All Pharmacies in Thailand must have at least one qualified Pharmacist, and those in the more popular holiday destinations will undoubtedly speak very passable English.

On the whole you will find pharmacy staff both friendly and knowledgeable and able to get most prescription drugs - although the more obscure or specialist medications may have to be ordered from a local hospital (or, in a worst case scenario, from Bangkok).

You will find that Thailand has an equivalent of most U.K. prescription or non-prescription drugs, and will dispense these on request with little problem. However, for certain medications the Pharmacist may ask that you see a G.P. and obtain the equivalent of a prescription before dispensing.

Doctors

Unlike the U.K., many of the Doctor's surgeries may only be open for consultation at limited times. The usual reason for this is that the Doctor, as well as having his/her own practice, may also work in other areas, and, in many cases, may also work at a local hospital!

You may even find that the Doctor is actually a senior member of hospital staff, and, in some cases may even be a consultant!

Although this is not the case in every situation, it is surprising to find such highly qualified and respected personnel giving up their valuable time to work at a local level and with local people.

Needless to say then the quality of service, generally speaking, is quite high, particularly in tourist areas, where you can also expect medical staff to speak English to a greater or lesser degree.

Normally a surgery will dispense its own medications on instructions from the Doctor, and - compared to U.K. prices - you will find that they are quite inexpensive.

Hospitals

Much of what has already been said about Doctors can also be said of Thai hospitals too. Many hospitals in the more popular tourist areas will actually be geared-up for foreigners (and their insurance policies!), and some of them provide services that are not just quick and efficient, but would also put many a U.K. National Health hospital to shame!

If you are unfortunate enough to require the services of a hospital whilst on holiday in Thailand, you may (the situation varies from hospital to hospital) have to pay some money up-front (until your policy is checked out to see if you have appropriate cover), or get permission from your insurers (normally a fax). Any money paid up-front can normally be claimed back from the hospital once your policy has been approved by your insurers - assuming you are adequately covered.

Recreational Drugs

This section could easily be summed up using only one word…

DON'T!

However, in all conscience I couldn't leave it at that, and, with a little further clarification will explain why.

If you get caught bringing drugs into Thailand (or out of Thailand for that matter!) you WILL spend time in a Thai prison! Although Thailand still holds the option of executing drug smugglers, normally, for foreigners, this is commuted into a life sentence. In Thailand a life sentence means 50 years - and you will serve 50 years!

Even if you are repatriated back to the U.K. (normally only after 8 years) the arrangement between the U.K. and Thailand is that the remainder of the sentence MUST be served! There is only one other alternative… and that is that you are pardoned by His Majesty the King of Thailand. A pardon is both unlikely and very rare, and most certainly NOT to be counted on as a way out unless you have spent a very long time in prison, or have particular reason to claim clemency - although even then there is absolutely no guarantee of release.

If you get caught in possession of illegal drugs whilst on holiday, you also have a big problem. Forget all the stories about paying on-the-spot fines and getting away with it - the fact of the matter is that these days you will almost certainly be arrested and spend time in a Police Station cell before being moved to a prison , where one of two things will happen:

1. Your lawyer arranges bail for you (normally around the thousand pounds plus mark), and then you have to wait until your case "comes up"… or
2. You stay in prison until your case comes to court (can be up to 5/6 months), where you will be sentenced and/or fined heavily.

Even if you can arrange Bail, the chances are that your passport will be confiscated and you will not be able to leave the country until everything is sorted out. This means - case heard in court, any sentence served, any fine paid, Lawyer's bill paid etc.

You also run the risk of being blacklisted from Thailand, and having notes on your offence linked to your passport number.

Just in case there are not enough exclamation marks and capital letters in the former paragraphs to give you strong hints about how foolish bringing drugs into Thailand is… I will continue with a mention of the now infamous Full Moon Party held every month on Koh Phangan island in the Gulf of Thailand.

Every month a number of foreigners are arrested by under-cover police for possessing/dealing drugs (normally ecstasy, amphetamines, or marijuana). Those arrested are a great boon for Thailand's anti-drug policy, and are quite often paraded on TV. soon after arrest.

