Category : Science and Education
Archive   : THAILAND.ZIP
Filename : LONGSTAY.TXT

Note:
The following material is disorganized. It is an incomplete potpourri
of information that the long-term visitor may find of interest. I hope
it goes without saying that it is personal, and thus cannot substitute
for a legal opinion. All I can say is that it works for me.
This is Thailand, and there's a strong copyright law here (yes there
is!). So let's get the legal stuff out of the way. All information in
here is in the public domain. This document can be freely copied and
distributed by any form or any means, most especially including elec-
tronic means. It may not be modified. It certainly may NOT be copied or
distributed by any means for a fee, or for profit, either in whole or in
part, either by itself or as a part of any document, book, article, etc.
I think that ought to cover it. If you find this to be of ANY help,
it's been worthwhile.
=====================


THAILAND
Information and Hints
for Long-Stayers
TABLE OF CONTENTS
General
Entering Thailand
Leaving Thailand
Immigration
Taxes & Tax Clearances
Transportation
Hotels
Massage
Diplomatic Representatives
Emergency & Useful Telephones
Holidays

THAILAND
General

Area: About 500,000 sq km (the size of France)
Population: About 55 million
Capital: Bangkok, population about 8 million
Provinces: 77 + Bangkok
Land Borders: Burma, Malaysia, Kampuchea (Cambodia), Laos
Sea Borders: Gulf of Thailand; South China Sea; Andaman Sea
River Border: Mekong (Laos, Burma)
Seasons: Hot (March-May)
Rains (June-October)
Cool (November-February)

Main Buddhist (80%)
Religions: Muslim (10%)
Christian (5%)

Regions: North, Northeast, East and South

System of Constitutional monarchy. His Majesty King Bhumibol
Government Adulyadej is chief of state. There is a bicameral
legislature. The lower house is elected, and the upper
house, or Senate, is appointed. The government consists
of a prime minister and a maximum of 44 ministers. They
need not be elected to parliament, but in practice, most
are.

The civil service and the military -- particularly the
Army -- play officially undefined but important roles in
the consensus political system.

Thailand has long been considered a pro-Western nation
but is proud that it has never been colonized or occupied.

ENTERING THAILAND

Most visitors arrive at Bangkok International Airport, commonly
called Don Muang after the area in which it is located. BIA is modern,
but delays seem inevitable in any air travel
There are no health requirements for arrivals, "unless you are coming
from a contaminated area." It is up to the visitor to declare this, as
health officers do not regularly screen incoming passengers.
Immigration officers are normally the first officials encountered.
They wear white or khaki uniforms, and are members of the Police
Department. They want to see your valid passport and filled-out
disembarkation card. Those not holding visas also may have to produce
proof of onward travel.
After the immigration line comes Customs. International airports in
Thailand have a "green lane" for those with nothing to declare. As in
all such instances, there are spot checks on those using the green lane.
Financial penalties for "accidentally" going through the green lane tend
to be swifter and heavier than normal.
The visitor will encounter no customs problems bringing in used,
personal possessions. Thai Customs officers tend to be vigilant in the
presence of obviously new electronic equipment, most especially
including stereos, televisions and home video recorders.
The legal limit on cigarettes and liquor is one carton/one bottle.
But Customs officers tend to use their common sense far more than in
other countries, and allow over-the-limit allowances routinely if it
appears the import is not for resale. Similarly, although the law
allows only one camera (of any type) and five rolls of film, it is
seldom if ever enforced rigidly.
On the definite no-no list are pornography and firearms. Guns may be
imported only with a permit issued by the Thai Police Department.
Surely by now it goes without saying that Thailand has heavy anti
drug laws. Anyone importing narcotics and marijuana gets what he
deserves. Jail terms average about a year for marijuana and 33 years
for narcotics. At the moment, there are no additional sentences for
stupidity, although perhaps there should be for those importing
narcotics or marijuana. Pharmaceuticals are normally not checked, nor
indeed are they generally banned or restricted. The exception is any
opiate-based drug such as morphine or codeine. All such items are
banned in Thailand. If you are using these, be prepared to produce or
prove your prescription.
In addition, Thailand has specific laws forbidding import of certain
plants, fruit, vegetables and animals. In the case of pets, permission
may be obtained after arrival to import the domestic animal, provided
the usual health requirements have been attended to and documented.


