Shopping in Thailand

Every city has one or several public market places. Bangkok itself is world-famous for its public markets such as Sukhumvit area, Ratchaprasong intersection, Pathumwan area, Pratunam, Chatuchak, Lumphini, Yaowarat, Banglamphu. Even if you don’t feel like shopping, these markets are filled with sensory and visual delights. There are also many mega-malls like Siam Paragon, the biggest mall in Southeast Asia, the extraordinary Central World Plaza, the Platinum Fashion Mall, and the Emporium which is famous for fashion

Textiles Fabric is the best all-round buy in Thailand, with Thai silk being considered the best in the world. The weave and soft texture of Thai silk means it is easily dyed resulting in brighter colours and a unique lustre. Thailand’s northern and northeastern provinces are where the best deals can be found. Tailor-made and ready-made clothing are relatively inexpensive. If one is not particular about style, it is simple to pick up an entire traveling wardrobe at one of Bangkok’s many street markets for the same price as one pair of designer jeans.

Jewellery Thailand is one of the world’s leading exporters of gems and ornaments. If you know what you want, you can make some excellent deals in both unset gems and fi nished jewellery. With the cooperation of the Thai Gem and Jewellery Traders Association (TGJTA) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Jewel Fest Club was established to bring together many leading jewellery manufacturers and wholesalers.

The club’s aim is to offer quality products at reasonable prices.When visitors purchase an item of jewellery from a store that is clearly identifi ed as a member of the Jewel Fest Club, the purchase will be duly recorded and a certifi cate detailing the purchase will be issued. Not only does this certificate of authenticity clearly state the nature and value of the purchase, it also guarantees the item should visitors wish to return the purchase. A 10% reduction occurs if the merchandise is returned to the point of sale within 30 days, and a 20% reduction after 30 days but within 45 days of the purchase date.

Hill Tribe Crafts Colourful embroidery, clothing, bags and jewellery fashioned by the indigenous tribal people in Thailand’s northern provinces can be bought in Bangkok. Of course, the closer one gets to the source, items become less expensive and are of better quality. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are the places to fi nd bargains for hill tribe crafts.

Lacquerware Thais have been producing some of the world’s fi nest lacquerware since the 11th century. In many cases, the products produced in Thailand today follow the same production techniques used 1,000 years ago. Bowls, trays, plates, boxes, containers, cups, vases and many other day-to-day items are sold at most markets.

Ceramics Many kinds of hand-thrown pottery, old and new, are available throughout the Kingdom. Most popular are the greenish Thai Celadon products from the ancient Sukhothai-Si Satchanalai area and central Thailand’s “five colour” style known as Bencharong.

Furniture Rattan and hardwood furniture items are excellent buys and can be made to order. Bangkok and Chiang Mai have the best selection of styles and the highest quality.

Packing and Shipping Services Thanks to the ever-increasing number of tourists coming to Thailand, most shops are experienced at shipping abroad and will attend to all the documents such as insurance, customs and necessary permits. The Central Post Offi ce also offers a parcel-wrapping service for those who want to make small shipments themselves. For larger shipments, there are a variety of international shipping companies.

Trading Opportunities The Department of Export Promotion (DEP), Ministry of Commerce, offers a Permanent Exhibition where quality products manufactured in Thailand are on display. The exhibition features over 250 selected exhibitors with more than 10,000 items on display in three exhibition areas.

The following is a list of just some of the items available from that district:

• Bangkok: clothes market in the Ratchaprasong area; locally made clothes and imported products can be found at all department stores; jewellery can be purchased at every night market; Chatuchak Weekend Market offers just about everything from antiques to potted plants.
• Nonthaburi: renowned for tropical fruits.
• Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya: handicrafts at The Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre at Bang Sai such as woven clothes, woodcarvings, baskets, artificial flowers, dolls.Lop Buri: reed mats.
• Kanchanaburi: sapphires of excellent quality and value, and Nin Stone, which is a black mineral.
• Chiang Mai: handicrafts at Bo Sang Village; Amphoe San Kamphaeng is famous as the birthplace of umbrella making, where the craft continues to flourish and produce wonderful umbrellas.
• Chiang Rai: Amphoe Chiang Saen has fabulous wood carvings and is renowned for the craftsmen’s traditional woodcarving skills.
• Mae Hong Son: exquisite gems Kalasin: Art and Culture Centre; patterned cloth, silk, and cotton fabrics embroidered with alphabet patterns.
• Udon Thani: visit Ban Chiang for its beautiful hand-painted pottery.
• Northeastern Region: magnificent silver work; basketry made from bamboo (typical Thai design).

