Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories
From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Wally Doerge)
Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Thailand
Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die
Distribution: wstd
Date: Wed, 14 Jul 1993 17:20:45 GMT
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Thailand
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Thailand - Consular Information Sheet
 July 9, 1993

Country Description: Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. It is a 
popular travel destination, and tourist facilities and services are 
available throughout the country.

Entry Requirements:  Passports and onward/return tickets are 
required. Visas are not needed for stays of up to 15 days.  However, 
without a visa, entry is permitted only when arriving at 
international airports in Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai.  For 
longer stays, or overland entry, travelers can obtain visas in 
advance from a Thai embassy or consulate.  For stays of up to 60 
days a tourist visa is required, the fee for which is $15 U.S. 
dollars.  For more current information travelers may contact the 
Royal Thai Embassy, 2300 Kalorama Rd. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, 
tel. (202) 234-5052 or 483-7200.

Medical Facilities:   Medical treatment, especially in Bangkok, is 
good.  While the general level of health is good, hepatitis is 
endemic.  The incidence of AIDS is increasing, especially among 
prostitutes and intravenous drug users.  Malaria is a problem in 
rural border areas, but not in Bangkok or other major tourist 
destinations.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash 
payment for health services.  U.S. medical insurance is not always 
valid outside the United States.  Supplemental medical insurance 
with specific overseas coverage has proved useful.  The 
international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control, 
tel. (404) 332-4559, has additional useful health information.

Information on Crime:  Petty crimes are common in areas where 
tourists gather.  Many tourists fall victim to gem scams, in which a 
friendly stranger offers to serve as an informal tour guide.  The 
guide offers to show the tourist where he can buy gems for resale in 
the U. S. at a huge profit.  The gems turn out to be overpriced and 
money back guarantees are not honored.  Some travelers report being 
robbed after they were drugged in night clubs or in their hotel 
rooms by bar girls.  Armed bandits operate in some remote areas 
along the Thai borders with Laos, Cambodia, and Burma.  The Thai 
government maintains security forces in these areas to maintain 
security and to interdict narcotics traffickers.  Trekkers have 
found it prudent to travel only with licensed tour guides in the 
northern and eastern territories.  Lost or stolen U.S. passports 
should be reported to local police and to the U.S. Embassy or 
nearest U.S. consulate.  Useful information on guarding valuables 
and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided 
in the Department of State pamphlet, " A Safe Trip Abroad."  It is 
available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government 
Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties:  Travelers are subject to the laws and legal 
practices of the country in which they travel.  Thailand strongly 
enforces its strict drug laws.  Americans convicted of drug 
trafficking have received long sentences, often in excess of 20 
years.

Other Information:  Heavy traffic is constant in Bangkok.  Motorist 
and pedestrian accidents are common.  Thai banks are not yet 
connected with international ATM systems.  Travelers may wish to 
bring enough travelers checks or have valid credit cards with 
adequate credit limits. 

Registration:   Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy or a 
U.S. consulate can obtain updated information on travel and security 
within the country.

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is located at 95 Wireless Road 
in Bangkok.  The mailing address is APO AP 96546.  The telephone 
number is (66-2) 252-5040.

The U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai is located at Vidhyanon 
Road.  The mailing address is Box C, APO AP 96546.  The telephone 
number is (66-53) 252-629.

The Consulate in Songkhla is located at 9 Sadao Road.  The mailing 
address is Box S, APO AP 96546.  The telephone number is (66-74) 
321-441.

The U.S. Consulate in Udorn is located at 35/6 Supakitjanya Road.  
The mailing address is Box UD, APO AP 96546.  The telephone number 
is (66-42) 244-270.

 No.93-194

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet of November 13, 1992 
to add information on crime, international banking and on reporting 
the loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport.