Thailand Travel Information

Thailand introduced a state of emergency throughout the country from March 26, and now lasts through May 31. There are stricter requirements for entry into the country. As a rule, foreign nationals will not be allowed to enter Thailand, and transit via Thailand is not allowed. For more information about coronavirus, see the entry Entry and Health. According to Abbreviationfinder, THA stands for Thailand in geography.

Safety

Terrorism and violence occur frequently in the four southernmost provinces of Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat, where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has since 2004 advised against travel or stay that is not strictly necessary.

Although the conflict has traditionally taken place in these areas, several experts believe that a number of coordinated and, in some cases, deadly bombing and arson attacks against tourist destinations in southern Thailand 11-12. August 2016 (Trang, Hua Hin, Phuket, Surat Thani, Phang Nga, Krabi and Nakhon Si Thammarat) have a connection to the conflict.

In 2013 and 2015, bomb attacks also occurred both. in Phuket and Koh Samui. These, as well as bomb explosions in Bangkok in 2005, 2006 and 2019, many believe can also be linked to the conflict in the four southern provinces.

Further attacks cannot be ruled out in the future.

In Thailand, there has been occasional political unrest with major demonstrations in Bangkok (most recently in 2014). For security reasons, general public gatherings and areas where demonstrations are ongoing or have been announced, both during daytime and after dark, should be avoided. This also applies to demonstration trains.

The border with Cambodia: There have been occasional meetings between Thai and Cambodian military forces both in the Sisaket province around the Khao Phra Viharn Temple (Preah Vihear), ca. 600 km east of Bangkok and in Surin Province around Ta Kwai Temple approx. 450 km east of Bangkok.

The border with Myanmar: On the Myanmar side of the border, there have previously been meetings between government soldiers and armed opposition groups.

The embassy recommends Norwegians who are in Thailand to follow the local media, follow the instructions of the authorities and to exercise vigilance. Provision of packages/bags should be kept in mind and reports of suspicious behavior to local police (emergency telephone 191).

  • Countryaah: Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. Check to find information of population, geography, history, and economy about the capital city.

The English-language newspapers The Nation and Bangkok Post are sources of information.

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There is left-hand traffic in Thailand, and it is relatively easy to get there by plane, train, bus or taxi. There are, however, a high number of road accidents in particular on roadways. Many are alcohol-related and motorcyclists without a helmet are a major risk group. For longer trips, you should stick to larger, reputable bus companies and “see” their driver if you rent a taxi. In Bangkok there are good and affordable taxis with taximeter. It has happened that taxi drivers at night have assaulted single passengers, often female, especially outside the city center.

Most trips abroad go safely and without special problems. However, travelers may be subjected to violence and other crime. Crime targeting foreign tourists in Thailand is not very widespread, but valuables should be carefully watched. The safe in the hotel should be used. Handbag and theft of cell phones on the open street occurs.

The level of punishment in Thailand is relatively high – even for minor wrongdoing. One can be sentenced to several months in prison for conditions that in Norway can be regarded as trivial (for example, shoplifting, disruption of public order, defamation of public officials). The prison conditions are considerably below the Norwegian standard.

All narcotic use is banned in Thailand and prosecuted. Thailand has the death penalty for serious drug and violence crimes.

Thailand has severe penalties for majesty insult (15 years). The term goes far and criminal prosecution has occurred more frequently in recent years. All reported cases are being prosecuted. Anyone can report for majesty insult. For example, it has appeared that taxi drivers have reported passengers for insult to majesty. There is therefore reason to show great care.

During the rainy season (normally May/June – October, but with local variations) the whole country may be affected by local floods. Information on local weather conditions can be found at the Thailand Meteorological Institute. Thailand was severely hit by the tsunami on December 26, 2004, but is located some distance from the most active earthquake zones.

Tour operators, hotels or local authorities should be asked about variations in local bathing conditions, such as current conditions and/or the presence of poisonous jellyfish – especially the box jellyfish. Being burned by such a jellyfish can be deadly, and the incidence seems to be increasing.