Visitors can browse to their heart’s content, viewing top-quality products ranging from gift items and handicrafts, furniture, toys, leather products, construction materials, automotive parts, hardware, tools and appliances, stationary and sporting equipment, to name only a few. All are carefully selected for reliability and a high standard of workmanship. If visitors find products that suit their needs, they may contact the manufacturer directly or the DEP staff can provide a variety of services to help make things easier. For example, they will arrange appointments with many companies and also provide meeting rooms with full office facilities. All of the permanent exhibition services are free of charge.

OTOP Village Each region of Thailand specialises in its own exquisite arts and crafts: wood-working in the North; wicker ware in the central region; silk-weaving in the Northeast; and a variety of practical and decorative items using coconut shells and rubber tree products in the South. To preserve this rich cultural heritage, and give these artisans a decent standard of living in their clusters of rural villages, or tambons, the government came up with the One Tambon, One Product programme. Watch for OTOP labels at major shopping malls, in the country, as well as OTOP Shop at Thailand Export Mart Building on Ratchadaphisek Road, OTOP Shop by Ganez at Siam Paragon, Thailand OTOP Plaza at Pratunam Center, the Suan Lum Night Bazaar, the Chatuchak Weekend Market, and The Silom Galleria in Bangkok.

For more information, please contact the Thai Trade Centre at a Royal Thai Embassy in your own country. In Bangkok, contact the Department of Export Promotion. Tel. 66 2511 5066-77 Fax: 66 2512 2670. Website: http://www.thaitrade.com/

VAT Refund Visitors to Thailand can now claim back Value Added Tax (VAT) paid on items purchased in the Kingdom. A VAT refund can be claimed by any non-Thai visitor who has been in Thailand less than 180 days in a calendar year, is not a crew member of an airline, and departs Thailand by air carrier from an international airport: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai or Phuket. To claim a VAT refund, the visitor must:

• have purchased the item(s) within 60 days of departure. 
• have purchased the item(s) from stores displaying the VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS sign. 
• on the day of purchase, paid no less than 2,000 Baht, including VAT, at each participating store. The total amount claimed for refund must not be less than 5,000 Baht, including VAT. 
• ask, on the purchasing day, the sales assistant at the store to complete VAT refund form (P.P.10) and attach the original tax invoices to the form. All application forms (P.P.10) must show a value of 2,000 Baht or more. 
• before departure, present his or her goods and submit the form and original tax invoices to the customs officers for inspection before check-in. Note : In case of bank draft refund or credit to credit card account, the visitor can either present the claim to revenue officers or drop it into the box at the Refund Counter or mail the claim from their home to the Revenue Department. For more information, please see the Website: www.rd.go.th/vrt

  

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10 Interesting Places in Thailand

1. Khaosan Road
Come Down to the Crossroads

The crossroads for any young traveler coming to or leaving Southeast Asia are at Khaosan Road. This lively strip is a multi-nationality experience, with dozens of street vendors, artisans, fancy bars and restaurants galore. Ever since Alex Garland’s novel The Beach, and the movie version starring Leonardo DiCaprio, appeared, the road’s reputation has been on the up and up. Nowadays, there may be a Boots pharmacy, a Burger King, a McDonald’s and more upscale accommodation, but Khaosan still attracts many young travelers – and even their one-time hippie parents.

Near to Khaosan, Phra A-thit Road is Bangkok’s Little Bohemia, with arty restaurants, chic bars and a riverfront park that hosts festivals of theatre, dance and music from time to time. The beautifully preserved old wooden buildings around here are a portal into Bangkok’s past. And the nearby pier for river-taxis makes arriving and departing a breeze.

