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Geography | Climate | Bangkok and it's people | Religion | Customs | Government and the Monarchy | Law, order and security | Your status as a Foreign resident | Language | Do's and Taboo's | Prior to Departure | Getting ready for moving to Thailand | Electronics & appliances | Personal computers |Tv & Video Equipment | Cd's & Tapes | Telephone & Lamps | Kitchenware | Cutlery | Crockery, pots & Pans | Food |Linen, towels & bedding | Baby items| Clothing | Shoes | Athletic supplies | Cosmetics | Hair supplies | Eye wear | Pharmaceuticals | Camera Supplies | Musical instruments | Reading material | Paper products | Pets |Upon Arrival | Visas | Work permits | Passports | Local Communications | Utilities | Water | Electric supply | Gas supply | Telephones | Postal service | Domestic help | Currency | Banking |Insurance | Foreign Mission | Check List when Viewing the Proposed Accommodation | | |||
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Welcome to Thailand. Your move will involve a lot of planning and organization for you and your family. If it seems too difficult at this point, relax . . . We are at your disposal to help step by step and we will work together to make your move as successful and enjoyable as possible. The purpose of this booklet is to give you a basic view of the steps to be taken in making a move from your home country to Thailand. Also there is some country specific information to help you get started on your 'look-see' Housing Tour. We hope you find it informative and useful. Although the contents are primarily aimed at one to three year-foreign assignments, they also serve as a guide to persons on temporary assignments. Where differences may apply, these will be made clear to you. The first few months that you and your family are in Thailand, you may wish to be enrolled in Thai Language Education and/or Thai Cultural Training classes. These are designed to give you an advantage in making the adjustment to life in Thailand and in developing positive relationships with the Thai people on and off the job.
Sawaddi-Greetings from Thailand The opportunity to live and work overseas can be a rewarding experience and a great adventure, but making the decision to uproot and go isn't easy. Understandably, you will have many questions and concerns about living and working in Thailand. Through this guide, we would like to address some of your questions and put many of your concerns to rest. The better informed you are before you Go the better prepared you will be to face new challenges and enjoy the fascinations of Thailand. The enjoyment and gratification derived from your experience will depend on your level of involvement interest, the contributions you are prepared to make, and how well informed you are as soon as you know you're moving, get your family involved in the search. Read as much as you can find on Thailand, ask your travel agent for brochures, check video stores and your library for travelogues. If you have a Thai restaurant in your area, try the food and ask to speak with the owner or manager, they are usually Thai and very friendly. Access as much information as you can about the aptly nicknamed, "Land of Smiles". Thailand's history dates back as far as 40,000 years, to unknown origins of primitive hunters and gatherers who used wood and stone tools to survive. This was followed by an agrarian age, a metallurgy age ,and eventually, by the 5th century AD it evolved into the tribal chiefdoms of the Mon at Nakhon Pathom, in the Chao Phraya valley, close to what is now Bangkok. The Mon people, also called the Dvaravati, established a scattering of kingdoms across the Central Plains from the 6th to the 11th centuries. Although little is known of the Mon, it is certain they were heavily influenced by Indian cultures and by the Khmer kingdoms of what is now Cambodia. Toward the beginning of the first millennium AD., the first migrating Thai from southern China began arriving, encountering the already strong Mon-Khmer-Buddhist civilization. Some Thai’s become mercenaries for the Khmer armies in the early 12th century and were called "Syams", meaning "swarthy", because of their darker skin colour. This may explain how the Thai kingdom eventually came to be called Syam, or Siam. The first Thai kingdom was established in the far north at Payao in 1096. By the 13th century, Thai’s outnumbered and overcame the Mon & Khmers, establishing two important Thai kingdoms: 1) Lanna (or Lan Na ) Thai Lanna Thai, which means "a million Thai rice fields", was founded by a Thai chieftain named Mengrai, who built the new capital of Chiang Mai in 1296. At about the same time, further south, Sukhothai, "rising of happiness", rose to pre-eminence under King Ramkkhamhaeng who built a magnificent temple city and invented the Thai writing system. In both kingdoms, which were allies rather than enemies, Theravada Buddhism was adopted and art flourished. By the mid-fourteenth century, as Thai's continued migrating south into the lower rice-growing plains, the Khmers eventually weakened and withdrew under the leadership of prince U Thong. In 1350, he declared himself King Ramathibodi and set up his capital at Ayuthaya on the lower Chao Phraya River. Even though the Khmer had been adversaries in battle, the succession of Ayuthayan kings incorporated Khmer court customs, art, architecture and language. The result was absolute royal authority and a kingdom that dominated the region for four centuries. Aythaya was one of the greatest and wealthiest in Asia. It was envied by the Burmese and left Europeans awe-struck, especially since London was only a mere village. By the 16th century, the Portuguese, Dutch, English, Danes and French were well-known visitors in Ayuthaya, some with embassies in place. Then a strange series of events unfolded which most likely changed the course of Thai history. Under King Narai, who ruled Ayuthaya from 1675 to 1688, a Greek by the name of Constantine Phaulkon, rose to very high official power. He expelled all Europeans with the exception of the French, who were allowed to keep 600 soldiers in the kingdom. The word for a foreigner (of European