🕒Time Zones
Thailand has only one time zone. Thailand follows UTC+07:00, which is 7 hours ahead of UTC.
🌤️ Weather
- Average temperature in June is around 25–32°C.
- Occasional rain, as June is part of the rainy season in Thailand.
💰 Expenditure
- Meals: Average cost is between 80–150 THB per person per meal.
- Transportation: Options include Grab, taxis, and local “red trucks” (songthaew).
฿ Currency
The official currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB).
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Banknotes are available in 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 Baht denominations.
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Coins include 1, 2, 5, and 10 Baht, as well as smaller satang coins (rarely used).
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Foreign exchange services are available at airports, banks, hotels, and licensed exchange booths.
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Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and larger businesses, but cash is preferred in markets and smaller establishments. It’s advisable to carry a mix of cash and card, and check exchange rates before converting.
- Traveller’s cheques are not widely accepted in Thailand. You are not recommended to carry travel cheques to Thailand.
🧾 Goods and Services Tax & Tourist VAT Refund
- Thailand applies a 7% Value Added Tax (VAT) on most goods and services.
- Non-resident visitors may be eligible for a VAT refund on purchases made at participating stores—look for the “VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS” sign. To qualify, travelers must spend at least 2,000 Baht per store per day, present their passport at the time of purchase, and request both the original tax invoice and VAT Refund Application Form (P.P.10). Before departing, these documents and the purchased goods must be presented at the airport’s VAT Refund Counter for inspection. Refunds are issued in cash, by bank draft, or via credit transfer, depending on the amount and airport policies.
🔌 Electrical Plugs
Thailand operates on a 220V supply voltage and a 50Hz frequency. Travelers may require an adapter to connect their appliances to power sockets in Thailand. The country commonly uses three plug types:
💬Communication
- English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.
- SIM card/Internet: eSIMs or local SIM cards (available at airports) are recommended for easy internet access.
🚨Emergency Numbers
- 191 – General Emergency / Police
- 192 – Disaster Response
- 1155 – Tourist Police (English-speaking support)
- 1669 – Emergency Medical Services (Ambulance)
🩺 Health and Travel Insurance
Participants are strongly encouraged to obtain comprehensive travel and health insurance prior to arriving in Thailand. This coverage should include:
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Medical treatment and emergency services
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Trip cancellations or interruptions
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Lost or stolen belongings
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Coverage for COVID-19 or other health-related incidents (if applicable)
📱Useful Mobile Applications
- Grab – for booking rides
- Google Translate – for language assistance
- ThaiEMS 1669 – emergency medical services in Thailand
🚗⬅️ Left-hand Traffic
In Thailand, cars, bikes and other vehicles travel on the left-hand side of the road of a bi-directional traffic. Pedestrians also walk on the left-hand side of a path or a corridor in general. Look to your RIGHT first then left to check incoming traffic when crossing a street or road. Same rules apply when you are making turns when driving.
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