Transportation & Driving in Thailand

Thai Roads.
Thailand has a good network of well maintained roads and highways between all main centers. Much of the north-south route is dual carriage way. Road signage follows international convention and is in both Thai and English. Night driving is not recommended on the open road due to heavy truck traffic, who tend to have a poor respect for cars. Motor bikes can on occasion be a hazard, particularly as they are often ridden into oncoming traffic. Driving on the more major routes outside Bangkok and around resort areas is both a safe and an enjoyable experience. A self drive holiday offers the opportunity to experience wonderful Thai culture and the opportunity for travelers to stop as long as they like at the many points of interest in the Kingdom.

Bangkok has a poor reputation for traffic conditions and this is justified except on the expressways. The city is very overcrowded with traffic and this makes driving difficult for drivers unfamiliar with the city. Whilst Thai drivers are exceedingly courteous and considerate to other road users (horns are used very rarely), traffic directions, and entry and exit locations often change during the day. These changes are seldom advised by signs, and none are in English, hence unfamiliar drivers can end up a considerable distance from their desired location due to enforced traffic flows. An increasingly extensive network of expressways within Bangkok now makes entry and exit of the city a simple task. Accordingly, one way rentals from or to Bangkok International Airport is not a difficult undertaking.

Fuel Availability and Prices.
Both fuels are freely available throughout Thailand and prices generally range between Baht 11 to Baht 14 per litre. Most of the larger gas stations accept major international credit cards, but stations in more remote locations will require cash. 24 hour service stations are found on main routes and at the major towns, but rural stations will close in the evening.

Road Rules.
Thais drive on the left hand side of the road. The maximum speed limit in cities and towns is 60km/h (35 mph) and varies between 90 and 100 km/h (52-60 mph) on expressways and country roads. Police regularly check motorists speed. Wearing of seat belts is compulsory and drink driving laws apply. All insurance is invalid if drivers exceed the legal alcohol limit.

Drivers License.
All drivers must hold a current, non-probationary license. The license may either be Thai, or from a renter's country of residence (with an English translation), or an international drivers permit. Licenses (and a valid passport) must be carried at all times when driving. Driving Licence & Permits An international Driving Permit is necessary for any visitor who intends to drive a motorised vehicle while in Thailand. These are usually available from motoring organ- isations, such as AAA (USA) or BAA (UK), in your home country.

Age.
Cars and Truck Rental of Thailand require drivers to be at least 21 years of age.

Travel within Thailand.
Domestic air, rail and road transport in Thailand is surprisingly inexpensive.

By Air.
Thai Airways International, Thailand's national airline, flies to five destinations in the North, five in the Northeast, and seven in the South. Bangkok Airways (Tel: (02) 5237116, 25340'I4-6, 5352497) flies to Samui Island and Phuket. Reservations can be made through any authorised Thai Inter Travel Agent. Thai Airways International's Lan Luang Office is on 6 Lan Luang Road, Tel: 2800070,2800080. The airline also organises 'Royal Orchid Holidays' tours to every destination it flies to.

By Rail.
An efficient rail system links major northern and north-eastern towns with the capital. A southern route permits the visitor to travel by train into IV1alaysia and Singapore. Domestic express trains comprise first, second and third-class carriages. Slower trains may have only third-class seats. The State Railway of Thailand organises one- day, two-day economy tours to various destinations on Saturdays, Sundays and official holidays. Other tours include trips to SuratThani (for Koh Samui), Chumphon and Chiang Mai. Railway schedules can be obtained from Bangkok Railway Station, Tel: 223- 7010, 223-7020.

By Road.
A modern highway system reaches into all corners of the kingdom. Domestic bus services offer fast means of travel. Airconditioned tour coaches offer more comfort. Bangkok's Northern / North-eastern Bus Terminal is on Phahonyothin Road, Tel: 2794484-7 (airconditioned) and 2710101-5 (regular) Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal is on Pinklao-Nakhon Chaisri Road, Tel: 4351190, 4351200 (air-conditioned) and 4345558 (regular). Bangkok's Eastern Bus terminal is on Sukhumvit Road, Tel: 3929227, 3919829 (airconditioned) and 3912504, 3922521 (regular)

How to get to Thailand.