Norwegian travelers to Thailand are encouraged to have valid travel insurance and to register on reiseregistrering.no.

Under Thai law, foreign citizens must always carry their passport or a copy of it.

In crisis and emergencies, you are encouraged to contact the Embassy in Bangkok:
UBC II Building, 18th floor
591 Sukhumvit Road, Soi 33
Bangkok 10110
Thailand
Tel. from Norway: 23 95 74 00
Tel: +66 (0) 2204 6500
Fax: +66 (0) 2262 0218
E-mail: emb.bangkok@mfa.no
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 09.00-12.00 and 13.00-16.00

Outside the embassy’s opening hours, telephone inquiries to the embassy’s central desk are automatically transferred to the UD’s 24-hour operating center. You can also contact us directly on +47 23 95 00 00 or e-mail UDops@mfa.no.

Major Landmarks in Thailand

Entry

Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.

For information on Thai entry and exit regulations, refer first to the Thai authorities, such as the Thai Embassy in Oslo, the Thai Foreign Ministry or the Immigration Authority in Thailand, the Immigration Bureau.

To prevent the spread of coronavirus (covid-19), Thai authorities have announced stricter requirements for entry into the country. See further information under the section Health.

Thailand accepts the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recommendation that the passport should be valid for at least six months upon entry. Passport holders with shorter validity are sometimes allowed to enter the country, but travelers should also have been denied entry for the same reason. The passport should therefore be valid for at least six months upon entry into Thailand.

Holders of Norwegian diplomatic and service passports need a visa to Thailand.

Holders of foreigners passports (green travel document for refugees and blue travel document for people staying on humanitarian grounds) also need a visa to Thailand.

Holders of ordinary Norwegian passports and emergency passports traveling to Thailand on tourist visits can stay without a visa in Thailand for up to 30 days if arriving by plane. Such a stay can be extended once for 30 new days with local immigration authorities. Thai immigration authorities can request confirmation of further travel (eg return ticket or return flight).

If a Thai border crossing arrives ashore, you will normally be allowed to stay in the country for 15 days (but up to 30 days depending on the border police’s assessment) without a visa. Only two such entries are allowed per calendar year.

If you want to be able to make multiple entries or stay in Thailand for 60 days without having to apply for an extension, you can apply for a visa at the Thai Embassy before arrival. More information can be found on the embassy’s website.

If the duration of the entry stamp or visa is overlooked, you are liable to be imprisoned, fined and deported out of the country at your own expense. The overstay fine is THB 500 per day. per day, up to a maximum amount of THB 20,000. According to Thai authorities, stays in excess of 42 days of visa or entry time will always result in arrest. In addition, you risk being denied access to Thailand in the future. It is the traveler’s own responsibility to ensure that travel documents and visas are valid.

It is warned against using travel agencies or other forms of agents to renew residence permits in Thailand. Never leave the passport to others. You run the risk of jail, fine and sometimes high bail if you have false stamps in the passport. In addition, prison, fine and deportation are at risk if the legal residence permit has expired.

It should be ensured that both the exit stamp and the entry stamp are inserted in the passport of Thai immigration authorities at the border crossing. If an exit stamp is not found in the passport, you will have problems with a new entry, even at the same border station. Use common sense and be vigilant when crossing borders.

The introduction of e-cigarettes into Thailand is prohibited.

Anyone who imports prohibited goods into Thailand can be sentenced to imprisonment for a maximum of ten years or to fines equal to five times the value of the imported item.

Updated information on Thai entry regulations is available from the Thai Embassy:
Royal Thai Embassy
Eilert Sundts gt 4
0259 Oslo
Website: www.thaiembassy.no
Phone: +47 22 12 86 60
Fax: +47 22 04 99 69
E-mail: thaioslo @ online.no
Visa Section: +47 22 12 86 69 – 70
E-mail: thaivisa@online.no

Health

Coronavirus (covid-19): The virus disease was detected in Thailand in January 2020. Travelers are encouraged to follow the health advice prepared by the Institute of Public Health, as well as follow advice and directions from the Thai authorities.