Although the U.K. has recently downgraded the offence of possessing marijuana, the fact that you come from a country that has a softer approach cuts absolutely no ice with Thai authorities. If caught, you can expect to spend a LOT of money, and a LOT of time before your life can get back to anything approaching normal, if, indeed it ever will!

• Don't bring any illegal substances into Thailand!
• Don't take any illegal substances out of Thailand!
• Don't indulge yourself whilst on holiday in Thailand - no matter how tempting!
• Don't buy any drugs whilst on holiday in Thailand! Thailand has a lot of under-cover police around and people who will sell you drugs and then inform police for the reward.

Finally - purely for my conscience… don't. It really is not worth the risk.

Money!

Currency in Thailand is the Thai "Baht", and, as with all currencies, exchange rates vary on a day to day basis.

Cheque cards and credit/debit cards are now almost as much a part of Thai life as they are for us in the U.K., and, as such, there is little need to bring much, if any, Thai currency with you on your holiday-isn't technology wonderful?

ATMs (cash points) are a common feature in almost any large town in Thailand - even more so in those that are frequented by tourists. The ATMs in Thailand recognize every major credit/debit card, making the withdrawal of cash (in Thai baht) very easy indeed. However, be aware that although some U.K. banks offer free A.T.M. use whilst abroad, most do not, and there is normally a fixed charge for this service… (at time of press this is around the £2.50 mark).

The ATMs are identical in every respect to those we have in the U.K. except for the names of the representative banks. Simply insert your card as normal and select the "English language" option when it appears on the screen. From then on it is simply a matter of entering the amount you wish to withdraw and waiting the short time it takes to verify your details.

There are only a very few exceptions when your card may not be recognized - for example, ATMs belonging to the smaller banks which may only provide services at a local level. However, these are now few and far between.

Most of the ATMs have a maximum daily amount able to be withdrawn. At time of press this varies between 10,000 baht and 20,000 baht (c150 pounds - 300 pounds), depending on which bank's ATM is used.

Special note!

Just as you would do back in the U.K., take precautions when using an ATM machine. Ensure your "PIN" number is kept secret during use, and don't waste any time in putting both your cash and your card away safely and securely!

As a point of interest, be aware that Thai ATMs dispense the cash first and then give the card back! We tend to be creatures of habit, and in the U.K. the card is given first before the cash… therefore we are in the habit of receiving the cash and then walking away-you would be amazed how many people take their cash and walk away leaving their card behind!

If you need to withdraw more than the daily cash amount allowed by ATMs, you will have to go to one of the major banks to do so. Most banks that have even light contact with tourists will, in all probability, have a member of staff who is able to speak English at a level to understand your request.

Getting your cash is a fairly straightforward process which requires you to show both your passport and your credit/debit card, and normally to fill in a simple form with your personal details. These are then checked by bank staff, and, assuming you have the available funds, your cash is then dispensed.

Internet banking is essentially exactly the same as if you were in the U.K. Simply look for an e-mail centre/shop (you won't have to look far!) and log on as you would normally do.

Again, as per using your ATM card, be aware that others may be able to see you type in your password/security information, as well as see your account details as they are displayed on screen, so taking a little care to keep your details private is in order.

E-mail/internet charges are very cheap compared to U.K. rates. The current charge has remained unchanged for almost 5 years at 1 (one) baht per minute. However, in Bangkok and the other larger towns, the rate can be up to 4/5 baht per minute if you use the rather trendier Internet Café/shopping mall centres.

If you do need to exchange money or change Travellers' cheques etc, do so only at registered money changing outlets, as changing your money anywhere else (many small shops, supermarkets etc will advertise this service) may well cost you an arm and a leg for service charges!

Try to keep some smaller denomination notes handy to pay for odds and ends. Paying for a 20 baht can of soft drink with a 1,000 baht note in a small local shop will not be appreciated!

Shops at a local level will almost certainly not have card swipe facilities, although some of the bigger stores in places like Bangkok, Pattaya, Hat Yai etc may have. Generally speaking though, shopping transactions tend to be cash only.

Travelling and Transport

Compared to the U.K., travelling around Thailand by train or bus is remarkably inexpensive. With a couple of deep breaths and a bit of bravery, it is also relatively easy… although initial impressions can make it look daunting. The chaos that is part and parcel of every train and/or bus station is actually misleading… the term "organized chaos" may be more appropriate, and booking a train or bus ticket is really just a simple matter of finding the correct booth!