By Air.
Bangkok is Thailand's major gateway. Most visitors arrive through Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport which is connected by daily flights to Europe, North America, Asia and Australia aboard the world's major airlines. Further international flights, mostly from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Hong Kong, land on a less regular basis at the southern airports of Phuket and Hat Yai and Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. Charter flights from Europe and the Orient sometimes land in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai and at U-Taphao for Pattaya.

By Rail.
Regular rail services link Singapore and Bangkok. Intermediary stops include Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth and major southern Thai towns.

By Road.
Overland entrance to Thailand is restricted to three road crossings on the Thai-Malaysian border in Songkhla, Yala and Narathiwat.

By Sea.
There are no regular steamship connections with Thailand. Cargo ships calling at Bangkok's Klong Toey port sometimes have passenger cabin facilities. Cruise ships, such as Cunard's Queen Elizabeth II, Royal Viking, or Pearl of Scandinavia periodically visit Pattaya.

Bangkok Airport.

Passenger Terminal.
Is next to the international passengerterminal at the south. There is a covered walk way links the International Passenger Terminal and Domestic Passenger Terminal for facilitation purpose.This terminal is divided into two sections A two-storey building accommodated for the offices and services station of Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways International and also served as an office for internal charter flights service.A three-storey building which its first floor provided services for in-coming passengers and for out-going passengers on the second floor while the third floor provided with rental offices for airline companies.

1. Shopping
24 hour shopping with a wide variety of goods at the souvenir shops.Duty Free Shops located in the departure, transit and arrival lounges. Each incoming passengers is eligible to buy I carton of cigarettes and 250 grammes of tobacco or cigars and 1 litre of liquor.

2. Food and beverage
Terminal 1 - Thai food restaurant (also in Domestic Terminal), snack bars Terminal 2 -Japanese and Chinese restaurants, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Swensen' s and Royal Hofbra0haus

3. Postal services
Post & Telegraph Office Terminal 1 Arrival hall, open daily at 09.00-17.00 hrs. Departure hall, open 24 hours. Terminal 2 Arrival hall, open daily at 07.30-24.00 hrs Public Telephones Calls can be dialed throughout Bangkok and greater Bangkok at one Baht for the first three minutes while in-country long distance calls are charged according to destination Overseas Calls Can be made at Credit Card Telephone booths or Post and, Telegraph Offices located in the departure and arrival lo Telephone Rental Rental of cellular telephones is available to arriving passengers at the counter in the arrival hall. Tel: 535-3598-9.

4.Currency exchange
There are many currency exchange counters and Automatic Exchange Machines in Departure and Arrival Halls of the International and Domestic Passenger Terminals.

5. Tour service
Tourist information can be obtained from the counters of the Tourism Authority of Thailand while tour service reservations can be made at the Tour Service Center in the Arrival Hall. The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) counter provides around the clock of meet and greet services for advance booking of foreign tourists and is operated.

6. Hotel reservations
You can book any hotel accommodation on arrival at the counter of Thai Hotels Association (THA) counter in the arrival hall.

7. Cip lounges
Many CIP Lounges are provided for the pleasure of departing passengers. AAT CIP Lounges are on the 2nd floor of International Terminals 1&2 Tel: 535-1300, 535-1037. Louis Tavern CIP Lounges for both first class and business class are in Departure Lounge, International Terminal 1 Tel: 535-3790- 6 and in Departure Lounge International Terminal 2 Tel: 535- 3718-24.

8.Left baggage
The Left Baggage Rooms at the International and Domestic Passenger Terminals charge Baht 40/piece/day with a maximum storage allowed of 4 months. Tel: 535-1255, 535-1250 (International) and 535-1134 (Domestic)

9.Emerency medical service
The Airport Clinic is on the 1st floor near the Arrival Hall of the International Passenger Terminal 1. Qualified medical personnel are ready to assist passengers 24 hours. Tel: 535-1113, 535-1755. AAT also provides first aid service in International Terminal 2 and Domestic Terminal.

