seng Thong Thani Tower, 32nd Fl., Sathon Nuea Road, Bangkok (662)639-9380-2
Pakistan 31 Soi Nana Nuea, Sukhumvit Soi 3,Bangkok 10110 (662)253-0288-9
Panama 1168/37 16th Flr, Lumpini Tower, Rama 5 Road, Sathon , Bangkok
(662) 679-7988-9
Fax:(662) 679-7991
Peru Glass Haus Bldg., 16th Fl,1 Sukhumvit Soi 25, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 (662)260-6243,
260-6245,260-6248
Phillippines 760 Sukhumvit Road, Corner Soi Philippines (Sukhumvit 30/1), Bangkok 10110 (662)259-0139-40
Poland 8A, Sri-Yu-Khon Bldg., Sukhumvit Soi 5,Khlong Toei,Watthana, Bangkok 10110 (662)251-8891-2
Portugal 26 Captain Bush Lane(Soi 30) New Road,Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500 (662)234-7435-6,
234-2123
Romania 20/1 Soi Ratchakhru, Phahonyothin Soi 5, Phahonyothin Road, Bangkok 10400 (662)617-1551
Russia 78 Sap Rd., Surawong, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 (662)234-9824,
268-1169
Saudi Arabia 82 Seng Thong Thani Bldg, 23rd&24th Fl., Sathon Nuea Road, Silom Road,Bangkok 10500 (662)639-2960-3,
639-2999
Singapore 9th&18th Fl,Rajanakarn Building 183 Sathon Tai Road, Yanawa, Bangkok 10120 (662)286-2111,
286-1434
Slovak Republic Thai Wah Tower II,22nd Fl,21/144 Sathon Tai Road, Bangkok 10120 (662)677-3445-6
South Africa 6th Fl., The Park Place, 231 Lumphini, Sarasin Road, Bangkok 10330 (662)253-8473-6
Spain 7th Fl., Diethelm Tower A.,Room 701-702, 93/1 Witthayu Road, Bangkok 10330 (662)252-6112,
253-5132-4
Sri Lanka 13th Fl., Ocean Tower II Bldg., 75/6-7 Sukhumvit Soi 19 (Soi Watthana), Bangkok 10110 (662)261-1934-5,
665-7299, 261-1938
Sweden 20th Fl., Pacific Place, 140 Sukhumvit Road (between Soi 4 and 6), Bangkok 10110 (662)263-7200
Switzerland 35 Witthayu Road, Bangkok 10330 (662)253-0156-60
Turkey 61/1 Soi Chatsan , Sutthisan Road,Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310 (662)274-7262-3
Ukraine 87 All season Place, CRC Tower, 33rd Fl, Witthayu Road, Lumphini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 (662) 685-3215
United Arab
Emirates 82 Seng Thong Thani Bldg, 25th Fl., Sathon Nuea Road, Silom Road,Bangkok 10500 (662)639-9820-4
U.S.A. 120-122 Witthayu Road, Bangkok 10330 (662)205-4000
Vietnam 83/1 Witthayu Road, Lumphini, Pathumwan, Bangkok (662)251-7202,
251-3552
Country Address Telephone
ARGENTINA Virrey del Pino 2458-6 Piso 1426 Buenos Aires Tel: 7856504, 6521, 6532
Fax: (541) 7856548
AUSTRALIA 111 Empire Circuit, Yarralumla, A.C.T. 2600, Canberra Tel: (06 )2731149, 2732937
Fax: (06) 2731518
AUSTRIA Weimarer Strasse 68, 1180 Vienna Tel: 3103423, 3101630, 3108988
Fax: (0222) 3103905
BANGLADESH House No. NW (E) 12, Road No. 59, Gulshan Model Town, Dhaka Tel: (8802) 601634, 601475
Fax: (8802) 883588
BELGIUM Square du Val de la Cambre2, 1050 Brussels Tel: (322) 6406810, 6405950
Fax: (322) 6483066
BRAZIL Lote 10 Setor de Embaixadas Norte Avenida das Nacoes Norte
P.O. Box 10-2460 Tel: 2246943, 2247943, 2235105
Fax: (061) 3212994
BRUNEI No.1 Simpang 52-86-16 Kampong Mata-Mata,
Jalan Gadong 3280, Bandar Seri Begawan
Tel: 448331, 429653-4, 440360
Fax: (673-2) 421775
CAMBODIA No.4, Boulevard Monivong, Sangkat Srass Chork,
Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh Tel: (85518) 810860
CANADA 180 Island Park Drive Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y QA2 Tel: (613) 7224444
Fax: (613) 7226624
CHINA 40 Guang Hua Lu Beijing 100600 Tel: 5321903
Fax: 5321748
CZECH Romaina Rollanda 3, 16000 PRAGUE 6-Bubence Tel: (0042-2) 381140, 381149
Fax: (42-2) 370646
DENMARK Norgesmindevej 18, 2900 Hellerup, Copenhagen Tel: (31) 625010, (31) 625257
Fax: (31) 625059
EGYPT 2, El Malek El Afdal Street, Zamalek, Cairo, Egypt Tel: (0202) 3408356, 3410094, 3400299
Fax: (0202) 3400340
FRANCE 8 Rue Greuze 75116 Paris Tel: 47043222, 47046892, 47278079
Fax: (331) 47556713
GERMANY Ubierstrasse 65, 53173 Bonn Tel: (0228) 355065
Fax: (0228) 363702
GREECE
(HELLENIC REPUBLIC) 23 Taigetou Street P.O. Box 65215 Paleo Psychico 15452, Athens Tel: (301) 6717969, 6710155
Fax: (301) 6479508
HUNGARY Verecke ut. 79 1025 Budapest Tel: (36-1) 1689421, 1689422, 2500727
Fax: (36-1) 2501580, 1882347
INDIA 56-N, Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021 Tel: 605679, 607289, 607807
Fax: 6872029
INDONESIA 74 Jalan Imam Bonjol Jakarta 10310 Tel: (6221) 3904052-5, 3904225, 3107468
Fax: (6221) 3107469
IRAN Baharestan Avenue Park Amin-ed-Dowleh No.4
P.O.Box 11495-111, Tehran
Tel: 301433, 397709
Fax: (9821) 3112022
IRAQ House No.1, Street 28, Area 213, Hay Al-Kindi, Baghdad,
P.O.Box 6062 Al-Mansour Tel: 5418798, 5426515
ITALY Via Bertoloni 26 B, 00197 Rome Tel: 8078955, 8078695
Fax: 8078942
JAPAN 3-14-6, Kami Osaki, Shinagawa-ku Tokyo 141 Tel: (03) 34411386, 1387, 7352, 7688
Fax: (03) 34426750, 34426828
KENYA Rose Avenue, off Denis Pritt Rd., P.O. Box 58349, Nairobi Tel: 714276, 715800
Fax: 254-2-715801
KOREA (SOUTH) 653-7, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-ku, Seoul Tel: (822) 7953098, 7950095
Fax: (822) 7983448
KUWAIT Surra, Area No.3, Block No.49 Ali Bin Abi Taleb Street,
Building28, P.O.Box 66647 Bayan, 43757 Kuwait Tel: 5314870, 5317530-2
Fax: 5317532
LAOS Route Phonekheng Vientiane, P.O.Box 128 Tel: 2508, 2543, 2765
Fax: 16-9053
MALAYSIA 206 Jalan Ampang 50450 Kuala Lumpur Tel: (03) 2488222, 8350, 8420
Fax: (03) 2486527
MEXICO Sierra Vertientes 1030 Lomas de Chapultepec, 11000 Mexico, D.F. Tel: (52-5) 5961290, 5968446
Fax: (52-5) 5968236
MYANMAR 91 Pyay Rd., Yangon Tel: 21713, 21715, 21716
Fax: 951-22784
NEPAL Jyoti Kendra Building, Thapathali, P.O.Box 3333, Katmandu Tel: 213910, 213912, 211361
Fax: (977-1) 226599
NETHERLANDS 1 Buitenrustweg, 2517 KD. The Hague Tel: (070) 3452088, 3459703, 3450632
Fax: (070) 345-1929
NEW ZEALAND 2 Cook Street P.O.Box 17-226, Karori, Wellington Tel: 4768618, 4768619
Fax: (04) 4763677
NIGERIA 1 Ruxton Rd., Old Ikoyi, P.O.Box 3095, Lagos Tel: 6290334
Fax: 6292855
NORWAY Munkedamsveien 59 B 0270 Oslo 2 Tel: (47) 22832517, 22832518
Fax: 22830384
OMAN Villa 33/34 Road "O" Madinet Qaboos East, Muscat P.O.Box 60 M.Q. Tel: (0968) 602683-5
Fax: (0968) 605714
PAKISTAN 4 Street No.8, Shalimar F-8/3, Islamabad Tel: 859130, 859131, 859195,
859196, 852778
Fax: (92-51) 256730
PHILIPPINES 107 Rada Street, Legaspi Village, Makati, Metro Manila P.O.Box 1228 Tel: 8154219-20, 8160696-7
Fax: 8154221
