WELCOME TO THAI GOLF TOURS

Overview

Thailand officially known as the Kingdom of Thailand, covers an area of 514,000 square kilometres and has a population of about 60 million. Most Thai citizens- approximately 95 percents are Buddhists. Muslims, Christians and Hindus are represented in the remaining 5 percent.

Geographically, Thailand is divided into four main regions: the Central Plains, the North, the Northeast and the South. The majority of the population lives in the fertile Central Plains, where the capital city Bangkok is located. The North with Thailand's second largest city, Chiang Mai, is a region of mountains and fertile valleys. The Central and the Northern region, the Northeast has harsh climatic conditions and is the most infertile region of Thailand. The south has become famous for its fine beaches and idyllic limestone islands.

Less than 10 percent of the population speaks fluent English. Please be a little forgiving if Thais sometimes do not understand you.

Climate

Hot season: March - May
Rainy Season: June - October
Cool Season: November - February

The average annual temperature is about 28C.

The northern region can be a bit cold during the cool season. Be sure to bring along a sweater or a light jacket if you intend to visit this region around that time of the year. During the rainy season, downpours hardly last more than a couple of hours.

Coping with the Heat

Acclimatization to the sometimes-oppressive heat and humidity of Thailand can often take longer than expected. Make sure you drink lots of fluids (preferably non-alcoholic drinks) to avoid dehydrating. It is advisable to dress in cool, non-restricting clothes make from natural fibres. Sunglasses, sunscreen and a head cover are a must at all times.

Clothing

Light and loose attire are the best. Nylon should be avoided and sweaters needed during the cool season. There is no need to pack a Jacket and tie. All the establishments in the area we travel are very casual. Only if you are planning to meet for business are you required to wear a tie.

Entry Visa

Many nationalities, including Canada do not need a visa for stays of up to 30 days. A valid passport, return ticket or onward travel arrangement needs to be presented upon request at your arrival in Thailand. These requirements are subject to change.

Immigration and Customs

Importation of all kinds of narcotics (opium, heroin, cocaine, etc.) and pornographic media are strictly prohibited. Firearms and ammunition can be imported only after a permit has been obtained from the local police department. A reasonable amount of clothing for personal use, toiletries and professional instruments can be brought in free of duty.

In addition, 200 cigarettes of smoking materials in total of 250 grams, one litre of wine or spirits, one video camera, five rolls of still film, three rolls of video film, and one item of electrical foods per person are allowed in duty free.

Buddha images, antiques or fragments thereof are not allowed to be taken out of Thailand without authorization from the Fine Arts Department.
 

Medical Services

All tourism destination and provincial capitals have hospitals and clinics staffed by well trained doctors and nurses. In case of emergencies, ambulances can be summoned from any private hospital. Hospitals in Bangkok and major towns, both pubic and private, are clean modern and efficient, although queues and waits are generally longer in the public ones. Many doctors have been educated overseas and speak quite good English. Major operations should be conducted in Bangkok, if possible.

Health Regulations

No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless you are coming from or passing through contaminated areas. Yellow fever certificates are required for those who are coming from the following countries:- Angola, Barkina Faso, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Gambia, Ghana, New Guinea, Mauritania, Mali, Nigeria, Peru, Sudan and Zaire. Cholera, typhoid and malaria precautions are advised.

Due to the out break of SARS, people with flu or cold like symptoms and/or coming from Mainland China, Taiwan and Singapore may be placed in quarantine upon their arrival to Thailand.

Time Zones

Thailand time is 7 hours ahead of GMT, 13 hours ahead of Toronto and 16 hours ahead of Vancouver. (note: All these time differences are based upon Standard Time). Thailand lies in the same time zone as its neighbours Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam

Power and Electricity

The electric current for the whole of Thailand is 220 volts AC, 50 cycles.
Dual-prong rounded plugs as well as flat-pin plugs can be used in sockets.  Travelers with shavers, tape recorders and other appliances should carry a plug-adapter kit. Computer users should be able to plug their laptop in without a problem as most have built in adapters, however it is suggested you check with your manufacturer before traveling to Thailand.

