All about Thailand. First time to Thailand on your own? I tell you how to go Mobile connection: you need a local SIM card

Denis

Thailand is rightfully considered the best resort country with a beach holiday in the whole world. This feature is characterized by a large number of interesting excursions, stunning beaches, the cleanest sea on, a favorable climate in, a feature of the mentality and, most importantly,. The latter should be especially emphasized, since Thailand, for the most part, is popular with men because of sex tourism.

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Many people want to live, spend the winter or relax in Thailand, but not everyone wants to learn the Thai language, because for us this language is akin to a riddle or an ornate puzzle that is not for everyone. And while expats who have lived in the Kingdom for many years can spill over...

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Elephants in Thailand are one of the most remarkable animals. It's not just about the size and unusual shape of the body. They have a developed intellect and are aware of themselves as a person. All this arouses genuine interest among tourists, especially if there is an opportunity to chat ...

There are three mobile operators in Thailand. All of them offer users almost the same conditions. There is no domestic roaming in the country. You can buy a SIM card immediately upon arrival at the airport, in 7/11 and Family March stores, in phone shops and in travel agencies. In the same chain stores, you can easily replenish the balance, usually on the check they simply write the number that needs to be dialed. Passport will be asked without fail. Cellular services are inexpensive, one minute of conversation will cost only 1 baht, SMS - 2 baht. When calling to Russia, it is better to use Internet telephony, for this you need to dial the code used by a specific operator (003, 004 or 006, etc., without a plus) and the Russian code - 7. One minute of a call in this case will cost no more 7 baht.

It is very convenient to immediately buy an Internet package with a SIM card, the cost for a week does not exceed 200 baht. All decent hotels in Thailand now have Wi-Fi, this is the norm. Usually the connection is stable in the rooms, and not just in the lobby or at the reception. The quality of both cellular communications and the Internet is improving every year, and most often it does not cause any complaints.

Language and communication

The Thai language has a soft sound and extremely difficult, in the opinion of a European, writing. It is based on Sanskrit, does not include spaces between words, and overall looks very specific. A language with four keys, quite euphonious, without harshness and expressive expressions. But when Thais begin to speak quickly, it is difficult to distinguish even the boundaries between words and sentences, however, this is probably true for any foreign language. Thais do not expect tourists to know their language. Therefore, from the first hesitantly pronounced phrases, they may not understand.

English is known in tourist areas, but not to say that well. There is even such an expression "Tyinglish". The fact is that Thais soften and creatively rethink many sounds that are difficult for them. In Pattaya and Phuket, many sellers know certain words and phrases in Russian.

Features of the mentality

The mentality of the Thais is well demonstrated by the well-known expressions: sabai-sabai and sanuk-sabai. They are translated as pleasure, comfort, while sabai means the comfort of the body, and sanuk means the soul. Thais aspire to such a state in the life of the present and the next. They are mostly Buddhists, therefore, they believe that in future incarnations their good deeds will be credited to them. Therefore, they strive to earn as many pluses to karma as possible. This, of course, is very simplistic and even rude.

They have one more fad - the desire to "save face", that is, their dignity. It is difficult for foreigners to fully understand, but it can be difficult for a Thai to say “no” or “I don’t know”, because it will be a loss of face. They are also rarely in a hurry, this is worth considering.

The fusion of religions in Thailand is very interesting. In addition to Buddhists, there are many Muslims in the south. In everyday life, images of Hindu gods are often found, for example, the elephant Ganesha. And, of course, not a single building is built without spirit houses, and this is a reflection of very ancient, pagan beliefs. It is better not to touch the houses of the spirits, and enter the temples only without shoes. When it comes to religion, Thais can be very sensitive and principled. And, of course, all Buddha statues are inviolable.

Shopping. What to bring from Thailand?

In Thailand, shopping is specific. Clothes and cosmetics of well-known companies are not brought from here. Although it is in the expensive stores of Bangkok. But why, if there are not enough suitcases for the riches that the generous Thai nature is ready to bestow. Now without pathos. Buying, of course, is worth it in reputable pharmacies and stores, then the quality is guaranteed, but on the other hand, you can have so much fun in the markets, looking at unusual goods, price tags and bargaining with sellers.

