Greetings

The common Thai greeting is the "wai", prayer like gesture using both hands & the same for worship with a slight bow of the head. The"wai" has four meanings; greeting, respect, thanks and apology While the Thais do not expect you to wai them (since we usually shake hands), never, never neglect to acknowledge a wai. If someone salutes you in that manner, it is customary to wai back, but you, may smile or nod or use some other type of acknowledgement. Otherwise, it is just as it someone held out his hand to you and you refused to shake it.

Royalty

Never criticize any member of the Royal Family or the institution itself. The monarchy is held in very high esteem by all Thais.

The Head & Feet

The head and shoulders are greatly respected Hence unless you know some Wan very well, it is not advisable to put ,our hand on his shoulder or head. To Thai people this is offensive not an endearment. The level of Wan's head is also a matter not to be overlooked. If a Thai is seated and you come and talk to him standing) try leaning just a little. The person whose head highest is the Wan demanding respect.
The feet play quite an important part in Siamese etiquette. It is considered rude to sit with legs crossed so that your toe or sole points at any Wan, or to shake your finger.
As a general rule avoid touching people on the head and try not to point your feet at people. It is considered very rude.

Etiquette

Always try to give and receive things with your right hand.
If you see some Wan wai and duck his head while passing in front of some Wan else, it is because this is the Siamese way of saying "Excuse me". You as a "farang" (foreigner) will not be expected to do that.
Finally, a word about relatives. Many, many families here are related, and, even if you think you know whom you are talking to, you can't be too sure who all his relatives are. Therefore, think before passing on something that isn't a compliment.

Buddhism

Do not forget that temples are places of worship. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple. Bare shoulders should be covered before entering. Shorts should not be worn, only long trousers.

Women should take care not to brush against the saffron-robed Buddhist monks who by custom should not touch or look at a woman.

The Thai People

The people of Thailand are noted for their politeness and their peaceful way of life. On the streets of Bangkok Wan sees all the peoples of Asia and the western world. The Buddhist monks in their saffron robes, the Indians in their saris, and the Thai and Chinese in their own particular national dress, all intermingled with the smartly dressed Thai men and women in their Paris styles and the thousands of school children spotless in their school uniforms.

Relations with the Thai

The Thai people have a deeply ingrained politeness. A basic tenet of their code is not to hurt another's feelings. Thailand is friendly place because of this kindly spirit. The Thai are courteous id quiet. Attitudes, beliefs and superstitions differ from those of other countries, but courteous behaviour on the part of the foreign guest meets all local requirements which arise from these differences. You need not stop acting as you would in your own country, but you should act as an understanding and informed foreigner. The Thai might excuse breaches of local etiquette, but it would be gratifying to them to observe a few of their courtesies.

Bangkok

Bangkok, the capital since 1782, is today Wan of the largest cities in South-East Asia, with a population of ten million which is increasing rapidly.

The city lies within a bend of the Chao Phya River approximately 50 miles from the coast, and is only 3 feet above sea level. Surrounding the city is the vast central plain often referred to as the rice bowl of Thailand.

Bangkok is a blend of the old and the new worlds. Amidst beautiful old world temples and picturesque Thai houses Wan finds the new world's ultra modern hotels, shops and office buildings. The streets are filled with modern cars and taxis. Air-conditioning, telephone, cinemas and television are everyday life. Night life is very sophisticated.

The City is laid out with broad boulevards and parks, while everywhere Wan finds the klongs or canals which once gave Bangkok the name of "Venice of the East". There are many famous shrines including the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple. Cultural centres include the National Library, the National Museum, the Fine Arts theatre and music school.