Money is important to Thai law, and the visitor/resident should be
very careful here.
It is against Thai law to export more than US $10,000 or equivalent
in cash or other negotiable form such as travelers' checks. Anyone
caught carrying out more than this amount will lose the excess or will
not be allowed to leave -- or both.
It is legal, however, to import any amount of foreign currency.
The wise traveler with more than $10,000 will declare his money to
the Customs officers upon arrival. Some travelers are leery of this.
In Thailand, there is no known case of problems arising because of such
declaration. On the contrary, there can be enormous problems and loss
of money for failure to declare.
(Note that this applies only to foreign currency. Import and export
of Thai baht is legally restricted to much less than $100.)


LEAVING THAILAND


(NOTE: Many people leaving Thailand require a tax clearance. Read
the section on taxes and tax clearances carefully if you have worked in
Thailand, or if you have been in the country more than 89 consecutive
days, or more than 179 days in a calendar year.)
There is normally little hassle leaving Thailand, apart from that
common to airports worldwide. There are, however, certain quirks in the
Thai law, and in common practice, of which everyone should be aware.
Restricted Items for export include about what you'd expect, and a
couple of twists.
Narcotics and marijuana are absolutely banned. Thai law, rigidly
enforced, specifies that anyone carrying more than 100 grams of a
narcotic (heroin, for example) is a trafficker. The maximum penalty is
death, although 35 years of free Thai lessons is more common.
All jewelry is generally without duty. But unworked gold (gold bars
or ingots, for example) is subject to heavy duties, and confiscation and
fine if detected by customs officers. You can legally wear out as many
gold chains as your neck and arms can support, but you cannot legally
carry out a one-ounce gold bar.
You've heard that export of Buddha images is against the law. You
heard right. There is a reason for that. The Thai press several years
ago played up cases of foreigners who used their Buddha images for
decoration -- like propping the bathroom door open. That's bad form.
In practice, anyone demonstrating proper respect for a Buddha image
is generally allowed to proceed out of the country with it.
Any item over 100 years old is an antique, and antiques can be
exported only with permission from the Fine Arts Department. It usually
takes a couple of weeks to get such permission. Most antiques can be
exported. Proof of age and status is up to the owner. Customs officers
are authorized to seize any item they reasonably question.
There is no restriction on export of general purchases in Thailand,
including duty-free goods in any amount. (That's a problem for your
next customs inspection; not in Thailand.)
The law restricts export of baht, the Thai currency, to 500 for an
individual; 1,000 for a family. Foreign currency export is restricted
to US $10,000 or less (or its equivalent) unless it has been declared
upon entry. Any amount over $10,000 or equivalent will be seized before
the person is allowed to leave Thailand.


