From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Thailand Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Wed, 11 Sep 1996 12:37:36 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:1134 Path: world!root Message-ID: <960911123736_76702.1202_CHN56-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: root@world.std.com (daemons) Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 138 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Thailand ============================================================ Thailand - Consular Information Sheet September 9, 1996 Country Description: Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. It is a popular travel destination, and tourist facilities and services are available throughout the country. Entry/Exit Requirements: Current information concerning entry requirements may be obtained from the Royal Thai Embassy, 1024 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007, tel. (202) 944-3600, or from the Thai consulates in Chicago, Los Angeles, or New York City. Medical Information: Medical treatment, especially in Bangkok, is good. Thailand is experiencing a dramatic epidemic of HIV infection and AIDS. Heterosexual transmission accounts for most HIV infections. HIV infection is common among prostitutes of both sexes. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. The Medicare/Medicaid Program does not provide payment for medical services outside of the United States. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance which specifically covers treatment in Thailand and includes a provision for medical evacuation may prove useful. Alcohol and drugs are often stronger than those in the United States. Several American tourists die of apparent premature heart attacks in Thailand each year, often after drinking or using drugs. Information on health matters may also be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through its international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559 or via the CDC home page on the Internet: http://www.cdc.gov. Information on Crime and Safety: Pickpocketing, purse slashing, and other petty crimes are common in areas where tourists gather. Many tourists fall victim to gem scams, in which a friendly stranger offers to show the tourist where to 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 that they were robbed after being drugged in a night club or in their hotel room by acquaintances met in a bar or on the street. Trekking is a popular activity for tourists in Thailand's mountainous areas. The use of licensed, reliable tour guides enhances security for trekkers. Credit card fraud has also been increasing. Travelers may wish to protect their credit cards and use them only in known or established businesses. Lost or stolen passports abroad should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or 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. Border Travel Problems: Tourists may wish to obtain information from authorities about whether official border crossing points are open, and may find it prudent to cross into neighboring countries only at the designated crossing points. Other than at official crossing points, the border is often not clearly marked. Licensed guides can help ensure that trekkers do not cross into another country inadvertently. Tourists have been victims of banditry and violence. One such incident resulted in the death of a tourist in the vicinity of the Thai-Burma border. It is recommended that persons wishing to travel in this area check with the tourist police and the U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai for current information. Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and do not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating the law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Thailand strictly enforces its drug laws, including those prohibiting possession of small quantities of marijuana. The U.S. Embassy frequently does not learn of the arrest of U.S. citizens for minor drug offenses. Prison conditions in Thailand are harsh, and Americans convicted of drug trafficking have received long sentences, often in excess of forty years. There are more than fifty Americans serving long term prison sentences in Thailand. A ruse sometimes used to get American citizens to transport drugs out of the country involves offering the American a free vacation to Thailand, then requesting the American's assistance in transporting excess "luggage" or "gifts" back to the U.S. The American's claim that he or she did not know that the package contained drugs has not been a successful legal defense in Thailand. Road Conditions: Paved roads connect Thailand's major cities, but most have only two lanes. Slow-moving trucks limit speed and visibility. Reckless passing in mountainous regions and consumption of amphetamines or other stimulants by commercial drivers are common. Motorists may wish to consider obtaining insurance which covers medical and liability costs. The more affluent driver, even if not at fault, is frequently compelled to cover the expenses of the other party in an accident in Thailand. Heavy traffic and accidents are common in Bangkok. Congested roads and a scarcity of ambulances can make it difficult for accident victims to receive timely medical attention. Registration/Embassy Location: Americans are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, where they may obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. The U.S. Embassy is located at 120 Wireless Road in Bangkok. The mailing address is APO AP 96546. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy, which provides passport and emergency services for U.S. citizens, is located at 95 Wireless Road in Bangkok. The telephone number is (66-2) 205-4000 and the fax number is (66-2) 205-4103. The U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai is located at 387 Vidhayanond Road; the mailing address is Box C, APO AP 96546. The telephone number is (66-53) 252-629 and the fax number is (66-53) 252-633. The U.S. Consulate in Udorn was closed in December 1995. No. 96-155 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet of August 15, 1995, adding new sections on border travel problems and road safety; and updating the sections on entry requirements, medical facilities, information on crime, registration and embassy location, including the new address and telephone number of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, the fax number for the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, and the U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai. The closing of the U.S. Consulate in Udorn is also noted. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. 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