descent) in modern Thai is farang, an abbreviated form of farangset, meaning "French". Eventually the Thai's who feared a farangset takeover, forcefully removed them and executed Phaulkon. Following this experience with farangs, Siam sealed itself off from the West for the next 150 years. In 1765, the Burmese attacked and completely destroyed Ayuthaya in a fierce war that lasted nearly two years. But even after ransacking the capital, the Burmese could not maintain a foothold over the Thai's, and in 1769 a new capital city, Thonburi, was built on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, opposite what is now Bangkok. Only a few years later, in 1782, a Thai general, Chao Phaya Chakri, came to power and was crowned King Rama I, the first in the Chakri Dynasty, of which the present king is Rama IX. For strategic reasons he moved the capital across the river to a trading post called Bank Kok, "village of hog plums". Far from being an exalted name for a capital city, Rama I proclaimed the official name to be Krungthep Mahanakorn Bovorn Rattanakosin Mahaintara Ayuthaya Mahadilokob Noparathathani Burirom Udomarajanivej Mahasathani Ampornpiman Avararansathit Sakkatattiya Avisumkamprasit. Fortunately for everyone, the first word is enough, and thus it is known to Thai's as Krungthep, "the city of angels." It is mainly farangs who persists in calling it by its undignified original name, "Bangkok". There have been several outstanding kings in the Chakri Dynasty, including the innovative Rama IV, commonly known as King Mongkut. He took the throne in 1851 after spending 27 years as a Buddhist monk, during which time he studied Western sciences as well as the Sanskrit, Pali, Latin, and English languages. One of his first acts as king was to re-establish economic and diplomatic relations with European nations, while at the same time, he adeptly avoided colonialisation. Among his many other accomplishments, he set up Siam's first printing press, reformed the educational system, and was the first monarch to show his face in public. His son, Chulalongkorn, Rama V, followed in his father's innovative footsteps, maintaining good relations with Western nations and became one of the kingdom's most popular and well-loved monarchs. Bangkok and the Chakri Dynasty mark the beginning of the Rattanakosin Era or the Bangkok Period, which include, among other events, both World Wars. Thailand wanted to remain neutral during WWII, but Japanese forces outflanked the Allied troops in Malaysia and Burma, ensnaring Thailand in a bizarre historical web. In 1941, under the military leadership of Phibun (Philbul) Songkhram, who had effectively taken control of Thailand during the successful coup d'etat of 1932. Thailand allowed the Japanese into the Gulf of Siam. This was the only point in Thailand's history when it was occupied by a foreign country. Allying Thailand with Japan, Pibun then declared war on the United States and Great Britain, but Seni Pramoj, the Thai ambassador in Washington DC refused to deliver the declaration-a brilliant political move. Phibum resigned in 1944 under pressure from the Thai underground resistance. Ironically, Thailand achieved its goal of staying out of the war by declaring war on two Western powers. Although Thailand has undergone a number of relatively bloodless revolts and coups, it continues to grow into an important modern Asian nation. The 1980's brought boom times to Bangkok as European, American, Japanese and other foreign investors arrived, bringing with them a new image of Thailand as a rising industrial nation. If you look at a map of Thailand and use a little imagination, you'll see that, ironically, it's shaped like an elephant's head. Ironically, because of the Thai elephant, now endangered, was the symbol of ancient Siam. Thailand's climate is ruled by monsoons, which are not tropical storms in the sense of hurricanes, as is frequently believed. Monsoons are light or heavy winds that change directions with the seasons and are often, but not always accompanied by light or heavy rains. Three distinct seasons arrive with the monsoons throughout most of Thailand-the rainy season, the cool dry season, and the hot season. In Bangkok and the Central Plains during rainy season (late May into October), temperatures average 24 to 32 degrees C. from night to day, humidity 87%, and rainfall averaging 200 mm. per month. But this doesn't mean it rains all day, every day. It rains heavily on many days, usually in the afternoon, but rarely for more than two hours at a time, when many lower areas in Bangkok flood. The cool dry season is Thailand's most comfortable time of year (November into February). Similar to Hawaii, temperatures drop to an average of 21 degrees C., lower humidity, and constant light breezes and blue skies. During the hot dry season (mid February into May), you'll be grateful for air-conditioning, as temperatures climb into the upper 30s and the humidity at 75% becomes stifling. These climate patterns generally prevail throughout Thailand, except in the south where there is a greater year-round tropical consistency due to its proximity to the Equator, and in the far north, where mountainous regions provide cooler conditions. (Note: to convert Centigrade or Celsius to Fahrenheit, multiply by 1.8 and add 32) (from "Travel Bugs - Thailand "by Keith Mundy ) "Bangkok is a mess, there is no doubt about it-ugly, noisy, polluted, congested and chaotic-yet it inspires affection in a great many people, both visitors who don't have to cope with it for long and residents who must. How does it do it? What is its secret?" In a word, Thainess. The people of Bangkok, what they do, and the way they do it, are the key to the city's character. They spend a lot of their time making sure that, whatever their job or position, whatever their duties and responsibilities, life is pleasurable business whenever and wherever possible. The happy-go-lucky hit song,' Don't Worry, Be Happy' struck a strong chord here; it was almost made for Thailand. Thai's are not much given to organization and planning, regulation and coordination: it goes against the grain. Life is a passing show whose acts and scenes are a matter of