10.Lost property
Thai Airways International Passenger Handling, please contact the Lost & Found Counter at the Arrival Lounge Tel 535-2968 Other Airlines Passengers, please contact individual airline off ice. General articles lost within the Airport, please contact the Airport Information Counter Tel. 535-1254, 535-1386

11. Services for transit I transfer passengers
Day rooms are available for passengers on the 2nd and 4th floor of Terminal 1 & 2 at reasonable rates for six hours with soft drinks, Tel: 535-3710-24. Additional services in the Transit Lounge are Business Conference Room, Games Room, Left Baggage, Duty Free Shop, Nursery, Barber Shop, Beauty Salon, Sauna, Massage, Drugstore, Florists, Photo Fast and Currency Exchange.

12. Ground transportation
Airport Associate Limousine Counter: Arrival Hall, 1 st floor International Passenger Terminals Terminal 1 (Counter No. 2) Terminal 2 (Counter No. 4) Fare: To downtown starting from Baht 650 Tel: 535-5961, 535-5952

Thai Limousine Counter: Arrival Hall, 1 st floor International Passenger Terminals Terminal 1 (Counter No. 7) Terminal 2 (Counter No. 5) Fare: To downtown starting from Baht 650 Tel: 535-2801, 535-2803

Taxi Taxi Stand: In front of the Arrival Halls International & Domestic Passenger Terminals Fare: Based on meter plus Baht 50 surcharge Tel: 535-1616, 535-1432

Prapirab Limousine Counter: Arrival Hall, 1 st floor Domestic Passenger Terminal Fare: To downtown starting from Baht 650 Tel: 535-1894, 535-2634

Airport Bus Bus Stop: At platform of International & Domestic Passenger Terminals Route Al Airport - Silorn Rd. Route A2 Airport - Sa-Nam-Luang Route A3 Airport - Sukhumvit Rd. (Soi Thonglor)

Car Rental
AVIS Rental Service Counter at International Passenger Terminal 1, Arrival Hall Tel: 535-4052 and Terminal 2, Tel: 535- 4031-2. Other car rental service counters at Arrival Hall, Domestic Terminal Tel: 535-3004-5 and at Departure Hall Tel: 535-3009. The rental rates are between Baht 1,400-3,300/day and Baht 8,400- 19,800/week.

Car Park AAT also provides spaces at Domestic & International Terminals for 3,000 cars Public Bus Bus Stop: In front of the Airport. Regular Bus Route 29 Airport - Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lampong) Route 59 Airport - The Emerald Buddha Temple (Sa-Nam-Luang) Route 95 Airport - Ram-Intra Rd. - Ram Khamhang Rd.

Air - Conditioned Bus Route 4 Airport - Silom Rd. Route 29 Airport - Victory Monument - Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lampong) Route 10 Airport - Victory Monument - Southern Region Bus Terminal Route 13 Airport - Sukhumvit Rd. - Eastern Region Bus Terminal

13. Visa on arrival
Passengers without entry visas from 55 countries are now able to obtain visas at the arrival counter in the Arrival Hall of the International Passenger Terminal 1. A fee of Baht 300 must be paid and 2 pictures of 1 inch each are required (express photo service fee for 4 photos is Baht 120 ). The length of stay is 15 days including the arrival date. Tel: 535-1071 Re-Entry Permit Re-entry permit counter is on the 3rd floor of Departure Hall, Terminal 1.

14.Various regulations
Passenger Service Charge
International Passengers - Baht 500 /person (paid through PSC Vending Machines or PSC counters) Domestic Passengers - Baht 30 /person (paid at the Check-in counters) Customs If you have nothing to declare, you may proceed to the Green Channels. If you have goods to declare, i.e. you are carrying articles in commercial quantity or prohibited or restricted articles, then proceed to the Red Channels.

Currency and Monetary Instruments
Foreign currency in cash or equivalent being carried in or out of Thailand is unlimited. Thai currency over Baht 50,000 is not allowed to be carried abroad. Only passengers leaving for Myanmar, Laos, Malaysia, Kampuchea and Vietnam are permitted to bring out not over Baht 500,000. Antiques and Religious Articles The export of antiques, objects of art, religious articles and Buddha images are prohibited. To send or take any of the above objects out of the country, prior permission must be obtained from The Fine Arts Department, at Na Phra That Road, Bangkok, office hours 09.00 a.m. to 04.00 p.m. Prohibited Items It is prohibited by law to bring any of the following items into Thailand.