2. Chatuchak Weekend Market
Break Your Budget at this Mammoth Bazaar

For a truly Thai shopping experience, the Chatuchak Weekend Market is guaranteed to appease both the thrifty bargain-hunter and the moneyed antique collector. From home decorations and artworks to exquisite Thai handicrafts and exotic pets, you’ll find them all – and much much more – in this sprawling behemoth of a bazaar. When you’re on that final shopping spree for souvenirs or presents for your loved ones back home, this is the place to shop until your bank balance drops.

With more than 15,000 individual stalls spread over 35 acres, the Weekend Market (which is on the Skytrain line) can seem overwhelming at first. Just remember that the outer rim of the market usually features plants, gardening equipment and some used clothing, while the stalls in the inner sections deal in clothing, souvenirs, jewellery and household décor.

Towards the back and northends of the market is where most of the exotic plants, fi sh and other animals are contained. The Nancy Chandler Map for the market is a handy time-saviour.

3. Gulf of Thailand
Make a Big Splash in the Gulf of Thailand

No journey to the Land of Smiles would be complete without visiting some of its globally lauded, tropical islands and oceanfront resorts. Dip into Hua Hin (the country’s oldest beach resort) for golf and horse-riding on the beach. Try Ko Chang for its abundance of eco tourism activities. Rock up to Pattaya for its raucous nightlife or savour all of these different delights on Ko Samui.

But there are many other natural treasures with some sandy fringe benefi ts where serenity reigns supreme. Ko Tao is popular with families and also certifies more rookie scuba-divers each year than any other destination in Southeast Asia. To really get away from it all, try Ko Mak in the Ko Chang National Marine Park. For a more Thai-style experience, close to Bangkok, head for Bang Saen, which boasts some of the cheapest and most succulent seafood in the country.

4. Pai, Maehongsorn
Call of the Wild

Pai, The pastoral town in Mae Hong Son province nestled in the northern mountains of Thailand, has become a base camp for eco-explorers of all ages, with trekking and staying over at hill-tribe villages, whitewater rafting and mountain biking being some of the most attractive options. Close to this town are waterfalls and rolling green hills. And the town itself offers a wealth of classes in everything from Reiki to traditional massage to various New Age disciplines. A favourite haunt for young travelers, Pai is slowly moving more up market thanks to its new airport.

But its increasing popularity has yet to sully the town’s tranquil charm, art galleries cum-coffee shops in century-old wooden dwellings, and riverside bungalows in very price range.

5. Pak Khlong Talad & Yaowarat
Let Yourself Bloom

Pak Khlong Talat, the leading flower market in Bangkok, comes in a painter’s palette of colours – orchids of every hue, garlands of marigold, birds of paradise, bouquets of roses from Chiang Mai, chrysanthemums, and the florid, ceremonial ornaments known as Bai Si, constructed from banana leaves and crowned with flowers.

What many travelers do is buy a special flower box there, spray the flowers before boarding, put moist tissues around them, and carry them on as hand luggage. It’s a great way to save money and make a dazzling arrival.

The market is busy during the day and at night, but it’s really blooming in the early morning hours when vendors are setting up shop and the streets are filled with carts and trucks full of flowers.

This area, near the Chao Phraya (the River of Kings), is a wonderful way to cool down after a day of overheated shopping in Yaowarat, Bangkok’s Chinatown, famous for its gold shops, street markets, and Chinese-style temples. Some tours of the canals in the vicinity also include the market as a sweet-smelling stopover on their itineraries. After a visit here, you’ll feel fresh as a daisy.

6. Sukhothai
Biking Tour in World Heritage Sites, Time Traveling on a Bicycle

Sukhothai, which means “Dawn of Happiness,” also marked the dawning of the first Siamese Kingdom and the birth of the Thai language. Once an outpost of the Khmer empire, they were driven out by the Siamese who established their first Kingdom here in 1238. It was a golden age for classical art, architecture and Buddhism. To traverse these magnificent ruins in the Sukhothai Historical Park – Thailand’s equivalent of Angkor Wat – rent a mountain bike for a pittance.