In most stations, giving a member of staff the name of the place you wish to travel to is usually all that is needed to get you pointed in the right direction and to the correct booth.

If you are travelling by bus, the most luxurious option (and most expensive) will have only 3 large seats across the width of the bus - as opposed to the normal 4 smaller seats. All buses (except the cheapest wooden-seated 3rd class buses) will have reclining seats, air con. and toilet facilities. They will also provide a snack of some sort, as well as a bottle of water during your journey. If you are travelling at night, you get a blanket too!

Normally, at some point, the bus will stop for a short period (30 minutes or so) at a food stop, where a basic Thai-style meal will also be provided free of charge.

Many bus services travel through the night as well as day, giving you the option of a bit of "fly-by" sightseeing during the day, or sleeping (night buses). However, those of a nervous disposition may find the Thai "driving style" rather nerve racking, and may prefer the "sleeping" option, travelling by night when the roads are less busy-although it has to be said that accidents involving tourist buses are mercifully quite rare.

Taxis

You will almost certainly require a taxi from the airport to either the train station, bus station, or your hotel, and (similar to the U.K.) there are two kinds! There are the 'Taxi-Meters' - licensed cars with a "Taxi-Meter" sign on the roof and a meter which (by Law) they must use for every fare… and the "Taxi-cabs" which do not have meters, and often charge up to 3 or 4 times more than a metered taxi would charge! The law forbids Taxi-meters from soliciting customers, so these licensed cars tend to queue outside the airport or station etc in the taxi-rank, waiting for customers.

On the other hand, the cabs without meters have no such legal restrictions, and try very hard to solicit customers before they actually get to the taxi-rank holding the licensed taxi-meters! Due to the fact these cabs can't park on the official taxi-ranks, they usually have to park a short distance away, and tend to be very successful with tourists that arriving in Thailand for the first time! My advice is simple… ALWAYS travel in a licensed and metered Taxi-meter!

If you are travelling by Taxi-Meter in Bangkok, your journey may involve travelling on one of Bangkok's "Toll" roads. If your driver uses one of these, it is perfectly normal for him/her to ask you for the cost of the Toll (usually not more than 30/40 baht), as this would not be included in the metered fare. The cost of the Toll is displayed on large sign boards on the approach, and so can easily be checked.

All-in-all you will find Taxi-meters cheap to use and, depending on the time of day, very exciting! Driving in Thailand (and particularly Bangkok) can be akin to either an exciting fairground ride or a "Mad Max" race - whether you are in rush hour traffic or not! Those of a nervous disposition may wish to keep their eyes peeled to the floor rather than the road!

Trains

Where possible, travelling by train in Thailand can be a great alternative to travelling by bus. Ticket prices and journey times tend to be pretty similar, but the train is the better option by far for those who may find travelling by road just a little too "exciting", and - if travelling by night - the option of a fold-out "sleeper seat" is available.

There are two alternatives when booking a sleeper seat - a lower bunk, where the seat converts into a bed… and an upper bunk which is latched to the carriage ceiling. The lower bunk has the advantage of the train window (providing both cooler air and a view), whilst the upper bunk has a small wall or ceiling mounted fan (which may, or may not, be in working condition!).

Both bunks will be prepared and laid out by a train attendant with clean sheets, a pillow and a blanket - usually around 8.00pm. The train also offers food and drinks (both non-alcoholic and alcoholic), and all-in-all, is considered the more comfortable and smoother option by most travellers. However, don't forget to take into account the possible need of another journey when you get off the train, from the railway station to your ultimate destination.

Buying your rail ticket couldn't be easier, as the main station in Bangkok has huge LED signs, in both English and Thai, showing destinations and platform numbers. Simply head for the booth which has your destination written above it. Each booth will have numerous destinations listed above its window, so tell the ticket clerk where you want to go… just to be on the safe side!

Even in rural rail stations, it is simply a matter of stating your destination and paying for your ticket. You will find most staff friendly and helpful. If you worry about getting on the wrong train, show your ticket to one of the rail staff, and they will point you in the right direction. Your ticket will show you both the carriage and the seat number.