- Narcotics (anybody who commits an offence in violation against Thai narcotics laws shall be liable to life imprisonment or death sentence).
- Obscene literature and photographs.
- Firearms or ammunition (unless a permit has been obtained from the Police Department or the local registration office).

A.T.A. Carnet
Goods subject to temporary import and re-export by using the A.TA. camet documents as a guarantee: the travellers bringing in such goods are required to inform the Customs Officer at the Red Channel for clearing facilitation at the Customs Office. Goods subject to temporary import and re- export by using A.T.A. Carnet documents as a guarantee: the travellers taking out such goods are required to take such goods together with A.T.A. Carnet documents to show the Customs Officer for inspection before departing from the country. Plant Quarantine Notification Declare your plants or plant products to the Plant Quarantine Officer. Failure to abide by these regulations incure a liability for legal prosecution, Tel.535-1379, 523-6420 Health Control Before your departure date, make sure to ask your travel agent, airline or general practitioners' of the necessity for appropriate inoculations. No medical on inoculation papers are requested upon your entry into the Kingdom, unless you have visited another country stricken with communicable diseases.

Security
AAT Security Systems meet ICAO Standards. Security check for luggage will be made by common-use x-ray before check- in process. Then body and hand carry checks will be made at Security Check Point.

TERMINAL 2 is a 5 storey building, designed to provide complete range of facilities for arrival, departure and transit passengers with excellent services and comfort. The ground floor and second floor are for arrival passengers, the third floor for departure while the fourth floor is provided for transit passengers. In addition, various restaurants offer a wide variety of cuisines ranging from fast food to chinese food are also housed on the fourth serving at the same downtown price while airline offices are located on the fifth floor of Terminal 2.

After exiting the custom counter turn right and proceed towards the right end of the hall. Look out for your pickup staff with a sign-board with your name on it if you have arranged for pickup service. If not you can take the airport limousine at baht 600 per car or take the public metrer taxi. For the public meter taxi, the fare is charged according to the meter plus a surcharge of baht 50 per car. The estimate meter fare to a hotel in the city is baht 250. Toll and expressively way charges of baht 65 is to borne by the passenger

Arriving & departing

Carriers
The U.S. carrier with the most frequent flights is Northwest Airlines (153 Rajdamri Rd., Peninsula Shopping Plaza, 4th Floor, tel. 02/254- 0789). It has direct service through Tokyo (with a minimal stopover) from New York, Detroit, Seattle, Dallas, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Incidentally, this airline's seats recline more than most, making sleeping much easier. Northwest also has a round-Asia fare, in conjunction with local airlines, which lets you hop from one capital to another. British Airways flies nonstop to Bangkok from London Thai Airways International (485 Silom Rd., tel. 02/234-3100) is the national airline, and most of its flights come in and out of Don Muang. It has direct flights from the West Coast of the United States and from London, and also flies daily to Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and Japan.

Flying times
Bangkok is 18 hours from Seattle, 17 hours from San Francisco, 20 hours from Chicago, and 22 hours from New York. Add more time for stopovers and connections,,especially if you are using more than one carrier. East- coast travelers departing from New York or Washington, DC, should consider using Virgin Atlantic/Thai Airways via London for 19-hour flights to Bangkok.

Between the airport and town

By Bus
Airport buses busying between the Don Mueang Airport and the major downtown destinations are a bit of ripoff with their 70 Baht fare, but avoiding a likely trip around Bangkok by taxi (with the fare clocking up all the way on the taximetre), it's still a bargain. There are 3 routes of the Airport Bus:

A-1 goes to the Silom Road business district via Pratunam and Rajdamri Road, stoppping at big hotels like Indra Regent, Grand Hyatt Erawan, Regent Bangkok and Dusit Thani. ? A-2 goes to Sanam Luang via Phayathai Road, Lan Luang Road, Rajdamnoen Klang Road and Tanao Road; comes in hady for those travelling to the Siam Square ir Banglamphu areas.

