Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
February
(date varies) Makha Bucha Day, Buddhist holy day
6 April
Chakri Day, commemorating the founder of the Chakri dynasty, Rama I
13-14 April
Songkran Festival, traditional Thai New Year and water festival
5 May
Coronation Day, commemorating the 1946 coronation of HM the King and HM the Queen
1 May
Labour Day
May/June
(date varies) Visakha Bucha, Buddhist holy day
July
(date varies) Asahna Bucha, Buddhist holy day
12 August
Queen's Birthday
23 October
Chulalongkorn Day
October/November
(date varies) Ork Phansaa, the end of Buddhist 'lent'
5 December
King's Birthday
10 December
Constitution Day
31 December
New Year's Eve
Safe Travel
Although Thailand is not a dangerous country to visit, it is smart to exercise caution, especially when it comes to dealing
with strangers (both Thai and foreigners) and travelling alone. In reality, you are more likely to be ripped off or have a
personal possession surreptitiously stolen than you are to be physically harmed. Motorcycle accidents are another com-
mon injury.
Assault
Assault of travellers is rare in Thailand, but it does happen. Causing a Thai to 'lose face' (feel public embarrassment or
humiliation) can sometimes elicit an inexplicably strong and violent reaction. Oftentimes alcohol is the number one con-
tributor to bad choices and worse outcomes.
Women, especially solo travellers, need to be smart and somewhat sober when interacting with the opposite sex, be
they Thai or
fa·ràng
(foreigners). Opportunists pounce when too many whisky buckets are involved. Also be aware that
an innocent flirtation might convey firmer intentions to a recipient who does not share your culture's sexual norms.
Border Issues & Hot Spots
Thailand enjoys much better relations with its neighbours and most land borders are fully functional passages for goods
and people. However, the ongoing violence in the Deep South has made the crossing at Sungai Kolok into Malaysia
completely off limits and the entire Muslim-majority provinces (Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat) should be avoided by cas-
ual visitors.
Cross-border relations between Thailand and Myanmar have normalised with unprecedented open land access. The
long-contested area at Khao Phra Wihan (known as 'Preah Vihear' in Cambodia), along the Thai-Cambodian border, is
still a source of military clashes and should be avoided until a lasting peace is found.
Check with your government's foreign ministry for current travel warnings.
