Travelling to Thailand

The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Thailand embraces a rich diversity of cultures and traditions. With its proud history, tropical climate and renowned hospitality, the Kingdom is a never-ending source of fascination and pleasure for international visitors.

Thailand is bordered by Myanmar to the west and north; Lao P.D.R to the north and north-east; Cambodia to the south-east and Malaysia to the south.

The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family.

Thailand's geography

Thailand's shape and geography divide into four natural regions: the mountains and forests of the north; the vast rice fields, sandy beaches of the east coast and vibrant cosmopolitan Bangkok in the central plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the north-east plateau; and the tropical islands, long coastline and idyllic islands of the peninsula south.

Population

Thais are well known for their friendliness and hospitality. A large majority of over 62 million citizens of Thailand are ethic Thai (80%), along with strong communities whose ethnic origins lie in China (10%),  Malay (3%) India and elsewhere. About 7 million people reside in the capital city of Bangkok. Integration is such; however, that culturally and socially there is enormous unity.

Language

Spoken and written Thai is largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor. However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial language. English and some European languages are spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants in major tourist destinations, and Thai-English road and street signs are found nation-wide.

Bangkok

Bangkok was founded in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty.  It is now the country's spiritual, cultural, diplomatic, commercial and educational hub. It covers an area of more than 1,500 square kilometres, and it is home to approximately ten million people or more than 10% of the country's population.

Over the last few decades, Thailand's capital city, Bangkok, has changed into a modern, exciting and sophisticated city. It offers visitors not only the cosmopolitan amenities they would expect from other big cities, but also a unique treasure trove of cultural attractions. Thailand, in the heart of Southeast Asia, was never colonised and thus kept its unique culture and heritage intact. Bangkok offers visitors the opportunity to experience a fascinating glimpse of Thailand's gentle culture amidst the bustle of a great and dynamic metropolis. This great city has had astounding success in combining the ancient and modern world.

For tourists, Bangkok has a feast of attractions to offer.  The city is dotted with 400 glittering Buddhist temples of great beauty and fascination, magnificent palaces, classical dance extravaganzas, numerous shopping centres and traditional ways of life, especially along the "Venice of the East" timeless canals and the Chao Phraya River of the "River of Kings" winding through the city.  It is worth taking a trip along its waters before exploring further into different canals to take a glimpse of old Bangkok.

Travel advice

Medi Makeovers will keep you up to date with information on the ground regarding your travel, but we always advise you visit the Australian Government – Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website for travel information: http://www.dfat.gov.au/

For other countries, please check your government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade websites:
New Zealand - http://www.mfat.govt.nz/index.php
United States -  http://www.usembassy.gov/
United Kingdom -  http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/
China -  http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/

Smartraveller

We suggest you visit the Australian Government's travel advisory and consular assistance service website for useful and important information: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

The Monarchy

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, the present king. He is deeply respected by the Thai people. He is the world's longest reigning monarch and celebrated the 60th anniversary of his accession on 9 June 2006, making him the longest reigning Thai monarch. His Majesty the King is recognised as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions.

Bilateral relationship

Australia and Thailand have longstanding, deep and broad connections, co-operating in a broad range of areas of mutual interest, including trade and investment, law enforcement, counter-terrorism, education, security, migration and tourism. Formal diplomatic relations were established between Australia and Thailand in 1952. The bilateral relationship is facilitated by mutual membership of bodies such as APEC, the ASEAN PMC, the EAS and the Cairns Group.

Australia has strong links to the Thai Royal Family. His Majesty King Bhumibol Aduljadej visited Australia in 1962 and the Thai Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Maha Vajiralongkorn, studied at secondary school and military college in Australia, subsequently completing training with the Australian Army's Special Air Service Regiment in Perth.

Our strong bilateral relations are reflected in ever increasing people-to people links. Australia continues to be a leading destination for Thai students and Thailand attracts large numbers of Australians for tourism and business. Prior to Thailand's decision in 2003 to decline development assistance, Australia was a major aid partner. Many Thais studied in Australia under the Colombo Plan and other programs.

Travelling to Thailand - useful Information

Australian Embassy, Thailand
Head of Mission
Mr Paul Grigson, Ambassador to Thailand
http://www.dfat.gov.au/homs/th.html

Address
37 South Sathorn Road
Bangkok 10120
Thailand
Telephone +66 2 344 6300
Fax +66 2 344 6593
E-mail address for general enquiries: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Assistance for travelling Australians: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: http://www.thailand.embassy.gov.au/

Passport Information

https://www.passports.gov.au/Web/index.aspx
Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity and carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

Visa - entry and exit requirements

Australian tourists travelling to Thailand through one of the international airports on an Australian passport may currently enter Thailand for up to 30 days without obtaining a visa in advance. This is referred to as a “visa exemption”. Australian tourists travelling overland into Thailand through a border crossing may enter Thailand for up to 15 days without obtaining a visa in advance. A visa is required for longer stays or for travellers intending to work or to travel for other than tourism purposes in Thailand.

Tourists who reside in Thailand for 90 days must depart Thailand for at least 90 days before they will be permitted to re-enter Thailand, unless they obtain a valid visa at a Thai Embassy or Consulate in another country outside Thailand.

For other countries please visit http://www.thaivisa.com/immigration/visa/tourist-visa.html

Health Issues

We recommend you purchase travel insurance for your trip. We have found Travel Insurance Direct to be fantastic and very well priced.

We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water supplied in the accommodations. Use bottled water when brushing your teeth. Having a shower in our chosen accommodations are fine but you must remember never to get your sutures wet. If bandages are wet, replace them with clean dry bandages.

When planning to travel overseas with PBS medicine, including over-the-counter or private prescription medications, it is important that you:
talk to your doctor and discuss the medicine you will need to take
carry a letter from your doctor detailing what the medicine is, how much you will be taking, and stating that it is for your own personal use
do not try to save luggage space by combining medications into one container. Keep all medications in  their original packaging so they are clearly labelled with your own name and dosage instructions

If you have to inject your medication, it may be preferable to carry your own needles and syringes but you should check with the Australian Embassy (see above) to make sure this is acceptable. If you need to carry needles and syringes with you on the plane, inform your airline before you travel and, if necessary, arrange a letter from your doctor explaining why you need to carry them.

If you buy needles and syringes while overseas, ensure you buy packs that are sealed and sterile.

It is important to be aware that some medicines that are readily available in Australia may not be available overseas, or if they are available they may be packaged under a different brand name. Keep an eye on the strength of the active ingredients of similar sounding medications overseas – they can vary.

More information on travelling with medicines is available from http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au  or by phoning the Travelling with PBS medicine enquiry line on 1800 500 147.