karma, chance and luck. If so, why take a lot of trouble trying to organize the future and control the present? Hence a capital city full of generally carefree citizens, and hence a lot of visitors who fall under its spell. In 1942...Bangkok was still a canal and garden city, thriving yet leisurely, but the process of filling the Khlongs (canals) and laying down roads was gathering pace. As the automobile gained favor over beast so the waterways gave way to concrete and tarmac thoroughfares, as new commercial districts rapidly arose...sprouting high-rise office blocks and hotels. Bangkok today is a sprawling metropolis of about 9 million souls...a very large display of concrete and brick-jammed with traffic...animated by a teeming citizenry both energetic and laid back. A typical Bangkok vision is a motorcyclist speeding crazily, ear-shattering and smokily through heavy traffic past high-rise office blocks with an expression of complete serenity on his face. The bus passengers, stuck in a jam, moving maybe one kilometer an hour, asphyxiated by carbon monoxide fumes, deafened by "Bus Radio", simply go to sleep.Black-booted, khaki-uniformed policemen and blue-uniformed security guards whistle frantically to no apparent purpose or tune, but it is rumored that they are controlling the traffic. All around pneumatic drills and wrecking balls rip up the old and pile-drivers and sky-high cranes construct new. As the city sinks into the mud, descending little by little each year toward sea level, so at the same time it reaches for the sky. But behind all this there is another Bangkok, the city of grace and peace, the City of Angels indeed, for it does exist. Step into any establishment-shop, office, hotel, restaurant-and the chances are you will be treated with a degree of charm and grace unknown in the rest of the world. Walk down a side street and off into a lane and you will quite likely find yourself in a peaceful tree-shaded village. Enter a restaurant and experience heavenly tastes at down-to-earth prices. The angels are still here..and there's a great many things to see and do in Bangkok which are at the very least fascinating and in many cases quite unique. And it has sprung up in the last 200 years! Even though 95% of Thai people are Therevada Buddhists, the people of Thailand are extremely tolerant of all religions. Muslims form the largest minority, followed by Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians. The ancient practice of animism, or spirit worship, which is usually combined with Buddhism or Hinduism is also very evident throughout Thailand. No home or business would be complete without a "spirit house" on the premises, where daily offerings of food, flowers, and other gifts can be made to whatever spirit is in residence. Spirit houses range from modest to elaborate, are always decorated, and are sometimes surrounded by beautiful dancers in glittering costumes. Being very tolerant people, Thai's tend to overlook most of the "odd" behavior of foreigners in the interest of harmony and good manners. However, a basic understanding of some Thai customs will be helpful in your daily relations with the Thai's. The monarchy is deeply respected by the Thai people and strict customs towards it are observed. Virtually all shops and business have portraits of the King and Queen and the proper placement of them is essential. They should be hung an equal distance up the wall with no other portraits above them. Thai's observe the royal anthem by standing when it is played. The traditional gesture of greeting is the wai, a prayer-like gesture with the palms pressed together and the fingers pointed upward. Tradition is that the higher the hands are held the greater the respect shown. However, foreigners are not expected to know all the nuances of this gesture. Most Thai businessmen have adapted handshaking when meeting foreigners. Heads are high and feet low. This means that inferiors will generally try to keep their heads at a lower level than those they regard as superior and their feet as discreetly hidden as possible. If you are sitting on the floor, your feet should be tucked away under your body. When sitting in a chair you should not cross your legs as this often leads to pointing your foot at someone. Touching someone's head, even children, is considered disrespectful and should be avoided. Prior to entering a Thai residence, shoes are removed and stepping directly on the threshold is avoided. Most foreigners in Thailand also apply this custom when entering their own residence. As mentioned earlier outward displays of anger in public or towards others should be avoided. Thai surnames are usually long and unpronounceable to foreigners. Therefore, in conversation first names which are usually shorter and more pronounceable are used. Most have nicknames which are even shorter and usually more pronounceable to Westerners. After you get to know a Thai he or she will usually ask that you address them by their nickname. In correspondence or conversation a person's name is preceded by Khun. This applies to men, women, married or unmarried. Thai's will usually overlook inadvertent lapses you may make especially if you are a new arrival to Thailand. Ordinary good manners and common sense are all that is needed. Since the onset of the Bangkok Period, Thailand has maintained the same capital, the same royal dynasty, and basically the same territorial boundaries. Only one major change has occurred since that time. In 1932, during the rule of Rama VII, a bloodless revolution took place. It was inspired by a group of idealistic Thai students who had studied fervently in Paris, and lead to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy which, for the first time in Thai history, denied the king absolute power. Although it continues to evolve, that system presently more or less, incorporates the British system of a parliamentary democracy, along with Dutch and French influences, which includes a cabinet and elected Members of Parliament. It is a system in which the military, the monied class, and high officials wield considerable influence with continual jockeying for power. Still, it is tempered by Buddhism and the