A-3 goes to the Phrakanong district via Sukhumwit Road. You can also catch local air-conditioned buses on the main road that passes the airport. Bus 4 goes to the Rama Garden Hotel, Indra Regent, Erawan, Hyatt, and Dusit Thani hotels, and down Silom Road (last bus at 8 PM). Bus 10 goes to the Rama Garden Hotel, the Northern Bus Terminal, the Victory Monument, and the Southern Bus Terminal (last bus at 8:30 PM). Bus 13 goes to the Northern Bus Terminal, Victory Monument, and down Sukhumvit Road to the Eastern Bus Terminal (last bus at 8 PM). Bus 29 goes to the Northern Bus Terminal, Victory Monument, Siam Square, and Bangkok's main railway station, Hualamphong (last bus at 8:30 PM). Cost: B15. By Helicopter The quickest way downtown is the helicopter that lands at the Shangri-La Hotel (. Anyone who will pay the $200 fare is welcome aboard.

By Minibus
Thai Airways has a minibus service between the airport and major hotels. They depart when they are full. Cost: B100. Complimentary orchid nosegay included.

By Riverboat Shuttle
A bus-and-boat service leaves every 30 minutes, 6 AM-9 PM. This service is really for the benefit of guests at the Oriental, Royal Orchid Sheraton, and Shangri-La hotels, but others can use it if there's space. The bus takes you from the airport to the river, where you transfer to a boat for the half-hour run to the hotels. Fare is $28 (B700); overall time is under an hour.

By Taxi
Don Mueang is 25 km (15 mi) from the city center. The road is often congested with traffic. Be prepared for a 90-minute journey by taxi, though there are times when it can take less than 40 minutes. obtain a reservation and prepay the fare at the counter (at either terminal), and a driver will lead you to the taxi. The fare to downtown Bangkok depends on the exact location and, to some extent, the time of day. Count on B300-B350 from the international terminal and B250 from the domestic. Taxis to the airport from downtown Bangkok are approximately B130. Use a metered taxi and agree to pay for the toll road, an extra B50.

Otherwise, upon arrival you may want to procede upstairs, to the Departure Hall and catch a taxi that has just dropped the passengers. Insist on charging by the metre, it's the buyers' market in Bangkok now. It will hardly ever be more than 250 Baht when travelling within the city limits.

By Train
Bangkok Airport Express trains make the 35-minute run every 90 minutes from 8 AM to 7 PM. Check the schedule at the tourist booth in the arrival hall. Fare: B100. You can also take regular trains from 5:30 AM to 9 PM. The fare is B5 for a local train, B13 for an express.

By Bus
Bangkok has three main bus terminals. Northern/Northeast Bus Terminal (Phaholyothin Rd., tel. 02/272-0296 or 02/279-6222), often referred to as Morsit, serves Chiang Mai and the north. Southern Bus Terminal (Pinklao- Nakomchaisri Rd., Talingchan, tel. 02/435-1199), on the Thonburi side of the river, is for Hua Hin, Ko Samui, Phuket, and points south. Eastern Bus Terminal (Sukhumvit Rd., Soi 40, Ekkamai, tel. 02/391-2504 or 02/392- 2391), usually referred to as Ekkamai, is for Pattaya and points southeast, to Rayong and Trat province.

By Train
Hualamphong Railway Station (Rama IV Rd., tel. 02/223-0341), the city's main station, serves most long-distance trains. Bangkok Noi (Arun Amarin Rd., tel. 02/411-3102), on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, is used by local trains to Hua Hin and Kanchanaburi.

The State Railway of Thailand has three lines, all of which terminate in Bangkok. The Northern Line connects Bangkok with Chiang Mai, passing through Ayutthaya and Phitsanulok; the Northeastern Line travels up to Nong Khai, near the Laotian border, with a branch that goes east to Ubon Ratchathani; and the Southern Line goes all the way south through Surat Thani--the stop for Ko Samui--to the Malaysian border and on to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, a journey that takes 37 hours. (There is no train to Phuket, though you can go as far as Surat Thani and change to a scheduled bus service.)

Most trains offer second- or third-class tickets, but the overnight trains to the north (Chiang Mai) and to the south also offer first-class sleeping cabins. Couchettes, with sheets and curtains for privacy, are available in second class. Second-class tickets are about half the price of first-class, and since the couchettes are surprisingly comfortable, most Western travelers choose these. Do not leave valuables unguarded on overnight trains.