IMMIGRATION
VISAS
There are only three kinds of visas to Thailand -- transit, tourist
and non-immigrant. In practice, the transit visa is seldom requested or
issued. It allows a 30-day stay commencing from the date of arrival.
Tourist visas are the most common, and are usually issued without
question by any Thai Embassy or Consulate abroad. They may be used
within 90 days of issue. They allow a stay of up to 60 days commencing
from the date of arrival. (Do not mistake the "validity" of the visa --
90 days -- with the allowed stay of 60 days.)
In most cases, the Immigration Department will allow extension of a
tourist visa for an additional 30 days upon request, and payment of a
fee of 500 baht (US $20). In actual practice, the method of extension
is curious, and requires two separate visits to the Immigration
Department office.
At the first visit, the visa holder fills out an application for
extension and submits it, along with one picture. After payment of the
application fee, he is told to return in 15 days. At the second visit,
he is informed that permission for extension of the visa has been
denied, and he is given formal notice that he must leave Thailand within
15 days.
This is done for bureaucratic reasons, in favor of the visitor. Thai
immigration law specifically forbids extension of a tourist visa. But
immigration officers are permitted, at their discretion, to allow any
alien to remain up to 15 days.
After 90 days, the visitor on a tourist visa must leave Thailand.
Visitors may not legally do business in Thailand while visiting the
country on a tourist visa. Enforcement, naturally, is spotty as in any
country with an undermanned and overworked immigration department.
It is, however, legal to make business contacts; to explore business
possibilities; to approach official government offices, and to make any
kind of purchases for export while in Thailand.
Anyone doing any business in Thailand on any kind of visa is liable
to pay income tax, and must obtain a tax clearance before leaving the
country. If he does not, he may be denied permission to leave.
Enforcement of this law is also spotty. For more details, see the
section below on taxes and tax clearances.
There are no other restrictions upon holders of a tourist visa. They
may travel throughout the country, except in a few militarily denied
areas that are guarded in any case. By law, all foreigners must carry
their passport at all times. In practice, most authorities realize the
problems involved in this, and willingly accept photocopies. The
photocopy should include the page with the latest visa and entry stamp.


Non-immigrant Visas are issued upon request to most foreigners by most
Thai Embassies and Consulates abroad. They may be used, like all visas,
any time within 90 days of issue. They permit a stay in Thailand of 90
days beginning from the date of arrival.
The rules book on this type of visa is a meter thick, and to further
confuse the issue is often interpreted differently at various
immigration offices throughout the country.
Non-immigrants are a large group in Thailand. They include tourists
who want the advantage of a lengthier permitted stay; businessmen;
foreign residents; students; monks; spouses of Thai citizens; diplomats,
and a host of other categories.
For the tourist who wants to stay between 60 and 89 days without a
hassle, the reason for getting a non-immigrant visa is obvious.
For foreigners wishing to stay beyond 90 days, a non-immigrant visa
is a vital and totally necessary first step. There are too many
categories of non-immigrants to list here. But the non-immigrant visa
is the mandatory first step to living and/or working in Thailand.
There is a possible major drawback to the non-immigrant visa for
tourists, however. By law, any holder of a non-immigrant visa must
obtain and produce a tax clearance before leaving the country. At this
writing, this regulation has been relaxed for anyone who holds a non
immigrant visa but who has not spent 90 days in Thailand. Naturally, it
may be enforced at any time.
It should also be noted that the "ordinary" non-immigrant visa does
not permit a foreigner to work in Thailand. If there is a note on your
visa specifying that it cannot be renewed, it is an "ordinary" one. If
you plan to stay, or to work, in Thailand, there are two possible steps:
1. Application to the authorities, including the Immigration
and Labor Departments, for a change of status, or,
2. Application to the Thai Embassy/Consulate abroad at the
time of visa issue for a "working non-immigrant visa."
The first of these choices is easiest for those planning a long stay
in Thailand. The second often requires extensive documentation and,
even then, reference to Bangkok. It thus can be expensive and time
consuming.
(Note: For those who take a job during their visit to Thailand,
there are special regulations. These involve issuance of a working visa
by the immigration department -- but the catch is that the individual
must leave Thailand to pick up the visa at the foreign Embassy/Consulate
of his choice.