POLAND ul. Staroscinska 1B m. 2-3, 02-516 Warsaw Tel: (4822) 492655, 496414,
494730, 491406
Fax: (4822) 492630
PORTUGAL Rusde Alcolena, 12, Restelo 1400 Lisbon Tel: (401) 121338, 123448
Fax: (401) 122600
ROMANIA 44-48 Strada Mihai Eminescu Etaj 2, Apartamentul 5, Bucharest Tel: (401) 121338, 123448
Fax: (401) 122600
RUSSIAN FEDERATION Eropkinsky Pereoloks 3 Moscow 119034 Tel: (095) 2014893, 2013989, 2012715
Fax: (095) 2302004
SAUDI ARABIA Ibnu Banna Rd., P.O. Box 94359, Riyadh 11693
Tel: (966-1) 4881174, 4880797, 4880300, 4881507
Fax: (095) 2302004, (966-1) 4881179
SENEGAL 10 Rue Leon G. Damas, Angle F. Fann Residence,
B.P. 3721, Dakar
Tel: 243076, 243801
Fax: (221) 256360
SINGAPORE 370 Orchard Rd., Singapore 0923 Tel: (65) 2354175, 7372158, 7373372
Fax: (65) 7320778
SPAIN Calle del Segre, 29-2 A 28002 Madrid Tel: 5632903, 5637959
Fax: (91) 5640033
SRI LANKA 43, Dr. C.W.W. Kannangara Mawatha, Colombo 7 Tel: 697406
Fax: 697516, 689045, 689037
SWEDEN Sandhamnsgatan 36 (5th Floor) Box 27065, 10251 Stock holm Tel: 6672160, 6678090, 6676251
Fax: 6676251
SWITZERLAND Eigerstrasse 60(3rd Floor) 3007 Bern Tel: (031) 3722281-82
Fax: (031) 3720757
TURKEY Canbaya Cad. Kader Sok. 45/3-4 06700 aziosmanpasa, ANKARA Tel: (90-312) 4673409, 4673059
Fax: (90-312) 4386474
UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND 29-30 Queen's Gate London, SW7 5JB Tel: (071) 5890173, (071) 5892944
Fax: (071) 3730917
U.S.A. 2300 Kalorama Rd., N.W. Washington D.C. 20008 Tel: (202) 4837200
Fax: (202) 2344498
VIETNAM 63-65 Hoang Dieu Street, Hanoi
Tel: (844) 235092-94
Fax: (844) 235088
International and Domestic Travel
Flying is the most convenient mode of transportation for most visitors traveling to Thailand. Domestic flights are also easy and convenient, cutting down on journey time.
A number of domestic carriers service a majority of large provincial cities dotting generously across the country. Travel to neighboring countries is cheaper when booked within Thailand. Train services connect Bangkok to all regions of the country at reasonable prices. A regular rail service also runs between Bangkok and Singapore via Malaysia. Long distance coaches, both air-conditioned and open-aired, connect all major cities.
At the local level, diverse forms of transportation are provided: provincial buses, city buses, songthaews, tuk-tuks, rickshaws, boats, and even rental cars.
International Travel
Air : With Bangkok serving as the international travel hub of SE Asia, the capital serves as the landing port for numerous international airlines, most with direct flights from their destinations. Some chartered and regional flights may land at one of the other international airports within Thailand, consisting of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Phuket, and Ubon Ratchatani. Thecountry’s national airline is Thai Airways. Airport departure taxes for international departures costs 700 baht/person. The check-in counters open 2 hours and close half an hour prior departure time.
International flights information
(662) 535-1254 (departures)
(662) 535-1301 (arrivals)Those traveling from neighboring countries may enter Thailand via road, rail, ships, or ferries.