So what to bring from Thailand:
coconut oil is a very useful and multifunctional product;
Thai cosmetics - here, of course, you should contact the official representative offices;
T-shirts with interesting inscriptions and pictures;
Thai medicines - the choice must be approached carefully;
cheap electronics - be careful, avoid scammers;
leather goods - if you can determine that it is not a fake;
blue tea - you can try other Thai teas, but blue is the most hyped;
unusual soap;
deodorant Crystal;
fruits - durian cannot be transported, well, it is unlikely that you will want it because of the smell.

Local kitchen. What to try?

Thai cuisine, according to various studies, is among the top most delicious in the world. Here it must be said right away: Thais eat very spicy food, but they understand that such spiciness does not bring pleasure to foreigners. However, from time to time they are still fond of red pepper. Therefore, when ordering a dish, it will not be out of place to remind you of your preferences in two words - no spicy.

Top 5 Thai dishes.

1. Tom yum is, of course, the most popular, and rightfully so. A spicy soup with lots of spices (you don’t need to eat them all), in chicken broth with shrimp or other meat, tomatoes, onions, seasoned with Thai chili paste and coconut milk is a pure taste delight.

2. Tom kha gai - also a combined chicken broth soup, but less spicy, without chili paste and with more coconut milk. Very soft, rich taste. That's what I love Thai cuisine for, it's for the richness and brightness of tastes provided by many ingredients.

3. Pad thai is fried rice noodles with shrimp, sauces, peanuts when served and various greens. In general, there are many types of pada. They can also beat an egg, serve with a slice of lime, green onions, etc. A very tasty and unusual dish, it's all about the nuances of cooking, there is noodles in every country, but pad thai is one of a kind.

4. Som tam is a salad made from grated green papaya with sugar, fish sauce, tomatoes, lime, peanuts and a couple of other ingredients. Usually some greens are served with the salad. There is also catfish with raw crab, but this pleasure is not for everyone.

5. Sticky rice with mango (the Thai name for this dish is very rarely used in the tourist environment). Add sweet coconut milk sauce and juicy mango pulp to boiled rice, and here you have the finished dish. In fact, not everything is so simple, you need to take a special kind of rice, cook it in a special way, just like the sauce. Thais make even the simplest things unusual, but they also serve them beautifully. In restaurants, this dish is usually unreasonably expensive (I personally saw it for 120 baht), you can buy it in the market for 40 baht.

And that's not all. Seafood, just fried rice with meat, grilled fish, chicken and duck, sweets and necks, and much more delicious can be found in almost any establishment.

Holidays and events

On the November full moon, Thais celebrate Loi Krathong very beautifully. They lower into the sea compositions specially made for this purpose - boats made of banana leaves and flowers. Now they also launch burning balloons or Chinese lanterns into the sky. The exact origin and original meaning of the holiday is unknown. Probably, it is connected with the worship of the spirit of Water, because it falls at the end of the rainy season. Now it is a beautiful tradition, a sign of respect for nature. Lowering the boat is a ritual of absolution, but they also do not forget to put a coin to appease the spirits.

The most fun and widely celebrated day is Songkran. This is Thai New Year, it is usually celebrated for a whole week, but it is especially active on April 13-15. It looks like this: the entire population is actively pouring water on each other. The stores even sell special guns for this purpose. Once in Pattaya, in the evening, a fire engine arrived at the main square and began to pour water on the people from large hoses. If you do not want to get wet to the skin these days, it is better not to leave the house. Joke. And now seriously. You can show the Thais with signs or say that you do not want to be doused. However, not everyone responds to such requests.

Safety

In general, tourists in Thailand live safely and quite comfortably. You can go for a walk in the evening or even late at night. But reasonable caution has not been canceled. We keep our finger on the pulse, hide the wallet away, do not shine with an expensive phone. Ladyboys are especially prone to stealing, their nimble hands need to be monitored very vigilantly. You should also not provoke the Thais, most of the quiet and peaceful ones can find one with a violent temperament. Thais especially do not like the dismissive attitude towards their religion, culture and the royal family.

