Travel Tips – Thailand
U.S. Embassy, Bangkok
120/22 Wireless Road
Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Telephone (66) 2-205-4000
Email: acsbkk@state.gov
Canadian Embassy, Bangkok
15th Floor, Abdulrahim Place
990 Rama IV Road
Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Thailand
Telephone 66 (0) 2636-0540
Fax: 66 (0) 2636-0566
Email: bngkk@international.gc.ca
Tipping
Tips are generally given for good service, unless a price has been negotiated in advance. A taxi
driver is tipped when hired as a private driver. It is customary to round the fare up for a metered
taxi to the nearest 5 baht. Hotel porters expect at least a 20 baht tip and hotel staff who have
given good personal service are usually tipped as well. It is customary to tip 10% in a restaurant
when a service charge has not been added to the bill. Suggested tips are as follows: porters, 50
cents per bag; waiters/waitresses, $1.00 per person (dinner); chamber maid, 50 cents per person,
per day; driver/guide, $2.00 per person, per day; bus driver, $1 per person, per day; tour
manager, $6 per person, per day.
Climate
Throughout the year, the temperature is the in the high 80s to mid-90s Fahrenheit with high
humidity. The southwest monsoon arrives between May and July and lasts into November. This
is followed by a dry period from around November to May, which begins with lower relative
temperatures until mid-February.
Behavior and Etiquette
• The airport has many hustlers who often wear official-looking uniforms. They will try to get
you to change your hotel to one that pays them a large commission. They will also attempt
to place you in overpriced taxis and limousines.
• Avoid anything proffered for free. An offer of a free taxi may include stops at different
shops. Even when you pay for a ride, drivers may try to deliver you to a shop en route to your
actual destination.
• Stay away from ice, uncooked food and non-pasteurized milk and milk products. Drink only
water that has been bottled or boiled for at least 20 minutes.
• Thai people address one another by their first name, preceded by Khun (for example, Khun
Sariya). If the person holds a professional title, such as doctor or general, this would be used
instead of khun.
• You should pass and receive gifts with the right hand only, unless the object is heavy. Then
you may receive the object with both hands.
• It is customary to remove one’s shoes when entering a temple or someone’s home. It is also
considered improper for a woman to touch a monk. (Probably a long shot, but we included it
anyway!)
• Visits are usually by invitation or by arrangement. It is not necessary to take a gift to your
host. However, it is customary to offer compliments on the home or children. Avoid
excessively admiring an object. The host may become embarrassed or feel obligated to offer
the object as a gift. In the home, people usually sit on the floor. Women generally tuck their
legs to the side and behind them, while men sit cross-legged.
• A spoon is held in the right hand and the fork in the left. Second helpings are common and
encouraged. Diners chose small portions from various dishes at the center of the table. It is
customary to drink water after the meal and not during. When finished eating, place
your utensils together on the plate.
• The Thai people hold the royal family in very high regard. All images of the King are held in
high respect. For example, rather than lick a stamp with the King’s picture on it, it is
moistened with a sponge. It is polite to rise when the national anthem is played in public,
usually at 8 a.m. and again at 6 p.m.
• Dress is conservative. Speak quietly and with light gestures. Do not call attention to
yourself. To show irritation or frustration will only make things worse.
• The wai, the slight bow with fingertips touching in front of one’s face or chest, is a way of
showing respect or thanks. However, it is more complicated than that due to the social status
structure of Thailand. It is better to simply smile.
Education
The school year in Thailand runs from either May or June - March. Thai children enter first
grade at either age 6 or 7.They attend six years of elementary school – grades 1-6 – and three
years of lower secondary school, similar to middle school in the United States (grades 7,8 and 9).
Students then go on to various programs. Some may enter vocational programs; others will enter
college-preparatory programs.
The grading system is equivalent to that in the United States.