Domestic Travel
Domestic travel during public holidays and on weekends, particularly to popular destinations, should be booked well in advance for all modes of transportation. Booking is particularly difficult during the Songkran Holiday and New Year’s Holiday.
Air : Local carriers Thai Airways(TG) and Bangkok Airways (PG) fly to most major provincial airports beyond 250 km distance from Bangkok. Thai Airways’ 2 most popular routes are Chiang Mai and Phuket. Services to Koh Samui and Sukhothai are only provided by Bangkok Airways. Other smaller local carriers include Angel Air (mainly servicing Phuket) and PB Air which flies to fewer destinations. Air Andaman services is limited to the Southern cities only.
Another carrier is SGA scenic airline of Thailand which flies to Hua Hin everyday, and also provides air charter service in the region.
The domestic terminal is located at the southern end of the Bangkok International Airport. Normally, check-ins for domestic flight is one hour prior to departure time and closes half an hour before flight time. Departure tax has already been added to your ticket fare.
Domestic flights Information
(662) 535-1192 (departures)
(662) 535-1253 (arrivals)
Reservation / Ticket
Bangkok Airways Tel. (662) 265-5555 , Nok Air Tel. (662) 900-9955 PB Air Tel. (662) 261-0220-5 , SGA Tel. (662) 664-6099 , Thai Airways Tel. (662) 628-2000
Tickets can be purchased through travel agencies (cheaper for international flights, same for domestic flights) or by booking with the airlines themselves, either via phone, internet, or e-ticketing kiosks (Thai Airways only).
Buses : Inter-city bus services offer a fast means of transport to all corners of the country. Air-conditioned buses service many provincial areas and bookings for both regular and tour coaches (private companies) can be made through major hotels and travel agents, or at the following bus terminals:
Northern Bus Terminal : Kampaengphet 2 Rd, Bangkok Tel: 0-2936-2852-66 ext. 614
0-2936-3670
•Eastern Bus Terminal :
Sukhumvit Rd, Bangkok.
Tel: 0-2391-6846, 0-2391-2504
•Northeastern Bus Terminal :
Kampaengphet 2 Rd, Bangkok
Tel: 0-2936-2841-48 ext.605 , 448
0-2936-0657
•Southern Bus Terminal :
Boromratchchonnani Rd, Bangkok
Tel: 0-2435-1200, 0-2435-1199
•Central Bus Terminal :
Kampaengphet 2 Rd, Bangkok
Tel: 0-2936-1972
The government bus company, calledBor Kor Sor (BKS), provides the cheapest mode for getting around Thailand. Being frequent and reliable, no advance booking is necessary. Both air-conditioned ones and open-aired ones stop almost everywhere along their route, with the latter being the cheapest and slowest.
Trains : The State Railway of Thailand runs an efficient rail service linking Bangkok (Hua Lam Phong is the central train station) to the rest of the country at very reasonable prices for express, fast and ordinary trains. Limited western and southern routes out of Bangkok also operate from the Thon Buri Station, traveling to destinations as far as Kanchanaburi province in the west and Chumporn province in southern Thailand.
On express trains, sleepers are available in three classes: first and second class (air-conditioned), and second class (non air-conditioned, but with fans).
Advance tickets are available at all principal stations or the Bangkok Railway Advance Booking Office at Tel : 0-2220-4444
The ways of practices before boarding the aircraft
Before boarding the aircraft, you are requested to...
- Coperate with security officers at screening checkpoints.
- Separate carry-on items for X-ray screening as follows;
1) carry-on baggage
2) jacket, overcoat
3) notebook/laptop
4) cell phones
5) liquids, aerosols, gels and other liquidlike items of not exceeding 100 ml. each with a total weight of not exceeding 1 litre packed in a transparent resealable plastic bag.
6) Liquids purchased from duty-free shops must be packed in transparent plastic bag together with purchasing evidences of not over 24 hrs.
- Recheck over your belongings before leaving the screening checkpoints.
- Remove sharp objects, weapons, dangerous items or liquids with the amount exceeding the restrictions from the carry-on baggage (they should be packed in checked baggage). If found, they would be taken away by security officers.
