Health & Safety

Sanitation Condition

Sanitary conditions do not always meet the standards of many Western countries and so precautions should be taken with water consumption and with the preparation of food.

Drinking water should be purchased in bottles and avoid tap water whenever possible.

Caution

Use normal common sense to make sure foods are washed and handled correctly prior to preparation.

Diseases and Other Health Concerns

Newcomers to Thailand are highly susceptible to gastrointestinal disorders, colds and other respiratory ailments, fungal infections, and prickly heat as they adjust to the tropical climate. Increase your intake of fluids to prevent dehydration, get adequate sleep, and try to avoid stress and depression.

Dengue fever, which is transmitted by mosquito bites, is a flu – like illness. There is no vaccine against it, but use of insect repellent should help. These mosquitoes tend to bite during the day.

Eat only thoroughly cooked food, drink treated water, wear shoes, do not swim in freshwater, and avoid mosquitoes and other insects.

Vaccinations and Other Health Requirement

Most expats arrange for vaccinations and take a course of tables against malaria as the main safeguard to their health, especially if coming from outside Asia. An appointment with your doctor is advisable prior to arrival.

Vaccination certificates are required of travelers arriving from areas infested with yellow fever.

Medical Care and Facilities

Bangkok has many well-trained, English-speaking general practitioners, specialists, and dentists. Hospitals are modern and well equipped. The quality of care is generally good and inexpensive, although doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for their services.

Dental care is skilled and comparable to the West in large city centers. Smaller cities or towns often do not possess adequate facilities or expertise for dental needs.

HEALTH CONCERNS

What if I get sick?

The possibility of becoming ill and requiring medical attention is one of the most common concerns in preparing for a move abroad. Most relocation assignments are to developed countries where the quality of care and facilities is comparable to that at home.

In areas where medical resources may be limited or substandard, there are usually arrangements already in place for transporting expatriates who become seriously ill to facilities in other countries where appropriate care can be obtained. It is a good idea to check out emergency facilities before any need arises.

In addition, before leaving home, every member of the family should have a thorough checkup to detect any incipient health problems. This should be far enough in advance to permit any necessary treatment before departure. Follow-ups should be scheduled during home leaves.

Main expatriate hospitals in Bangkok are :

Bangkok Hospital 2 Soi Soonvichai 7 New Petchaburi Raod T: 02 310 3106 www.bangkokhospital.com		BNH 9/1 Convent Road, Silom T: 02 686 2700 www.bnhhospital.com
Bumrungrad Hospital 33 Sukhumvit Soi 3 T: 02 667 1000 www.bumrungrad.com		Samitivej Hospital Sukhumvit 133 Sukhumvit Soi 49 T: 02 711 8000 www.samitivej.co.th

Health Alerts

It is helpful to be informed in advance as to any endemic or short-term health problems in areas to which you may be traveling. Agencies of the expatriate’s own government regularly issue country specific advisories available to citizens traveling or relocating abroad.

CRIME

Thailand is generally a safe country, however, normal care should be taken especially in the big cities.

Burglary does occasionally occur, so secure your premises and your vehicle.

DAILY MONEY MATTERS

Currency

The unit of Thai currency is the baht, abbreviated B or Bt. There are 100 satang (pronounced “satang”) to a baht. Coins and notes are color-coded for easy identification, graduated in size according to amount, and marked with Thai and Arabic numerals.

Notes: B10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000

Coins: 25, and 50 satang (copper); B1, B2, B5, and B10 (silver with copper inlay)

B5 is octagonal with a copper rim that distinguishes it from the B1 coin.

Making Purchases and Paying Bills

Most international credit cards are accepted in many restaurants, department stores, and large shops. Cash should be used when bargaining for goods in small shops and markets.

Personal checks are not commonly used; they are used mainly by businesses and not for shopping, although some stores accept local checks from regular customers. Restaurants do not accept personal checks.

Many Utility bills can be payed at 7-11 branches, with a small service fee.

ATMs

Most major banks, although not all branches, have automatic teller machines (ATMs) located throughout Bangkok and other large cities. Some ATMs provide Visa and MasterCard / Cirrus access.

AUTOMOBILES AND DRIVING

Driving in Thailand

Most expatriates employ a driver but driving yourself often brings its own rewards. Driving is on the left.

Although traffic congestion in Bangkok can be bad, it does not take long to get out to the countryside or to visit the coast. Main signs are also in English.

Driver’s License

If you reside in Thailand for more than three months and intend to drive, a Thai license is necesseary.

CUISINE

Thai cuisine is experiencing worldwide popularity. The cuisine is both spicy and hot; the degree of heat depends on the kind and amount of chilies in the dish. Rice is a staple of the cuisine, and most meals consist of a variety of dishes accompanied by rice. Curries are popular, and a variety of condiments and sauces for dipping are served with the food.

EVERYDAY SHOPPING

Bangkok has a wide variety of department stores, shopping malls and centers, shops, and open-air markets.