It is worth being wary in tourist cities, especially in Bangkok, various fraudulent schemes. Do not believe the statements "today is Buddha day, Wat Arun is closed." Once we were told that Chinatown was closed due to a holiday, yes, the whole quarter was closed. This usually means that they want to lure you into a store or restaurant. And what kind of “divorce” there will be, it depends on the trickster’s imagination, but it will definitely happen.

3 tips that will definitely come in handy when traveling in Thailand

1. Do not judge the whole country by tourist cities and weigh. Thais, in the vast majority, are very modest and even shy people. They are always ready to help, guide, show the way, but the spirit of Pattaya is completely alien to them. They are not used to showing their personal lives and do not expect such manifestations from others at all.

2. Don't choose Pattaya for a beach holiday. Pattaya is definitely very interesting city. There is something to do here - water parks, shopping, Nong Nooch flower garden, zoo, excursions. Yes, they sometimes swim here and even enjoy it, but you will not find Bounty-type beaches here. And there are many of them in Thailand. Tours to Pattaya are cheaper, but you should be aware that it will still take at least an hour to get to the paradise coast, for example, on Koh Lan. The sea in Pattaya is relatively swimmable, but the fact is that it is dirty.

3. Very rarely, but it happens that traditional Thai dishes are not made very well even in expensive cafes. If you didn’t like it once, you shouldn’t put an end to the whole kitchen, you must definitely give it another chance. I promise you will not regret and find something of your own. Tip: adjust the spiciness with persistent requests to the chef.

The material uses photos from pixabay, unsplash and flickr, bangkok.com and tourismthailand.

“Is it worth going to Thailand alone?” one close friend asked me. “Of course it's worth it! Go to Thailand alone and don't even think about it!” I answered without hesitation.

Despite the fact that behind the scenes Thailand is considered a country of purely male sex tourism, a single woman or girl can very well spend her vacation there. And before answering the question of whether a woman should go to Thailand alone, it is worth considering, what does a woman want from a vacation?

Sun, sea, shopping - great beach holiday

Well, of course - the sun, the sea, unforgettable experiences and shopping. And Thailand meets all its needs. The main thing is not to forget about the peculiarities of the local.

Pamper your body!

In Thailand, you can get a complex of various spa treatments very cheaply and in a variety of ways. Several types of massage, herbal peeling, steam baths, rejuvenating masks, reflexology, aromatherapy. A Thai four-hand massage! What about fish foot massage? What woman will refuse such tempting offers, prices in comparison with Russia will please you very much. One hour oil massage procedure costs from 150 to 350 baht depending on the location.

Next is food. - just an inexhaustible topic for gourmets. fresh, in abundance, for every taste. At first, you look at them with apprehension, but once you try them, you will never stop loving their unique taste! All kinds of cafes and eateries can not be counted! You can always have a bite to eat without problems anywhere and inexpensively.

Touch the beauty

It is impossible to visit Thailand and not visit a single excursion! And believe me, there are plenty to choose from - travel to the most beautiful uninhabited islands, visiting grandiose cultural and religious places, magnificent viewing platforms.

And if you come to, then you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience. What is worth, for example, visiting the open (“Safari world”) in Bangkok. Wild animals calmly roam free, are in conditions as close to natural as possible, and you leisurely inspect the entire territory in special cars. Animals can be hand fed. You can also watch performances with animals.

It makes no sense to list all the excursions, you need to go on them, the choice is huge, both to enrich your cultural education and just for fun.

Evening entertainment

And in the evenings, a lonely woman in Thailand does not get bored. While men are preoccupied with seeking sex adventures with Thais, a Russian woman can attend evening transvestite shows, such as or if you are in Pattaya. These are colorful costume shows, which even children can attend, there is nothing prejudicial about them. If you have chosen another resort in Thailand, then you should not be upset - almost every one of them has a similar show.

