Thailand

Government advisories

• ☐ United States: level 2/4 — Exercise increased caution
• ☐ United Kingdom: level 1/4
• ☐ Canada: level 2/4
• ☐ Australia: level 2/4

Health notices

• ☐ Dengue fever — year-round risk, higher in rainy season (Jun–Oct) (level 2)
• ☐ Japanese encephalitis — risk in rural/agricultural areas for longer stays (level 1)
• ☐ Tap water: avoid — bottled/filtered only

Entry requirements

☐ Visa exemption on arrival for most nationalities for stays up to 30-60 days depending on nationality and entry mode; longer stays require a visa in advance.

☐ Passport valid 6+ months beyond your stay

Practical

• ☐ Plug type A/B/C/O, 230V — bring an adapter if yours differs
• ☐ Drives on the left
• ☐ Emergency (police): 191
• ☐ Emergency (ambulance): 1669
• ☐ Emergency (tourist_police): 1155
• ☐ SIM: Prepaid tourist SIMs (AIS, dtac, True) are available at the airport and 7-Elevens; eSIM options exist for most major carriers.
• ☐ Money: Cash still rules for street food, markets, and tuk-tuks; cards fine in malls and hotels. Carry small bills.
• ☐ Tipping: Not obligatory but appreciated; round up or leave 20-50 THB for good service.

Laws that could get a tourist arrested

• ☐ Lèse-majesté — Criticizing, insulting, or defaming the monarchy is a criminal offense carrying up to 15 years per count — this includes social media posts and shares, even from abroad in some prosecutions. Avoid the topic entirely in public and online.
• ☐ Cannabis is restricted again — After a period of decriminalization, recreational cannabis use and sale is restricted; possession without a valid medical justification/prescription can result in fines or prosecution. Do not assume the earlier decriminalized status still applies.
• ☐ E-cigarettes and vapes are banned — Importing, possessing, or using e-cigarettes/vapes is illegal, with fines and confiscation reported at airports.

Before you go

General trip-prep, not specific to Thailand — the same short list applies anywhere.

• ☐ Register with your embassy's traveler program if one exists
• ☐ Check your passport's validity and blank-page requirements on your destination's official entry-rules page
• ☐ Photograph/screenshot your passport, visa, and travel insurance documents
• ☐ Download offline maps for your destination
• ☐ Confirm your bank/card issuer knows you're traveling
• ☐ Check whether your phone plan needs a travel add-on or a local SIM