You can also cycle leisurely past dozens of remnants from the next Siamese empire, Ayutthaya, in its “Ancient City,” or scattered around the town, and hugging the banks of the rivers, which form a natural moat around what was once considered the most glorious town and trading port in Asia. And well-appointed museums in the city give an overview of the Kingdom’s 400-year-plus reign.

There are not many towns in the world where you can drive by the ruins of a 15th century pagoda, just down the street from a modern convenience store, but that’s the magic of Ayutthaya for you.

7. Khao Yai
On Top of Thailand

Imagine climbing down a cliff face with a gushing waterfall on both sides of you. That’s the thrill of abseiling in Khao Yai National Park, which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its diverse eco-systems and 800 different species of fauna. The park is also renowned for its waterfalls, ranging from 15 to 50 meters high. Abseiling (or walking backwards) down them is a thrill sport that will make you feel like Spider-man.

But there are more than just chills and spills to fill out a day in the park. To get to some of the waterfalls requires kayaking across a lake, or trekking through some of the most luscious greenery in the Kingdom. And the jungle is a lair for wild elephant herds, gibbons and hornbills.

8. Similan & Surin Islands
Explore Sunken Treasures

Some of the world’s most bedazzling spots for scuba diving and snorkelling are in the archipelagos of the Andaman Sea’s Similan and Surin Islands. Below the emerald-green and sapphire-blue surface, you’ll see manta rays, whale sharks, lionfish, schools of barracuda and around 75 percent of the coral species in Thailand. But that’s only rippling the surface, for there’s also leatherback turtles, squid, octopus and giant Gorgonian sea fans.

For the upscale option, book a liveaboard (which means you sleep and eat on a boat for several days) from Phuket to explore the Similan Islands and their multitude of dive spots, awash with the colours of what people call the “rainforests of the sea”: coral reefs teeming with marine life. You’ll sleep in comfort and wake up to smell the salty breeze and then plunge into the wild blue yonder beneath the waves.

If you’re not a diver, don’t worry, because you won’t be left high and dry. Many snorkellers opt to stay on the Surin Islands in accommodation provided by the National Park service, or put up their own tents. The park also runs its own daily snorkelling trips to some fantastically beautiful reefs. Even if you’re not a strong swimmer, they will provide you with a life jacket so you can get into the swim of things.

9. Andaman Coast
Be Adventurous Like James Bond

Whether you’re looking for hard or soft adventures, from sea kayaking to simply soaking up the sun on a sandy tropical beach, the islands of Krabi province (renowned as the setting for The Beach) and Phuket (close to where The Man with the Golden Gun was shot), are truly amazing destinations.

The symbol of Krabi, which is the oldest continually inhabited province in Thailand, is the limestone crag. Nature’s exclamation marks, these towering monoliths punctuate Krabi’s inland geography, and make for dramatic cliff faces framing seaview sunsets. For water sports aficionados, there are lots of ways to get a high tide of adrenaline fl owing, from jet-skis to banana boats, and parasailing to marine fishing.

But softer tours of beauty are available in the area, too. One of the most scenic trips is visiting Phang-nga Bay, studded with limestone crags rising hundreds of meters out of the sea. Most of these tours throw in a stopover at James Bond Island, while “paddling guides” also take you in kayaks through sea caves that open up into lagoons, overflowing with placid aquamarine water that’s surrounded by limestone cliffs.

10. Floating Market & Khlong Tour
Cruising the Canals, Rolling on the River

Bangkok used to be known as the “Venice of the Far East” for all the watery arteries connecting to the main vein – the River of Kings. Taking a long-tail boat tour of a few of these canals on the Thon Buri side of the river, like Bangkok Noi (little) and Bangkok Yai (big) with breaks at the Temple of Dawn and the Royal Barges Museum is a great way to immerse yourself in Thai and Siamese history. And buzzing down the waterways in a long-tail boat, past canal-side houses and floating petrol stations, inspires a real buzz of excitement you won’t find anywhere else.