Flying high!

Depending on your ultimate destination in Thailand (and of course your budget!) an internal flight may be yet another option open to you.

Flights are now available to, or close to, some of the more popular holiday destinations, and again, compared to U.K. prices, are relatively cheap. Certainly they are by far the quicker option, cutting, for example the 12 hour train journey from Bangkok to Suratthani down to less than one hour's flying time!

Your travel agent should be able to organize these internal flights for you when you book your holiday. An added attraction to this option is that you may also have the choice of booking your luggage straight through from the U.K. to your final airport.

If you didn't, or couldn't, book an internal flight whilst booking your holiday, it is relatively painless to organize after you land in Bangkok. Simply make your way to the Domestic Terminal from the International part of the airport, and book/pay for your ticket. Staff at the International part of the airport will advise you on how to make your way over to the Domestic section.

Internal flights tend to be pretty regular these days, so there is usually only a short waiting time after booking until your flight.

Thai hospitality is arguably second-to-none, and the instinctive friendliness and tolerance of Thai people, together with a beautiful country steeped in history and culture, have made Thailand a holiday destination which has increased dramatically in popularity year-on-year.

However, it should not be forgotten that Thai culture is very different from Western/European culture in many ways, and it can therefore be easy to misunderstand gestures/tone of voice etc, or to unintentionally cause offence.

This book is not intended to be an all-knowing encyclopaedia on Thailand. There are many publications that already do that job quite admirably. Rather, this book is designed to provide the short-term holiday-maker with some essential basic information, and a few of the more common Thai phrases in a way that will hopefully help in understanding a little of the Thai culture - and encourage people to try to speak some Thai on their holiday. Hopefully this will add a sense of achievement and fun which would otherwise not be experienced.

Bearing this in mind, the language sections in this book do not go into great detail. For those wishing to learn more extensively about the Thai language, again, there is already a vast choice of excellent publications available.

There is little doubt that being able to speak even a few words and key phrases of Thai will add more enjoyment to any holiday in Thailand, and it can be guaranteed that your Thai hosts will greatly appreciate your efforts (no matter how bad!) and will respect you all the more for them.

'Chock-dee' ('Good luck!')

The Thai Royal Family

It is vitally important for visitors to Thailand to understand that the Thai Royal Family is very highly revered by Thai people. One of the many things that makes Thailand so different and special is that, despite public opinions differing on aspects of politics and religion (as in most countries!), the Thai people are united "as one" in their love and respect for His Majesty The King and The Royal Family. So much so in fact, that any actions, gestures, or comments which may (rightly or wrongly) be interpreted as disrespectful to His Majesty The King (or any other member of The Royal Family) can have serious consequences! This also goes for any representations of His Majesty or any other members of The Royal Family (e.g. Statues, pictures etc).

It is most unlikely that a Thai person would wish to seriously discuss anything in-depth about their Royal Family or Monarchy with a foreigner. However, with all due respect, I suggest that it would be prudent and wise to keep any personal opinions that may cause offence (or be misunderstood) entirely personal.

Religion

Although numerous religions and belief systems are represented in Thailand, it remains essentially a Buddhist country, and visiting some of the many beautiful Buddhist Temples ('Wat' in Thai) should be high on the 'Things To Do In Thailand' list of any self-respecting tourist!

In most of the more popular holiday destinations you may well find that local "Wats" have geared-up for tourists - providing refreshment and food stalls, souvenir stalls, ceremonial Thai dancing etc.

Almost without exception you will have many photo opportunities. However, in some Wats you may see signs forbidding the use of cameras, and this request should be respected.

When visiting a Wat you should dress modestly and respectfully. This means no bare chests for men, and no "micro" fashion skirts, low cut tops, or bare shoulders for women.

Within the grounds of any Wat there will be buildings in which shoes/footwear should not be worn. If there are no obvious signs saying so, the numerous pairs of flip-flops and sandals outside the entrance should serve as a good indicator.

If you wish to enter the main building of a Wat (called "Boat" in Thai) - which houses the statue(s) of Buddha - leave your footwear outside, and remember not to step onto the doorstep, but to step over it to enter the building.