Tickets may be bought at the railway stations. Travel agencies can also sell tickets for overnight trains. Reservations are strongly advised for all long-distance trains. Train schedules in English are available from travel agents and from major railway stations. Fares are reasonable. An air-conditioned, second-class couchette for the 14-hour journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is B530; first class is B980. For information on schedules and passes, call the Bangkok Railway Station Advance Booking Office (tel. 02/223-3762 or 02/223-0341).

Getting around Bangkok as anything has 2 sides to it. Bangkok mass transit system operates 24 hours a day and is cheap even for the local populace. It efficiently covers the whole are of the Greater Bangkok and you always have choice to fit your budget: from plain simple buses with ever open windows up to hotel limousines. Yet, the other side of the medal is that you can enjoy all these advantages in full only when the city is deserted by half of its inhabitants with their cars during amjor public holidays. Otherwise, the only progress made in Bangkok transporatation in this century seems to be the switch from Chinese immigrant-driven rickshaw tricycle (average speed 10 mph) to futuristic turbo-charged and air-conditioned round-the- clock traffic snarl-up (average speed 8mph).

Taxis and Tuk-tuks
Most taxis in Bangkok use metres and have a lit sign "Taximeter" on the roof. If there's no metre in the taxi, fares must be agreed upon from the start. Fares range from 35 Baht to maximum of approximately 300 Baht within the city's precincts. Tuk-tuks or 3-wheel taxis (aka "3-wheel motor saws gone berserk") are quite popular among locals and tourists for short journeys Tuk-tuks are not allowed to enter highway). Fares range from abouT730 up to 150 Baht. However, taxi is a more advisable option considering never-ending Bangkok traffic snarl-up, especially during the rush hour, as travelling through Bangkok polluted street without air-conditioner may prove hazardous to health.

Buses
Bus transpor ' t in Bangkok is cheap and reasonably comfortable. There are non-airconditioned red and green buses (any destination 3.5 Baht), airconditioned blue buses (fare depending on distance) and air-conditioned televised microbuses with free newspapers (20 or 30 Baht, very comfortable for longer trips within the city). Red and green buses operate 24 hours a day (night fare 5 Baht).

Airport buses busying between the Don Mueang Airport and the major downtown destinations are a bit of ripoff with their 70 Baht fare, but avoiding a likely trip around Bangkok by taxi (with the fare clocking up all the way on the taximetre), it's still a bargain. There are 3 routes of the Airport Bus: A-1 goes to the Silom Road business district via Pratunam and Rajdamri Road, stoppping at big hotels like Indra Regent, Grand Hyatt Erawan, Regent Bangkok and Dusit Thani. A-2 goes to Sanam Luang via Phayathai Road, Lan Luang Road, Rajdamnoen Klang Road and Tanao Road; comes in hady for those travelling to the Siam Square ir Banglamphu areas. A-3 goes to the Phrakanong district via Sukhumwit Road.

Motorcycles
The fastest vehicle to whisk you out of a traffic jam, it require a somewhat adventurous disposition. Fares range from 15 to 100 Baht. Basically they do not go for long distances. Wearing helmet is obligatory and usually the driver will provide you with one.

How to get Thailand by Plane.
Bangkok is Thailand's major gateway. Most visitors arrive through Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport which is connected by daily flights to Europe, North America, Asia and Australasia aboard the world's major airlines.

Thai Airways International, Thailand's national airline, flies to eight destinations in the North, seven destinations in the Northeast, and six in the South. Bangkok Airways flies from Bangkok directly to Ko Samui, Ranong, Cha-am (Hua Hin) and Sukhothai. It also flies one-stop to Chiang Mai and Phuket, and from Samui to U-Tapao (Pattaya). There are also services linking Samui and Singapore. Orient Thai Airline connects major Thai cities such as Chiang MaiSurat Thani-Hat Yai, Chiang Mai-Hat Yai, Chiang Mai-U-Tapao, Chiang Mai-Udon Thani-Ubon Ratchathani, Chiang Mai- Khon Kaen-Ubon Ratchathani.

Reservations can be made through any authorized Thai Inter Travel Agent. Thai Airways International's Lan Luang Office is on 6 Lan Luang Road, Tel: 280-0110,280-0060. The airline also organises 'Royal Orchid Holidays' tours to every destination it flies to.