Another historic voyage is along the canal of Khlong Om to the island of Ko Kret, home to a thriving community of Mon artisans, who sell the fruits of their labours, like sandstone sculptures, for very reasonable prices. To get there, take the river taxi to the last station, Nonthaburi, and charter your own long-tail boat from the pier.

10 things to do in Thailand

1. The Grand Palace
Relish a Regal and Religious Experience

Thailand’s most sacred statue, the Emerald Buddha, resides at the grandiose Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), right next to the former residenceof royalty, the Grand Palace. The murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana, a magical epic, are otherworldly. But so are the gilt-covered pagodas and Buddhist images in the country’s number-one tourist attraction. What is also fascinating is how many everyday Thais come here to pray. Watching them observe age-old Buddhist rituals is a genuine slice of Thai life, served fresh every day.

The temple and palace, located in the historic Rattanakosin Island, are only a short walk from other marvels, such as Wat Pho (home of the Reclining Buddha and a traditional massage school), as well as the National Museum, the City Pillar and the National Gallery.
It is open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. except on special days. Visitors are advised that polite and modest dress is essential. For more information, please visit http://www.palaces.thai.net/

2. Khon, Hun Lakhon Lek and Siam Niramit
Be Wowed by Yesteryear’s Theatrical Traditions Today

Now visitors to the capital can time travel back to 15th century Siam through performances of khon (Thai Classical Masked Dance) at the Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre (for reservations call 0 22244499, or visit http://www.thaiticketmaster.com/), the art-deco venue that was the first air-conditioned cinema in all of Southeast Asia, and hun lakhon lek (Traditional Thai Puppet) at the Joe Louis Puppet Theatre (Tel. 0 2252 9683-4, http://www.thaipuppet.com/) in the Suan Lum Night Bazaar. These exciting shows are packed with traditional Thai music, bedazzling costumes and dancing mermaids. Once performed exclusively for the Royal Court, now visitors can enjoy these regal forms of entertainment.

These extravaganzas are based on the mythical Ramayana. At the nucleus of the story is how Hanuman, the white monkey warrior, came to serve the good King Rama, in his quest to defeat the demoniac overlord Thotsakan and his green-masked minions. During performances of Khon at the Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre, English subtitles are fl ashed across a screen above the stage. And before the show even starts, there’s a fi lm explaining the signifi cance of certain movements the dancers perform and details about their elaborate masks.

One of the newer venues to add a zesty, cultural dimension to Thailand’s nightlife is Siam Niramit (Tel. 0 2649 9222, http://www.siamniramit.com/). They offer a nightly dinner show package that uses hi-tech special FX to spotlight highlight heaven, hell and the enchanted Himapaan Forest, which lies between them. The other two acts of the show give the audience previews of some of the country’s most colourful festivals and take them on a whirlwind tour of its four distinct regions.

3. Golfing
Tee Off on Tropical Greens

Tons of pros and amateurs have a ball in Thailand every year during their golfing vacations in scenic settings like Hua Hin and Phuket. The country’s courses are not only world class but they sport some of the cheapest green fees in Southeast Asia and excellent local caddies.

So many tourists come to the Kingdom every year to indulge in their favourite sport that a number of tour companies have sprung up to cater to these afi cionados. This means you can choose from a variety of packages, from VIP golf holidays to more inexpensive variations, or even stay at a resort with a course on site. Let the tour operators take care of the details so you can concentrate on your game and take in the splendid scenery.
You don’t have to be Tiger Woods to get the ball rolling.

4. Muai Thai
Jump in the Ring

When it comes to martial artistry, everyone knows that Muai Thai kick-boxers are the lords of the ring. Professional bouts provide plenty of punchy entertainment in Bangkok. But more and more people are getting their kicks in Thailand by taking lessons at the many schools across the country, for fitness reasons, self-defense, or to become professional boxers.

And there are gyms all over the country which welcome foreigners and give classes in English. What’s even more thrilling are the Muai Thai resorts and training camps opening near beaches on Pattaya, Phuket and Ko Pha-ngan. There’s nothing more soothing for those aches and pains than some downtime on the beach or a swim in a tropical sea after a hard day’s workout, learning pugilistic moves like “breaking the elephant’s tusks.”

