THAIL AND

With travellers hitting the shores of Thailand from around the planet all year long, life in Thailand seems like one never-ending party. And
somehow it never tires, never closes its gates and stays cool and hospitable and smiles as herds of people come, laze around its exotic beaches,
go visiting its Buddhist temples, experience exotic wildlife and jive to its electrifying nightlife scene. What proves the above statement - the
peaceful civil war that the nation recently went through. Whatever may be the emergency, Thailand makes sure it entertains because thats its
souls core. Food, fine dining, spa treatments, water sports, sightseeing and shopping - This is Thailand at its best! Enjoy
The peak season is November to late March,
with secondary peak months in July and
August. If you want to avoid crowds and
to take advantage of discounted rooms and
low-season rates, April-June and September-
October are the best times.
Tasty, delicious, clean, spicy and varied - most
of all, Thai food is cheap! Many of the wayside
kiosks serve great meals starting at only a few
bahts. Then, of course, there are 5 star hotels,
which will serve you multi-course meals for
nothing less than a few 100 dollars. Rest
assured that food itself is going to get you
to Thailand, the second time around.
Some of the most popular Thai dishes
to check out:
FOOD
BEST TIME
TO VISIT
AIR
Thailand's national carrier is Thai Airways
International (THAI), which operates many
domestic air routes from Bangkok to provincial
capitals. Several other air carriers such as
Bangkok Airways, PB Air, Phuket Air, Angel
Air, etc. fly to about 26 cities throughout
Thailand. Reservations may be secured
through airline offices, hotels or travel
agencies from overseas or upon arrival
in Thailand.
GETTING
THERE
Time Zone
GMT +7
(Does not observe day light saving)
Calling code
+66
Currency
Baht (THB)
Language
Thai, English
Electricity
220V - 240V/50 Hz
01
Khanom chin namya - round boiled rice noodles
topped with a fish based sauce and eaten with
fresh leaves and vegetables.
Khao Khluk Kapi - rice stir-fried with shrimp
paste, served with sweetened pork and
vegetables.
Khao Man Kai - rice steamed with garlic,
with boiled chicken, chicken stock and
a dipping sauce.
Khao Phat - one of the most common dishes in
Thailand, fried rice, Thai style. Usually with
chicken, beef, shrimp, pork, crab or coconut or
pineapple, or vegetarian (che (Thai: ).
Khao Phat Kai - fried rice with chicken.
Why go to Thailand.
BUSES
Phenomenally fast, well serviced and
air-conditioned public buses ply the city. Fare:
1222 baht. The red and grey air-conditioned
microbuses are for longer urban journeys.
Call 184 for bus route information. Else maps
are available at most hotels and bookshops.
TAXIS & TUK TUKS
Metered taxis can be hailed from anywhere
in Bangkok. Make sure that the meter is
switched on before you start. Startup fare is set
at 35 bahts for the first 3 kms, with 5 bahts for
each kilometre of the journey. Local transport
includes taxis, tuk-tuks (motorised rickshaws),
saamlaw (bicycle rickshaws) and sawngthaew
(small pick-ups), all of them cheap and reliable
for short trips.
CARS
Cars, jeeps or vans can be rented in Bangkok
and large provincial capitals. However,
be aware that driving in cities like Bangkok is
a menace.
BICYCLE
Cheap, nonpolluting and slow enough to allow
you to see everything. Favoured touring routes
include the two-lane roads along the Mekong
River in the north and northeast - the terrain
is largely flat and the river scenery is inspiring.
MOTORCYCLE TAXIES
The fastest way to plod through Thailand's
traffic. Look for the driver with the coloured
vest. Fares are negotiated before departure.
Hold on tight for a fast joyride.
TRAIN
Rail journeys in Thailand are efficient,
inexpensive, comfortable and punctual but
slow. The State Railway of Thailand organises
one and two-day economy tours to various
destinations on weekends and holidays.
Schedules can be obtained from Bangkok's
main railway station at Hualamphong.
LOCAL
TRANSPORT
We recommend lots of beachwear. While shorts,
sleeveless T-shirts and sandals are perfect for
strolling inside city markets, a pair of smart