"Non-visa visas" are issued upon arrival at any international airport
or any recognized land-border immigration station (meaning at the
Malaysian border). They are valid for 15 days, beginning on the arrival
date. In Bangkok, they may be extended for a further 7 days, and
outside the capital for up to 14 days. No other extension is possible,
and it involves payment of the customary 500-baht application fee.
Such visas are given to citizens of 55 countries upon request,
providing they hold a valid passport and confirmed, onward travel
reservations. These countries include all Western industrialized
nations, many Middle Eastern countries and most nations in the region.
They exclude all communist countries (except Yugoslavia) and -- to be
frank about it -- those countries whose nationals have been troublesome
to the Thai Immigration Department.
Nationals of excluded countries who do not hold a visa may apply upon
arrival only at the Bangkok International Airport for a visa. Usually,
the application is accepted immediately, if accompanied by that
ubiquitous 500 baht fee.
Nationals of "excluded countries" who will not be granted a free 14
day stay in Thailand include those from Taiwan, Hong Kong, India,
Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran and all of the Americas except for Canada,
the United States and Argentina.


Re-Entry Visas: These are meant, and are extremely handy, for long
term visitors who intend leaving, and then returning to Thailand. They
are granted by the immigration department, and require a picture and
that 500-baht application fee. They also normally require leaving the
passport with authorities overnight.
The effect of a re-entry visa is to allow the visitor to leave the
country and return -- on his original visa. The returnee then may
remain in Thailand up to the date permitted by his original visa. There
are no other restrictions upon exit imposed by the re-entry visa.
(Note, however, that neither does a re-entry visa cancel out other
possible responsibilities, such as obtaining a tax clearance.)
If a re-entry visa is not obtained prior to departure, the original
visa is canceled by the immigration officer. The visitor/resident must
start the visa process all over once he has left Thailand.


TAXES & TAX CLEARANCES


This is one of Thailand's most confusing subjects, especially for the
new visitor/resident. It is further muddied because certain regulations
are unenforced. These are always to the advantage of the foreigner, but
there is always a certain nervousness because there is no way of knowing
when enforcement might resume.
The easiest to understand are these two basic rules, always enforced.
(1) Any foreigner who spends more than 89 consecutive days in
Thailand must obtain a tax clearance before he can leave.
(2) Any foreigner who spends more than 179 days in Thailand in any
calendar year must obtain a tax clearance.
Note that Thai citizens do NOT require tax clearances of any type to
leave the country. Foreign children under 15 on day of departure are
also exempt from all tax clearance laws.
Many foreigners believe that they require tax clearances only if they
have worked in Thailand. On the contrary, foreigners who work in
Thailand require a tax clearance after a stay of any length, including
overnight. Tourists, students, spouses -- they all require tax
clearances after 89 (or a cumulative 179-plus) days in the country.
Reasons for being in Thailand and actions performed are of no
consequence.


A tax clearance is generally available at one of two places:
1. In Bangkok, at the central tax office, and,
2. In the provinces, from provincial or district tax offices.
Tax clearances are not legally issued by the Bangkok Metropolitan
Authority (the equivalent of a provincial office) or by any of the
district offices in the capital.
Tax clearances must be issued by the central tax office in Bangkok
for all foreigners, except those able to show that they spend most of
their time in another part of the country. Most district offices in
Thailand will refuse to grant a tax clearance to tourists. The
exceptions to this rule are districts in popular tourist spots such as
Phuket, Banglamung (Pattaya) and Chiang Mai.
(Many foreign residents are able to obtain tax clearances from
provincial or district tax offices, and they might be able to introduce
visiting friends to this service.)


Taxable Income is a subject that confuses many. Thai law, like the
law of most countries, defines taxable income as any money received from
any source for any purpose. In Thailand, this includes money carried
by, or sent to, a visitor.
In general, it is necessary to pay income tax in order to receive a
tax clearance. "Income" is defined as the amount of money spent in
Thailand. The tax officers hear foreigners' complaints about this
daily, and are unimpressed.
This document will not advise anyone on how to obey any law in
Thailand. However, it is hereby noted that those who pay the least
income tax in Thailand are those who are best able to convince the tax
officers how cheaply they can live.
In the end, the amount of income tax is at the sole discretion of the
tax officer. So, it should be stressed, is the decision of whether to
issue a tax clearance quickly, or require several days and extensive
"documentation" because he/she is displeased at the attitude of the
applicant. Such cases are rare in the Thai civil service, but not
unheard of.
Nationals of a fortunate but tiny handful of countries, including
Britain and Canada, may not require a tax clearance. These countries
have bilateral tax treaties with Thailand. (The United States does
not.) If you are in doubt, check your embassy.


