language
Thai. English is quite practiced in cities and tourist areas.
Religions
95% of Thais are Buddhists. Main minority Sunni Muslims (3.7%), especially in the South.
currency
The Thai currency is Baht (THB). 1 EUR = 43.8 THB.
Current spending, we must always be small cuts on itself. Cash and travelers checks easily exchanged in banks. At the airport in the cities, we easily find ATMs. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are accepted in major hotels, shops and restaurants of standing. Banks are open weekdays only, 8 h 30-15 h 30.
Transportation
For large distances, the airplane is a good choice. One may prefer the comfort sleeper trains (2nd and 1st class), inexpensive. The rail network serves, star, North, Northeast and South. Faster buses cover the whole territory. For long distances they travel at night.The bus 2nd or 1st class (VIP), air conditioning, are quite comfortable. Finally, in cities and tourist resorts, you can rent cars and motorbikes. The road network is good but the conduct of the Thais is unpredictable (many inexperienced riders have paid the price). Provide international driving license for rental.
Health
Outbreak of bird flu (source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs):
It is recommended that travelers to countries as infected by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Organisation Internationale des Epizooties (OIE) during their stay to avoid contact with live poultry and pigs or their bodies, including markets, and also avoid any contact with a surface appearing contaminated by poultry droppings or dung. It is also strongly recommended to buy, hold or bring an animal living in these countries, especially ornamental birds. The virus is transmitted through the airways (respiratory indirect contact or direct contact with infected food).
Vaccines. Generally, vaccines DT-Polio, typhoid, hepatitis A and B are recommended.
Malaria. Health authorities classify the South is in Zone 1: an anti-malarial drug is officially recommended, but a protection against insects is more than enough; same goes for the north, which is classified as Zone 3: Anti-malarial treatment is recommended if you stay in the forest zone or for a period exceeding one week.
Drink only bottled water and avoid raw vegetables and seafood in restaurants popular.
Useful numbers
Bunrungrad Hospital: 667.29.29.
Bangkok Nursing Hospital: 632.05.50.
Samitivej Hospital: 392.00.11.
Saint Louis Hospital: 675.50.00.
Electricity
220 V. Different takes. Adapters are required and can be easily found.
Taxes and gratuities
Commodities are taxed at 7%, and imported luxury goods are more heavily. Tipping is appreciated servers and taxi drivers.