king's "moral" authority. Make no mistake-regardless the system of government-the most important element to the Thai people is the king. The present monarch, Rama IX, King Bhumipol is on par, if not greater than the best of his line. He is no longer an absolute ruler-he gives no orders, nor makes policy-but he is the moral, guiding light be example, and frequently arbitrates in political conflicts. In short he is the stabilising force in a sometimes fractured government. His subjects give him their unquestioned faith and respect, especially since he is perceived as a sovereign having genuine concerns for their welfare. King Bhumipol and his wife, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, have instituted a number of development projects to benefit the poor and rural majority, and spend a great deal of their time touring the country to monitor the progress. You will, or should feel safe living in Thailand, especially since violent crimes against foreigners are minimal. You will most likely be safer in Thailand than in your own country. Probably the most threatening thing you'll ever have to deal with is crossing a main intersection on foot. Still, as in most large cities and/or tourist Mecca's, you should be aware of scams and theft. Common-sense is the best way to avoid an unpleasant situation. When in doubt, firmly say "No thank-you" and walk away. If you need assistance, Thailand's Tourist Police, who speak English and are specially trained in tourists' problems, are easy to find and are very helpful. Thailand has some very stiff penalties for drug-related crimes. Your Status as a Foreign Resident Keep in mind as a foreign non-immigrant resident, you are a guest in the Kingdom of Thailand. You will remain a citizen of your own country and a foreigner in this country. Your have available to you the protection of whatever diplomatic representation your country has in Thailand, but if you are charged with an offense here, your country will not interfere. You are subject to the same treatment as that of a Thai citizen. To reside in Thailand, you must have a valid visa. To work in Thailand, you must have a valid work permit and your family, you should take the personal responsibility to understand the respective documents required and the expiration dates of each. If you're a bad speller, you'll love Thai, as there no rules governing the way Thai is written in Western languages. Hence, it is common to see many spelling variations of the same word, especially the names of places on road signs and maps. English is widely spoken in Bangkok, in varying degrees, by most nationalities, as well as in tourist destinations like Chiang Mai and Phuket. In Pattaya English is spoken by most citizens you will come into contact with, however, in Rayong, there is not much English spoken. Also, in Pattaya, German is spoken in many places, such as German Restaurants and Beer Gardens. There are two daily English language newspapers-The Bangkok Post and The Nation. Better known bookstores also sell foreign language books, newspapers and magazines. Still, a basic knowledge of both spoken and written Thai is not only useful in everyday life when dealing with domestic staff, taxi drivers, shop keepers, or when asking directions. Your smallest effort will endear you to the Thai people and enrich your experience in Thailand. The Thai language is grammatically quite simple. Sentence structure is uncomplicated and there are no verb tenses. Thus, even with only a few words, you can begin learning and speaking understandable Thai immediately, without spending a lot of time studying grammar. The main hurdle foreigners have with spoken Thai are the five different tones, which can give the same word five different meanings. Again however, Thai's are very patient, tolerant, gracious, and accepting people, and any effort you make will be greeted with smiles and an overwhelming desire to help. Shortly after arriving in Thailand, you may want to schedule language lessons. Expatriates and their families are encouraged to participate in such Thai language classes as well. Learning the language will enhance the overall experience of living in Thailand. Monarchy & Religion The Thai's are so tolerant, they will put up with almost anything from farangs (foreigners), and often do. There are, however, two sacred cows-monarchy and religion-which must never be insulted. This includes joking or making slanderous remarks, and even failing to stand when the national or royal anthems are heard, which are played in cinemas before the film, and twice daily at 8 am and 6 pm on Thai radio and TV stations. Thai people stop whatever they are doing to stand during the anthem and farangs are expected to do likewise.
Nudity: There's really only one word of advice - don't. Despite Bangkok's racy billboards, Thai's are not only highly offended by all forms of nudity, it's illegal on public beaches. Displays of temper which include anger, displeasure and impatience are regarded with great distaste by Thai's. Keeping your Jai yen (literally, "a cool heart") is good and very much admired. Jai ron ("a hot heart") is bad. Lose your cool and you lose respect. Jai yen is what keeps Bangkok from blowing apart. Greetings Given a choice, Thai's prefer to wai, rather than shake hands. The wai is a prayer-like hand gesture accompanied by a nod, or slight bowing of the head. If a Thai's wais you, you should wai back (except to children and servants)Thai's are usually addressed by their first name with the title Khun in front of it, which shows respect. Frequently, they address foreigners too with Khun and a first name, rather than Mr. or Mrs. with a last name. If you are addressing a Thai by their first name, you should also use Khun (except when speaking to children or servants ) Heads & Feet are regarded both physically and spiritually. As the lowest part of the body, you should not use your feet to point at anything, and you take care not to show he bottoms of your feet when sitting. Heads are the highest part of the body and should not be touched-not even the heads of children in a gesture of affection. If you accidentally touch someone's head, you should apologise. Smiles. Smiling is the national pastime for the Thai's. Everywhere you go, people smile. Smile back and the Thai's will like you. A smile can excuse small inconveniences, express thanks, and return the wai of children and servants. THINGS TO DO PRIOR TO DEPARTURE: 1. Apply for passports for yourself and your family through your local embassy. Get some additional passport photos for yourself, your spouse and other family members. These photos will be helpful, when you begin applying for residency papers in Thailand. 4. Remember, assure that you see everything that is necessary for you to begin making individual decisions about schools and housing for your family.
