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If you're planning a trip to Thailand in the near future, let Mytour share some tips to make your journey even more fulfilling.
4 Essential Tips for Traveling to Thailand in 2023
1. Paying the Thailand Tourist Fee
According to the Foreign Office, Public Relations Department, Thai Government, these countries have given the green light for the regulation of the Thailand tourist fee for international visitors starting from September. The fee of 300 baht (equivalent to 200,000 dong) will be applied to tourists entering by air and 150 baht (about 100,000 dong) for those entering by land or sea.
The Thai government plans to use the funds from this tourist fee to provide health and accident insurance for tourists, as well as to maintain conservation activities and develop local tourist destinations.
2. Respecting Local Culture and Customs
Travel Off Path has compiled some insights into the culture and beliefs that tourists need to be aware of when visiting Thailand. Firstly, tourists should always reciprocate when receiving a Wai from a Thai person. Wai is a unique cultural aspect of Thailand, where they demonstrate the gesture of pressing their palms together in front of their chest while bowing their heads as a friendly and polite greeting.
Additionally, the Thai Royal Family is highly respected and revered by the people here. Any words or actions that offend the Thai Royal Family may be considered a criminal offense, causing unnecessary trouble for tourists.
When in Thailand, tourists should pay attention to their gestures and actions. In Thai culture, each part of the body holds its own significance. The head is considered the most sacred part of the body, the feet are the least clean, the left hand is deemed unclean, while the right hand is regarded as noble and sacred.
Actions like patting someone's head or handing things to others with the left hand are considered disrespectful and fail to create a positive impression. Before entering a house or a temple, tourists are required to remove their shoes and avoid pointing their feet towards others, especially towards Buddha statues or images of the king when seated.
3. Choosing Suitable Means of Transportation
If this is your first time in Thailand, it's advisable not to rent a motorbike for personal transportation. The traffic rules are difficult to grasp, the volume of vehicles is high, and the traffic accident rate is high, which are reasons why tourists should avoid self-driving.
Instead, tourists should consider using public transportation, especially during peak hours from 7-9:30 AM and 5-7:30 PM, to save costs and avoid traffic congestion. Thailand has a diverse public transportation network including buses, elevated trains, subways, and even river buses.
Traveling by the iconic tuk-tuks of the Land of Smiles is also recommended as an experience to try. However, Travel Off Path suggests that tourists should inquire about prices and negotiate before getting on to avoid overcharging. Choosing to travel with ride-hailing apps like Grab, Bolt, or NaviGo should also be considered to have control over timing, fare information, drivers, and vehicle numbers to ensure personal safety.
4. Adhering to Regulations Regarding Alcohol, Beer, and Cigarettes
Regulations regarding alcohol, beer, and cigarettes in Thailand are very strict, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment and even deportation if tourists violate them.
The government of this country stipulates that alcoholic beverages can only be sold to individuals aged 20 and above, with operating hours from 11 AM to 2 PM and 5 PM to midnight daily. On some religious holidays or important national days, Thailand does not permit the sale of alcohol and bars will be closed.
As a member of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control since February 27, 2005, Thailand stipulates that individuals over 18 years old are allowed to use tobacco. Smoking is completely prohibited on beaches and certain public areas such as sports facilities, parks, playgrounds, and markets... Smoking and littering cigarette butts in unauthorized areas will also be fined according to regulations.
In particular, using or possessing electronic cigarettes is considered illegal and completely banned in this country. Travel agencies, tour companies are all required to inform tourists of this ban before entry.
According to Monster
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References: Mytour Travel Handbook
MytourApril 27, 2023
