Welcome to Thailand

Fast Facts:

Capital: Bangkok.
Language spoken: Thai. English is spoken widely throughout.
Currency: Baht:  $1 = 32 baht    £1 = 65 baht.
Time zone: GMT +7
Approx flight time: London to Bangkok: 12 hours. New York to Bangkok: 17 hours.
Country Dialling code: 0066

Overview: Thailand 

Thailand is situated in South East Asia and has a population of approximately 62 million. It is a newly industrialised country with tourism one of its main industries. About 11 million people each year flock to Thailand to enjoy its amazing scenery, ancient temples, paradise islands and intriguing culture. The islands of Thailand are world renowned with Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Samui probably the most famous. Whether it is partying the nights away or total relaxation the islands are sure to meet your needs.

Bangkok, with a population of 10 million is by far the most visited city in Thailand. It is a city bustling with energy and seamlessly blends the old with the new. Expect to find ancient temples and sky scrapers side by side. Thailand is well known for the friendliness of its people and its fantastic cuisine where the emphasis is on the fresh and spicy!

As a medical tourism destination: Thailand

Considered by many as the founder of medical tourism, Thailand currently leads the way in numbers for cosmetic surgery and gender reassignment.With its state of the art hospitals such as Bumrungrad (featured on the US 60 Minutes show) it is hardly surprising so many people head there for treatment. In 2006 alone approximately 1.5 million chose Thailand as their medical travel destination with many coming from the US and UK.

Vaccinations: Thailand

Malaria: Thailand is considered a low risk area for Malaria but this depends on which areas of the country you are travelling in. Consult with a medical professional as to whether prevention measures are required.

Vaccinations: Vaccinations are generally required but this depends on what you have already had in terms of your own countries vaccination programme and which areas of Thailand you are travelling. Consult with a medical practitioner.

Cost of Living: Thailand

Accommodation: Baht 500 – 3000 per night. Average

Meal Prices: Baht 100 – 300.

Transport: The best way to get round the cities in Thailand is by taxi. They are both inexpensive and numerous.

Thailand’s weather:

Thailand’s climate is tropical and is high in both temperature and humidity. The average daytime temperature is over 30 deg c for every month of the year. Regardless of the time of year Thailand will always feel hot but it does have 3 main seasons:

Cool season: (by Thailand’s standards) Nov - Feb – most popular time for tourists
Hot season: April to May: Average daily temperature over 35 deg c.
Rainy season: June to Oct: Expect extremely heavy rain.

Visa:

Visa is not required for both UK and US passport holders.