From April 3, a curfew was imposed throughout the country between 22:00 and 04:00. This will be valid until 31 May. Some exceptions are made for selected occupational groups, people in need of medical assistance and travelers going to the airport. One must be able to document the need to break the curfew and can be fined up to THB 40,000 and/or imprisonment of up to two years for breaking the ban.

Unnecessary journeys into Thailand are not advised, and one is encouraged to stay home and otherwise use common sense.

Some Thai provinces have introduced stricter restrictions in the form of an expanded curfew, injunctions on the use of binders and closures of hotels, etc. Changes are announced on a continuous basis, and at short notice. The embassy therefore recommends that the individual try to stay up to date on the applicable regulations in the province where they are located.

In connection with the state of emergency, it has been decided that, as a rule, foreign citizens will not be allowed to enter Thailand, and it is currently. no commercial aircraft flying in with passengers. Exceptions are made for goods transport, diplomats, and foreign nationals with work permits in Thailand. These must present a “fit for flight” certificate upon check-in. If you believe that you fall within the exceptions to the general rule, we recommend that you clarify this with the Thai authorities before departure. Thai citizens wishing to return to Thailand must contact their nearest embassy for information on any repatriation flights.

As of 1 April at 00.01, a temporary softening in the transit rules ceased. It is now not possible for foreign nationals to be in transit in Thailand. Exceptions apply to the same groups as for entry (see above). These must present a “fit for flight” certificate upon check-in.

After the embassy is familiar with it should not be a problem for foreign citizens to travel out of Thailand, and there is no requirement for insurance and health certificate upon departure.

An automatic visa extension has been granted until July 31 for foreign nationals who stayed in the country on temporary permits, it is recommended to contact Thai immigration authorities if in doubt if included in the automatic extension.

Entry regulations are changing rapidly so we urge all travelers to stay updated through Thai authorities.

When the entry restrictions are eased, quarantine will probably be required before you can travel freely in the country. The quarantine years are decided by the Thai authorities and can vary between compulsory quarantines in designated areas, home quarantines, self-monitoring and self-reporting.

See the Practical Guideline for Air Operators Performing Flights in the Kingdom of Thailand for more information.

Please note that your own rules apply to Thai citizens.

Norwegian travelers should keep abreast of the development of the corona virus, and be aware that Thai authorities can quickly introduce additional measures and/or restrictions that are important to Norwegian citizens.

It is becoming increasingly difficult for Norwegian citizens to return home from abroad. Borders and airspace are closed, and state of emergency and other restrictions have been introduced in several countries. More and more flights are canceled. Several neighboring countries are now closing border crossings and the possibility of transit flights is being reduced continuously. If you want to go home to Norway it is recommended that you travel as soon as possible.

The level of health services in Thailand generally holds a high standard, especially the private health services. Thai authorities encourage anyone who develops flu-like symptoms to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

If the number of infected people in Thailand were to increase rapidly, it would put a great deal of pressure on the health care system, and would also affect the extent to which Norwegian citizens could expect to receive satisfactory medical treatment.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against travel that is not strictly necessary for all countries. The Travel Council initially applied from March 14 to April 14, but was extended until April 3. All Norwegian citizens who are traveling abroad are encouraged to consider returning home as soon as possible, in a safe and quiet manner, in consultation with their travel or airline. Norwegian citizens who live abroad should heed the advice and guidance of local authorities. If you would like information on any repatriation flights set up in European cities, please send an email to the embassy at consular.bangkok@mfa.no with your contact information and information on where in the country you are located.

Norwegian citizens traveling to/in Thailand, including residents, are recommended to register at reiseregistrering.no.