TRANSPORTATION


State Railways of Thailand
Information 223-7010, 223-7020
Hualumpong Station (Rama IV Road) 223-0341-8 or 223-2721
Thonburi Station (Southbound trains) 411-3102
Wong Wien Yai Station (Samut Songkran) 465-2017


Bangkok Bus Terminals
Pattaya/Southeast (Sukhumvit Rd at Soi 63) 391-2504; 391-3301; 391-9829
North/Northeast (Phaholyothin Road) 279-4484-7; 279-6222
South (Charansanitwong Road, Thonburi) 411-0511; 411-4978-9


angkok International Airport (Don Muang) Domestic 531-0022-59
International 523-6201


IRLINES
Aeroflot 233-6965-7 7 Silom Road
Air Canada 233-5900-9 Ext 11-14 1053 New Road
Air France 233-9477 Charn Issara
Air India 256-9614-9 16th Fl, Amarin Tower
Air Lanka 236-9292-3 Charn Issara
Alitalia 233-4000-1 or 234-5253 Boonmitr Bldg, Silom
American Airlines 252-3520-2 Ploenchit Rd, Maniya Bldg
Biman Bangladesh 234-0300 Ext 25 or 37 Surawong/Patpong
British Airways 236-8655-8 Charn Issara
Burma Airways 233-3052 or 234-9692 208/1 Surawong
Cathay Pacific 233-6105 or 233-9825 Charn Issara
China Airlines 253-4438 Charn Issara
Dragonair 253-0681-4 46/1 Soi 3, Sukhumvit
Egypt Air 233-7601-3 or 233-7599 120 Silom/Patpong
Finnair 251-1393 or 252-3520 518/2 Ploenchit
Garuda Indonesia 233-0981-2 or 233-3873 Rama IV near Surawong
Gulf Air 235-1397 or 235-5605 9 Decho Road/Silom
Indian Airlines 233-3890-2 2/1-2 Decho Road/Silom
Iraqi Airways 233-3271-4 ASC Bldg, Silom Road
JAT Yugoslav 235-0500-2 Charn Issara
Japan Airlines 233-2440 Wall Street Tower, Surawong
KLM Royal Dutch 235-515-9 2 Patpong/Surawong
Korean Air 234-9283-7 Dusit Thani Bldg
Kuwait Airways 251-5855 159 Rajdamri Road
Lauda Air 233-2565-6 Wall Street Tower
LOT Polish 235-2223-7 485/11-2 Silom
Lufthansa 234-1350 331/1-3 Silom
Malaysian Airlines 234-9790-4 98-102 Surawong/Patpong
Northwest 234-2901-5 or 234-2352 Peninsula Plaza
Pakistan Intl 234-2961-5 52 Surawong/Patpong
Pan American 251-4521 or 252-8842 Maniya Bldg, Ploenchit Rd
Philippine Airlines 233-2350-2 Surawong/Patpong
QANTAS 236-7493 Charn Issara
Royal Brunei 234-0007 Charn Issara
Royal Jordanian 236-0030 Silom near Taniya
Royal Nepal 233-3921-4 1/4 Convent/Silom
SAS Scandinavian 253-8333 412 Rama I (Siam Square)
Sabena 233-2020 CCT Bldg, Surawong/Patpong
Saudia 236-9395-9403 CCT Bldg, Surawong/Patpong
Singapore 236-0440 Silom Center (Robinson)
Swissair 233-2935-7 1 Silom
Tarom Romanian 253-1681-5 Bangkok Bazaar, Rajdamri Rd
Thai International 233-3810 Silom/Silom Plaza
Domestic Flights 280-0070 or 280-0080 Larn Luang Road
TWA 233-7290-1 or 233-1412 Soi 4, Sukhumvit Road
United Airlines 253-0558 Regent House
~
HOTELS
(4-5 Star)*
Airport 566-1020-1
Ambassador 254-0444
Asia 215-0813
Bangkok Palace 253-0510
Dusit Thani 233-1130
Hilton 253-0123
Hyatt Central 541-1234
Indra Regent 251-1111
Mandarin 233-4980
Manhattan 252-7141
Manohra 234-5070
Menam 289-1148
Montien 234-8060
Narai 233-3350
Imperial 254-0111
Le Meridien President 253-0444
Rama Garden 579-5400
Regal Landmark 254-0404
Regent 251-6127
Royal Orchid Sheraton 234-5599
Royal Plaza 234-4357
Royal River 433-0046
Shangri-La 236-7777
Siam Inter-Continental 253-0355
Tawana Ramada 233-5160
Windsor 258-0160