The first few weeks before you leave for Thailand will be quite hectic for you and your family. Careful planning at this stage of your move is essential. Consider the major tasks to be completed and the time required to accomplish them so that you can manage the days prior to your departure. The following list outlines some important steps. However, it is not all-inclusive so please add special items of your own. 1. Arrange for your move as soon as possible. The packing will take approximately 3-5 days, storage should be accomplished shortly thereafter. Set aside items that are marked for shipment to Thailand. The mover will handle these items separately. 2. Make a household inventory assigning replacement values. Divide the belongings into three groups: a - storage Make separate inventories for each group and keep copies for insurance purposes (particularly for air shipment). You can use the same inventories on your return to your home country by simply adding your new belongings. Pack essential items as carry-on baggage. 3. The following is designed to help you prepare for your move. It will assist in making the relocation to Thailand an organised and smooth endeavour with as few "surprises" as possible. Arrange for a power of attorney for your affairs during your absence. Make copies of all valuable and legal documents you are taking with you-birth and marriage certificates, letters of credit, bank drafts, social security records, tax records, children's school records and so on. Keep them in your safe deposit box Carry With Me Checklist [ ] PASSPORT & VISA [ ] VACCINATION CERTIFICATES [ ] PLANE, BUS, TRAIN TICKETS [ ] TRAVELLERS' CHEQUES [ ] CREDIT CARDS [ ] DRIVER'S LICENSE [ ] INSURANCE ID CARDS [ ] EXTRA PASSPORT PHOTOS - One dozen for each family member [ ] MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE [ ] MEDICAL RECORDS/PRESCRIPTION [ ] EYEGLASS PRESCRIPTION [ ] COPIES OF SHIPPING PAPERS [ ] PET'S CERTIFICATES [ ] CHILDREN'S SCHOOL RECORDS [ ] FOREIGN CUSTOMS PAPERS [ ] JEWELLERY [ ] THAI CURRENCY [ ] DUPLICATE KEYS-LUGGAGE, etc. [ ] SUNGLASSES [ ] READING MATERIAL FOR TRIP [ ] CAMERA & FILM Home Decor You'll be living in a fully furnished house or apartment, but you'll feel much more at home if you ship your favourite books, knickknacks, and art. Electric power in Thailand is 220 volts, 50 Cycles. This means that most products from most places in the world will work after fitting a flat, two-prong plug adapter. Electrical goods from North America and other areas where the voltage is 110, will not work without transformers, which are heavy and cumbersome, but are relatively inexpensive and easy to find in Bangkok and Pattaya. The bottom line in all cases is bring your appliances if possible. Electrical goods in Thailand are expensive. While most landlords provide air conditioners, stoves, and refrigerators, you should bring your other kitchen appliances, such as food processor, electric skillet, etc. Also bring your stereo equipment. Many expats moving to Thailand purchase new computers, software and printers in Singapore, where prices are not only much cheaper than Bangkok, the authenticity and quality of the product is more reliable. There is a computer supplement, Post Database, in the Bangkok Post on Wednesdays featuring the latest in hardware and software. It is recommended you install a good virus detection program if you purchase local software. Also invest in a UPS surge protector. Thailand uses the PAL system. That means that a US (NTSC) or a French system (SECAM ) television or VCR will not work here unless it comes with a Multi-System configuration, which most North American brands do not have. Also remember the voltage difference. You might wish to bring your non-PAL television and VCR, hook it up to a voltage transformer, and use it for the sole purpose of playing video tapes you are bringing. Multi-system TV's and VCR's of major brands can be purchased or rented here. There is great digital satellite television broadcast in English, French, German, Italian, Chinese and Japanese language and shown in color channels, such as CNN International, BBC News, HBO, IBC 2 and STAR 4. The latter three show movies and a variety of programs from the US, England, New Zealand and Australia. In addition, video tapes of the most recent films (mostly pirated) are sold in shops and sidewalk stalls throughout Bangkok and Pattaya. Imported up-to-date CD's and tapes are found in abundance at department stores and music shops at comparable foreign prices. Copies in varying degrees of quality are available on the street at much lower prices. Bring them. Lamps need only to have the bulb changed in order to work on 110 or 220V. Telephones only require a plug adapter, which are easy to find. This does not include cellular phones, which need to be purchased in Thailand in order to work. Kitchenware, Glassware, Crystal and China. Kitchenware, glasses and stainless pans are readily available and cheap. Crystal and china are expensive. Bring the latter, especially since in-home entertaining will be on your social agenda. Also bring kitchen "gadgets" like garlic presses, nut crackers, vegetable peelers, acrylic cutting boards, etc as well as Tupperware-type containers and canning jars. All of these items can be hard or impossible to find and expensive. Beautiful Thai bronze cutlery of varying quality is available and well-priced, but it's difficult to keep clean in this climate. Initially, it's best to bring your cutlery and later decide whether or not to purchase the local nickel-bronze cutlery. Local brands of earthenware are inexpensive and very accessible, but lead content is questionable. Stainless steel pots and pans are likewise reasonably priced, but imported brands are expensive. Local Thai markets, and even the "super markets" have a continuous supply of fresh foods, including exotic tropical fruit and vegetables, fresh or frozen fish and meat, and excellent bakeries. Local and imported dairy products (imported mainly from New Zealand) are equally excellent, but canned goods, health foods and imported foreign items can be both expensive and difficult, if not impossible, to find. Thai cuisine is delicious, but when a "foreign food fix" is needed, Pattaya abounds in reasonably priced restaurants of many international cuisines.
