Visiting

Business hours

Usual business hours are 8.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.

Banks are open between 8.30am 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 and limited to certain hours during the day.

Public holidays

January 1 – New Year's Day
April 6 – Chakri Day
April 13 – Songkran (Thai New Year)
May 1 – Labour Day
July 28 – H.M.the King’s Birthday
August 12 – H.M.Queen Sirikit’s Birthday & Mother’s Day
October 15 – H.M.King Bhumibol Adulyadej Memorial Day
December 5 – National Day & Father’s Day
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 somewhat cooler than the rest of the year. Very little, if any, rain falls at this time of the year and its the ideal time to visit Thailand.

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 Thai Baht.

Banks

Time zones and time differences

Thailand is 3 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) and 4 hours behind AEST during daylight savings.

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.

Find out more about Australian area codes or 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

Travel and Tourism

Bangkok.com
Tourism Authority of Thailand 

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