*Ratings by Tourism Authority of Thailand

Others
Ariston 259-0960 New Fuji 234-5364 Viengtai 282-8674
Bangkok Centre 235-1780 Park 252-5110 World 314-4340
Century 245-3271 Parliament 281-7411 YMCA 221-5748
Continental 279-7563 Peninsula 234-3910 YWCA 286-5132
Crown 258-4438 Plaza (S/wong) 235-1760
Federal 253-4768 Quality Inn 252-7838
Florida 245-3221 Rajah 252-5102
Fortune 251-5121 Rex 259-0106 In Town 253-5474
Golden Dragon 589-5141 Rose 233-7695 Sathorn Inn 234-4110
Grace 253-0671 Royal 222-9111 Niagara 233-5783
Honey 253-0646 Siam 252-5081
Impala 258-8612 Surawong 233-3223
Liberty 271-0876 Swan 234-8594
Majestic 281-5000 Thai 282-2833
Malaysia 286-7263 Tower Inn 234-3964
Miami 253-5611 Trocadero 234-8920
Nana 252-0121 Victory 234-8510

MASSAGE


There are two kinds of massage in Thailand, commonly called "massage"
and "traditional massage." The former is definitely an experience, but
the second is a true massage.
Traditional massage has roots in the acupuncture and acupressure
treatments of China which have swept the West in recent years. It is
typically performed by older women (some quite old indeed) who have been
trained in the art at a Bangkok wat, or temple.
At least 3 temples in the capital still have rooms for traditional
massage. The best known is Wat Po, the Marble Temple, which is often
called the "home of traditional massage." Wat Mahathat and Wat
Parinayok also feature this service.
Most Bangkokians, however, receive massages in their homes. A
smaller but significant number go to comfortable parlors. Visitors will
have a difficult time arranging for a traditional massage in their
hotels, although some of the parlors listed below will perform out-calls
in certain cases.
In general, the "traditional massage" practitioners who advertise
house and hotel calls in the tourist publications are in the same
category as so-called escort services. If it's a real massage you want,
steer clear of them unless one is personally recommended by a resident.
Traditional massage can hurt, literally. They may look like frail
old ladies, but they can get your body to go into shapes and directions
you didn't even know existed. The first reaction is that it only seems
to feel good because they have quit.
But a good masseuse (or masseur -- there are some) knows what she is
doing. Heavy pressure on a leg ligament to releive a neck pain may not
seem logical to you, but trust her. Thais have been taking treatments
regularly for centuries. If it works for them, you can at least give it
a chance.
Ointments and balms are often part of the treatment, but internal
medicine is never given, so there is nothing to fear here.
The visitor should figure between 150 and 300 baht for a one-hour
massage in any of the parlors listed below. Discounts are often given
for repeat customers.
Unlike the "regular massage" parlors, there is no real privacy in
traditional massage places. Usually, the customer is curtained off from
the others at most. In the temples, it's all done in one large room.
The customer wears a provided sarong throughout the massage in most
cases. There is no nudity, and no question of sex here.
Some of the parlors listed here have little facility in any foreign
language. Fear not. Everybody's there for the same thing, and sign
language goes a long way.

