Useful information for tourists about Thailand

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Necessary documents for entry

• Passport:
  • The validity period must be at least 6 months at the time of entry into the country.
  • Minors must have their own passport. Children registered in a passport are not allowed to enter the country.
• Printed copies (or electronically):
  • Confirmed round-trip airline tickets.
  • Confirmed hotel reservation (voucher).
• Insurance policy:
  • An insurance policy covering COVID-19 treatment, including a medical report diagnosing COVID-19 as an insurable event. Recommended but not always a strict requirement. Check the current requirements at the time of travel.
• Currency:
  • It is recommended that you carry enough cash in currency (Thai Baht or US dollars) to pay for goods and services in case of difficulties with your bank card.
  • It is possible to use UnionPay cards (check with your issuing bank, as card availability may vary depending on the CIS country).
  • Important: Import of foreign currency in cash from the Russian Federation is limited to an amount not exceeding the equivalent of 10,000 USD. For other CIS countries it is necessary to specify the current restrictions on currency export in accordance with the legislation of your country.
• Deposit:
  • Many hotels in Thailand require a deposit (in Baht or by credit card) upon check-in for minibar, telephone calls and other extras. If no such services are provided, the deposit is refunded upon check-out. Credit card refunds may take up to 4 weeks.

Visa for citizens of Russia and CIS countries

• For Russian citizens: No visa is required for a stay in Thailand up to 30 days for tourist purposes (by air; by land/sea - up to 15 days).
• For citizens of Ukraine: No visa is required for stays up to 30 days.
• For citizens of Kazakhstan: No visa is required for stays up to 30 days.
• For citizens of Belarus, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and others: Visa required, arranged in advance at the Thai consulate or E-Visa on the website https://www.thaievisa.go.th/

General information about Thailand

• Geographical location: Southeast Asia, southwestern part of the Indochina Peninsula and northern Malacca Peninsula. Bordered by Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Malaysia.
• Capital: Bangkok.
• Population: Siamese, Lao, Chinese, Malay.
• Religion: Buddhism.
• Official language: Thai. English is spoken in tourist centers. Road signs and street names are in Thai and English.
• Time: The difference with Moscow time is +4 hours. Daylight saving time and winter time changeover is not carried out. Banks, museums, government offices are closed on public holidays.

Money (Currency)

• The national currency is the Thai Baht (THB).
• The exchange rate is unstable, approximately 34 baht/US dollar (check with your bank to find out the exact rate).
• It is best to exchange currency at the airport upon arrival and at banks. The exchange rate at the reception desk in hotels may be excessive.
• Most banks are open from 08:30 to 15:00. In tourist areas, exchange offices are open until 23:00.
• USD bills issued in 1996 and earlier are not accepted for exchange.
• Major credit cards are accepted in major resort centers (Visa, MasterCard, sometimes "Mir" cards for Russian citizens, but it is recommended to have alternative payment options).

Customs regulations

• It is prohibited for importation:
  • Alcoholic beverages over 1 liter.
  • Cigarettes over 200 pieces (1 block) / 50 cigars / 250 g tobacco.
  • More than 5 films to the camera.
  • Drugs and pornography.
• It's off-limits:
  • Antiques, including old Buddha statues.
  • Ivory and leather products from protected animals.
  • Artwork without an export license from the Department of Art (issued at the store upon purchase).
  • Attention! Importing and smoking electronic cigarettes (vape) is strictly prohibited in Thailand. Fines or short-term imprisonment.

Communication and electricity

• Calls:
  • From a hotel to a city number: dial "9", then the number. Calls to Russia: after "9" - country code "00 [country code]", city code and subscriber number. To a cell phone: "+ [country code]" and the subscriber number.
  • It is cheaper to call from phone booths or a local SIM card.
  • A local SIM card (probably free on arrival) can be topped up at any supermarket.
  • Phone cards - in supermarkets at the cashier.
  • All phone calls from the hotel are toll free, even local calls.
  • To call from your country to Thailand: +66 and phone number.
• Electricity:
  • Voltage 220 V, frequency 50 Hz.
  • Socket types: A, B, C, F, I (without grounding). It is recommended to have a universal adapter.

Health and safety

• Vaccinations: It is recommended to consult a doctor regarding the necessary vaccinations (tetanus, hepatitis A, typhoid).
• Medical Insurance: Be sure to take out medical insurance that is valid in Thailand. Make sure the policy covers medical treatment in case of illness or injury.
• Sun: Use a high SPF sunscreen, wear a hat, and avoid prolonged sun exposure during peak hours (11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
• Water: Drink only bottled water. Avoid drinking ice unless you are sure of its quality.
• Food: Be careful with street food. Choose trusted establishments and take care of hygiene.
• Insects: Use mosquito repellent, especially in the evening.
• Safety: Observe safety precautions. Do not leave valuables unattended, especially on beaches and in public places.
• Transit: When traveling to Thailand through transit countries, be aware of current changes in their requirements (PCR tests, additional insurance).

Culture and customs

• Respect local traditions and customs.
• When visiting temples, wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Take off your shoes before entering the temple.
• Do not touch the heads of Thais as it is considered indecent.
• All Buddha images are considered sacred, so don't climb the statues to take pictures.
• It is unacceptable to enter a Thai temple or house without taking off your shoes.
• Women are forbidden to touch Buddhist monks, give them anything or take from their hands.
• Do not raise your voice and try to avoid showing strong emotions in public places.

Public holidays and weekends

• January 1 - New Year's Eve
• January 10 - Children's Day
• January 16 - Teachers' Day
• End of January - beginning of February - full moon of the third lunar month, Makkha Puja
• March 17 is Muay Thai Day
• April 2 - Princess Birthday
• April 6 - Chakri Dynasty Day
• April 13-15 - Songkran (Thai New Year)
• May 1 - Labor Day
• May 5 - Coronation Day
• May 11 - Day of the First Furrow
• First day of full moon in July - Full Moon Day, Asankha Puja
• July 1 - Mid-Year Celebration
• July 19 - Khao Phansa
• July 28th is the King's birthday
• August 12 - Queen Sirikit's Birthday, Mothers' Day
• October 23 - Chulalongkorn Day
• Day 11 or 12 of the full moon in November - Loi Kratong
• December 3-5 - King's Birthday, Fathers' Day
• December 10 - Constitution Day
• December 31 - New Year's Eve

Useful information and tips

• Always carry a copy of your passport and visa (if applicable).
• Learn a few phrases in Thai. This will help you to communicate with the locals.
• Bargain in markets and stores, but do it respectfully.
• Smile! Thais are very friendly and appreciate smiles.
• Avoid participating in political demonstrations and protests.
• Be careful on the roads. Traffic in Thailand can be chaotic.
• Do not buy souvenirs of ivory or other protected animals.

Diplomatic missions

• Check the addresses and phone numbers of the embassies of your CIS country in Thailand before traveling.
• Check the addresses and phone numbers of the embassies of the Kingdom of Thailand in the capital of your CIS country before traveling.