It is suggested you ship these items, especially sheets, blankets and towels, as selection is limited and expensive in imported brands. Local brands are inexpensive but they too are limited in selection and good quality. If you are not bringing your own beds, fitted bottom sheets can be a problem, since bed sizes vary. For example, local double beds are larger than standard US double beds. The same can, but not always hold true for queen and king size beds. If there's any doubt about queen size beds, king flat sheets can be used as the bottom sheet, tucked in. Even though you are moving to the tropics, you'll probably be sleeping in air-conditioning, so ship comforters, duvets, and/or blankets. Thai handicraft groups make beautiful quilts in cotton and silk as well as some table linens, but bring the latter in any case. Most baby needs are readily available including disposable diapers, powered milk formulae, clothing, and sterilised products. Heinz baby food in jars is sold in most supermarkets, but supply and selection can be erratic. Baby furnishings are sold in department stores, including strollers. While there is a wide selection of toys, overseas safety standards are not always met, and educational toys Cotton, linen and cotton/linen blends are best suited for Thailand's warm and humid climate. While the Thai tend to dress beautifully, it is generally accepted for foreigners to dress informally. Because of air-conditioning in hotels and restaurants, light- weighted jackets are often needed. If you wear a larger size ( American size 10 or up) it is suggested you bring these items with you, as ready-made clothing in larger sizes are limited, if not impossible to find. While most expat women eventually find a seamstress to make suits, dresses and evening wear,i informal clothing is best brought from home. Heavier jackets are also required for trips to Chiang Mai's during the cool season, but beautiful jackets, handmade by the northern hill tribes, can be inexpensively purchased. The accepted business attire for men is a shirt, coat and tie, although the coat, if not also the tie, is frequently kept only on-hand in the car or at the office for formal meetings. At the plant site, all employees will wear the company uniform. Most expat men have the majority of their business clothing custom-made by local tailors. Cotton underwear, bras, pantyhose and swimming suits are very difficult to find in larger sizes.(larger than a universal "medium "or a size 10 US),so bring them. The same holds true for all clothing for older children and teenagers, except for the vast supply of T-shirts, baggy draw-string pants, and well-worn jeans, which are found at nearly every street stall in the country. Sandals and comfortable, casual footwear, including tennis shoes are the most practical for Thailand. Keep in mind that your feet will swell in the heat and that city sidewalks are interesting obstacle courses of jagged cement and holes-so a combination of loose-fitting ,well-soled shoes are important to both comfort and to avoid broken ankles. Larger ready-made sizes are limited and difficult to find in any style. With the exception of athletic shoes, it's easy and inexpensive to have most styles made, including men's and women's business/formal wear. Virtually all athletic paraphernalia is expensive and/or difficult to find in Thailand. This includes equipment, gear, shoes and clothing. 'Bring it with you, plus repair or spare parts you might need. Many international brands are available in department stores, but they are very expensive. Bring a supply of your favourite brands with you and restock on "home leave". There is a good selection of local and foreign shampoos, conditioners, hair sprays etc, found in groceries and department stores. Speciality lines like Paul Mitchell can be purchased in beauty salons at high prices. While Thailand is known for its inexpensive beauty salon services and apartments, finding a good one for hair-colour can be a trying experience. If you or your hairdresser are presently using a colour product you like, bring a supply of it with you to avoid mistakes and potential disaster. For sanitation and health reasons, you should also have your own manicuring tools for your exclusive use in salons. Frames for prescription glasses and quality sun glasses are imported and expensive. Soft contact lenses cost about $100 US. Well-stocked pharmacies are all located in Pattaya and most prescription drugs can be purchased over the counter at very reasonable prices. But just in case, bring any specific medications you and your family may require. Due to high import duties, photographic equipment is expensive. Register your camera, lenses, etc. with customs in your own country and bring them to Thailand. Most brands of film are available and film processing is inexpensive and fast. For high quality print, colour slide, and black and white development, there Purchasing or renting instruments is expensive, so bring them ,plus sheet music with you. Pianos have good resale and should be fitted with heating bars to combat humidity, which can be purchased here. Bangkok & Pattaya has many good bookstores that are well-stocked with foreign books, travel guides, magazines, newspapers and greeting cards. New books and magazines are expensive, but most women's clubs sell, lend, or trade used paperbacks and magazines. Libraries are very limited. Due to the lack