Local specific
In Thailand, the royal family is shown great respect and any insult or criticism of the royal majesty is severely punished. Violators of the so-called law lese majesté are subject to a prison sentence of several years.
Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist country. Those who commit desecration of the Buddha in any form (e.g. painting, statue) are threatened with imprisonment. When visiting Buddhist monuments and temples, visitors must wear covered shoulders, long pants and appropriate footwear, which must be removed before entering the temple itself.
In Thailand, there is a high risk of traffic accidents and in accident and death statistics due to the number of traffic accidents. The largest part of traffic accidents and injuries is caused by drivers of motorcycles and scooters. The Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Bangkok points out that on the territory of Thailand you drive on the left side of the road. Those interested in renting a motor vehicle or motorcycle must have a valid international license indicating the correct vehicle category and a national driver’s license. When renting motorcycles and scooters, we recommend using the services of reputable rental companies. Driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol is fined and in the case of causing a traffic accident under the influence of alcohol is punishable by imprisonment.
Drugs of any kind are prohibited in Thailand. Possession of even a very small amount can lead to imprisonment. In the case of possession and trafficking of class A drugs (amphetamines, ecstasy, heroin, cocaine) you risk high penalties, up to the death penalty.
As of June 9, 2022, the private recreational use of cannabis is legal if the THC content is less than 0.2% by weight, but the use of cannabis in public places remains prohibited. If you are not an authorized person and do not meet the conditions for cultivation, consumption, distribution and sale of cannabis products, you are still at risk of severe punishment.
It is illegal to bring more than 200 cigarettes per person into Thailand. Those who exceed the limit can be fined ten times the value and face confiscation of cigarettes. The control is carried out by customs officers upon arrival in the country.
Smoking in public is prohibited (except in designated areas) and may result in a fine of up to 5,000 THB. This also applies to e-cigarettes, which are illegal in Thailand and use can result in additional fines or imprisonment.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
What can be imported and exported for personal consumption
Items of a personal nature of a non-commercial nature with a reasonable value (there is no need to declare them), but no more than 20,000 THB (approx. 500 euros), are not subject to customs procedures, while they must not be items whose import and export are prohibited by Thai legal regulations or items whose import or export is possible only on the basis of a special permit issued by the relevant Thai state authority.
Items of a personal nature exceeding 20,000 THB (approx. 500 euros), e.g. consumer electronics, watches, jewelry must be declared when entering and leaving Thailand, but they are not subject to customs duty. It must be used things.
Import of a maximum of 200 cigarettes or 250 g of tobacco products, max. 1 liter of wine or spirits is not subject to the customs procedure. Exceeding this amount is subject to confiscation of the goods and a fine (must not exceed four times the value of the goods) or imprisonment.
The goods whose import and export are prohibited include, for example: statues of Buddha, antiques, short-wave radios, weapons, drugs, pornographic material, counterfeit consumer goods, counterfeit banknotes and coins, protected animal and plant species and their products. In case of violation of this regulation, a high fine and confiscation of the goods are likely). Narcotics smuggling is punishable by death.
Strict laws and high penalties
Please note that there are very strict laws governing the smuggling, sale and possession of narcotics of all kinds, as well as very strict penalties, including the death penalty, in case of violation.
The penalty for possession of marijuana can be up to 15 years in prison and a fine of THB 150,000. Amphetamines and Ecstasy are regulated in the same way as class A drugs and carry the same penalties as heroin. Possessing as little as 20 grams of Class A narcotics when leaving Thailand is considered illegal narcotics trafficking, and the death penalty can be expected if found guilty.
There are no restrictions on the import of Thai currency. Imports of foreign banknotes and coins exceeding the value of USD 20,000 or the equivalent must be declared.
Exports of Thai currency of THB 50,000 or more must be declared. It is possible to export max. 500,000 THB. Exports of foreign banknotes and coins exceeding the value of USD 20,000 must be declared.
When importing pets (dogs, cats, max. 3 pcs.), the Thai authorities may impose a 30-day quarantine in order to verify the animal’s health at the owner’s expense. Animals do not have to be microchipped, but Thai authorities recommend it. It is mandatory to submit a veterinary certificate in English about the state of health and completed vaccinations. Thai authorities may also require proof of ownership and pedigree of the animal. The importation of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier is prohibited.
INFORMATION FOR MOTORISTS
In Thailand, you drive on the left. Road traffic rules are officially valid in the country, which, apart from the basic rules, few people respect. Pedestrian crossings are particularly dangerous in cities, where frequent accidents occur due to their frequent disregard.
When driving a motor vehicle, it is necessary to have an international driver’s license with you. Due to frequent motorcycle accidents, insurance companies do not insure injuries caused by a motorcycle accident. There is a high risk of traffic accidents in Thailand, the country leads in accident statistics and deaths due to the number of traffic accidents. The largest part of traffic accidents and injuries is caused by drivers of motorcycles and scooters.
From September 5, 2022, all vehicle occupants, including rear seat passengers, must wear seat belts. Under the new traffic law, you can be fined up to 2,000 baht if you don’t comply.
According to Thai law, you must wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle.
Renting motorcycles and scooters
Those interested in renting a motor vehicle or motorcycle must have a valid international driver’s license indicating the correct vehicle category and a national driver’s license. When renting motorcycles and scooters, we recommend using the services of reputable rental companies.