But on the show "for adults" (Pussy show or X-show), children, and women with prejudice, have nothing to do. In Pattaya, one of these is the Coconut Show. Demonstration of various possibilities of the genital organs is demonstrated by both Thais and Thais. Thai women smoke with their vaginas, open bottles, blow whistles, throw darts. Thais spin hoops on their dignity, play billiards, beat the drum. Everything is accompanied by dancing with striptease elements, but I don’t want to call this “act” a show.

The dances are miserable, the costumes are terrible, the faces are stony, even gloomy. At the climax, the “girls”, whom we considered “girls”, to universal applause, demonstrate their manly virtues, which are no longer virtues, but so ... Well .. The uninitiated jaws drop. In the end, sexual intercourse takes place on stage, with one couple hetero, the other homo. The sight is sad. It seems that all the "artists" have had their passports taken away, and the evil owner of the theater is beating them with a whip backstage.

However, it's up to you, my dear!

What kind of entertainment is there if I go to Thailand alone?

Take a walk along, in Phuket or a similar street in other resorts in Thailand. In Pattaya, Walking Street is considered the "citadel" of Thai debauchery - for a general impression, a woman will only need one walk.

On some forums they write that they met Russian women on Walking Street with their eyes wide open in horror. Nonsense. It's pretty fun to walk around. Take a video camera, walk along the bars, taking pictures of the girls, you will see how they will affably wave their hands at the camera. And if you gape, then you can become the object of attention of men of Hindu (Pakistani) appearance, somehow our girls are especially attracted to them.

In general, it is a matter of choice for every Russian woman: to be or not to be, if desired, the Thais will not resist the charms of our women. There are no problems with sex in Thailand. And not always for money, it is possible for love. By the way, at the end of Walking Street (closer to), a Thai sometimes sings Tsoi's song with a guitar, very touching.

Who likes to dance - welcome to the discos, there are a great many of them. Perhaps a little unusual that the main attention still goes to men, but you should not get hung up on such trifles.

Shops and shopping

Having a good time on the beach and hanging out in the evening, what woman would refuse shopping? And to turn around, for real, there is where. From huge shopping centers to numerous shops and markets from Bangkok to Pattaya, Phuket and even the small islands of Thailand. The assortment also shines with variety. You can buy everything - from clothes of famous brands to unique souvenirs and. Cosmetics lovers won't go home without a purchase either. Natural coconut oils are great!

By the way, shopping alone in Thailand is also a pleasure - no one interferes, you can spend as much time as you want in the store you like.

Lots and lots of things to see and do in Thailand alone! And one trip, of course, does not have time to cover everything. But there will be a reason to return again and again to wonderful country smiles - without even thinking about whether a woman should go to Thailand alone.

In general, if you suddenly do not have this moment a companion with whom you can travel, do not be upset - you can safely go to Thailand alone - you will not regret it!

However, if you are a man, then all of the above can be applied to you. The only thing when traveling to Thailand alone - local girls you definitely won't get bored :)

Three factors influenced the national cuisine of Thailand: climate, location and culture. Fertile lands, the possibility of year-round harvesting, the absence of religious restrictions on food - all this formed the gastronomic picture of the country. The basis of many dishes is rice, garnishes of meat, vegetables, fish are added to it, and all this is seasoned with a huge amount of spices. The latter fact is a big problem for Europeans, whose stomachs are simply not used to such a load. However, it is enough to ask for “not hot” (“not spicy”) when ordering, then the tourist will be brought a less spicy version of the dish.

Thailand is famous for its hot and sour tom yam and tom kha soups. A spicy dish with shrimp and spices will not leave anyone indifferent. Due to the large amount of garlic and chili peppers, people with gastric diseases are not recommended to eat it.

When you come to the restaurant, you should also try sauces with curry and coconut milk. They are served with potatoes (kaeng karee), peanuts (kaeng massaman) or greens (kaeng khieo).

Another important component national cuisine- noodles (rice, wheat and egg). It is boiled, fried, added to the broth. It serves as a side dish for marinated pork or chicken, meat or fish meatballs and even dumplings. Pad Thai (fried rice noodles) is one of the most popular dishes among travelers. In addition to the main ingredient, it includes an egg, sprouted beans, garlic, spices, fish sauce. As an additive, you can choose shrimp, pork or chicken.