casuals with appropriate shoes (no sneakers) will
work fine if you planning to visit smart diners.
However, cover yourself well before visiting
temples, monasteries and other places
of religious interests, most of which might deny
you entry if your dress sense seems inappropriate.
Also carry a hat, a good sunscreen and a light
jacket to guard you from cool winter evenings.
You'll need it especially when you move up to
Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai Hills.
RECOMMENDED
CLOTHING
02
Purchase tickets in advance at main stations and
at the Advance Booking Office at
Hualamphong.
BOAT
Thai river transport is the Reua Haang Yao
(cigarette long-tail boat), so-called because the
propeller is mounted at the end of a long drive
shaft extending from the engine. These boats
travel very fast and are available for tours of the
city's huge canal system.
A 2-hour private tour will cost you about
500 baht.
CUSTOMS
REGULATIONS
(FAST FACT)
Beach revelries, rave nights, plethora
of enjoyment fun and frolic, Thailand is typically
known for the superior quality of its nightlife. The
kingdom has some of the best clubs playing the
latest music, and while not all of them are in the
capital, most of Thailands islands are host
to world class music concerts and events. Film
goers are going to have a ball of a time. Tickets
are way cheaper than in many other parts of the
world. Besides world class shows and cabarets,
the worlds top performing artists grace
Thailands shores on a regular basis! A dialogue
on Thailands nightlife wouldnt be complete
without a mention of its world famous Go-Go
scene, with Bangkok and Pattaya being the hubs.
NIGHTLIFE
MUST SEE
03
Customs Regulations in Thailand are strictly
enforced. Those in violation of regulations are
subject to fines and in extreme cases,
imprisonment. Here is a brief synopsis
of regulations as they stand:
DUTY-FREE ITEMS
You are entitled to bring no more than 200
cigarettes or cigars into the country without
paying duty. In addition, tobacco up to a weight
not exceeding 250 grams is duty exempt. One
litre of wine or spirits may be brought into the
country on a duty free basis, and you are
entitled to bring in a stills or movie camera,
five rolls of still film or three rolls of 8 to 16mm
movie camera film for personal use.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Narcotics like marijuana, opium, cocaine,
morphine, heroin and other mood-altering drugs
(amphetamine, LSD, Ecstasy) are banned,
whether they have been prescribed by a doctor
or not. So are obscene literature and
pornographic materials and firearms
& ammunition.
PERSONAL EFFECTS
Clothing for personal use, toiletries and music
instruments for personal or professional use are
all exempt of duty.
Cabaret Shows in Thailand
Thailands nightlife includes excellent cabaret
shows some of the finest in the region.
ALCAZAR CABARET
CHONBURI
Alcazar Cabaret has become a tourist attraction
with its own might. At Alcazar its a straight
forward theme men dressed as women, or as
they are known in the trade, female imperson-
ation artists. Known in Thai as Katoeys, the
performers are almost invariably transsexuals
who have had gender reassignment.
TIFFANY'S SHOW
CHONBURI
The Tiffany's Show is Southeast Asias first truly
transvestite cabaret show. The past three
decades have witnessed it become a mighty
tourist attraction. The cabaret is performed
by men who bear indistinguishable
resemblances to women, many of which are
more beautiful than real women. The 1,000-seat
capacity theatre hosts the most modern light and
sound stage equipment to support over 100
professional performers. This is a huge show,
very well done, and well worth a visit.
ROYAL CITY AREA
(THE ENTERTAINMENT ZONE)
The least known of all, Royal City Avenue
(or just RCA as it is known by locals) is one
of the biggest entertainment areas in Bangkok.
RCA is a long road hosting a multitude
of different types of bar and clubs. Very much
a Thai scene, RCA is frequented by Bangkoks
young crowd, mainly university students.
The music scene is hot. Places to eat
& drink are many.
Thailand offers a wonderful experience for the
ardent shopper, with a tremendous variety