If you wish to enter any other buildings in the grounds of a Wat, firstly ensure that you are allowed to! There are private quarters for the male monks ('Pra!' in Thai), and female monks ('Mare-she' in Thai) which are obviously "off-limits" to visitors. Look for indications that tell whether or not you can enter, but if there is any doubt, don't enter!

It is perfectly acceptable for any visitor to a Wat to enter the "Boat" - whether for meditation ('Sa-ma-tee' in Thai), reflection, or simply to rest and relax for a while. However, when you are sitting on the floor, ensure that your feet are not pointing at an image or statue of Buddha, or at a Monk.

With this in mind, it is easy to avoid giving offence by sitting cross-legged on the floor, kneeling, or sitting with your legs to one-side and your feet pointing behind you.

If you come across a Monk in the grounds of a Wat, it would be considered respectful to "wye" as you pass them… ideally with your thumb tips just touching the tip of your nose whilst also bowing your head a little. (the traditional Thai "wye" greeting is covered in more detail later). Your gesture of respect will not go unnoticed, by either the Monk or any Thai person in the close vicinity - although it is normal for such a gesture not be acknowledged, as Monks never wye to anyone except another Monk.

In some of the larger more popular Wats in Bangkok - which can, at certain times of the year be home to as many as 2/300 monks - it would be impractical to wye to every Monk you pass. It would, however, be considered respectful if you bow your head a little as you pass them… a simple and easy way to show respect.

Whatever your own personal opinion, belief or religion, it must always be remembered that images and statues of Lord Buddha are considered sacred by all Buddhists, and should always be shown respect. Having said that, it is, in some cases, acceptable to touch a statue of Lord Buddha, although in most Wats, touching the statues and images of Lord Buddha is strictly forbidden.

It should be obvious in most Wats whether touching the statues and images of Lord Buddha is allowed or not, however, if it isn't obvious, be guided by the actions of Thai visitors. If you have any doubt at all, the best option is to refrain from touching.

Special note!

It is strictly forbidden for male monks to have any physical contact what-so-ever with females. With this in mind it is crucial that any females (of any age… even young children!) make absolutely sure that they do not "accidentally" touch, or come into contact with, a male Buddhist Monk.

That said however, many monks (particularly in Bangkok and the larger towns) are learning to speak English, and, on the whole, quite enjoy talking to English speaking visitors (both male and female) - whether it be to practice their English in conversation, or to answer questions about Buddhism and/or their way of life.

Politics

As in the vast majority of countries throughout the world, "Politics is Politics" and appears to be the same to any "outsider"… that is, complicated, confusing, and convoluted! It is highly unlikely that a Thai person would be interested in seriously discussing Thai Politics with a foreigner, as (just as in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland or anywhere else for that matter) discussing politics can be considered to be similar to "skating on (very) thin ice!"

This is a subject where personal opinions are best kept personal and-if asked- an admission of total ignorance on the matter (accompanied by the ubiquitous smile!) would be the safer and more diplomatic option!

Thai Life

Generally speaking, the vast majority of Thai people are quite philosophical about life. "Taking things as they come"... and a tendency toward the philosophy that "things happen for a reason" and that "they are supposed to happen", is a basic tenet of Buddhist belief and Thai life.

Two words that you will probably hear fairly frequently during your holiday in Thailand are: "Sabai" and "Sanuk".

'Sabai' can be interpreted as "contented" or "relaxed", whereas 'Sanuk' can be interpreted as "to have fun" or "to have a good time".

Both "contentment" and "fun" are important to Thais, and your Thai hosts/friends will do their best to ensure you enjoy equal amounts of both!

Superstition

Most countries have their superstitions, and in this respect Thailand is no different from anywhere else. Whilst we in the U.K. have Friday 13th, black cats and four leaved clovers etc; in Thailand they have (for example) days when it is 'Good' to do certain things (start a new business, move home etc) and days when it is 'Not good' to do certain things (get your haircut, open a new shop etc). It would be impossible to cite every instance of Thai superstition in this book, but I feel it warrants a mention if, for no other reason, than it may help in further understanding Thai ways.

Jy Yen-yen!