of a timber industry and no recycling, good quality paper products in Thailand is expensive. This includes cotton bond typing paper and envelopes, kitchen towels, paper plates, cups and napkins, and facial tissues. It's not a critical issue, but if you have room in your shipment, you might wish to bring a supply of the aforementioned. Thin, if serviceable, toilet paper is relatively cheap-about $1.00 US for a package of 6 rolls. Presently, there are no quarantine restrictions on household pets coming into Thailand, but check with the Royal Thai Embassy in your country before making plans to ship your pet. Also keep in mind that returning home or going on to other countries from Thailand may require a lengthy quarantine period (i.e. England, Australia, New Zealand and the State of Hawaii.) At the same moment, all that is required for your pet's entry into Thailand is a Health Certificate from your vet ( stating the animal is in good health ) and proof of a current rabies vaccination (rabies is rampant in Thailand, so be sure your pet is protected ).Both certificates must be dated no earlier than 30 days before the animal's arrival in Thailand. If your pet is travelling with you on the same aircraft and you can produce these documents upon arrival, there should be no problem clearing them through Customs. Above all, call the airlines and ask questions! Each airline has its own set of rules about transporting animals, all of which are vitally important to the safest and most comfortable means of travel for your carrier under the seat. Most have very specific regulations for the cargo-loaded travel cage, which is containerised in the lower aft of the airline at the same temperature and pressure as the passenger cabin. You can usually buy travel cages directly from the airlines ( purchase the cage several days before departure and allow your pet to get used to it at home.) Some airlines say they will feed and water pets if food is attached to the cage and if a water dish is accessible. What they mean is that they will not open the cage door, so whether or not the animals are tended to enroute is dubious at best. Whether your pet is travelling a great or a short distance, these are serious considerations to keep in mind and you should investigate them at length. Tranquillising dogs and cats for travel is no longer recommended by many vets and owners as being the best thing for your pet in the belief that a drugged, semiconscious state actually creates more stress on the animal. Check with your veterinarian and/or other reliable sources. Deciding whether or not to take a pet overseas can be a major concern. It is just as stressful, if not more so, for an animal to move as it is for people. But by far, the fast majority of expat cats and dogs adjust extremely well to life in Thailand - even from house to condo living. Upon Arrival Register with your Embassy or Consulate in Thailand. Exit visas are not needed but re-entry visas are required for all non-residents who leave Thailand temporarily for home leave or business trips. Failure to obtain one will result in you having to obtain a new entry visa and work permit when you return. Re-entry visa may be obtained by taking a return airline ticket, passport and official company letter stating the reasons for and duration of absence to the Department of Immigration. You should allow at least a week for processing. Work permits are obtainable only after arrival in Thailand, and as stated above the individual will need a non-immigrant category B visa to obtain the work permit. Diplomats and United Nations officials are among the categories exempt from work permit requirements, but the exemption does not apply to spouses. Obtaining a work permit is a complex legal procedure. It should be noted that a foreigner may not own or register a car, sign any official or company or receive any salary, until the work permit has been issued. A number of occupations are restricted exclusively to Thai Nationals. Restricted occupations include secretarial, clerical, manual, and industrial labour as well as several professional occupations such as engineering, accounting, architecture and law. To work in unrestricted occupations it is necessary to obtain a work permit from the Labour Department before commencing employment. The work permit will be valid only for the duration of the holder's non-immigrant visa and for the particular occupation, employer and locality for which it is issued. Your household and personal effects by shipment, by sea and /or air will not be granted duty free status until your work permit has been issued. Your shipment must remain at the port/airport unless you agree to pay taxes as levied by Thai customs officials. The shipping agent's staff can assist you in determining whether or not to wait until your work permit is issued, if your shipment should arrive before issuance. All persons entering Thailand must have a valid passport. It is strongly advised that your children have their own passports as well. You cannot leave the country without them if they are on your passport. Working Dependants Dependants are allowed to work in Thailand provided they obtain a work permit. Radio For information regarding foreign language broadcasts, both local and overseas, consult the Bangkok Post, or the The Thailand Times newspapers. Local programmes are broadcast on FM bands and overseas programs on SW bands. Television The television system in Thailand is the PAL system which is used in Australia, Western Europe, New Zealand and most Asian countries. The United Kingdom and USA use different systems. The sound channel broadcasts are all in Thai language but most channels broadcasts selected foreign programs and news bulletins, with English translation on FM radios. A frequency chart and list of programs are published daily in newspapers. If you do not already own a television, you might consider purchasing a multi-system TV before your arrival in Thailand. It can also be used when you return home or go to your next country of residence. Televisions are available in Thailand but are expensive. You might be able to buy a used one from a foreigner who is leaving. Cable TV and Satellite TV