Shopping Tips
Department stores and a number of shops in Bangkok have fixed prices, but at most of others bargaining is acceptable and expected; some department stores will even offer a discount on expensive items like jewellery and fine furniture. No fixed rules can be given on the process depending as it does on the bargainer’s skill and the shopkeeper’s mood, but the final price may be reduced as much as 30% to that first quoted. An important point to keep in mind is that Thais admire good manners and a sense of humour and tend to be put off by a loss of temper. 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.
The Jewel Fest Club
Jewellery and gemstones from Thailand are also a favourite item for many visitors to the kingdom. Their beauty, quality craftmanship and reasonable price have earned Thai precious and semi-precious stones a worldwide reputation. Yet occasionally, there have been visitors who complained about the action of few unethical jewellers who persuaded them to purchase jewellery at an unreasonable price.
Through the cooperation of the Thai Gem and Jewellery Traders Association (TGJTA) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Jewel Fest Club has been established, bringing about 100 leading jewellery manufacturers and wholesalers. The club’s aim to offer quality products at reasonable prices with a money-back guarantee if buyers are not completely satisfied with their purchases.
When you purchase an item of jewellery from a store that is clearly identified as a member of the Jewel Fest Club, your purchase will be duly recorded, and a certificate detailing your purchase will be issued. Not only does this certificate of authenticity clearly state the nature and price of your purchase, it also guarantees your refund should you wish to return the purchase. Contact The Jewel Fest Club at Tel: 0 2630 1390-7, Fax: 0 2630 1398-9, or visit website : www.jewelfest.com.
Packing and Shipping Services
Thanks to the ever-increasing number of tourists coming to Thailand, most shops are experienced at shipping abroad and will attend to all the documents such as insurance, customs and necessary permits. The Central Post Office also offers a parcel-wrapping service for those who want to make small shipments themselves. For larger items or bulk shipments, there are several Bangkok companies who specialise in such matters.
VAT Refund
Visitors entering the Kingdom on tourist visas are entitled to refunds of the 7% value-added tax (VAT) paid on goods purchased at shops and department stores displaying “VAT Refund for Tourists” signs. The refund may be claimed if the claimed amounts in all P.P.10’s have been totaled 5,000 baht or over. Tourist is eligible to receive P.P.10 form when the total purchase of 2,000 baht or over is made from the same store on the same date. Before checking in at the international airport (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Phuket, Utapao), tourist must show your purchases, completed P.P.10 form and tax invoices to the Customs Officer for inspection. Certain luxury goods must be shown to an excise official. Refunds may be in bank draft form or credited to a credit card. For more information, please contact the VAT Refund for Tourists Office, Tel: 0 2272 9388, 0 2272 8195-8 or www.rd.go.th/vrt/engindex.html
Procedure on VAT Refund for Tourists
At the store
1. Shop at stores displaying "VAT Refund for Tourists" sign.
2. Spend at least 2,000 baht per store per day.
3. Present your passport and ask for a P.P.10 form (VAT Refund Application Form) immediately on the purchase date.
4. The total value of purchases (per person) as combined from all P.P.10's shall be at least 5,000 baht before you are eligible to claim a VAT refund.
At the airport
5. Let the Custom Officers check the purchased goods before you check in and have them sign all P.P.10's on the departure date.
6. Bring all P.P.10's and original tax invoices to claim your VAT refund at the VAT Refund Office after the Immigration Checkpoint.
7. Jewelry, gold ornaments, watches, glasses and pens, of which the value is 10,000 baht or over, shall be re-inspected at the VAT Refund Office again.
8. The purchased goods are required to be taken out of the country within 60 days since the purchase date through the International Airports.
Where to shop in Bangkok
Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two major streets, but offers many areas throughout the city affording ample choice and easy access. The following is just a selection of some of the principal shopping districts.
•Ploenchit-Ratchaprasong
Top department stores and luxury shopping malls are concentrated in the area, namely central, Sogo, Gaysorn Plaza, Isetan, Zen, Amarin Plaza, Peninsula Plaza, All of which together make the largest shopping promenade in Bangkok. Furthermore, the Central World Plaza and Narayana Phand Pavillion, host the official handicraft centre selling items from all parts of the country. Ratchaprasong intersection is the gateway to several shopping areas such as Ploenchit-Sukhumvit, Siam Square-Mah Boon Krong, Silom and Pratunam-Phetchaburi.
