Living tips

Etiquette

• Monarchy. Thailand's lèse-majesté law is real. Keep comments factual and careful, online and off.
• Temples. Cover shoulders and knees. Shoes off. Speak quietly.
• Wai. The usual greeting. Return one when it is offered.
• Feet and head. Feet are low, heads are high. Do not point your feet at a Buddha image or rest them on chairs.
• Anger. Raising your voice in public makes the situation worse. Step away.

Scams

Well-known patterns. This list does not name businesses.

• Fake TDAC sites that charge a fee. Use only tdac.immigration.go.th.
• Gem scam: a new friend, a "closed" attraction, a jewellery shop with a special price.
• "Grand Palace closed today" from a tuk-tuk driver who has another plan.
• Tuk-tuk shopping detours. Agree the fare and the destination, or use Grab.
• Jet-ski damage claims after a rental. Photograph the craft before you start.
• Unofficial taxis in the arrivals hall. Use the public queue or the Grab pin.

Safety

Road accidents, especially on motorbikes, are the main visitor risk. Helmet on. Valid licence if you ride, for the law and for insurance.

• Police 191 (also the general line for ambulance, fire and police)
• Fire 199
• Ambulance 1669
• Tourist Police 1155

Source: GOV.UK, Tourist Police.

Healthcare

Public hospitals are cheaper and busier. Private hospitals are where most visitors go for anything urgent, and they expect payment or a guarantee letter. Pharmacies handle simple meds. Carry insurance details. Insurance

Power

Mains supply is 220 volts at 50 hertz. MEA states 220 volts as the standard line voltage, and describes household single-phase supply as 220–230 volts (MEA, 3-pin plugs, single-phase). Thailand's registered mains frequency is 50 hertz (ASEAN regulatory table). The Thai grounded plug is Type O, three round pins (MEA). Sockets also accept Type A, B and C in practice (plug types). A UK Type G or Australian Type I plug needs an adapter. A charger marked 100–240V does not need a voltage converter.

Weather and seasons

• Cool and dry: around November to February.
• Hot: around March to May.
• Rainy: around June to October.
• The North has a smoky / burning season around February to April, with poor air quality in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and nearby provinces.

Official seasons: summer mid-February to mid-May, rainy mid-May to mid-October, cool mid-October to mid-February. The Gulf (east) coast of the south stays rainy to the end of the year, wettest around November (Thai Meteorological Department).