What is the capital
Bangkok, Locals call the City (krung thep) 
How many airlines fly direct to Thailand from London
Four including Eva Airways British Airways Thai Airways Qantas
P How long does it take to get to there from UK
Approx. 12 hours direct from the UK
What's The Climate Like
The climate is tropical, with a average annual daily temperature of 28°C to 30°C and high humidity.
Where's a good place for left luggage
Almost all hotels and guesthouses that you stay at will store luggage for you, either for free or cheaply (around 10Baht a day). If you don't trust your guesthouse/hotel, it might be worth spending one night at a better one so you can benefit from this facility. The main Hualamphong train station is also has left luggage facility, and it's good value at 7Baht a day. There's a left luggage facility at Bangkok Airport, but it's expensive.
What is the local currency
Thai Baht
Are inoculations compulsory
Nothing compulsory for Thailand, unless travelling near the boarders. Precautions against Malaria and Hepatitis B and typhoid vaccinations are recommended if you plan on travelling to Northern Thailand. Always consult your GP before travelling.
Do the Thai people speak English
English is widely spoken in all mayor cities, but not so much in the more rural areas. English is the country's second official language.
Is Thailand a difficult country to Travel in
No, it's not. It's very safe, accommodation and food are cheap, transportation between destinations in Thailand is easy and cheep, and many people can speak at least some English.
Are there places that should be avoided
While there are areas of Thailand that's it inadvisable to travel in, these aren't the kind of places that you wander into accidentally. They are mainly areas along the Thailand - Burma border and the Thailand - Cambodia border. Use common sense and you won't run into any problems.
Is Bangkok a safe place
In comparison to other major cities around the world, Bangkok is very safe and, in all probability, you will have no problem even if walking alone at night. Nevertheless, it always pays to use common sense and it's worth remembering you are likely to be a lot richer than the average Thai - don't flaunt it. A bigger problem are the various types of scams and stealth crime that you will likely encounter - watch out in particular for smooth talking con artists and talented pickpockets that operate in crowded conditions such as markets and the Bangkok buses. Keeping your your wallet or purse in a money belt can be helpful at preventing the the thieves.
How about for women
While not unknown, incidences of violent crime and rape of tourists are very rare in Thailand. Occasional cases are reported, but are often where tourists went into remote areas against current travel advice and struggled against their attackers. Take care if you go to Ko Pha-Ngan's Full Moon Party, as rumours of rape and crime persist here.
If you do happen to get caught up in a violent incident, you're well advised to not fight back. report the incident to the Thai Tourist Police as soon as you can! Also bear in mind that any passing Thais who don't know the situation may well side with the other Thai person / people out of a misplaced sense of loyalty. If you use common sense and check the safety of any suspect places you're heading to, you're likely to be much safer in Thailand than you would be in your home country. While violent crime is not really a problem, you should keep an eye out for pickpockets and be wary of Bangkok's skilful con-artists. Thailand has an efficient Tourist Police service, who you should contact if you run into any problems (Tel: 1155, 24 hour, free phone).
What scams should I look out for
Despite the fact that it's mentioned in every guide book and in posters put up by the Tourism Authority of Thailand throughout Bangkok, the gem scam is still going strong and it is essential to know about it before you go. A more minor annoyance is tuk-tuk (and occasionally taxi) drivers taking you some where completely different to where you asked so that they can get a commission - more details are on the problems with tuk-tuks page. People will try various ways to get you to go with them to shops (normally tailors and jewellers) so they get a commission, this often involves saying that Wat Phra Kaew (or whatever else you are about to visit) is closed, and why not go with them instead. Don't believe them, go to the entrance and find out for yourself. The upstairs 'sex shows' at various Patpong bars are famous for telling you their is no cover charge to get you upstairs, and then producing an enormous bill when you try to leave. Try and negotiate, but if that fails simply pay up and head to the nearby Tourist Police station. Talk to them, and they will get your money for you (or a least a large proportion of it). As always in Thailand, if you don't shout or get angry you're much more likely to get a good result. The Kings Group of bars have built a reputation for not playing this game (they have the word King or Queen in the name of the bar).
How much time should I spend in Bangkok
This really depends on your interests, but probably about 3 days is a good idea if you are on two week holiday in Thailand. This allows enough time to see the main attractions and do some shopping there. If you like it and have more time, a week or more could be spent there quite easily without getting bored.
What's the food like in Thailand
Thai food is one of the highlights of a visit to Thailand for a lot of people. Restaurants are everywhere, and prices for a average meal in Thai restaurants are around 30-40B, rising to 80-150B in more touristy places. International food is widely available also, and Bangkok has many branches of McDonalds Pizza Hut Burger King, KFC etc...These are more expensive than Thai food, but still relatively cheap by western standards.
Is it customary to tip while I'm in Thailand
It is commonplace to tip porters and hotel personnel who provide good service. As a guideline 10-15% tip is very acceptable and highly appreciated.
Can I get camera film there or should I take it with me
All popular types of film are widely available in Thailand, so there's no need to take lots with you. It's likely to be cheaper in Thailand too. Photo developing labs are all over Bangkok and elsewhere, and will generally produce decent but unspectacular prints. If you have special requirements or your photos are particularly important, you might be better to save it until you get home but the ones in Thailand are fine for the average set of holiday snaps.
What is the word for "hello" in Thai
Sawasdee (pronounced sa-wad-dee)
See Here for the best Phrasebook available
What is the biggest island
Phuket (not really a True Island more a peninsular)
What side of the road do the Thai's drive on
On the Left, same as in the UK
How much does a meal for two cost in a local restaurant
Between £8-£10 for two people
When is the best time to travel
November to March for Thailand in general however,
the best time to visit Ko Samui is June-September
Do you need a visa
Only if staying over 30 days, contact the Thai Consulate Cardiff. For visa application forms please click here.
For Thai Visas when you are already in Thailand go here
Where was The Beach filmed
Maya Bay, off Phi Phi
How long does it take to travel between Bangkok and... Hua Hin - approx. 2/3 hours by road Pattaya - approx. 2 hours by road Phuket - approx. 1 hour by air Samui - approx. 1 hour by air Chiang Mai - approx. 1 hour by air
Religion
99% of all Thai's are Buddhist
Where can I get a tailor-made suit made
There are a vast array of tailors available to choose from.
Reputable gems and jewellery
Always look for the Jewel Fest Club stamp of approval when purchasing any gems or jewellery.
Will my electrical appliances work in Thailand
In my experience all UK purchased appliances will work without a problem any where in Thailand, but you will need several travel adaptors. The electric current in Thailand is 220 Volts AC (50 cycles) throughout the country. If you are unsure or worried then purchase a 110-volt transformer.
English language Newspapers in Thailand
Newspapers English language newspapers such as Bangkok Post, Bangkok Times, Bangkok Trader News, Business Day, Pattaya Mail Newspaper, Phuket Travel News, and The Nation have web sites that can show you what is happening in The Kingdom.
"The Nation" and "The Bangkok Post" are published and distributed widely in Thailand. International newspapers and magazines are available in the larger cities. Regional tabloids published as newsletters and magazines can fill you in on the local attractions and happenings. Previous Page | 