Further international flights, mostly from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Hong Kong, land on a less regular basis at the southern airports of Phuket and Hat Yai and Chiang Mai in northern Thailand.

Charter flights from Europe and the Orient sometimes land in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai and at U-Taphao for Pattaya. The expense of getting to Bangkok per air kilometre varies quite a bit depending on your point of departure. However, you can take heart in the fact that Bangkok is one of the cheapest cities in the world to fly out of, due to the Thai government's loose restictions on air fares and the close competition between airlines and travel agencies. The result is that with a little shopping around you can come up with some real bargins. If you can find a cheap one way ticket to Bangkok, take it, because you are virtually guaranteed to find one of equal or lesser cost for the return trip once you get there.

From most places around the world your best bet will be budget, excursion or promotional fares - when speaking to airlines ask for the various fares in that order. Each carries its own set of restrictions and it's up to you to decide which set works best in your case. Fares fluctuate, but in general they are cheaper from September to April (northern hemisphere) and from March to November (southern hemisphere).

Airports & Airlines
Thailand has four international airports, one each in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Hat Yai. Chiang Rai and Sukhothai are both designated as 'international', but at the time of writing they did not actually field any international flights.

A district directly north of Bangkok known as Don Muang has been the main hub for international air traffic in and out of Thailand since 1931, when Imperial Airways (forerunner of what was to become BOAC and then British Airways) began regular flights between London and Bangkok (a journey of nine days in that era). Today Don Muang is home to Bangkok international airport, the busiest airport in South-East Asia in terms of scheduled arrivals and departures. A second, larger airport was intended to replace Don Muang around 2000 at Nong Ngu Hao, an area 20km east of Bangkok. Following the economic crisis of 1997/98, the Thai government cancelled the Nong Ngu Hao project despite having already spent US$200 million on its development.

The national carrier, Thai Airways International (THAI), dominates inbound and outbound air traffic, but 80 other international airlines also fly in and out of Bangkok. Angel Airways, which mostly serves domestic routes, flies internationally between Singapore and Phuket, while Bangkok Airways flies between Bangkok and Siem Reap, Cambodia. for more information.

How to get Thailand by Sea.
There are no regular steamship connections with Thailand. Cargo ships calling at Bangkok's Klong Toey port sometimes have passenger cabin facilities. Cruise ships, such as Cunard's Queen Elizabeth 11, Royal Viking, or Pearl of Scandinavia periodically visit Pattaya.

How to get Thailand by Road.
Overland entrance to Thailand is restricted to three road crossings on the Thai-Malaysian border in Songkhla, Yala and Narathiwat.

A modern highway system reaches into all corners of the kingdom. Domestic bus services offer fast means of travel. Airconditioned tour coaches offer more comfort.

Bangkok's Northern/Northeastern Bus Terminal is on Kam Phaeng Phet 2 Road, Tel: 9363674, 9363667-8.

Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal is on Pinklao-Nakhon Chaisri Road, Tel : 4351190, 4351200 (air-conditioned) and 4345558 (regular).

Bangkok's Eastern Bus terminal is on Sukhumvit Road, Tel: 3929227, 3919829 (airconditioned) and 3912504, 3922521 (regular).

How to get Thailand by Train.
Regular rail services link Singapore and Bangkok. Intermediary stops include KualaLumpur, Butterworth and major southern Thai towns.

An efficient rail system links major northern and northeastern towns with the capital. A southern route permits the visitor to travel by train into Malaysia and Singapore. Domestic express trains comprise first, second and third class carriages. Slower trains may have only third-class seats.

The State Railway of Thailand organizes oneday, two-day economy tours to various destinations on Saturdays, Sundays and official holidays. Other tours include trips to Surat Thani (for Ko Samui), Chumphon and Chiang Mai. Railway schedules can be obtained from Bangkok Railway Station, Tel: 223-7010, 2237020.