•Silom-Surawong-Patpong
Silom Road is the main artery of Bangkok’s commercial heart and is paralleled by Surawong road, while Patpong runs crosswise between the two. In addition to housing dozens of specialist shops and boutiques representing all the major buys, this area also boasts many branches of well-known retailers and several shopping plazas. Street stalls also abound, most notably at Patpong’s famous night market
•Silom-Mahesak-New road
Silom leads into New Road which parallel the Chao Phraya River, and notable shopping opportunities include gems and jewellery stores (Mahesak road is a gem trading centre), Oriental Plaza and River City shopping complex.
•Sukhumvit
Like Silom, Sukhumvit is one of Bangkok’s main thoroughfares, and the long road is lined with shops, boutiques and modern shopping plazas ranging from Soi 3 (Nana Nua) up to Soi 63 (Ekamai). Most shops and restaurants are concentrated between Soi 3 and Soi 21 (Asoke) and along shortcuts between Asoke and Ekamai.
•Chinatown
Centre on Yaowarat Road and Sampheng Lane, Bangkok’s Chinatown offers a profusion or gold shops as well as two nearby traditional shopping places, Ban Mo Jewellery Street and Phahurat ClothMarket.
•Bang Lamphu
Situated close to the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bang Lamphu has a lively market where clothing is a popular buy.
•Pratunam-Phetchaburi
A highlight in the distinct is Pratunam market, one of Bangkok’s biggest centres for ready-to-wear clothing.
•Baiyoke Tower
Located next to Bangkok’s tallest hotel building, Baiyoke Tower is one of the city’s renowned garment centres.
•Nailert Market
Situated close to Pratunum Market, Nai Lert Market is one of many shopping areas in Bangkok where you can buy just about everything from clothing to handicrafts.
•Bo-Be Market
Situated close to Bangkok Railway Station, Bo-be is one of the city’s renowned ready-to-wear clothing centres, both wholesale and retail.
•Bangkok International Airport
Centre for an extensive range of shops offering a full selection of Thailand’s top buys.
•Chatuchak Weekend Market
Located adjacent to Chatuchak Park, the weekend market, open on Saturday and Sunday, is a Bangkok landmark where you can buy just about everything from clothing to potted plants and everything in between—a paradise for browsers and bargain-hunters alike. Chatuchak Weekend Market also offers items of furniture and home decor. It is also where professional and amateur art-lovers and artists meet.
Shopping & Department Stores
•Amerin Plaza
Ploenchit Road, Tel : 0 2255 0831
•Future Park Rangsit
Phaholyothin Road, Tel : 0 2958 0080
•Gaysorn Plaza
Ploenchit Road, Tel : 0 2656 1149
•Mah Boon Krong Centre (MBK),
Opp Siam Square
•Nailert Plaza
Phetchaburi Road, Tel : 0-2255-8970-2
•Narayana Phand
Ratchadamri Road, Tel : 0 2252 4670-9
•Peninsula Plaza
Ratchadamri Road, Tel : 0 2253 9763
•Ploenchit Centre
Sukhumvit Road, Tel : 0 2656 8989-90 (Inter Outlet)
•River City
Yota Road, Tel : 0 2237 0077-8
•Seacon Square
Sri Nakharin Road, Tel : 0 2721 8888
•Seri Centre
Sri Nakharin Road, Tel : 0 2746 0123
•Siam Centre
Rama 1 Road, Tel : 0 2658 1000-19
•Siam Discovery Centre
Rama 1 Road, Tel : 0 2658 1000-19
•Times Square
Sukhumvit Road, Tel : 0 2253 9333
Department stores in Bangkok
•Central Department Store
Website : http://www.central.co.th
•Central World
Website : http://www.CentralWorld.co.th
•Imperial Samrong
Sukhumvit Road, Tel : 0 2756 8217-9
•Imperial Lat Phrao
Lat Phrao Road, Tel : 0 2934 9451
•Isetan
Ratchadamri Road, Tel : 0 2255 9898
•King Power Duty Free
Website : http://www.kingpower.com
•Robinson Department Store
Website : http://www.robinson.co.th
•Tang Hua Seng
Tel : 0 2434 0448
•The Mall Group
Website : http://www.themallgroup.com
•Zen Department Store
Website : http://www.zen.co.th
GENERAL INFORMATION
As a general rule, any foreigner seeking entry into the Kingdom of Thailand for business, investment, study, medical treatment, mass media, religion, employment and other purposes is required to apply for a visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate-General. To do so, a foreigner must possess a valid passport or travel document that is recognized by the Royal Thai Government and comply with the conditions set forth in the Immigration Act B.E.2522 (1979) and its related provisions.