5. Elephant Trekking
Riding a Jumbo

Siamese soldiers rode elephants into battle as the tanks of ancient battlefi elds. Now tourists can ride one, too. Though you can go for an elephant trek on many Thai islands, the most scenic outings are up in the great green north. Atop the elephant’s back you can climb hills, ford streams and lumber through the jungle. Some of the camps also put on shows. For an incredible display of the animal’s might, just watch them hauling logs.

At the National Elephant Institute, in the northern province of Lampang, tourists can also sign up for courses on how to be a mahout. Learn how to ‘drive’ the beast, how to take them to the river for a bath, and even sleep with your own elephant out in the jungle. Please bear in the mind that these intelligent and endangered creatures, which have the same lifespan as a human being, are sacred to Thai people and that a white elephant once graced the flag of Siam. Even today, you can still see Thais walking under the elephant’s belly, like ancient Siamese warriors used to do, in order to bring themselves good luck and strength.

6. Medical Tourism Best Places to Go
Affordable Surgery Abroad & Medical Tourism

The focus of “Medical-Tourism-in-Thailand” is to inform you and other medical tourists seeking affordable surgery abroad that Bangkok, Thailand is your destination of choice. We can also provide medical escort and concierge services if you decide to come and want our help. We do not mark up the medical care, surgeries or dental care we recommend. Except for highly specialized procedures that may not be listed, we quote from price lists published by the hospitals and doctors or from quotes they provide to us. Ask them or ask us, the price of any particular surgery will be the same always.

Medical tourism in Thailand is a great idea because “The Land of Smiles” is already one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet. You probably already know Thai food is great and have heard that Thailand is a fantastic place to vacation.

7. Beauty Spa & Thai Massage
Take a Dose of Healthy Tourism

Thailand has become the fountainhead of the spa business in Southeast Asia. Most of the country’s major hotels have a spa, where you can opt for everything from facial treatments to holistic treatments, based on traditional Asian methods of healing, which strike a balance between the physical and spiritual. Many of these spas are opulently appointed with art and antiques to help rejuvenate all of your senses.

What’s more, plenty of people come to Thailand to get their teeth done (yes, there’s even a dental spa in Bangkok, too) because, for the fraction of the price in the West, they can enjoy quality dentistry and then use the savings to bankroll the rest of their vacation.

As obesity, stress and a lack of physical exercise claim more and more lives each year, good health has become a matter of life and death. No wonder so many tourists are choosing health-conscious holidays. These might entail a week-long fasting and colonics program on a tropical island; or working in some spa treatments after doses of sightseeing; or making sure your hotel has a decent gym and pool to keep yourself in good shape.
These days, holidays are not just exercises in gluttony and sloth.

8. Tom Yum Kung, Phat Thai, & Cooking
Savour the True Spices of Thai Life

Now that traditional dishes like Tom Yam Kung (a spicy broth laced with lemon grass and fresh shrimps) and Phat Thai (Thai-style noodles) have become globally renowned, more and more people want to learn the basics of the one of the world’s most popular culinary arts. Forget the thousands of cookbooks and experience authentic Thai food preparation with a distinctly local flavour.

Better still, you can choose your own kitchen. Would you like to study aboard a converted wooden rice barge? How about in a humble wooden abode? Or would you prefer the gleaming kitchen of a five-star hotel?

Whichever you choose, you can take a day-long course – or longer – and learn the secrets of preparing your favourite local dish from a real Thai chef. And then you get to join in the feast along with your fellow cooks.

Fancy a sweet green curry with chicken, or a spicy papaya salad? How about a mouthwatering grouper steamed in lemon and ginger?

They’re all on the menu at these cooking classes, along with outings to buy ingredients at local fresh markets.

9. Songkran & Loi Krathong Festival
Make Memories at Amazing Festivals

As night falls, the country’s waterways are illuminated by tiny fl oats fi lled with flowers, incense and a candle. This tribute to the Water Goddess takes place on the full moon night of the 11th lunar month. Loi Krathong is a romantic festival, too. Couples go to fl oat their Krathongs together. While you can see – and participate in – this festival all across the country, wherever there’s a river, stream or canal, the most unforgettable place to catch it is in the atmospheric ruins of the Sukhothai Historical Park, where it originated many centuries ago.