Cheaper rental companies often rent motorcycles and scooters that are not registered and therefore their use on public roads is prohibited. When concluding contracts for the rental of a motorcycle or scooter, it is necessary to check whether the price also includes insurance in case of a traffic accident.
We recommend that you also obtain photo documentation of the condition of the rented means of transport, as the rental company may charge a several times higher price for damage when returning motorcycles. Wearing a protective helmet while driving is mandatory and failure to comply with the said regulation is fined by the police. Please note that the management of Quad-bikes, the so-called ATVs on public roads in Thailand are prohibited. Driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol is fined, and in the case of causing a traffic accident under the influence of alcohol, it is punishable by imprisonment.
When renting motorcycles, we do not recommend handing over your passport or personal documents as a deposit, even though it is a frequent request from insurance companies. These documents can be misused to recover financial payments.
Special attention it is necessary to pay attention to the condition of cars, motorbikes and jet skis when renting them (scratches, damage, etc.). Before using motorboat transport, it is necessary to make sure that all safety regulations are followed and that life jackets are available.
HEALTH CARE
A vaccination certificate is required only from persons coming from areas of infectious diseases. The Slovak Embassy in Bangkok recommends vaccination against hepatitis A and B, tetanus and the use of antimalarials (if the traveler is traveling to border areas in the south and north of the country).
The quality of medical services is good, private medical facilities have a high level. Medical services are paid for, there are no free services. Tourists are therefore advised to get insurance before traveling to Thailand.
CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
Thailand is located in a tropical region, the average annual temperatures range from 28°-38°C, air humidity is usually between 50 and 85%. The three seasons can be divided into: warm – from the beginning of March to the end of May; rainy – from the beginning of June to the beginning of October; mild – from mid-October to the end of February.
IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Country code: +66;
Police: 191
Tourist police: 1155;
Quick help: 1554;
Medical emergency service: 1669;
Fire service: 199.
ADVICE AND RECOMMENDATIONS
As of November 2017, smoking is prohibited on beaches in some tourist areas including Koh Samui, Pattaya and in the provinces of Phuket, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chon Buri and Songkhla. These are the most famous beaches which include Mae Phim in Rayong; Laem Sing in Chanthaburi; Bang Saen, Pattaya and Tham Pang on Koh Si Chang in Chon Buri; Cha-am in Phetchaburi; Hua Hin and Khao Takiap in Prachuap Khiri Khan; Patong in Phuket; Bo Phut on Koh Samui in Surat Thani; Sai Ri in Chumphon; Chalatas in Songkhla; Tha Wa Sukri in Pattani; Koh Khai Nok, Koh Khai Nai on Koh Yao in Phangnga, Phra Ae and Khlong Dao on Koh Lanta in Krabi. Those who violate the said ban face a fine of up to 100,000 THB or imprisonment for a period of one year.
Since February 2019, a smoking ban has also been introduced in 90 public places, including areas of official buildings, hospitals, school facilities, shops and shopping centers, public transport stops, condominiums, hotels, swimming pools, cinemas, etc. Areas within a radius of 5 meters from the entrance and exit areas of buildings are also considered non-smoking zones. The smoking ban also applies at 6 international airports – Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai and Mae Fah Luang, where smokers no longer have designated smoking areas inside the airports. smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas. Violators face a fine of THB 5,000.
According to the relevant Thai legislation, the import, export, transport, storage and use of electronic cigarettes and their analogues and refills are prohibited. The use of hookah is also prohibited. The penalties are relatively high, violators face a large fine and several years in prison. It is allowed to bring in 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of rolled tobacco or cigars or a combination of rolled tobacco and cigars with a total weight not exceeding 250 grams. The importation, possession, sale or use of any drug is strictly prohibited in Thailand and the penalties in this area are high, including life imprisonment. Amphetamines and ecstasy are regulated in the same way as class A drugs and carry the same penalties as heroin. Possession of as little as 20 grams of Class A narcotics is considered illegal drug trafficking and a death sentence can be expected if found guilty.
It is necessary to be cautious, especially in popular tourist destinations, where there are pickpockets as well as organized groups offering the sale of various products or a tour of attractions at “bargain prices”. We recommend rejecting the purchase of precious stones or other products offered on the beach and on a credit card, with the purchase delivered to the buyer’s home address, in most cases the delivered stones do not have the value that the tourist will pay for them, and refunds are almost impossible, as stores often change your address, or they don’t exist at all.
In Thailand, the use of drones that are not registered in advance is prohibited. Drones that will be used for commercial purposes must be registered in advance and insurance must be presented. Strict rules apply to the use of drones.
Thailand is referred to as a country of “sex tourism”, yet prostitution and sex with persons under the age of 18 are strictly prohibited. In businesses and bars, there are also cases of robbing tourists, who are deliberately served drinks with sedatives or drugs.
When swimming in the sea, we do not recommend moving away from the coast, in several areas of Thailand there are poisonous jellyfish (especially between May and October). Sea currents can also be dangerous.
Protection against mosquitoes is essential. Considering the possibility of contracting malaria and dengue fever (mainly the provinces of Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan, Phichit, Uthai Thani), we recommend consulting the Clinic of Foreign Diseases before the trip. We recommend paying adequate attention to preventive measures against HIV infection and hepatitis B and C.