Foreigners who fall into any of the following categories are prohibited to enter the Kingdom.
•Having no genuine and valid passport or document used in lieu of passport; or having a genuine and valid passport or document used in lieu of passport without visaing by the Royal Thai Embassies or Consulates in foreign countries; or from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, except if a visa is not required for certain types of aliens in special instances. Visaing and visa exemption will be under the terms and conditions as provided in the Ministerial Regulations.
•Having no appropriate means of living following entrance into the Kingdom.
•Having entered into the Kingdom to take occupation as a labourer, or to take employment by using physical energy without skills or training , or to work in violation of the Alien Work Permit Law.
•Being mentally unstable or having any of the diseases as prescribed in the Ministerial Regulations.
•Having not yet been vaccinated against smallpox or inoculated or undergone any other medical treatment for protection against disease and having refused to have such vaccinations administered by the Immigration Doctor.
•Having been imprisoned by the judgement of the Thai Court; or by a lawful injunction; or by the judgement of the Court of foreign country, except when the penalty is for petty offense or negligence or is provided for as an exception in the Ministerial Regulations.
•Having behavior which would indicate possible danger to the Public or likelihood of being nuisance or constituting any violence to the peace or safety of the public or to the security of the public or to the security of the nation, or being under warrant of arrest by competent officials of foreign governments.
•Reason to believe that entrance into the Kingdom was for the purpose of being involved in prostitution, the trading of women of children, drug smuggling, or other types of smuggling which are contrary to the public morality.
•Having no money or bond as prescribed by the Minister under Section 14 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 .
•Being a person prohibited by the Minister under Section 16 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522.
•Being deported by either the Government of Thailand that of or other foreign countries; or the right of stay in the Kingdom or in foreign countries having been revoked; or having been sent out of the Kingdom by competent officials at the expense of the Government of Thailand unless the Minister shall consider exemption on an individual special case basis.
The examination and diagnosis of disease of a physical or mental nature, including protective operations as against disease, shall be conducted by the Immigration Doctor.
Information on location and contact number of the Thai Embassy and Consulate-General abroad could be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Consular Affairs, Visas and Travel Documents Division, 123 Chaengwattana Road, Bangkok 10210, Tel. (662) 981-7171 ext. 3201-2, 3204-5 or direct line 575-1062-4, Fax. (662) 575-1066 , E-mail : div1303@mfa.go.th
Note: Please check the period of stay stamped in your passport by the immigration officer. Visitors who overstay their visa will, at the time of their departure, be fined 500 baht for each excess day. More information >>
CUSTOMS
Duty Free Allowance
The duty free allowance will be applied to accompanied personal effects up to Bath 10,000 worth if i) the items are intended for your own personal or professional uses; ii) the quantity are reasonable; and iii) the items are not subject to prohibition or restriction.
However, there are limits on the amount of alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, cigars and smoking tobacco to which you may include in your duty free personal exemption as follows:
•200 cigarettes or 250 grams of cigars or smoking tobacco
•1 litre of spirituous liquor.
Personal effects do not include motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts regardless of the length of time used and owned.
Fore other related information about custorms please click here
Instruction on Import and Export of Goods
1. Currencies
Foreign Currency
•Passengers are allowed to bring in and take out unlimited amount of foreign currency. However, if the amount of foreign currency is equal to or exceeds 20,000 USD, Foreign currency Declaration Form shell be completed and submitted to Customs while procession through Customs offices.
Thai Currency
•Inbound passengers are allowed to bring in unlimited amount of Thai currency.
•Outbound passengers travelling to Lao PDR, Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia and Vietnam are allowed to take out Thai currency not exceeding 500,000 Baht, but those traveling to other countries are permitted to take out not exceeding 50,000 Baht.
2. Buddha Images
•Buddha images, Bodhisattva images or related fragments, part of ancient monument and prehistoric objects, are forbidden to be taken out of the Kingdom. Newly cast Buddha images in complete condition can be exported for worship, cultural exchange or educational purposes with licenses issued by the Fine Arts Department. Not more than 5 pieces per person shall be allowed. (More information contact to 0 2628 5033)
Do's and Don't in Thailand
The Monarchy : Thai people have a deep, traditional reverence for the Royal Family, and a visitor should be careful to show respect for the King, the Queen and the Royal Children.