Telephone

Direct dialing is available from all the hotels. You should call via Canada Direct. This service allows you to call to Canada using your Canadian rates. Dial 001-999-15-1000, this will connect you with a Canadian opperator. Just follow the prompts for this service

Should you wish to call to Thailand the International country code is 66, city codes are 2 Bangkok, 38 Pattaya, 32 Hua Hin, 76 Phuket and 53 Chiang Mai.

Water

Despite the fact most of Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Phuket now have water filtration for the tap water system it is still NOT advisable to drink water directly from the tap. We strongly suggest you purchase bottled water or boil the water from the tap. Ice in the restaurant and bars around Thailand is acceptable and there should be no worries here. Two bottles of drinking water will be provided complimentary by most of the hotels.

Departure Taxes

An airport tax or departure tax is required to be paid by all international and domestic passengers departing form any Thai airport. The departure tax of a domestic flight ticket bought within Thailand is usually added to the ticket fare automatically. Except for flights originating from Kho Samui and Sukhothai airports. For international flights 500 Baht per person must be purchased before you enter the Customs area. Domestic flights 50 Baht per person. The exceptions are Koh Samui: Baht 500 Baht per person and  Sukhothai 100  Baht per person.

Tipping

Traditionally, tipping is not a common practice in Thailand, though it is becoming more widespread as a result of foreign influence. Tipping is entirely up to your discretion. In hotels and finer restaurants, where a service charge of 10% is added to the bill, it is not necessary to tip further. However, it is customary to tip porters and hotel personnel who have given good personal service, about 20 Baht per bag for porters and 10 Baht per day for room maids. Meter Taxi fares should be rounded up to the nearest 5 Baht.

Bargaining

It is expected for you to bargain at with street vendors, but not at corner stores or large department stores and most non-tourist shops. The thing to keep in mind is this should be fun and you need to remember that most times you are negotiating over a few cents. Make sure you do not begin to bargain unless you are fully prepared to purchase. Of course the best negotiation ploy is to just walk away when you are close. But don't for get to keep a smile on your face. You win more often than lose this way.

Postal and Parcel Services

Letters sent at the standard rate by airmail will take at least one week to reach Europe and North America. Stamps are available at post offices, hotels and many convenience stores. Generally the major hotels will also post letters and packages for you.

There are also many Mail Boxes ETC available in and around Thailand which can ship your parcels anywhere in the world. Costs are reasonable but the speed has been known to be sporadic.

Business Hours

• Commercial offices: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., 1 - 5 p.m. (Monday - Friday).
• Government offices: 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., 1 - 4:30 p.m. (Monday - Friday).
• Banks: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Monday - Friday).
• Shops: mostly 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. (seven days a week).
• Departmental stores: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Safety and Security

Thailand is a very safe country, but like anywhere in the world, it is wise to be a little cautious. Simple safety precautions such as ignoring touts, keeping away from trouble-areas, not wearing excessive jewellery, being careful when crossing roads (left hand traffic!!) and taking care of valuables will keep you out of trouble.

Only carry as mush money as you need with you when going out. Keep you valuables such as credit cards, extra money, traveler cheques, passports and flight tickets are best kept in the safety box of your hotel.

The bi-lingual tourist police are happy to help you with anything form credit card scams to fraudulent business charges and are also in a position to provide you with general tourist information.

In emergency cases, they can also act as an English-speaking liaison.

Social Norm and Do's and Don'ts

The Royal Family is held in the highest reverence in Thailand. Negative remarks about the Monarchy could be considered as an offence against the Thai Law.

Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body, literally and figuratively. Therefore, avoid touching people on the head, not even as a friendly gesture.

It is considered rude to point your foot at a person or an object.

Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon.

Always dress neatly in all religious shrines - shorts, hot pats and sleeves shirts are considered inappropriate.

Thais greet each other with a "wai", a prayer-like, palms-together gesture, not a handshake. Generally, a younger person wais an elder, who then returns it.

Outward expressions of anger are regarded as crude and boorish. Remaining calm and hiding your emotions with a smile is far more productive.

Penalty for drug offence is very severe in Thailand; do not get yourself involved with it.

