Travel
Airports
Suvarnabhumi International Airport opened in 2006 replacing Don Muang as Bangkok’s international airport. There are six other international airports in Thailand: Don Muang (Bangkok), Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Had Yai, Phuket and Samui.
Domestic flights operated by Thai Airways International and other private carriers are available to all important cities and tourist resorts in Thailand.
For airport transport information, visit the Suvarnabhumi Airport website.
Ground transport
Plan appointments well ahead of time as travelling in Bangkok can be problematic. Four appointments a day is generally the maximum. For convenience, safety and language reasons, taxis, hotel limousines and rented cars are the best options for business visitors travelling in Bangkok. Some taxi drivers have been taught English but it is rudimentary. A business card or address written in Thai is helpful but by no means foolproof. Taxis do not carry street directories.
Taxis are plentiful and the minimum fare is 35 baht for a distance of up to two kilometres. Taxis can be hired at a fixed rate negotiated in advance, but in most cases it is advisable to request use of the meter. A trip into the city from the present airport could take up to an hour depending on the traffic. It is advisable to use the elevated tollway especially during peak hours. You will be expected to pay the toll as you pass through a toll booth. It is not added to the fare at the end of the journey. Tips are not required, although it is customary to round up the fare. Make sure you have adequate amounts of cash with you, particularly in smaller notes for taxis. Taxis will not accept credit cards and do not issue receipts. Driving in Bangkok is a challenge, but if you know the city reasonably well you can rent a car from one of the international car rental companies that operate in major Thai cities. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required and driving is on the left hand side of the road, which presents no problem to people used to driving in Australia. Be prepared, however, for some unusual driving practices!
Thai ‘tuk-tuks’ are famous, but are less safe than other forms of transport, and suitable for short distances only. Fares must be negotiated beforehand.
The elevated railway (BTS) and the underground rail (MRT) are efficient and comfortable means of transport within the city, though the number of lines, and therefore their coverage, is limited.
Tipping
Tipping is optional, though in hotels and some larger restaurants a 10 per cent service charge is automatically added to the bill. If you feel you have received good service, the serving staff will certainly welcome a token of your appreciation. As salary levels are very low, service staff often rely on tips even though they would not solicit them.
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.