of goods on offer. From multi-storied Malls
offering the best of designer stuff to handicrafts
and knick-knacks from old marketplaces, theres
a lot to shop for in Thailand.
Department stores open by around 10:00 am
and do not close until 9:00 pm. Markets vary in
their timings with produce markets opening
before dawn, general markets staying open
during daylight hours, but in many areas there
are night markets where you can sit in the open
and eat while browsing the stalls.
SHOPPING
TIPPING
& ETIQUETTE
Tipping
There is no mandatory tipping policy in Thailand.
However, leaving small tips is a nice gesture.
IN TAXIS: All public taxis in Bangkok are
equipped with a meter to calculate fares based
on distance and time. Both Thai and local
expatriates alike will commonly round-up the final
fare to an even number. Tip if you feel like.
IN RESTAURANTS: Most mid-range restaurants
and nearly all hotel-restaurants will automatically
include a 10% service charge on all bills. This
surcharge acts as your gratuity. These funds are
combined and shared among all employees
at the end of the month in addition to their basic
monthly wage. At mid and lower-end restaurants,
when paying cash, it is customary to simply
leave any coins received as change for the staff
as gratuity.
THE 1 BAHT () INSULT
Leaving 1 as a tip is a deliberate insult and
is best avoided unless you are intent
on causing offence.
04
05
Activities related to well-being are becoming
commonplace and are no longer limited
to the privileged.
Thailand is perfectly positioned to cater
to people who want more out of a holiday than
just a suntan. The countrys spas offer
an unparalleled level of elegance, luxury and
pampering with the help of massages using
traditional medicines (both Thai and Chinese).
Meditation is a core component of everyday
religious activity and was emphasised over
by Buddha over and over again. Thailand
brings it to its guests in its truest form.
As you can see now, a trip to Thailand could
indeed do you a world of good!
WELL-BEING
THAI PHRASES
Note:
At the end of each sentence it is considered polite to add krap
(for males) and Kaa for females. eg. Mai ao kaa.
How much? -
I don't have much money
Can you discount a little?
Too expensive
You must be joking
I want it cheaper
Tho rai or Kee Baht?
Mee nguen mai maak
Lot rakka dai mai
Paeng Pai.
Poot len naw
ow thuuk
06
G
E
N
E
R
A
L
Yes
No
Thank you
No, thank you
Hello
How are you?
I'm fine
Excuse me
Please
When?
Today
Tomorrow
I do not understand
How old are you?
I like you!
I cannot speak Thai
Can speak a little Thai
No smoking/don't smoke
Chi
Mi chi
Khp khun
Mi ao khp khun
Sawt dii
Sabai dee rue?
Sabay dee
Khw thht
Karuna
Mu-arai?
Wan ni
Phrng ni
Mi Kho jai
Ah yoo thao rai?
Phom chawp koon
Poot passat Thai mai dai
Poot passat Thai nit noy
Haam soop buree.
ENGLISH THAI
H
E
A
L
T
H
ENGLISH THAI
Mai sabai
Ow maw mae tenee
Pai rong paiapbahn
Jep thong
Jep khor
Oo-aak
cheet yah
yah
maaw saat
I'm not feeling well
Get me a doctor
Go to a hospital
Sore stomach
Sore neck
Vomit
Injection
Pill
Veterinarian
B
A
R
G
A
I
N
I
N
G
ENGLISH THAI
Have you eaten yet?
Are you hungry?
What have/are you
Eaten?
I don't like that.
I don't drink alcohol
I am drunk
I don't eat meat
I can't eat hot spicy food
Not spicy or hot
Water
Beer
Orange juice
Lemon juice
Tea - hot - iced
Coffee
Gin khao liang?
Hue mai? (also very common)
Gin arai?
Mai chawp
Mai duem lao
Mow laew
Mai gin nua, paak yang
deeo.
Gin ahaan phet mai dai
Mai ow prik
naam
be-ah
naam som
naam manao
cha - lawn - yen
kafae
E
A
T
I
N
G

&

D
R
I
N
K
I
N
G
ENGLISH THAI
D
I
R
E
C
T
I
O
N
S
ENGLISH THAI
Sathanee rot-fai yoo tenee?
sanaam-bin ......
Sathanee rot-bus ......
pai-sanee ......
Roon Raem dee ......
long ahann Thai dee ......
Pai Nai?
Mai Pai
Pai Teeo or Pai ell (northern)
Where is the train station?
Airport?
Bus station?
Post Office?
A good hotel?
Good Thai restaurant
Where are you going?
I'm not going anywhere
Going travelling
N
U
M
B
E
R
S

A
N
D

C
O
U
N
T
I
N
G
ENGLISH THAI
neung
song
saam
see
ha
hok
jet
paet
gow
sip
sip et
sip song .......
yee sip or sow (northern)
saam sip
loy
phan
muen
saen
laan
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