Northern Thailand - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 959

Thai culture is relatively tolerant of both male and female homosexuality. However, pub-
lic displays of affection - whether heterosexual or homosexual - are frowned upon. Uto-
pia ( Click here ) posts lots of Thailand information for gay and lesbian visitors and pub-
lishes a guidebook to the kingdom for homosexuals.
INSURANCE
A travel-insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is a good idea. There
is a wide variety of policies available, so check the small print. Be sure that the policy
covers ambulances or an emergency flight home.
Some policies specifically exclude 'dangerous activities', which can include scuba
diving, motorcycling or even trekking. A locally acquired motorcycle licence is not valid
under some policies.
Worldwide travel insurance is available at www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-insurance . You
can buy, extend and claim online any time - even if you're already on the road.
INTERNET ACCESS
As more and more people travel with mobile devices, internet cafes have begun to disap-
pear. Some guesthouses still have computer terminals, however, charging between 60B to
150B an hour, depending on how much competition there is. Wi-fi is becoming common-
place in guesthouses, restaurants and cafes.
LEGAL MATTERS
In general, Thai police don't hassle tourists, unless you are caught holding drugs. If it's a
small amount, you might be able to get away with paying a 'fine', but traffickers are cer-
tain to end up in prison.
If you're arrested for any offence, the police will let you make a phone call to your em-
bassy, if you have one, or to a friend or relative if not. Thai law does not presume an in-
dicted detainee to be either 'guilty' or 'innocent' but rather a 'suspect', whose guilt or in-
nocence will be decided in court. Trials are usually speedy.
The tourist police ( 1155) usually speak English, and offer a range of assistance from
providing road conditions during floods to assistance if you've been ripped off or robbed.
MAPS
ThinkNet ( www.thinknet.co.th ) produces high-quality, bilingual city and country maps, includ-
ing interactive-map CDs.
MONEY