There is now significant competition between IBC (cable TV ) and Star ( satellite TV ).IBC mainly televises the US programmes and Star the UK programmes. Both these services can be obtained in apartments and in the home. Newspapers There are many local daily English language newspapers :The Bangkok Post, The Nation and The Thailand Times. All have home delivery service. Several English language newspapers and magazines are available at hotel newsagents, supermarkets, department stores and leading book stores. You should also arrange to have your favourite newspapers and magazines mailed to you while you are in Thailand. In looking for a residence find one that already has a telephone line installed with international facilities. In some areas they can be difficult to obtain. The waiting time for a line to be installed is very long. The cost of mobile phones are considerably higher than house telephones. Check the standard and quality of communication of the mobile telephones as these can be inferior to that of a normal telephone. Mobile telephones are popular at the current time due to the lack of permanent lines and can be used when stuck in the traffic. Utilities It is highly recommended you stick to bottled water and making ice. Deliveries of bottled water by the Polaris water company can be made to homes and apartments on a regular basis. Water-cooler dispensers will be reimbursed by the company. Bills are sent monthly and electricity is expensive, especially the running of air-conditioners. Power failures are rare, except during the monsoon season. Keep candles, flashlights/torches and oil lanterns on hand. To prevent damage to stereo and TV equipment, shut off all switches until power has been stabilized. For computers, Kambrook power boards with built-in or individuals surge-breakers are essential. GM will pay the electric bill monthly or reimburse it through the expense report procedure - this will be resolved prior to your arrival. Kitchen ranges and some water heaters are fuelled by bottled gas(LPG),which is promptly delivered in large cylinders and usually set up in utility areas of the residence. Apartment building managers take care of this upon your request. Individual homes need to find a supplier near you via the Yellow Pages. Mobile phones are all the rage in Thailand, which is in part due to the lack of good phone service in homes and offices, although these conditions are improving. Overseas direct \ is widely available and connections are good. Once a month you will be billed for calls made within Thailand and twice a month billed for international calls. If you fail to pay your international phone bill on time, you outgoing calls will simply be shut off with a polite recording in Thai. Phone directories, including Yellow Pages, are printed in English and Thai. The Royal Thai Mail is for the most very reliable. Letters to and from the US and Bangkok take a week to 10 days. To and from Europe, it usually takes no more than a week. "Questionable" material(anything suspected of containing drugs)will likely be opened, censored, and/or confiscated. Packages can be very slow arriving to their destination. Maids, nannies, and drivers are customary help in Thailand, even for middle-class Thai's. Making the right decisions in hiring your staff is important to your family's stay-decisions that should not be made hastily. Take time to learn the general rules and practices, determine what your own needs will require, and proceed with care and attention. Currency The Thai Baht is the legal tender in Thailand. The currency is stable and the current rate of exchange is approximately 40 Baht to one US Dollar. Foreign exchange rates are published daily in the local newspapers. US Dollar bills and travellers' cheques are readily cashed at hotels, tourists shops and all provincial banks and money changers. Paper currency is issued in 1000,500,50,20 and 10 Baht denominations. Coins are minted in Baht 10,5,2, and 1, and 50 and 25 satang. Thai and foreign banks provide standard services throughout the country, some include automatic teller machines. Banking hours are 0830 to 1530 hours, Monday to Friday, except on public and bank holidays. There are two types of commercial banks in Thailand, Domestic and Foreign. There are 15 local banks in operation, with a combined total of over 2200 branches throughout the country. Bangkok Bank Ltd is the largest Thai bank and also the largest bank in Southeast Asia. For a foreigner living in Thailand the most important financial regulation is the Exchange Control Act, which regulates the amount of foreign currency a bank may issue to any person. Consult your bank manager concerning your individual requirements regarding remittances of funds and foreign travel. Credit cards are widely accepted in Thailand and most shops and business display stickers for those they will accept. The importance of full insurance coverage in Thailand must be stressed as the incidence of accidents and losses is high. You should give serious consideration to the following types of coverage:- ท Medical and Hospitalisation: There is no national health scheme, therefore you should take private coverage. Foreign Mission Services/legal Issues Birth: Anyone wishing to register a birth with their Embassy should have proof of citizenship (passport, marriage, certificate, etc ),together with the Thai birth certificate listing parents' names and certified translation of same. Adoption: It is necessary to liaise with the Welfare Department in your home country and then contact the consular section of your embassy for advice. Marriage: Two persons of any nationality can marry at an Amphur (district registry office).They will have to provide passports and a statutory declaration stating that there is no restriction on the marriage. A foreigner wishing to marry a Thai national should contact his/her Embassy in order to obtain the necessary papers before registering the marriage at the Amphur. Death: Any death of a foreigner should be reported immediately to a Consular Office at the relevant Embassy. 'Notify the Consular Officer if the remains are to be sent overseas. 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