Thailand key facts
Airport
Bangkok International Airport is 22 km (14 miles) north of the city (travel time-40 to 60 minutes). Chiang Mai International Airport is 15 km (9 miles) from the city (travel time-20 minutes). Phuket International Airport is 35 km (22 miles) northwest of Phuket. Hat Yai International is used for flights to Asian destinations and domestic flights. Nearest town is Songkhla (approximately 20 km/12.5 miles).
Climate
Generally hot, particularly between mid-February and June. The monsoon season runs from May to October, when the climate is still hot with torrential rains. The best time for travelling is November to February (cool season).
Credit Cards
Major hotels, restaurants and shops are accustomed to the well-known international charge cards. Banks and money-changers change traveller's cheques providing you show your passport for identification. While many currencies are accepted, the US dollar is the surest value at the Thai exchanges.
Customs Allowance
The following goods may be imported into Thailand without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 250 g of tobacco or equal weight of cigars; one litre of wine or spirits. There are restrictions on the export of items of archaeological interest or historical value without a certificate of authorisation from the Department of Fine Arts in Thailand. The export of images of Buddha and other religious artefacts is also subject to this ruling.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50 Hz. American- and European-style 2-pin plugs are used.
Holidays
January 1: New Year
April 6: Chakri Day
May 1: Labour Day
May 5: Coronation Day
May: Royal Ploughing Ceremony (first Friday)
August 12: Queen's Birthday
October 23: Chulalongkorn Day
December 5: King's Birthday
December: Constitution Day (second Monday)
December 31: New Year's Eve
Many religious festivals are determined by the lunar calendar and are therefore moveable: Chinese New Year, Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Asahala Bucha, Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent), Songkran.
Media
English-language dailies are the Bangkok Post and The Nation.
Photography
You will find in all the big cities the same film you have at the usual photo shops. It is preferable to not leave film in the sun or hot temperatures during the warm season, but to conserve it in the refrigerator of your hotel room in a plastic bag. If you don't have one, you can ask for one at hotel reception. Avoid shooting photos when the sun is too high (at noon). The morning and evening light is best.
Shops
Department stores are open daily 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (10 p.m. in Bangkok). Small shops open early in the morning and stay in business until as late as 9 p.m., often seven days a week. Bangkok's main post office is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; weekends and holidays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Branch post offices Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; weekends and holidays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Time
Thailand follows GMT + 7, all year round.
Water
Stick to bottled or boiled water and avoid drinks with ice cubes.