You can find more information and guidance from the Norwegian health authorities on the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. See also UD’s answers to frequently asked questions about travel and coronavirus.

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There are many good private hospitals in Thailand. The standard among public hospitals can vary, but there are also hospitals of good quality. Access to regular medicines is generally good.

To cover expenses in the event of an accident, illness or death, it is recommended to take out private travel and health insurance before leaving. You should check what is included to make sure it covers the type of activities you plan to do as well as the period you plan to travel. Good travel insurance will cover, among other things, expenses related to injuries, accidents, illness, home transport and death.

The sanitary conditions at most hotels and restaurants in Thailand are satisfactory, but you should not drink tap water.

In some areas of Thailand, malaria occurs. Vaccine requirements will depend on the type of travel to be undertaken and where in the country to stay. The Institute of Public Health has updated information on which vaccines are needed when entering Thailand.

Rabies occur in Thailand. Rabies infects in contact with infected mammals, with dogs being the most common source of infection. Information on prevention and treatment etc. can be found on the Public Health Institute’s websites.

There has been a significant increase in the number of dengue fever cases in Thailand in recent years. These also occur in the cities. It is therefore recommended to be careful about mosquito repellent and other preventive measures – even during the day. Read more about the disease.

Thailand is an area with ongoing outbreaks or increasing prevalence of zika fever. Norwegian health authorities, among others, ask pregnant women to postpone unnecessary travel to such areas. Women who stay in such areas and who are at risk of becoming pregnant should use safe contraception to prevent them from becoming pregnant during their stay and for eight weeks after leaving. For long-term stays, follow the advice of local health authorities. Other and important information about precautions etc. can be found on the Public Health Institute’s website.

Air pollution can be a challenge in Thailand, especially in larger cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai. During periods of particularly high levels of air pollution, vulnerable groups should consider staying indoors or using a mask when traveling outdoors. On the World Air Quality Index you can check the air quality in Thailand in real time.

Practical information

The time difference to Thailand is + six hours (+ five hours when it is summer time in Norway). According to allcitycodes, the area code for calling from Norway to Thailand is +66. The telephone network is stable and there is mobile coverage in most places in the country. Internet speed is consistently lower than in Norway.

Thailand has 220-40 volts and 50Hz power.

The coin unit is baht (THB). Visa, American Express and MasterCard are widely accepted, and there are a number of ATMs.

The usual opening hours in shops are 09.00-20.00, in banks 08.30-15.30 and in public offices 09.00-16.00.

The official language in Thailand is Thai, but in both business and tourist places many usable speak English.

Thailand’s national day is December 5 (King Rama IX’s birthday) and Thai New Year (song crane) is April 13, 14 and 15. On these days, banks and government offices are closed. Other major holidays are July 28 (King Rama X’s birthday), August 12 (Queen Sirikit’s birthday), October 13 (King Rama IX’s birthday), October 23 (Chulalongkorn day), December 10 (Constitution Day) as well as New Year’s Eve and the first New Year’s Day. In addition, there are a number of moving Buddhist holidays. When holidays and holidays fall on Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday will be designated as day off.

The majority in Thailand are Buddhists and most people value their religion and their royal house very highly. There are severe penalties for majesty’s insult.

Traditionally, people dress relatively conservatively. In temples, knees and shoulders should be covered and the shoes taken off. Lightweight clothing is accepted in the seaside and large cities.

Norwegian travelers to Thailand are encouraged to have valid travel insurance and to register on reiseregistrering.no.

Under Thai law, foreign citizens must always carry their passport or a copy of it.

Smoking in public areas is prohibited. Smoking and throwing of cigarette butts on Thailand’s beaches are prohibited. The penalty for violation is up to one year in prison, or a fine of up to THB 100,000, or both.

Emergency number: Ambulance and police 191, fire 199, tourist police 1155 (English language service)

Tourist information can be found via the Tourism Authority of Thailand Call Center, open daily 08.00-20.00, tel: 1672.