Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
US Embassy
(
0 2205 4049;
http://bangkok.usembassy.gov
;
95 Th Witthayu (Wireless Rd))
Vietnamese Embassy
(
0 2251 5838, 0 2251 5836;
www.vietnamembassy-thailand.org
; 83/1 Th Witthayu (Wire-
less Rd))
Food
For in-depth information on Thailand's glorious cuisine, see Food & Drink (
Click here
)
.
EATING PRICE RANGES
The following price ranges refer to a standard main course meal.
»
$ less than 100B
»
$$ 100-250B
»
$$$ more than 250B
Gay & Lesbian Travellers
Thai culture is relatively tolerant of both male and female homosexuality. There are fairly prominent gay and lesbian
scenes in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket. With regard to dress or mannerism, lesbians and gays are generally accepted
without comment. However, public displays of affection - whether heterosexual or homosexual - are frowned upon.
Utopia
(
www.utopia-asia.com
) posts lots of Thailand information for gay and lesbian visitors and publishes a guide-
book to the kingdom for homosexuals.
Insurance
A travel-insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is a good idea. Policies offer differing medical-ex-
pense options and 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. Do not dive without diver's insurance.
You may prefer a policy that pays doctors or hospitals directly rather than you having to pay on the spot and claim
later. If you have to claim later, make sure you keep all documentation.
Worldwide travel insurance is available at
www.lonelyplanet.com/travel_services
.
You can buy, extend and claim
online any time - even if you're already on the road.
Thailand has been considering a new regulation requiring foreign visitors to be covered by health insurance before
arrival. This measure aims to curb Phuket's annual bill of 5 million baht in unpaid hospital bills from foreign patients.
At the time of writing, it was unclear if this or a 500B arrival fee would go into effect.
