Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PRACTICALITIES
»
Bangkok Post
and the
Nation
are the daily English-language newspapers.
»
There are more than 400 AM and FM radio stations; short-wave radios can pick up BBC, VOA, Radio Aus-
tralia, Deutsche Welle and Radio France International.
»
Six VHF TV networks carry Thai programming; TrueVision cable provides international programming.
»
Thailand follows the international metric system. Gold and silver are weighed in
bàht
(15g).
Public Holidays
1 January
New Year's Day
February
(date varies) Makha Bucha Day, Buddhist holy day
6 April
Chakri Day, commemorating the founder of the Chakri dynasty, Rama I
13-15 April
Songkran Festival, traditional Thai New Year and water festival
1 May
Labour Day
5 May
Coronation Day, commemorating the 1946 coronation of HM the King and HM the Queen
May/June
(date varies) Visakha Bucha, Buddhist holy day
July
(date varies) Asanha 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 deal-
ing 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.
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. Often alcohol is the number one contrib-
utor to bad choices and worse outcomes.
