Bring a cell phone “unblocked” (or have it unlocked at one of the many cell phone shops here) and buy a Thai SIM card for it on arrival. They’re cheap (starting at 50 baht) and include some credit already on them - e.g. - International calls to AU or UK are about THB5 per minute. Unblocked phones are not expensive to buy in Thailand either.
Money - Bring ATM and/or credit cards. - check fees and tell your bank your are going abroad. - Take Travellers cheques only as back-up. If you bring cash you can EASILY exchange it when you first land at Bangkok's airport – you tend to get a much better rate of exchange here than your home country. You can change any left over THB when departing from the airport back to your home currency at a fair rate. N.B. Do keep some cash in reserve in case of flight delays etc.
Hotel/Room Booking – It is not essential to book rooms before you arrive as there are plenty of cheap accommodation options available. The exceptions would be during the very busy New Year season. If you want a particular place for your first night or two to get orientated then by all means book ahead.
Bring very few clothes – they are cheap here and you’ll probably only bring stuff that is too warm anyway. Remember to dress modestly around temples and significant religious precincts.
Bring very little luggage – this makes you more mobile if you need to be and less vulnerable to taxi touts and undesirable men. Before you go home you can buy very cheap suitcases starting at THB200, to take your souvenirs back home.
Internet access is everywhere – even on the beach… you can get all your photos copied to CD - If you have a lap-top you can connect it (broadband even wi-fi) at most cafes, often for free.
Food - Thai food can contain more chillies than you ever thought possible. Street food is usually safe (and delicious!), check for numbers of customers and general looks of the stall, any place with a lot of Thai people eating there is a very good sign of quality. Western “farang” food is more likely to make you ill – fridges are not a huge part of Thai cooking lore yet (they prefer to buy ingredients fresh daily). Beware of Western Fast Food outlets and hotel buffets - or food that has been out for over an hour.
Always carry a pack of tissues - in case they're not supplied – and learn to use a “bum-gun” for your toilet visits!
Drink bottled water - not tap water. Even consider not brushing your teeth with tap water. Ice is usually safe in drinks and for anything else.
Use common safety sense – it is easy to relax too much here…when it comes to petty crime the rate is certainly lower than in places like the US/Europe etc…but every country has its share of con-men and psychopaths…..beware of fellow travellers too!
Don’t be afraid to go to Pattaya – considered the "red-light" capital of Thailand but they don’t jump out at single women and couples and it has good, cheap hotels, great shopping and food. Not a bad place to start off if you're heading to Koh Chang, Koh Samet or even Cambodia.
Bring an international driving permit – although most national ones are accepted by motorbike and car hire companies and anyone else who wants to hire you something….you may not be insured without an IDP. In Thailand they drive on the left - and cars are right-hand-drive. However driving is really only for the experienced and safe defensive driver. Be especially careful if riding a motorbike - motorbike deaths are VERY high in Thailand.
Public transport is cheap. Planes, Trains, Buses, Minibuses, Taxis, from town to town. If you’re in a minibus or taxi, tell the driver you’ll tip him if he keeps the speed below 90/100 kmph! National speed limit is 90kph (120 on motorways)
Around Bangkok try to use meter taxis with the meter on...it’ll be cheaper than the tuk-tuks.Take a tuk-tuk once for the experience then use meter taxis. Don’t let the drivers take you out of your way...they’ll try to take you to tailors and gemstone stores where they get a kick-back.
Check up on Thai manners and customs – this will earn you respect from the locals. - Keep up some dress sense – how you dress in Thailand is quite important. Don’t go topless – it’s usually frowned upon. You’ll notice that Thai women dress very modestly in public – they usually swim fully clothed. Table manners – Thais tend to eat from communal dishes in the centre of the table – don’t pour everything onto your own plate!
Body language - Don’t point your feet at people – the body is seen as hierarchical and the feet are the lowest part and should not be waved about. Before entering someone’s home you must take off your shoes; this may also apply to some small businesses (look for all the shoes near the front door) - Never take a shoe off and wave it at someone. It is considered impolite to touch people on the head.
It’s not necessary to “Wai” people - the Thai greeting - as you’ll probably get it wrong. If they Wai you , you might try a wai back (unless they're children or service personnel .
Remember, this is the Land of Smiles and you will find everything goes much better when you have a smile on your face and speak in calm tones - no matter what the situation.
NB – the wearing of yellow or red shirts, could be construed as showing support for either of the two main political factions.
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