Thailand | Asia

Thailand is a sovereign state in Southeast Asia, bordered by Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. It is the second-largest economy in ASEAN, driven by manufacturing, agriculture, and a robust tourism sector; the capital city is Bangkok (Krung Thep).

Visa & Entry Policy

As of January 1, 2026, Thailand has tightened its visa-exempt entry rules. EU, US, and UK passport holders are permitted two visa-exempt entries per calendar year (January–December).

Duration: Each entry allows a stay of 60 days, extendable by 30 days at an immigration office.

Digital Arrival Card: The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is mandatory for all foreign nationals entering via air, land, or sea. It must be completed at least 72 hours prior to arrival.

Requirements: A passport valid for six months, proof of an onward/return ticket within 60 days, and 20,000 THB in cash (or equivalent currency) per person.

Language & Communication

Thai is the official language. English proficiency is high in Bangkok and major tourist provinces (Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chonburi) but remains low in rural areas. Central Thai is the standard dialect, while regional variations exist in the North (Lanna), Northeast (Isan), and South.

Currency & Payment Systems

The official currency is the Thai Baht (THB). Thailand is an global leader in real-time digital payments via PromptPay.

Digital Payments: Most vendors, including street stalls, accept QR code payments through PromptPay. Foreigners can utilize this if their home bank has a reciprocal agreement (e.g., certain banks in Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong) or via local digital wallets.

Cards & Cash: Credit cards are standard in malls and hotels. Cash is required for small transactions in remote areas.

National Transport Grid

Transit is highly developed. Bangkok features the BTS (Skytrain) and MRT (Subway) systems. Inter-city travel is dominated by a comprehensive bus network and the State Railway of Thailand. As of 2026, the High-Speed Rail project linking Bangkok to the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) is in advanced testing. Domestic aviation via Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) provides frequent links to over 20 provincial airports.

Digital Infrastructure

Primary mobile network providers are AIS and True Corp (following the True-dtac merger).

5G Coverage: 5G penetration is among the highest in the region, with over 90% nationwide coverage as of 2026.

Connectivity: Fiber-optic broadband (FTTH) is the standard in urban areas. Public Wi-Fi is widely available in commercial centers.

Climate & Seasonality

Cool Season (Nov–Feb): Peak travel period; dry weather and manageable temperatures ($18°C–32°C$).

Hot Season (Mar–May): Temperatures often exceed $38°C$. Northern Thailand experiences a "burning season" (March–April) with high air pollution (PM2.5).

Rainy Season (Jun–Oct): Characterized by afternoon monsoons. The Gulf Coast (Koh Samui) has a later rainy season (Oct–Dec) than the Andaman Coast (Phuket).

Health & Safety

No mandatory vaccines are required unless arriving from a Yellow Fever zone. Mosquito-borne diseases (Dengue, Zika) are persistent. Tap water is not potable; bottled or filtered water is required. The emergency number for the Tourist Police is 1155 (English speaking).

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Bangkok Metropolitan: Political and financial heart.

Northern Highlands: Hub: Chiang Mai (Cultural capital/Mountains).

Southern Peninsula: Hub: Phuket (Island tourism/Maritime hub).

Local Cost Index

1L Water: 15 THB ($0.45 USD)

1 Domestic Beer (0.5L): 65 THB ($1.85 USD)

1 SIM Card (10GB Data): 350 THB ($10.00 USD)

Facts & Legends

Thailand is the only Southeast Asian nation never colonized by a European power. The full ceremonial name of Bangkok is the longest city name in the world. Local folklore includes the Mae Nak Phra Khanong, a legendary ghost of a woman who died in childbirth and waited for her husband's return from war. Geologically, the country is home to the "Bumblebee Bat," the world's smallest mammal, found in the limestone caves of Kanchanaburi.