Recommended Traditional Massage Parlors
Buatip Thai Massage, Sukhumvit Soi 5, 255-1045 (With blind masseuses)
Marble House - Surawong Plaza 235-3519
Povej, 170/57-60 Phra Phinklao Rd, 424-2876 (With coffee shop, Barber)
Siam Hansa (Phra Phinklao) 424-3110 (With coffee shop)
Sirivej, Bangkok Palace Hotel, 253-0510 (Ext 2553, 2542)
Trocadero Hotel Building, Surawong Road 234-8920

DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATION
(Embassies & Consulates)

Apostolic Nunciate 217/1 Sathorn Tai 211-8709
Argentina 20/85 Prommitr Villa, Suk Soi 49 259-0401
Australia 37 Sathorn Tai 287-2680
Austria 14 Soi Nantha, Sathorn Tai Rd 286-3014
Bangladesh 8 Soi Charoenmit, Suk Soi 63 391-8070
Belgium 44 Soi Pipat, Silom Road 233-9370
Bolivia* S.P. Intl, 1362-63 Banthatthong Rd 214-1501
Brazil 8/1 Soi 15, Sukhumvit Road 257-2989
Brunei 14th Fl, Orakarn Bldg, Soi Chitlom 250-1483
Bulgaria 11 Soi Ramkhamhaeng 11, Hua Mark 314-3056
Burma 132 Sathorn Nua 234-4698
Canada 11th Fl, Boonmitr Bldg, Silom Road 234-1561
Chile 15 Soi 61 Sukhumvit Road 391-8443
(Consulate)
Bangkok Bank Bldg, Silom Road 234-0230
China 57 Ratchada Phisek Road 245-7032
Czechoslovakia 7th Fl, Silom Bldg, Silom Road 233-4535
Denmark 10 Soi Attakhan Prasit, Sathorn Tai 286-3930
Dominican Rep* 92/6 Chaeng Wattana Road 521-0737
Egypt 49 Soi Ruam Rudee, Ploenchit Rd 253-0161
Finland 16th Fl, Amarin Plaza, Ploenchit Rd 256-9306
France 35 Customs House Lane, New Road 234-0950
Germany (West) 9 Sathorn Tai Road 286-4223
Greece* President Tour Bldg, Siam Square 251-5111
Hungary 28 Soi Sukchai, Soi 42, Sukhumvit Rd 391-7906
Iceland* 59 Soi Nawin, Chuaphloeng Road 249-1300
India 46 Soi 23, Sukhumvit Road 258-0300
Indonesia 600-602 Phetburi Road 252-3135
Iran 602 Suk Road (between Soi 22-24) 259-0611
Iraq 47 Pradiphat Rd 278-5335
Ireland* United Flour Mill Bldg, Ratchawong Rd 223-0876
Israel 31 Soi Lang Suan, Ploenchit Road 252-3131
Italy 399 Nang Linchi Road 286-4844
Japan Soi Asoke at New Petchburi Road 252-6151
Jordan* 47 Soi 63, Sukhumvit Road 391-2912
Kampuchea 185 Rajdamri Road 252-5950
Korea (South) Sathorn Thani Bldg, Sathorn Tai Rd 234-0723
Korea (North)* 81 Soi Ari 7, Phaholyothin Road 278-5118
Laos 193 Sathorn Tai Road 286-0010
Malaysia 35 Sathorn Tai Road 286-1390
Mexico* Soi Annopnaruemit 1, Din Daeng Road 245-1415
Nepal 189 Soi 71, Sukhumvit Road 391-7240
Netherlands 106 Wireless Road 252-6103
New Zealand 93 Wireless Road 251-8165
Norway 20th Floor, Chokechai Bldg, Suk Road 258-0531
Oman* Asvinvichit Bldg, 134/1-2 Silom 235-8868
Pakistan 31 Soi Nana Nua (Soi 4, Sukhumvit) 252-7036
Peru* Louis T. Leonowens Bldg, Siphaya Rd 233-5910
Philippines 760 Sukhumvit Road 259-0139
Poland 61 Soi 23, Sukhumvit Road 258-4112
Portugal 26 Captain Bush Lane, New Road 233-7610
Romania 39 Soi 10, Sukhumvit Road 252-8515
Saudi Arabia Sathorn Thani Bldg, Sathorn Nua Road 235-0875
Senegal* 14 Chaeng Wattana Road 588-1976
Singapore 129 Sathorn Tai Road 286-2111
Spain 104 Wireless Road 252-6112
Sri Lanka 48/3 Soi 1, Sukhumvit Road 251-2789
(Consulate) 1/7-8 Soi 10, Sukhumvit Road 251-8062
Sweden 11th Fl, Boonmitr Bldg, Silom Road 234-3891
Switzerland 35 Wireless Road 253-0156
Taiwan* Far East Trade Office, Kian Guan Bldg 251-9393
Turkey 153/2 Soi Mahadlek, Rajdamri Road 251-2987
United Kingdom Wireless Road at Ploenchit Road 253-0191
U.S.A. 95 Wireless Road 252-5040
U.S.S.R. 108 Sathorn Nua Road 234-9824
Vietnam 83/1 Wireless Road 251-5836
Yugoslavia 28 Soi 61, Sukhumvit Road 391-9090

