Passport and Visa
Entry into Thailand requires a passport valid for at least six months from the time of entry. If your passport will expire while you are in Thailand, obtain a new one before arrival. The Thai government allows people of 57 different nationalities, including most European countries, Australia, New Zealand and the USA, to enter the country for tourism purposes without a visa for 30 days. Citizens of Brazil, Korea and Peru may enter Thailand without a visa, in accordance with inter-governmental agreements, for a maximum stay of 90 days for purposes of tourism or temporary business only.
Currency
The basic unit of Thai currency is “baht”. Paper currency comes in 20B (green), 50B (blue), 100B (red), 500B (purple) and 1000B (beige). Exchange rate is around 32 Baht/ 1 USD. The currency exchange rates are printed in the Bangkok Post and the Nation every day. The currency exchange is available in Banks, hotels and foreign exchange services at tourist area. Credit Cards: All internationally recognized credit card such as Dinner Club, Visa, American Express, Master Card are accepted at most establishments such as hotels, airlines and shops. Cash against credit cards can be obtained (up to the limited specified) at American Express, ATM centers. Traveler’s cheques can be used and exchanges are avilable at all commerical banks and exchangers.
Electricity
The electric current in Thailand is 220 V, 50 cycles. Electrical wall outlets are a hybrid arrangement that accep both round, two-pole as well as flat, two-bladed terminals. Any electrical supply shop will carry adapters for any international plug shape, as well as voltage converters.
Weather
Thailand is in a tropical zone. The average temperature is 20-32 degree celcius. In July the climate is generally pleasant.
Time Difference
Thailand’s time zone is seven hours ahead of GMT/UTC (London). The official year in Thailand is reckoned from 543 BC, the beginning of the Buddhist Era (BE).
Custom
Prohibited Items
All kinds of narcotics (including hemp, opium, cocaine, morphine, heroin), and obscene literature, pictures or articles are prohibited. Importation of firearms and ammunition can be done only after a permit has been obtained from the Police Department of Local Registration Office.
Tobacco and Alcoholic Beverages
Cigarettes, cigars, or smoking tobacco each or in total must not exceed 250 grams. Two hundred cigarettes may be brought in duty free.
Plants and Animals
The importation of certain species of fruits, vegetables and plants is prohibited. Detailed information can be obtained from the Agricultural Regulatory Division, Bangkhen, Bangkok. Tel: 66 (0) 2579 1581, 66 (0) 2579 8516
Permits for entry for animals coming in by air can be obtained at the airport. If animals are brought into the country by sea, and application must be made at the Department of Livestock Development, Bangkok. Tel: 66 (0) 2251 5136, 66 (0) 2252 6944
Value Added Tax (VAT) Refunds
Thailand has a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 7%. A VAT Refund can be claimed by any non-Thai visitor who has been in Thailand for less than 180 days in a calendar year; is not airline crew; and departs Thailand by air carrier from an international airport.
A VAT Refund only applies to goods taken out of Thailand within 60 days of purchase.
The goods must be purchased from stores displaying the "VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS" sign.
Liability
The Organizers accept no responsibility for any damage if the sponsored event is not performed due to any obstacle or hindrance outside the control of the Organizers, which they could not reasonably have foreseen when signing this contract and which the Organizers could not have avoided at a reasonable effort of cost. Such obstacles and hindrances include, but are not limited, to the outbreak of war, civil riots, governmental or other obstacles for the freedom of travel, union actions, natural disasters, fire flooding and any other circumstances that fall within the meaning of the above.
