Thailand

Starting 1 May 2025, foreigners entering or transiting Thailand need to fill in a Digital Arrival Card online within 72 hours of arriving. The form includes questions about your reason for travelling to Thailand, where you will stay, when and how you will arrive and depart and so on. It is possible to fill this digital arrival card upon arrival but there may be a long queue in peak hours. Entry requirements Citizens of the following countries may enter Thailand for tourism visa-free for up to the following number of days: • 14 days: Myanmar (for entry by air only). …

The number one cause of death for visitors to Thailand is motorcycle accidents, especially on the often narrow, mountainous and twisty roads of Phuket and Samui. Drive defensively, wear a helmet, don't drink and avoid travel at night. Violent crime is in general rare, and the foreigners who get into trouble are typically those that get into drunken fights. E-cigarettes and vapes are strictly illegal. Being caught with one at the airport or in the city can lead to large fines, deportation and even imprisonment. Sunscreen containing oxybenzone or octinoxate is banned in all marine national parks to protect coral reefs. Violators face a fine of 100,000 THB. Under the Playing Cards Act, possessing more than 120 playing cards without a government seal is illegal and can lead to imprisonment. Political unrest …

Thai people in general are friendly and polite people. General • As is the case throughout Asia, Thais are indirect communicators and they are tempered by the need to "save face" — much like their neighbours — and will normally avoid saying anything construed as judgemental or critical to people. Among close friends, however, communication is more direct. • One common misconception about Thai people is that "they are easy to win over". Just because a Thai person is cheerful in a conversation or appears to agree with whatever you're saying does not mean they agree with or understand whatever you say. They're most likely doing it to save face. Sometimes you must read behind the lines and ascertain how someone is feeling. • Although Thai people may not say so, transparency and openness are valued and appreciated by them. • Thai people often take words at face value. …