With the previous point in mind, it is definitely worth mentioning a phrase which may also help us "Life In The Fast-Lane" westerners to understand another basic tenet of Thai life - that of 'Jy yen-yen'! Literally translated it means "Heart cold-cold" (or "cold heart"). However, whereas in the west this would be a fairly insulting thing to say to someone - meaning that they have "no feelings" - in Thailand it is actually a compliment! Saying someone has "jy yen" (or the even stronger "Jy yen-yen") effectively means that this person is easy to get along with, doesn't get ruffled easily, and doesn't lose his/her temper easily.

As an example… if you are in a bus on the way to the train station to catch a train… and the bus breaks down, making you miss your train… no amount of shouting at the bus driver (or the bus!), or "getting worked up" is going to bring your missed train back (or fix the bus!).

Someone having "Jy yen" would be much more likely to stay calm and concentrate efforts in trying to make other arrangements, or simply wait calmly until they can continue their journey - making the best of the situation.

This is "Jy yen-yen"!

Nung, Song, Sahm! (1,2,3!)

Three bits of advice that may help you develop "Jy yen-yen."

1. Smile! In Thailand a smile is worth a thousand words (or more!)… in almost every situation!
2. Never lose your temper or shout at/get angry with a Thai person. It will get you nowhere, and…
   
   • (a) … most certainly will not persuade a Thai person to help you or change their mind about something, and…
   • (b) … you will lose respect and…
   • (c) … you will be labelled as someone having "Jy lawn" ('hot heart'), with behaviour not-becoming of a respectable and mature adult. "Sweet talking" and gentle persuasion is much more appropriate… whatever the problem!
3. Learn some basic Thai words and phrases to accompany your smile… it really can make all the difference!

Sex, Nudity and Chest Hair!

Whilst some of the major tourist hot-spots in Thailand have a burgeoning reputation for a developing sex industry (Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket for example)... contrary to popular belief, Thailand is not all "Girlie-bars" and "Sex shows". In fact, whilst most westerners are fairly open-minded about sex, nudity, topless sunbathing etc, the ordinary Thai person is most definitely not!

For instance, whilst bikinis are now readily accepted in Thailand as beach-ware, although you will almost certainly never see a Thai woman wearing one (t-shirts and shorts being their more modest choice), bikinis are simply NOT appropriate anywhere else-in town shopping for example. The same goes for bare-chested men too-ok on the beach or within the grounds of your resort, but considered disrespectful anywhere else. In fact, in some parks around Bangkok it is actually illegal for men to walk around bare-chested, and doing so could well result in your being arrested.

*Special note for ladies! Sunbathing and/or swimming topless anywhere but in specifically designated areas (and there are not that many) - whilst not strictly illegal - is an act that will not gain you much (if any!) respect from the local Thais.

Generally speaking, Thais (both male and female) find the sight of topless women, "thongs", and "posing pouches" incredibly embarrassing. If you must sunbath topless, wear thongs etc, it is sensible (as well as polite!) to stick to the beach. Even a short walk to a beach-side bar (for example) should result in you "covering up" respectably.

Meeting and Greeting

Showing respect is of paramount importance in Thai society… from children towards parents/adults… between adults… from adults towards those in higher positions in society… and from everyone towards Monks, members of The Royal Family (including their images, statues etc), and Buddha (again, including images, statues, temples etc).

With this in mind it is important to realize that the famous Thai "wye" (putting the palms of your hands together in a prayer-like fashion and bringing them up in front of your face) is not only a Thai gesture of greeting, but also one of respect.

A wye from any Thai person should always be returned, and although you may at first feel a little self-conscious in doing so, you will find after only a short time that it will become second-nature to you! Besides… it's a wonderful reminder that you are not "just" on holiday… you are on holiday in a wonderfully different culture. Make the most of it!

As a general rule, a wye from children to an adult should be returned by the adult with a wye at upper-chest or neck level.

A wye from a Thai adult should be returned with a wye in front of your face, with your thumbs just touching the tip of your nose.

There are actually quite strict rules about "wying", depending on a person's "position" in society. However, as a holiday-maker you would not be expected to know these intricacies, and therefore returning a wye with the tips of your thumbs just touching the tip of your nose would be the best option (and considered more than respectful enough for the vast majority of situations).