Seafood lovers will find many interesting and delicious dishes. For example, you should definitely try sea fish baked in salt with palm leaves (Salt fish grilled on charcoal). The meat prepared in this way is very tender and fragrant. Another option for cooking fish is steaming. It is seasoned with lime, garlic and chili, which results in an unforgettable spicy-sour taste.

One of the most unusual fruits in Thailand is the durian. It has such a disgusting aroma that some establishments even forbid entry to people who bought it before - so as not to scare away visitors. This prickly green fruit with creamy flesh has won the title of "King of Fruits". For the first time, it is recommended to eat it, holding the nose first, but in the future, even an unpleasant smell will not be able to scare away - it has such a delicate and unusual taste.

What to bring as a souvenir and as a gift

When buying souvenirs, foreigners try to choose something that will remind them of the country and the time spent here. Since the tourism business in Thailand is very well developed, vacationers are offered a huge range of souvenirs - from magnets and small ceramic figurines to world-famous clothing brands.

Figurines and images of elephants

Since the elephant is a symbol of Thailand, most often tourists buy figurines of this animal and objects with its image (masks, kitchen utensils, panels) as a souvenir. You will also be pleasantly surprised by the favorable price for such trifles as beads, caskets self made, bags and shoes made of natural materials. It will be a great solution for those who need to buy gifts for the whole family.

Alcohol

A great gift for men is Thai rum Sang Som. It is usually drunk diluted with soda or used as a base for cocktails. Rice wine is also an interesting option. It tastes a bit like champagne, but without the prickly bubbles. For lovers of the exotic, you can buy a tincture on a scorpion or a cobra (they are credited with simply miraculous properties).

Silk products are something that you should definitely buy for your wardrobe. Local markets sell traditional clothes, as well as modern models that you will not be ashamed to wear for a walk around Moscow. It is best to go for silk in Korat and Surin - although the price bites a little, the quality of the products will be excellent.

Jewelry

Thailand continues to be a leader in the production of gemstones, so jewelry lovers should definitely check out local jewelry stores. However, when choosing such a purchase, it is important to take from the seller a document confirming the authenticity of the product and an export license.

Silver items

A good and practical souvenir is products made of blackened silver. In Chiang Mai there is a whole street where shops of local craftsmen are located, here you can choose something for yourself at an affordable price.

In Thai markets and in shops whose counters are not equipped with cash registers, it is customary to bargain. However, you can save money in large shopping centers. To do this, you need to choose stores where they draw up documents for a VAT refund, which is 7%. They will be indicated by a sign with the inscription VAT Refund (similar to the European Tax Free). Money can be received already in Thailand, at the airport, but in this case it is better to arrive at the landing a little earlier: the procedure takes some time, and there may be a queue near the window.

What can be taken out of the country

Carried away by shopping, many tourists forget that there are clear restrictions at customs on the export of goods from the country. For example, one person can take only a liter of alcoholic beverages. Exotic fruits are best sent to luggage compartment. To take seeds or plants out of Thailand, you need to have special permission. The same applies to animals or products made from their skin and wool.

To avoid unpleasant misunderstandings that will end up with all purchases remaining at the airport, it is important to familiarize yourself with the list of what is prohibited to take out. So, it is better to refuse the purchase:

• drugs, weapons;
• stuffed animals;
• durian fruit;
• ivory, tortoise shells and products made from them;
• religious objects and statuettes of Buddha above 13 cm;
• raw ingots of gold, precious stones, corals (products from them must be accompanied by certificates);
• rare representatives of flora and fauna.

Thailand money

The national currency of Thailand is the baht (THB), the small change is the satang. As of November 2, 2015, the exchange rate of the baht to the dollar is 1:0.03. It is most profitable to exchange currency in banks or licensed exchange offices. Airports and hotels tend to have the least advantageous deals. You can also withdraw cash from ATMs. However, in this case, in addition to the loss of interest during the conversion, you will also have to pay a commission of 150 THB.

Restaurants and shops accept credit cards. However, when paying in cash, it is easier to keep track of spending, as the exchange rate fluctuates constantly.