The festivities prove how important water is in a society with such agrarian roots. During Songkran, the Thai New Year held in mid-April splashes down with water wars on the streets; the ritual bathing of Buddha images; and endearing displays of the young pouring water over the hands of their respected elders.

Both of these uniquely colourful festivals show off the spiritual and mirthful sides of the Thai people and will surely deposit some scenes in your memory banks that will not soon be forgotten.



10. Travel by Rail
Ride the Rails in Splendour and Comfort

When it comes to railway journeys of a lifetime, the true fans of luxury and history have a one-track mind for the legendary Eastern and Oriental Express. Get your dream vacation on track by booking the eight- day/seven-night package with stopovers at the history-rich cities of Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai and Kanchanaburi (http://www.orient-express.com/). These sightseeing breaks include guided tours with a cornucopia of attractions, from religious ruins to the remnants of the World War II “Death Railway” and the Bridge Over the River Kwai, as well as river cruises.

From the privacy of your immaculate compartment on the E&O, you’ll have your own window on some of the most cinematic scenery in Thailand (both pastoral and urban). Into the bargain you’ll be pampered like a prince. The range of intercontinental dishes available in the dining car is to drool for. And how many other trains have their own well-stocked library?

After seven days of traversing Thailand, the Eastern and Oriental Express makes tracks through Malaysia to reach the end of the line in Singapore.

Tourist Assistance

TAT TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES

TAT HEAD-OFFICE ON PETCHABURI ROAD
Open daily 08:30 - 16:30 (including weekends and public holidays)
Address: 1600 New Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Rajatevee, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500

TAT CALL CENTRE At TAT Head-office
Open daily 08:00 - 20:00
Please call 1672
24-HOUR AUDIO-TEXT & FAX ON DEMAND SERVICE
Please call 1672 E-mail: info@tat.or.th

TAT TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES IN OTHER LOCATIONS
RATCHADAMNERN NOK AVENUE
Open daily 08:30 - 16:30

BANGKOK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT:
ARRIVALS - BUILDING 1 Open daily 08:00 - 24:00
ARRIVALS - BUILDING 2 Open daily 08:00 - 24:00

FOR EMERGENCIES TOURIST POLICE
Dial 1155 (24-hours round the clock service)

TOURIST ASSISTANCE CENTERHOTLINE

Please call 1155 or (0) 2134 4079
E-mail: thai_tac@hotmail.com
Web site: http://www.touristassistancecenter.go.th/

Announcement
PATTAYA TOURIST POLICE
On call 24 hours

NEW ADDRESS as of June 8, 2006
609/1 Muu 10 Khao Phra TamnakNong Preu, Banglamung, Chon Buri 20260
Tel: 1155 or 0 3842 9371, 0 3842 5937Fax: 0 3841 0044

NEW TOURIST POLICE STATION IN TRANG
Call: 1155

Source: http://www.tatnews.org/
Visit Thailand Visit: http://www.planningyourtravell.com/

TOURIST VISA EXEMPTION

According to the Interior Ministerial Announcements dated 6 February B.E.2538 (1995) and 8 December B.E. 2541 (1998), and updated December 2002, passport holders from some countries do not require a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes if their stay in the Kingdom does not exceed 30 days.

• The applicant must possess instrument of means of living expenses 10,000 per person and 20,000 Baht per family accordingly.
• Please also be advised that passport holders from some countries who intend to engage in certain activities are requested to apply for a visa before entering the Kingdom.

Those who come in without visa can extend the stay for additional 10 days. Change of visa status to Non-Immigrant visa can not be done..

Temporary tourist visa: Visa on arrival

• According to the Interior Ministerial Announcements ,passport holders from some countries may apply for visas at the immigration checkpoints for the purpose of tourism for the period of not exceeding 15 days.


• The applicant must possess instrument of means of living expenses 10,000 per person and 20,000 Baht per family accordingly.


• The applicant must produce instrument of means of transport (full paid ticket) which is usable within 15 days since the date of entry.


