Visiting
Business hours
Usual business hours are 8.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
Banks are open between 9.00am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday. Branches in department stores are open from 10.00am to 8.00pm seven days a week. Foreign exchange counters are generally open between 7.00am to 8.00pm. In some limited locations there are currency converting machines which convert foreign bank notes. These are open 24 hours.
Government offices are usually open from 8.30am to midday and 1.00pm to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Large department stores are open daily from 10.00am to 8.00pm, though some open until 10.00pm.
Some supermarkets such as Foodland, together with Family Mart and 7-Eleven convenience stores are open 24 hours, seven days a week.
Small stores usually open 12 hours a day.
The sale of alcohol is strictly regulated to certain limited hours during the day.
Public holidays
January 1 – New Year's Day
April 6 – Chakri Day
April 15 – Songkran (Thai New Year)
May 1 – Labour Day
May 5 – Coronation Day
August 12 – HM The Queen of Thailand's Birthday
October 23 – Chulalongkorn Day
December 5 – HM The King of Thailand's Birthday
December 10 – Constitution Day
December 31 – New Year's Eve
Climate
Thailand has three distinct seasons:
From November to March the weather is dry and relatively cooler than the rest of the year. Very little, if any, rain falls at this time of the year. It is a pleasant time to visit if you are a tourist.
The three months from April to July leading up to the wet season are hot and humid and generally unpleasant outdoors if you are not used to the tropical heat.
From August to October/November is the wet season. While it does not rain constantly nor is the sky always overcast, a tropical downpour lasting an hour or two is typical on most days. Taking an umbrella whenever you go out is therefore advisable during this season. Traffic can become gridlocked by flash flooding and accidents so travel can be extremely frustrating during a storm. However it is always warm, the run-off disappears reasonably quickly and life resumes after the storm.
For weather details in Thailand, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.
Currency
Oanda currency converter
The official currency in Thailand is the Baht. Banknotes are available in 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 baht denominations, while coins come in 1, 2, 5 and 10 baht, and 25 and 50 satang. (1 baht = 100 satang).
Foreign currency is not generally accepted outside of major hotels, but foreign exchange counters are common in the main tourist areas.
Time zones and time differences
Thailand is three hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
To find out the current time in Bangkok, view the World Clock.
Dialling codes
Thailand's country code is 66.
For calls to Thailand from Australia dial: 0011 + 66 + area code + telephone number.
For calls from Thailand to Australia dial: 001 + 61 + area code + telephone number.
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
Electricity and water
Thailand’s power supply is 220 volts, 50Hz 1, 3 phases, 2, 3, 4 wires. Pack an adapter as both round and square plugs are used.
Links and resources
Bangkok.com – www.bangkok.com
Thailand.com – www.thailand.com
Tourism Authority of Thailand – www.tourismthailand.org
Please note: this list of websites and resources is not definitive. Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Austrade. The information provided is a guide only.
Top Business Risks
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is a voluntary mechanism which promotes and supports improved governance in resource-rich countries through the full publication and verification of company payments and government revenues from oil, gas, and mining.
The EITI is supported by governments, industry, and non-government organisations around the world. The Australian Government supports the EITI and encourages Australian companies operating internationally to comply with its recommendations.
APEC Business Travel Card Scheme
Managed by the Department of Immigration, the APEC Business Travel Card Scheme was developed to make travelling within the 21 APEC member countries much simpler and more efficient.
IP Passport fact sheets
These fact sheets outline foreign Intellectual Property (IP) regimes and some of the issues and challenges which may be faced by Australian exporters.
The current fact sheets are available on the IP Australia website.