Thailand travel tips and general information of Thailand with Weather, Currency, Airport and Thailand holidays.

Thailand Travel Tips

Do's and Don'ts 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 all Royal Family members.

Religion : Visitors should dress neatly in all religious shrines. You should never go topless, or in shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attires. It 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 of 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 is now 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 litters rubbish in the 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.

Speaking Thai

Thai is a tonal language belonging to the group of Ka-Tai languages, the five tones are monotone, low, falling, high, and rising. This can be a rather complicated language for the visitor; however, English is quite widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial language.

Here are a few Thai basic greetings and phrases to try.

English	Thai
Good morning, Good evening, Good afternoon, Good night, Hello, Good-bye	Sa-wat-dee
Hello (male speaker)	sawatdee krup
Hello (female speaker)	sawatdee kaa
Yes	Chai
No	Mai
Mr./Miss/Mrs.	Khun
How are you?	sabai dee reu
Fine thanks	sabai dee
Thank you	kop koon
Never mind	mai pen rai
I can't speak Thai	phoot Thai mai dai
I don't understand	mai kao chai
Do you understand?	kao chai mai
May I take a photograph?	tai ruup dai mai
Where is the rest room?	hong nam yoo tee nai
I am going to..	Chan-cha-pai..
No, I won't go	Chan-mai-pai
Please drive slowly	Prot-khap-cha-cha
Be careful	Ra-wang
Turn to the right	Liao-khwa
Turn to the left	Liao-sai
Drive straight on	Khap-trong-pai
Slow down	Cha-cha
Stop	Yut
How much does this cost?	nee tao-rai
What is this ?	nee arai
Very expensive	paeng maag
Any discount?	Lot-ra-kha-dai-mai
Please wrap it for me.	Ho-hai-duai
The bill please	gep taang
please speak slowly	Prot-phut-cha-cha
Very Good	Di-mak
Not Good	Mai-Di
Good-bye	la gon
See you again	laew phob gan mai
Good luck	kor hai chok dee
Sorry/excuse me	kor thoad