The Tempory import of the Vehicle for the Purpose of Tourism.
- Valid International Driving Licence and passport or equivalent documents are required.
- Vehicle registration or, in the case of a borrowed vehicle, authorisation documents from the owner are required.
- Cash guarantee or bank guarantee or self- guarantee is required. If vehicle is brought in through Bangkok or Klong Toey Port, cash guarantee or bank guarantee is essential. If entry is via land across the southern border then it is accept- able to guarantee oneself by completing the customs form, giving necessary details to the customs officer and signing the record.
- Permission is granted for a e month period from the date of entry,
- In the case of having requested to bring the vehicle in for a period of just 5-10 days and then wishing to extend the length of stay, a renewal can be granted free of charge by the Customs Department.
- Procedure:
- Contact the customs office at the relevant border.
- Customs officer will complete an additional incoming form and at the same time check documents as in No.2 above and also fix the self-guarantee.
- In the case of cash or bank guarantee, the customs officer will evaluate the price of the vehicle according to its condition plus 20%

Role of the Road for Visitors.

As precautionary measures to prevent and avoid road accidents, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) urges all road-users to strictly observe the following traffic regulations and guidelines.

1.Before putting a vehicle into motion always check the following: driver's license, yearly vehicle tax payment sticker, yearly vehicle insuranee payment sticker, license plate, and vehicle condition such as wheel brake, emergency brake, headlights, taillights, etc
- The maximum speed limit to cars inside a city limit is 60 km/hr for outside a city limit.
- The maximum speed limit for motorcycles inside city limit is 60 km/hr and 80 km/hr for outside a city limit.
- The driver should pay special attention to highway signs posted on the left-hand side of the road for specified speed limits.

2.Always drive on the left side of the road. When there are two or more lanes for traffic in the same direction, slower vehicles must use the leftmost lane except when passing or making a right turn.

3.Always slow down to a safe and reasonable speed when driving on a narrow road or when approching curves, intersections, business or residential areas, road construction zone, and oncoming vehicles.

4.Never pass any vehicle when driving through residential areas, intersections, curves, or over a bridge. Always pass other vehicles on the right. Never pass other vehicles on the left except when the leading vehicle is making a right turn or when there are two or more lanes for traffic in the same direction.

5.When driving at night, always turn on headlights and taillights.

6.Broken down or parked vehicles must be parked on the side of the road or the shoulder of the road. A warning sign which could be seen over an appropriate distance must be displayed. At nighttime emergency red lights must be used to provide warning.

7.Give the right-of-way signal to vehicles coming from main roads.

8.Strictly obey traffic lights and posted traffic signs.

9.Never control a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or intoxication liquor; or while being sick or dizzy.

10.Always take safety precautions while in control of a vehicle.

11.Always allow a safety distance while following a vehicle.

12.Slow down to a reasonable speed, and do not sound the horn if it is not necessary while passing through the following zones; school, hospital or public agency.

13.Always give a headlight signal or sound the horn and make sure there are not obstructions or oncoming vehicles before passing the leading vehicle.

14.When a driver is involved in an accident which causes injuries or property damages, always provide assistance wherever it is necessary. Immdediately notify the nearest police station and identify yourself as well. The driver who fails to stop at the scene of the accident which he is responsible for would be considered guilty and might be sentenced to imprisonment.

15.Sound the horn and slow down the vehicle when approaching a stopped vehicle which is letting passengers get on or get off and give warning particularly to deaf and blind persons.

16.Safety rules for pedestrains
- Always use sidewalks or road shoulders if there are any; if not, always walk on the right side of the road to be able to see oncoming vehicles.
- Always cross the road only when it is absolutely safe to do so. Especially in Bangkok, please watch out for bus lanes as buses sometimes run against the traffic flow.
- When crossing the road at nighttime always do so at a lighted area or use a flashlight for indentification purposes.
- Always obey traffic lights, i.e. cross the road only when the red traffic light is on for the approching vehicles, and make sure that the vehicles have come to a complete stop.

17.Safety rules for bus passengers
- Always wait for a bus or a vehicle on the sidewalk, the road shoulder, or at bus stops.
- Before getting on a bus or a vehicle, wait until it has stopped completely and other passengers who want to get off have done so.
- Always take a seat when it is available; if not stay inside the bus or the vehicle. Do not stand on the doorsteps.
- Never get on or get off the bus or the vehicle while it is moving, waiting for traffic lights, or while it is in the middle of the road.
- For private or public vehicles, the passengers should always get on or get off the vehicles where it is not prohibited. Always stop the vehicles at the sidewalks and get on or get off on the left side of the vehicles.