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to wye to a group of people, the general rule of thumb would be to wye to the eldest/most important person first, but then to keep your hands up to your face and simply turn your head to look at the others from one side of the group to the other in a kind of sweeping "all-inclusive" wye.

But…

There are a few occasions when it would be considered both respectful and polite for you (as a foreigner) to wye to a Thai adult before they wyed to you… for example, when you are meeting (or being introduced) to someone for the first time… particularly if they are considered important by your Thai hosts (having a high social status for example), or if they are elderly (or even simply older than you). In situations like this, where you wye first, you will delight the Thai people present, particularly the actual person you wye to. Watch their face light-up as you show your respect not just for Thai ways, but also for them. You will immediately gain respect yourself, and your respect of Thai ways will be greatly appreciated.

Not only but, also…

The Thai wye is also the traditional way to say "Thank-you" to someone who has helped you in some way, or given you something (a gift for example). Again, thumbs to nose would be more than adequate.

Shoes and Feet!

If you are visiting a Thai home (any home), do remember to slip off your shoes/footwear before entering... leaving them outside the door. There very, very few exceptions to this rule!

As taking your shoes off and on will be a regular necessity during your time in Thailand, bear this in mind when packing! Lace-ups of any kind will present you with a problem, and it's not polite to make others wait while you untie/tie-up your shoes!

Footwear that can easily (and quickly) be slipped off and on is ideal… slip-on shoes or sandals for example (or even flip-flops for the less formal situations).

Always dress modestly and respectfully when visiting a Thai home. It would be considered far better to over-dress or to be overly conservative, so leave the shorts and bikini tops back at your hotel/resort!

When you are sitting with other people, ensure that your feet aren't pointing directly at anyone, and never use your feet to point at anything (yes, I know it sounds a bit obscure, and that you probably would never do such a thing, but it's important enough to warrant a mention!).

If you are sitting on the floor, it is easy to avoid offence simply by sitting cross-legged, or with your legs to one side and your feet pointing behind you.

* Special note for ladies! Wearing a short or "above knee-length" skirt could make things a little awkward if you go anywhere that requires you to sit on the floor. Long, loose skirts/dresses are easier to manage, thereby avoiding the very serious social gaff of flashing!

Young love!

Although it is becoming increasingly more common to see young Thai couples walking hand-in-hand on the streets of Bangkok, displaying physical affection to a member of the opposite sex in public is still frowned upon by many Thais, particularly the older generations.

However, displaying affection to same-sex friends is both acceptable and a much more common sight. It is perfectly normal to see same-sex friends - both male and female - walking with their arms draped over each other's shoulders, or holding hands.

If you are fortunate enough on your holiday to make a good friend with a Thai of the same sex, don't feel embarrassed or offended if they grab your hand or put their arm around your shoulder when walking with you… whether you are male or female, they are simply saying “This is my friend.”

Health Insurance

At the risk of sounding patronizing, it is absolutely crucial to ensure you have more than adequate health insurance before you leave for your Thai holiday. Of course, the hopes are that you will never need it… BUT-to misuse an old cliché-'health insurance is one of those things that is better to have and not need, than to need and not have.'

There really is very little point in trying to get cheap (or cheaper) health insurance by not disclosing ALL relevant information. The last thing you want is for your health insurance to be invalidated… particularly if you are unlucky enough to be in a situation where you need to claim!

An invalid health insurance could prove to be a very expensive problem indeed!

If you need to bring any prescription drugs/medication into Thailand with you, it is also worth bringing a copy of your prescription (or the tear-off part for repeat prescriptions). It proves your need is genuine... helps the pharmacy if you need to buy any of your medication whilst in Thailand... and, last but certainly not least... avoids any potential problems that could arise as far as bringing drugs into the country.

Special note!

Many Health Insurance policies exclude cover for driving motorbikes (some completely… whilst some may provide cover up to engine sizes of 50cc), and/or dangerous sports (jet-skiing, rock climbing, Para-gliding, scuba-diving etc).

If you intend to hire/ride a motorbike, or have an active holiday - double check your policy to ensure you have adequate cover (or take out extra cover… just in case!).

If you are serious about renting/driving a bike or car whilst on your holiday in Thailand, don't miss the relevant sections in this book!