* Consular and/or Trade Office Only


EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Police: 191, 123 or 246-1338
Tourist Police: 195 or 281-0372 or 281-5051
Fire: 199 or 246-0199
Ambulance: 252-2171-5 or 246-0199

USEFUL NUMBERS

Airport Limousines 523-9010
American Express 236-0027
General Post Office 233-1050
Immigration Department 286-7003, 286-4231
Overseas Telephone Calls 100
Samaritans of Bangkok 235-4000 or 235-4001
Tourism Authority of Thailand 280-1305
Tourist Police 221-6206-9

HOLIDAYS

The following are official holidays in Thailand. Banks, schools and
government offices are closed, although most stores and some private
businesses remain open.

New Year's Eve December 31
New Year's Day January 1
Makha Puja Full moon, third lunar month, usually mid-February.
(Marks the day 1,250 disciples gathered spontaneously
to hear the Buddha preach)
April 6 Chakri Day (Founding of the Royal Dynasty in 1882)
April 13 Songkran (Thai New Year)
May 5 Coronation Day (of the current King, in 1947)
Visakha Puja Full moon, 8th lunar month, usually in July.
(Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death)
Asanha Puja Day after Visakha Puja
(Buddha's first sermon to his 5 disciples; marks the
beginning of Khao Phansa, the Buddhist 3-month lent)
August 12 Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen Sirikit
(Also celebrated as Mother's Day)
October 23 Chulalongkorn Day (Remembrance of King Rama V)
Loy Krathong Full moon day, November
December 5 Birthday of His Majesty the King
December 10 Constitution Day
(Start of constitutional democracy, 1932)

In addition to the official holidays, many Thais also celebrate other
events. Government offices and banks are open on these days.

Chinese New Year Full moon, second lunar month, January-February
Ploughing Day Also called Farmers' Day, usually in June
May 1 Labor Day
December 25 Christmas
Vegetarian Festival - First 10 days of the 9th lunar month
Note that on religious holidays and some Royal days, a ban on drinking
is sometimes enforced, especially on bars and restaurants catering
paticularly to foreigners. Such a ban is specifically excluded for
hotels.