Tourist Information Services Tourist Police

The Thai Tourist Police was set up in 1982 to coordinate with TAT in providing safety for tourist. At present, some 500 tourist policemen are stationed in major tourist areas such as the Grand Palace, Pat Pong and Lumphini Park.

In case of emergency in Bangkok, contact the Tourist Police Centre at Unicohouse Building, Soi Lang Suan, Phloen Chit Rd, Bangkok. Tel: 02-652-1721~6.

The Tourist Police office is on Second Road and Soi 15, Tel: 038-429-371 and 038-425-937

Tourist information is available at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) head office in Bangkok, local offices in 22 major cities and at TAT information counters at other local airports. TAT provides maps, brochures and other information on tours, shopping, dining and accommodation. All TAT information centers operate seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Exchange Control

• Foreign tourist may freely bring in foreign bank notes or other types of foreign exchange.

• Upon leaving Thailand, a foreign tourist may freely take out foreign means of payments which he brought in with him, with the exception that foreign notes or coins are limited to a maximum equivalent of US$ 10,000 or the amount declared in writing to Customs upon arrival. Failure to do so may lead to arrest, confiscation of the excess amount involved and / or prosecution.

• For travelers leaving Thailand, the maximum amount permitted to take out without prior authorization is 50,000 Baht per person.

• Foreign visitors may bring in personal effects and other goods which are not prohibited by current custom regulation. Other personal effects, departing visitors are also allowed to take out merchandise bought from duty free shops, precious stones, gold and platinum ornaments.

• Foreign visitors are welcome to open a foreign currency account with any commercial bank in Thailand. As a special gesture to non residents, no restrictions are imposed on the maintenance and withdrawal from the account, as long as the funds originate from abroad. For additional information concerning foreign exchange regulations, please contact any authorized banks.

Currency and Exchange

The Thai monetary unit is the Baht. There are 100 Satang to one Baht. Coins are used in denominations of 25 Satang, 50 Satang, 1 Baht, 5 Baht and 10 Baht. Bank note denominations comprise 10 Baht (brown), 20 baht (green), 50 Baht (blue), 100 Baht (red), 500 Baht (purple) and 1000 Baht (grey). Notes are also scaled in size; the larger the denomination, the larger the note.

Try to carry many small denominations with you are all times. Many vendors do not have adequate change thus it is difficult to  pay with 500 or 1000 Baht bank notes.

Money and Travelers Cheques can be exchanged at hotels, banks, exchange booths and mobile exchange kiosks in tourist areas. Banks are the more preferable as they give the best rate of exchange. The exchange booths and the mobile exchange kiosks are generally open daily between 08.00 a.m. to 09.00p.m.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in department stores, major hotels, up-market shops and restaurants. They can also be used for cash advances at banks and exchange counters. The most commonly accepted cards are VISA and MasterCard, followed by American Express, JCB and Diners Club.
 

Besides Siamese cats and a go-go bars, Thailand is also famous for its Muay Thai. This art of boxing, which is an on going self defense art form, was an element made compulsory for military training by King Naresuan, one of Thailand's greatest monarchs. These days it is a popular sport and is one of the few ways that a poor country boy can turn his rags into riches.

The fights are commonly fierce and furious though the best boxers display remarkable skills, as well as great fitness and a good contest is decided by application of technique rather than brute force.

Often as entertaining as the action in the ring is, the reaction of the spectators who yell and shout encouragement to the boxers is greater as the excitement mounts.

There are two boxing stadiums in Bangkok, Ratchadamnoen Stadium and Lumphini Stadium. Between them, they offer professional bouts virtually every night of the week. In Pattaya the main area for Muay Thai is the Marine Bar on Walking Street, of course these are mostly demonstration bouts for the tourists.

Eating and Drinking in Thailand

As much as the Thais respect the past, they are also fun loving people who enjoy life's pleasures to the full. And most important in the pursuit of "sanuk" - Thai word for "having a good time" - is good food and good drink.