• Visa on arrival is provided at 12 designated international checkpoints and applicants should produce the application form to which his/her recent photograph (2 1/2 inches) is attached. The application fee is 1000 Baht.


• Visitors who enter the Kingdom with Visa on Arrival generally cannot file an application for extension of stay except in special cases such as illness which prevents them from travelling, etc. They can submit an application at the Office of Immigration Bureau , Immigration Division 1, Soi Suan Plu, South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120. Tel. (66) 2287-3127 or (66) 2287-3101-10 ext. 2264-5.

List of countries
List of Thailand's Immigration Checkpoints which provides facilities for issuance of visa on arrival are as follow :

1. Savvanabhumi International Airport , Bangkok
2. Chiangmai International Airport , Chiangmai
3. Phuket International Airport , Phuket
4. Hatyai International Airport , Songkla
5. U Tapao Airport , Rayong
6. Mae Sai Immigration Checkpoint , Chiengrai
7. Chieng Saen Immigration Checkpoint , Chiengrai
8. Chieng Khong Immigration Checkpoint , Chiengrai
9. Betong Immigration Checkpoint , Yala
10. Sadoa Immigration Checkpoint , Songkla
11. Samui Immigration Checkpoint , Surat Thani
12. Sukhothai International Airport, Tak Immigration checkpoint

Applying for an extension of a tourist visa

• Duration of first permit :
  Upon entering the country, as warranted by a tourist visa, permission will be granted for 60 days.
• Duration of extension :
  Normally, if the applicant wants to continue touring the country, an extension may be granted for not more than 30 days unless there are extenuating circumstances that would entitle the alien to a one year extension. Fee 1,900 baht.
• Additional extension:
  Normally, the Immigration will extend your Tourist visa once again for an additional 10 days. Fee 1,900 baht.

Note:
Note that nationals of Bangladesh, China, India, Iran, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri-Lanka, Togo and Uganda may only extend for a further seven days.

Tourist Visa

A tourist visa will be issued to applicants wishing to enter the Kingdom for tourism purposes. You are not allowed to work or conduct business with a tourist visa.

A tourist visa can be used to stay in Thailand for up to 30 days or up to 60 days and can be extended by 30 days at the nearest Immigration office. Fee 1,900 Baht (as per 2008-01-17).
A tourist visa is needed when a person plans to stay in Thailand for tourism purposes longer than is allowed when entering under the visa exemption, or if a person is from a country that has no visa exemption agreements with Thailand.

1. REQUIREMENTS FOR THAI TOURIST VISA
This type of visa will be issued to applicants who wishing to enter Thailand for tourism purposes .

2. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
- Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months
- Visa application form completely filled out
- One recent( 4 x 6 cm.) photograph of the applicant
- Air ticket or eTicket paid in full
- Financial means (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family)
- Consular officers reserve the rights to request for additional documents as deemed necessary

3. VISA FEE
USD 30.00 per entry or equivalent (as per 2008-01-17)
(Visa fee may be changed without prior notice)

4. VALIDITY OF A VISA
The validity of a visa is three months or six months. That means that you must utilize your visa within 90 or 180 days (dependent on number of entries) .

5. PERIOD OF STAY
Upon arrival, travellers with this type of visa will be permitted to stay in Thailand for a period of not exceeding 30 days or 60 days.

Nationals of countries which are on Thailand’s Tourist Visa Exemption list or have bilateral agreements on visa exemption with Thailand will be permitted to stay for a period of not exceeding 60 days. Nationals from other countries who hold a tourist visa will be permitted to stay in Thailand for a period of not exceeding 30 days

6. EXTENSION OF STAY
Those who wish to stay longer or may wish to change their status of visa must file an application for permission at the Office of Immigration Bureau located on Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120 , Tel (662) 287-3101-10.
The extension of stay as well as the change of certain type of visa is solely at the discretion of the Immigration officer.

7. NOTE:
Passport holders of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Sudan, Algeria, Libya, Yemen, Egypt and Palestinian States are requested to file for application at the Thai Embassy/Consulate-General where they have their permanent residence (home country).