• Water - Drink only bottled or boiled water.
• Telephone Most hotels have international direct dialling. The country code for Thailand is 66.
• Money Matters The basic unit of Thai currency is the baht. There are 100 satangs in 1 bath. Notes are issued in denominations of 1000 baht (gray), 500 baht (purple), 100 baht (red) 50 baht (blue), and 20 baht (green). There are 10, 5 & 1 baht coins and 50 and 25 satangs. Most foreign currencies and travelers cheque's are easily changed at banks, hotels or moneychangers. All major credit cards are widely accepted throughout Thailand.
• Office And Banking Hours Most offices open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. General banking hours are Monday - Friday 9:30 a.m. - 3:30p.m.
• Postal Services Thailand's postal service is reliable and efficient. Most hotels provide basic postal services. Bangkok's GPO is on Charoen Krung Road; open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. - noon weekends and public holidays.
• Local postal charges: 2 bath (postcard) and 2 baht (letter r, 2 0 g).
• International postal charges: 12 baht (postcard) and 19 baht (letter, 10g).
• Local Time GMT +7 hours. Thailand observes the Western 12-month calendar. Religious and seasonal ceremonies follow lunar time.
• Tipping Tipping is not usual practice in Thailand but it is becoming more common. Most hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxi drivers do not require a tip but the gesture is appreciated.
• Health Regulation No vaccination is required unless you are coming from an infected one
• Health Care Bangkok and the major cities have hospitals of a high standard. Care is generally excellent with a higher ratio of nurses to patients than found in many Western hospitals.
• The majority of first-class hotels have doctors on call for medical emergencies. For minor problems, there are numerous clinics in Bangkok as well as in the major towns and resorts.
• Airport Information Don Muang, Bangkok's international and domestic airport, lies 25km north of the city. Facilities include : currency exchange, post office, left luggage and hotel booking agency. International flight information : (66 2) 535-1254 (departures), (66 2) 535-1301 (arrivals). Domestic flight information : (66 2) 535-1253.
• Departure Tax International 500 baht. Domestic 30 baht

Getting your money from your ATM card

It is always a good idea to have an ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) card handy. You never know when you need that extra cash. Now, even if you have a credit card, VISA/Mastercard, it is still much better to withdraw from your bank account, as credit cards do not only charge you the transaction fee, there will also be some additional interest charge and you do not get mileage points!

In Thailand, there three systems that seem to exist for most ATM tellers. They are the PLUS system (which is associated with VISA), Cirrus & also Maestro (which are both associated with MasterCard). When you are trying to withdraw using your ATM card, make sure the reverse of your ATM card has one of these three logos shown below and also that the ATM teller has the matching logos.

If you are a Mastercard holder, their web site has a Mastercard ATM Locator for Bangkok (and other locations as well).

Pricing standards.

This is the all time sensitive topic, especially when you are here in Thailand. Well, let me quickly get you used to the two-tier pricing system that exists here. You will see this almost everywhere! There is the local's price and the foreigner's price. At first you may find this annoying, but as some have put it, if you are earning so much more, you can afford it. Actually, what is really annoying, is that the term "local" is based on your skin colour, it is not based on how long you have been here. You could have a permanent residence here, but so long as your a caucasian or non-Thai looking, you are a "farang". You get the higher price.

Prices of drinks.

Depending on how you look at it, the prices of drinks in Pattaya may be more expensive or cheaper. Alcohol sold in Thailand is subject to tax. However, if you come from places like Singapore, you will find the drinks here more affordable.

Price of beer like Carlsberg, Heineken or Kloster for example are about 80B at most pool bars. The GoGo bars at places such as Pattayaland 2 & Walking Street charge 80-95B. If you visit some clubs such as Tony's Disco, Marine Disco or Hollywood you would be forking out 130B - 150B a bottle, So just bare this in mind before having your girl hijack you into taking her to one of these establishments.

Buying them by the bottles.

You could also purchase bottles of liquor. In general most bars charge between 1,500 B for Black Label, some places include the mixers for free, some charge extra. Again, Excyte, a bottle of Beefeater's Gin is 2600 B++ (6 bottles of tonic included) additional bottles of tonic at 100B++.