It is recommended not to accept banknotes (both baht and dollars) that have visible damage: it will be difficult to pay with such in the future. They can only be exchanged at certain branches of Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited or Thai Farmers Bank, and this, in turn, is a waste of time and money.

Where to stay in Thailand

Thailand offers a huge selection of options for living for any period. IN major cities even small guest-type hotels offer quality service, and the price will be a pleasant surprise. In the provinces, it is better to stay in trusted hotels belonging to global chains.

Bangkok

The most popular in Bangkok among tourists choosing accommodation are Sukhumvit and Silom streets, as well as Siam Square and the surrounding area - next to the hotels are the largest shopping centers and restaurants. These areas are also convenient because Rattanakosin is nearby - a real tourist mecca with a lot of attractions.

When choosing a hotel room, it is better not to save on comfort. The fact is that such amenities as air conditioning and the availability of cold and hot water in a hot climate are simply necessary.

From five-star hotels in the capital best reviews guests received President Solitaire, Landmark, Royal Orchid Sheraton and InterContinental. They are located in the center of the city, additional services there are swimming pools, massage and spa salons, gyms, shops and restaurants are also located on the territory.

The Ariyasom Villa 4 * hotel is an excellent option for those who decide to plunge into the atmosphere of Thailand without giving up the usual comfort. The hotel rooms are decorated in a traditional style, natural materials - wood and silk - are used for decoration. The restaurant offers a vegetarian menu as well as fish dishes.

Phuket

In Phuket, travelers will find a wide variety of offers for long and short stays. It is best to stay in hotels for a few days. So, tourists who have vacationed on the island more than once recommend JW Marriott Phuket Resort& Spa 5* and Centara Grand Beach Resort 5*. Hotels stand out from inexpensive options Kamala Beach Resort 3*, Thanthip Beach Resort 3* and Bamboo House 3*.

Pattaya

A large selection of housing in various price categories is presented in Pattaya. Quite a few affordable hotels and guesthouses are located on Soi Buakhao and in the surrounding area. Room prices vary depending on proximity coastline and season.

Royal Cliff Beach Terrace 5 * - a hotel designed for romantic getaway. It is simply buried in greenery, and the sound of the surf gives peace and serenity.

Travelers who choose beach holiday, you may prefer the Pinnacle Jomtien Resort & Spa 3*. The water in this part of the coastal zone is much cleaner, and if the sea is stormy, visitors can swim in one of the four pools located on the territory. However, this hotel is not suitable for those who plan to often get out into the city - the road to the parking lot with a taxi or tuk-tuk will take about 15 minutes. Good feedback tourists also deserve Sabai Lodge 3 *.

Koh Samui

Finding accommodation on Koh Samui depends on the preferences of travelers. For example, young people who love fun parties and nightlife are better off staying in the Chaweng area. Hotels Bhundhari 4 *, Poppis 4 *, located on the coast, offer quality service at a bargain price. The five-star Nora Buri Resort & Spa is a luxury hotel. There are both regular rooms and private villas.

Along Lamai Beach, which is just beginning to gain popularity, you can find both fashionable large hotels and more colorful budget options. For example, when choosing Rummana Boutique Resort, guests do not rent a room, but a bungalow. On site you can rent a bike or car, as well as book a dive tour.

Transport

Travelers who have bought a tour to Thailand through an agency can count on a transfer to the hotel. If vacationers planned the trip on their own, they have a choice of how to go to the city. From the airport to the center of Bangkok can be reached both by taxi and by train. The first option is the fastest, but also the most expensive. The approximate price will be from 300 to 400 baht (THB) (including a surcharge for clerk services).

The most economical mode of transport is the City Line trains. The cost of the trip is from 15 to 45 THB depending on the distance, however, the tourist will have to put up with a large number of intermediate stops, and the journey will take half an hour. Also, direct buses Express Line run from the airport, which will take you to the city center without stops in 15 minutes (fare - 150 THB). Landing on public transport is carried out on the lower floor of the airport, so you do not have to leave the building. Tickets are sold at vending machines near the platform and ticket offices, and for this you need local money, which you can buy at exchange offices on the upper floors.

