Thailand Specialist Program

All you need to know

• What Currency is used in Pattaya?

  Pattaya is a vacation city in the kingdom of Thailand. Thai Bahts (THB) is the local currency. USD, EUR, and all major currencies can be locally exchanged at various exchange points across the city.

• Is English widely spoken?

  In Bangkok, where the major business and commercial transactions are held, English is widely spoken, written and understood. Further, in most hotels, shops and restaurants of major tourist destinations, English and some European Languages are spoken, written, and understood.

• What important phone numbers should I be aware of?

  • Tourist Police (English, French and German spoken) : 1155
  • Central Emergency (Police, Ambulance, Fire) : 191
  • Crime Suppression : 195 or (662) 513 3844
  • Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Call Centre : 1672
  • Immigration Bureau : (662) 287 3101-10

• Is it convenient to make phone calls in Thailand? What kind of phone card is available to foreign travelers?

  SIM cards of local Thai network providers are widely sold and may be used to call/text both local and internationally. All the hotels in Thailand provide international phone call service. Public phone booths can also be found at most places in Thailand. Moreover, several types of international phone cards are sold at shops such as the ubiquitous 7-11 chain.

• What are the work days and hours in Thailand? What about shops and stores hours?

  Business and commercial transactions are normally done on a Mon-Fri basis between 8am and 5pm.
  Most stores are open everyday from 10am to 10pm.
  Government offices are on a Mon-Fri basis (except on public holidays) from 8.30am to 4.30pm with a 12.00 to 1.00pm lunch break.
  Banks, operate on a Mon-Fri (except on public holidays) schedule from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

• What is the best time of the year that you should plan a visit to Phuket?

  The best time to visit Phuket is between December and March. Bustling with tourists throughout the year, Phuket experiences its hottest season from April to June, while July to August is the rainy season.