The Thailand Business Travel Guide has a wide range of traveller tools and resources designed to help business travellers on their trips. The travel guide contains facts on the Thailand, visa information, business customs, culture, useful tips and other resources. An understanding of other cultures, languages, customs and etiquette is of great importance to business travellers and give a real advantage to ensuring a successful business trip.
Thailand is located in south east Asia south western Europe on the Indochina Peninsula; the country has experienced rapid economic development and has be described as a Newly Industrialised Country (NIC); the expanding economy offers a number of business opportunities. It is a member of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Major trading partners include China, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia and USA. Thailand shares borders with Laos and Burma to the north, Burma and the Andaman Sea to the west, Malaysia to the south and Cambodia and Laos to the west.
The country has a variety of landscapes including the Thai Highlands, rivers, lakes, lowland regions and beaches across the coastline and a range of flora and fauna. Famous attractions include the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Golden Buddha, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Khao Yai National Park, Ko Tarutao, Ko Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay, Chiang Mai, Karon Beach, Safari World, Jomtien Beach and Siam Park City.
Thailand Guide
Quick Facts on Thailand
Thailand Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Travel Advice and Tips
Public Holidays
Thailand Map
Thailand Weather & Climate
Quick Facts on Thailand
Country: Thailand
Capital: Bangkok
Currency: Baht (1 baht = 100 satangs)
Population: 69.9 Million (UN, 2012)
Area total: 517,000 sq km
Languages: Thai
Time Zone: GMT +7
Electricity: 220V 50Hz
Dialling Code: 66
GDP: USD 387.3 billion (World Bank, 2013)
Religion: Buddhist, Muslim
Political System: Constitutional Monarchy
Internet Domain: .th
Thailand Travel Advice
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers travellers useful advice when travelling to Thailand. You can find further information on entry requirements for Thailand, advice on local laws and customs, health considerations, useful tips on safety and security and the address and contact details of the British Embassy in Thailand. The information is updated on a regular basis making it a useful point of reference for both business and leisure travellers when looking for the latest travel advice and information on Thailand. For more information please see: Thailand Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
No visa requirement for nationals of the UK, many European countries, Canada, USA and some other countries for short term visits usually for up to 30 days. Visa requirements are subject to change with changes in requirements and rules for further information please see: Thailand Embassy UK
Business Customs and Etiquette
Business meetings should be arranged in advance, business dress is smart and conservative, with dark coloured suits. The initial greetings may be the traditional 'Wei' where both hands are put together in the form of a prayer, the greeting is also a sign of respect. There may be a handshake offered by some business people, it is best to wait for the hosts to initiate this. Business cards are exchanged after the initial introductions, the right hand should be used to offer the business card. When receiving a business card it is considered polite to take an interest and comment on the card and not just put it away.
Business is done with people that are respected and where good business relationships have been established, this can take time to build up over several meetings. Good manners and being polite are expected by all. Punctuality is important for meetings and due respect is given to rank, hierarchy and protocol. Many people in business and the commercial world speak English, interpreters are available should they be required.
Travel Advice and Tips
Most trips to Thailand for both business visitors and tourists go ahead without undue incidents. However you should be aware of pick pockets, bag snatchers especially in crowded areas. Do not show any valuables in public and keep them in a safe place. There have been incidents of assaults in certain areas, it is very important to remain vigilant at all times of your surroundings and environment. There have been incidents of violence in the southern provinces with an on going insurgency and in the border area with Burma, it is advisable to not visit those areas.
Travel Checklist: See our Checklist for Travellers containing useful tips and reminders to ensure you have everything you will need on your trip.
Travel Vaccinations: It is recommended you check with your GP regarding travel vaccinations you need to take, up to eight weeks before you travel. For more information and advice on travel vaccinations please see the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Tipping: Tipping is not always expected especially in hotels and restaurants as they may well add a service charge to your bill, if service charge is not included tips of around 10% are adequate and you may wish to round up taxi fares and leave some tips for porters, maids etc.
Hours of Business:
For Businesses:
08.00 to 17.00 Monday to Friday
For Banks:
08.30 to 16.30 Monday to Friday
NOTE: Lunch time is usually taken at Midday.
Public Holidays
Public Holidays (2015):
January 1: New Year's Day
March 2: Makha Bucha Day
April 6: Chakri Day
April 13: Thai New Year
May 1: Labour Day
May 5: Coronation Day
July 1: Mid Year Day
July 30: Visakha Buchea Day
July 30: Asarnha Bucha Day
August 12: The Queen's Birthday
October 23: Chulalongkorn Memorial Day
December 5: The King's Birthday
December 10: Constitution Day
December 31: New Year's Eve
Thailand Map
Bangkok Map, Thailand
View Larger Map
Thailand Weather & Climate
Thailand's is located in south east Asia and varied geography results in two main climates. Thailand has a tropical monsoon climate found in the south and the eastern part of the east of Thailand. The majority of the country has a tropical wet and dry climate characterised by a wet and dry season. The weather is usually hot and especially so from March to May. The monsoon rains arrive in June and can last until October, at this time the weather is hot, humid and there is the possibility of very heavy rains. During the November to February months is a fine time to visit Thailand with cooler temperatures and less humidity than in the peak summer. Much of Thailand enjoys a pleasant climate ensuring it is a destination that can be visited throughout the year.
Lightweight cotton and linen clothing can be warn in the summer months; can get very hot in summer, plenty of hydration, sunscreen and sun hat are needed. Rain wear is useful year round, rain coats and umbrellas are advisable. Additional layers and medium weight clothing is required during the autumn and winter months.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