Thai cuisine, rich and spicy, is a true gourmet's delight affording a huge variety of dishes to discover and relish. Seafood is also a national specialty and fish, crab, lobsters, shrimps and more are to be enjoyed in either spicy Thai style or in Continental recipes. Alternatively, exclusive roses and crystal dining can be enjoyed at restaurants specializing in European fare served in classic settings. Whatever the preference, Bangkok spoils the palate with a choice of just about every national cuisine worthy of the name.

Matching the variety of menus is the choice of dining venues. From simple but good curb side food stalls and right up through the whole dining gamut to elegant, expensive restaurants and dinner cruises on the river, there is something to suit all tastes.

Chinese food in Thailand, which is normally quite bland, is second to none. Major European, Levantine, Asian, and Oriental cuisine are represented in gourmet restaurants. American and English breakfasts are served in most hotels whilst numerous ubiquitous coffee-shops specialize in European dishes. Western fast food chains, snack bars, and ice-cream parlors have gained increasing popularity with the Thais

Food centers are usually found in large shopping malls and hotels and are unusual Thai ventures. Numerous restaurants offer every imaginable type of Asian cuisine and huge color pictures of dishes assist diners in their choices.

Open-air garden restaurants and riverine restaurants are more peaceful and are favoured in the evenings by most people from Bangkok. Menus are extensive, service prompt, and prices reasonable. Special dinners can be enjoyed on boats cruising the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok or the Gulf of Siam in Pattaya. This way, soft breezes, candlelight dining, and distant music create romantic atmospheres.

Seafood restaurants are also popular. They offer a wide choice of fresh ingredients, charcoal grilled or broiled to individual requests. This is usually accompanied by a fine selection of local and imported wine.

Some tourist oriented restaurants present selected Thai classical and folk dances while guests sit around low tables, often in traditional surroundings with teak paneling and precious porcelain. A combination of Thai cuisine, music, silk, orchids, and graceful dances create memorable evenings for the visitors.

Beer and Spirits in Thailand are available at most shops. The costs of beer and Spirits are about the same per bottle as we would pay here in Vancouver. However the cost of Wine is someone over the top. I suggest you look carefully at the menu before ordering the wine.

Restaurants will allow you to bring your own bottles of wine and whiskey into their establishment without any additional charge. Beer however is frowned upon.

Prices in the Pubs and Bars are varied. The cost for a draft beer can be a cheap as 35 Baht and up. Local bottles of Beer Chiang (number one seller in Thailand) are 30 Baht and up. Locally brewed Heineken or Carlsberg tend to be the beer of choice for the ex-pat and these go for about 50 Baht and Up. Spirits and Mixed drinks tend to be in the 75 Baht and up area. Look for these prices to double in places with live entertainment. If you are unsure check the menu on the table before ordering.

Shopping in Thailand

In the wake of unprecedented economic growth, Thailand has become one of Southeast Asia's most popular shopping paradise. With commodities as well as markets becoming more sophisticated, the serious shopper can expect to find not only Thailand's well-known host of unique handicrafts, but also a superb choice of luxury buys. All items are distinguished by fine Thai workmanship, the result of both time-honored crafts and of modern technological skills.

Where to shop...

Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two major streets and there are many areas throughout the city affording ample choice and easy access. One such area, for example, is along Silom and Suriwongse Roads in the vicinity of the Dusit Thani, Montien, and Tawana Hotels. This includes Robinson's Department Store, Central Department Stores, the Charn Issara Shopping Centre, dozens of silk shops, antique and decorative reproduction shops, boutiques of ready-to-wear women's clothes, men's tailors, and shops selling leatherwear and other goods.

Pattaya also has many shops selling Thai goods and wide selections of precious stones since the popular resort lies near Chanthaburi, where numerous gems are located. The pricing in Pattaya will tend to be on the high side as it is a Tourist Trap.

Outside Bangkok, the main city for shopping is Chiang Mai, the unquestioned center of traditional Thai handicrafts. The Night Bazaar, is a good place to sample the full range of local products such as cotton, lacquer ware, silver, hill tribe clothing, Burmese tapestries, painted umbrellas, and woodcarvings. While in Chiang Mai, make a point to go to some of the factories that offer demonstrations of how these goods, particularly lacquer, silk, silver, and paper umbrellas are actually made.