Religion : Visitors should dress neatly in all religious shrines. They should never go topless, or in shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attireIt is acceptable to wear shoes when walking around the compound of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the chapel where the principal Buddha image is kept.
Each Buddha image, large or small, ruined or not, is regarded as a sacred object. Never climb onto one to take a photograph or do anything which might indicate a lack of respect. Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman, or to accept anything from the hand of one. If a woman has to give anything to a monk, she first hands it to a man, who then presents it.
Social Norms :
Thais don't normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture called a wai. Generally a younger person wais an elder, who returns it.
Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body, literally and figuratively. Therefore, avoid touching people on the head and try not to point your feet at people or an object. It is considered very rude. Shoes should be removed when entering a private Thai home.
Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon.
Special Advice :
- Beware of unauthorised people who offer their services as guides. For all tourist information, contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tel : 1672. For information about Bangkok, contact the Bangkok Metropolitan Tourist Bureau, Tel : 0 2225 7612-4.
- Observe all normal precautions as regards to personal safety, as well as the safety fof your belongings. Walking alone on quiet streets or deserted areas is not recommended. Be sure that all your valuables-money, jewellery, and airline tickets are properly protected from loss. Visitors needing assistance relating to safety, unethical practices, or other matters, please call the Tourist Police at Tel: 1155.
- Drop your garbage into a waste container. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration id no strictly enforcing the law in an effort to keep the city clean and healthy. The fine will be imposed on a person who spits, discards cigarette stubs, or drops rubbish in public areas.
- Do not get yourself involved with drugs. Penalties for drug offences are very severe in Thailand.
- Do not support any manner of wild animal abuse. Never purchase any products or souvenirs made from wild animals including reptiles like snakes, monitor lizards, and also turtle shell and ivory. Avoid patronizing local restaurants that serve wild animal delicacies. It is against the law to slaughter wildlife for food in Thailand.
Currency and Currency exchange : The Thai unit of currency is the baht 1 baht is divided into 100 satang. Note are in denominations of 1,000 (brown), 500 (purple), 100 (red), 50 (blue), 20 (green) and 10 (brown) baht. Coins consist of 25 satang, 50 satang, 1 baht, 5 baht and 10 baht.
Major currency bills and travellers cheques are cashed easily at hotels, tourist shops, all provincial banks, shopping centres and money changers. Travellers cheques are best changed in banks (you will need your passport). Rates of exchange at banks or authorized money changers are better than those at hotels and department stores.
Any amount of foreign currency may be brought into the country. Visitors may take
foreign currency out of Thailand, but no more than the amount stated in the customs declaration made on arrival. Travellers leaving Thailand may take out no more than 50,000 baht per person in Thai currency.
Currency Notes
Paper baht comes in denominations of 10 (brown), 20 (green), 50 (blue), 100 (red), 500 (purple) and 1000 (beige).
Currency Coins
There are 100 satang in one baht; coins include 25-satang and 50-satang pieces and baht in denominations of 1, 2, 5 and 10. Thai baht is in denominations of:
Thai baht is in denominations of:
1000 Baht front
1000 Baht back
500 Baht front
500 Baht back
100 Baht front
100 Baht back
50 Baht front
50 Baht back
20 Baht front
20 baht back
10 Baht front
10 Baht back
Credit Cards: Credit cards are widely accepted. For lost cards :
American Express Tel : (662) 273 5100 or (662) 273 0022
Diners Club Tel : (662) 238 2920 or (662) 238 2680
Master Card Tel : (662) 256 7326-7
Visa Tel : (662) 256 7326-7
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 and 10-20 baht is acceptable for porters.
Bargaining : Fixed prices are the norm in department stores, but at most other places bargaining is to be expected. Generally, you can obtain a final figure of between 10-40% lower than the original asking price. Much depends on your skills and the shopkeeper's mood. But remember, Thais appreciate good manners and a sense of humor. With patience and a broad smile, you will not only get a better price, you will also enjoy shopping as an art.
V.A.T. Refunds : Visitors entering the Kingdom on a tourist visa are entitled to refund of the 7% V.A.T. on goods purchased at registered retail outlets.
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