Bus stops in the city center are Makkasan (MRT Petchaburi Station) and Phaya Thai (BTS Skytrain Phayathai Station). From them it is convenient to plan a further route.

Those who flew to Bangkok for the first time will be pleasantly surprised by how well all directions are marked - knowing English even at the most elementary level, it is very difficult to get lost here. If you have an international driver's license, you can rent a car. There are windows of companies providing such services in the airport building.

Visa information

Russians do not need a visa to visit the Kingdom of Thailand for up to 30 days. All you need to enter the country is a passport (for minors - a birth certificate) and a completed migration form. If the children are not traveling with their parents or guardians, a notarized power of attorney will also be required.

Good news for those whose travel is not limited to Thailand only: the authorities have lifted the ban on the so-called visa-runs. That is, tourists whose stay in the country may exceed 30 days were able to avoid additional fees. It is enough for them to cross the border with Cambodia and return back - a visa is no longer required.

Safety

The tourist police urge foreign citizens to be vigilant and carefully monitor their property. Pickpocketing is not uncommon in public places, and especially absent-minded travelers risk parting even with their suitcases.

Despite the hot tropical climate, the sanitary and epidemiological situation in Thailand is under control. Of course, this does not mean that you can forget about elementary security measures. So, drinking raw water, eating street food is a pretty big risk, just like in any other country.

Going for a night walk, especially in nature, it is worth taking a repellent with you: there are mosquitoes that carry malaria and dengue fever, for which there is no vaccine.

You should also be careful when interacting with wildlife. monkeys, jellyfish, sea ​​urchins- it is these animals that most often do not reciprocate people's attempts to take pictures with them and can inflict small, but very painful wounds.

Another way to get into trouble is to commit a crime, albeit without malicious intent. It is important to remember that in Thailand it is forbidden to smoke in public places (a fine of 2000 TNV). In addition, it is important to choose expressions when speaking on the topic of religion and power: insulting the king and Buddha is punishable by law. This also applies to the desecration of their images and statues.

Useful addresses and phones

If a vacationer got into an unpleasant situation, for example, he was robbed or there is a threat to his life and health, you can always count on help. Most offenses are dealt with by the police - tourist (telephone 1155) and local (123 and 1644 - English-speaking). The ambulance phone number is 191, the fire department is 199. On the islands and in the provinces, the numbers of the tourist police are different: Fr. Phuket - 07 633-50-15, about. Samui - 07 742-12-81, Chiang Mai - 05 324-89-74, Surat Thani - 07 642-53-61.

In case of loss of a passport, a citizen of the Russian Federation must apply to the Embassy, ​​where he will be issued a free certificate for returning to his homeland. To do this, you need to provide a police report on the loss of a passport, an identity card and two photographs. The document is issued absolutely free of charge.

The Russian Embassy in Thailand is located at 78 Sap Road, Surawong, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500, the entrance to the consular department is from Soi Santiphap, the emergency phone is (+66 90) 403-36-45, email is [email protected].

Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation in Pattaya (Chonburi and Rayong provinces) - 353, Pra Tamnuk, Pattaya, Chonburi 20150, Royal Cliff Beach Resort, Royal Cliff Grand building, 1st floor. Tel: (+66 38) 25-04-21 (ext. 2888).

Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation in Phuket (provinces of Phuket, Krabi and Phang-Nga) 75/149, Patak Road, Chalong, Phuket, 83120. Phone/Fax: (+66 76) 38-44-69.

How to get to Thailand

The main number of international flights is accepted by the capital. The presence of a direct connection between Moscow and Bangkok greatly simplifies the road. Aeroflot ships run daily from Sheremetyevo to Suvarnabhumi, departing at 19:40 and 21:35, with an approximate flight time of 8 hours and 50 minutes. In addition, Thai Airways operates direct flights several times a week. If you buy a ticket shortly before departure, the price will be a little over 43,000 rubles (as of 11/02/2015), but you can find better options when booking in advance. Flights with transfers by S7 and Qatar Airways are also much cheaper.