Information for American visitors to Thailand

US Embassy

http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/

Entry Exit Requirements

U.S.citizen tourists staying for fewer than 30 days do not require a visa, but must possess a passport and may be asked to show an onward/return ticket. Persons entering Thailand by air or via the Thailand-Malaysia border without a visa are allowed to stay in Thailand for 30 days per visit.  Persons entering Thailand by land (except for the Thailand-Malaysia border) without a visa are allowed to stay in Thailand for 15 days per visit. The duration of stay in Thailand for persons who enter Thailand without a visa cannot exceed 90days during any six-month period, counting from the date of first entry. After 90 days, travelers must apply for a new visa at a Thai embassy outside of the country.  Travelers must pay a Passenger Service Charge in Thai baht when departing from any of Thailand’s international airports.  This charge is now included in airline ticket prices at Bangkok’s main airport, Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

When a traveler enters the country, Thai Immigration stamps in his or her passport the date on which the traveler’s authorized stay in Thailand will expire. Any traveler remaining in Thailand beyond this date without having received an official extension will be assessed an immediate cash fine when departing Thailand.  Any foreigner found by police to be out of legal status prior to departure (during a Thai Immigration “sweep” through a guest house, for example) will be jailed, fined, and then deported at his or her own expense, and may be barred from re-entering Thailand.

In this regard, American citizens should be aware that private “visa extension services,” even those advertising in major periodicals or located close toImmigration offices or police stations, are illegal.  A number of Americans are arrested at border crossings each year when the visas and entry stamps they have obtained through these illegal services are discovered to be counterfeit.

Thailand’sentry/exit information is subject to change without notice.  For further information on Thailand’s entry/exit requirements, contact the Royal Thai Embassy, 1024 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20007, telephone (202)944-3600, or contact the Thai consulates in Chicago, Los Angeles, or New York City.  Visit the Embassy of Thailand web site at http://www.thaiembdc.org for the most current visa information.

Although the crime threat in Bangkok remains lower than that in many American cities, crimes of opportunity such as pick-pocketing, purse-snatching, and burglary have become more common in recent years.  Travelers should be especially wary when walking in crowded markets, tourist sites and bus or train stations.  Many American citizens have reported having passports, wallets, and other valuables stolen in Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market, usually by thieves who cut into purses or bags with a razor and remove items surreptitiously.  Police at the Market usually refuse to issue police reports for foreign victims of theft, requiring them instead to travel several miles to the central Tourist Police office.  Violent crimes against foreigners are relatively rare. However, there has been a recent upsurge in violent crime against tourists, including the murder of several independent travelers, on the southern islands of Phuket and Koh Samui.  Independent travelers should exercise caution and stay in the vicinity of other travelers, especially in the beach areas of these islands.

Reports of serious crimes involving taxis or “tuk-tuks” (three-wheeled taxis)are also relatively rare, although attempts to charge excessive fares occur regularly.  Several taxi-related incidents involving foreign passengers occur in Bangkok each year.   Americans should not hesitate to ask to be let out of a taxi immediately if the driver is acting suspiciously or driving erratically. (See also the Safety and Road Conditions section.)

When arriving at Bangkok’s airport, travelers should use only taxis from the airport’s official taxi stand, cars from the airport limousine counters, or airport buses.  All major hotels in Bangkok can also arrange to have a car and driver meet incoming flights.  It is uncommon for Thai taxis to pick up additional passengers.  Travelers should be wary of drivers seeking to do so, and should never enter a cab that has someone besides the driver in it.

Americans frequently encounter taxi drivers and others who tout gem stores or entertainment venues.  These touts receive kickbacks or commissions that drive up the prices of the goods or services, and travelers should not accept tours or other offers from them.  Scams involving gems, city tours, entertainment venues and credit cards are common, especially in areas heavily visited by tourists.  Credit cards should be used only in reputable, established businesses, and the amount charged should be checked for accuracy.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) receives over a thousand complaints each year from visitors who have been cheated on gem purchases.  Gem scams usually follow a predictable pattern.  Someone approaches a tourist outside of a well-known tourist attraction such as the Grand Palace or the Jim Thompson House and says that the attraction is closed.  The friendly stranger quickly gains the tourist’s confidence, and suggests a visit to a temple that is supposedly open only one day per year; the stranger then mentions in passing that a special once-a-year government-sponsored gem sale is going on, and directs the tourist to a waiting tuk-tuk.  At the temple,another stranger—sometimes a foreigner—engages the tourist in conversation and,by seeming coincidence, also mentions the “special” gem sale.  The tourist agrees to go look at the gem shop, and is soon convinced to buy thousands of dollars worth of jewels that can supposedly be sold in the U.S. for a 100%profit.  When the tourist actually has the goods appraised, they turn out to be of minimal value, and the shop’s money-back guarantee is not honored.  No matter what a tout may say, no jewelry stores are owned,operated, or sponsored by the Thai Government or by the Thai royalfamily.  Lists of gem dealers who have promised to abide by TAT guidelines are available online at http://www.tatnews.org/special_interest/shopping/979.asp,anddetailed information on gem scams can be found on numerous web sites.  A traveler who has fallen victim to a gem scam should contact the local branch of the Tourist Police, or call their country-wide toll-free number: 1155.

Although most bars and entertainment venues operate honestly, some, especially in tourist areas such as Patpong, at times try to charge exorbitant amounts for drinks or unadvertised cover charges, and threaten violence if the charges are not paid.  If victimized in this fashion, travelers should not attempt to resolve the problem themselves, but should instead pay the price demanded and then seek out a nearby Tourist Police officer for help in getting restitution.  (If no officer is nearby, the Tourist Police may be contacted toll-free by dialing 1155.)

There have been occasional reports of scopolamine drugging perpetrated by prostitutes or unscrupulous bar workers for the purpose of robbery. (Scopolamine is a powerful sedative.)  Tourists have also been victimized by drugged food and drink, usually offered by a friendly stranger, sometimes posing as a fellow traveler on an overnight bus or train.  In addition,casual acquaintances met in a bar or on the street may pose a threat. Travelers are advised to avoid leaving drinks or food unattended, and should avoid going alone to unfamiliar venues.  Some trekking tour companies,particularly in Northern Thailand, have been known to make drugs available to trekkers.   Travelers should not accept drugs of any kind, as the drugs may be altered or harmful, and the use or sale of narcotic drugs is illegal in Thailand.

Pirated Merchandise: Counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available in Thailand.  The manufacture and sale of pirated goods, including music,movies, software, and counterfeit luxury goods and apparel, is a crime in Thailand and is frequently controlled by organized crime networks.  In addition, bringing these goods back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.  More information on this serious problem is available at http://www.cybercrime.gov/18usc2320.htm.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration(FAA) has assessed the Government of Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Thailand’s air carrier operations.  For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s website at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa/.

Americans living abroad or traveling in Thailand are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the StateDepartment’s travel registration web site, so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Thailand.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.  The U.S.Embassy is located at 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.  The central switchboard number is (66-2) 205-4000; the American Citizen Services Unit number is (66-2) 205-4049; and the fax number is (66-2) 205-4103. The website for the U.S. Embassy is

http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/. 

American Express Thailand

http://www.americanexpress.com/thailand/en/homepage.shtml

Source: US Embassy Bangkok website