HOME FURNISHINGS

Most houses rented with a minimum of furnishing.

Apartments can be rented as furnished, partially furnished or unfurnished. Partially furnished apartment typically include built in wardrobes, beds appropriate to the size of the bedroom, curtains, and built in cabinetry for storage.

CLOTHING

Lightweight natural fabrics, especially cotton, are recommended for comfort in the hot and humid climate. A lghtweight jacket or sweater may be needed in offices, restaurants, and other ares that are air-conditioned, often to excess. There is also a short cool season in Thailand during which jacket may be needed.

In general, larger size for men, women, and children can be difficult to find. Shoes should be loose-fitting to allow for feet to swell in the heat, as such, sandals are very popular. Flat shoes are recommended for the uneven pavement, and slip-on styles are convenient when shoes must be removde brfore entering a home or temple. Shoes are available locally, but larger sizes can be difficult to find. Shoes can be custom-maed inexpensively.

Business dress in Thailand is expected to reflect your wealth and social standing; as a result, your appearance is very important in making the correct impression.

PERSONAL CARE ITEMS

Cosmetics and toiletries are readily available in Bangkok at department stores, specialty shops, and supermarket. If you have favorite brands, it is wise to take a supply with you until they can be located locally, or until acceptable substitutes a can be found.

APPLIANCES AND ELECTRONICS

Electricity in Thailand is 220 Volts, 50 Hertz. No Noth American appliance can be plugged directly into the wall. Certain appliances can be made to work with the appropriate transformers and eletrical adapters, while other need to be replaced with appliances in the correct voltage and hertz. Item such as coffeemakers, toasters, blenders, mixers, most stereos, most computer, and cordless telephone, for example, will work with the proper transformer. Others, however, must be 220V 50H – such as, refrigerators, washers / dryers, air conditioners, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, and electric clocks.

Computers, fax machines, and modems may require a transformer, which is easily obtained at any department or computer store.

Thailand uses primarily the Continental plug – a round pin attachment plug, but other types of plugs are often found in the same house.

BROADCAST SYSTEM AND EQUIPMENT

Thailand’s broadcasting system in PAL-B (VHK). There are a number of different formats thoughout the world. North American, for example, is NTSC-M/M (VHF / UHF) which is incompstible with Thailand’s. To recive Thai broadcasts and play Thai videotapes and videotaped from your home country, yoou will need a full multi-service television and VCR. Televisions in Thailand are now relatively inexpensive and multi-system versions are available. Multi-channel cable TV is widely available and the preferred option for most foreigners.

HIRING HOUSEHOLD HELP

Although not all families on foreign assignment have household help, it is a common expatriate experience. The best way to find help is usually through a friend, neighbor, or other expatriate who can attest to the individual’s reliability. In the best of all possible situations, a well-recommended person who has worked for an expatriate family leaving for home becomes available : Some trainning of experienced English-speaking help is usually necessary, if only in the particular likes, dislikes, and applicable rules.

Prospective candidates for household employment should be interviewed and their references checked. Be aware of the host country’s labour laws, especially pertaining to hours, working and living conditions, tax and social welfare payments, and provisions for dismissal. A try-out period, of such is permitted and can be arranged, may be advisable before making a long-term employment commitments.

SOCIAL LIFE

Acclimatization in Thailand

Bangkok can be a confusing place to navigate. Take your time, obtain a good guidebook and map, and take short walks to explore different areas.

Several organizations in Bangkok offer orientation and cross-cultural courses that will help you understand and appreciate Thai culture.

There are a variety of museums of museums in Bangkok and the other important historic cities presenting the culture, art, architecture, and artifacts of the country and its people.

Club and Organizations

Embassies and consulates have lists of various organizations and a good listing is found in the Bangkok Guide book.

There are many health and fitness clubs throughout the Bangkok area including the Bangkok Sports Club and British Club. Bangkok also offers a host of fine eating places with a multitude of pubs and night spots to choose from. There are also a large number of cineplex movie theatres, including the large IMAX screen, available.

Sport and Fitness

Thais enjoy sport of all kinds, although the tropical climate can affect desire and level of performance.

Soccer is the most popular national sport, but a special pleasure is taken in kite flying. Thai boxing, which employs all body parts in addition to gloved fists, is accompanied by traditional musical, is very popular.

Horseracing is held at two clubs in Bangkok.

With its extensive coasts, all water sports, including deep-sea fishing. Windsurfing, water skiing parasailing, scuba diving, yachting, and swimming are easily found. Trekking is extremely popular in the north of the country, and Thailand is a major destination for international trekkers.

Facilities and opportunities for bicycling , shooting, track and field, hiking, gymnastics, rugby, cricket, basketball, golf, and tennis are all widely available, both at private clubs and at public facilities.

There are many golf courses in Bangkok and the surrounding areas. Most are open to the public everyday. Caddies are available on all courses for a fee and it is customary to provide a tip. Play can be very slow, particularly on weekends when a round may take five or six hours. Information on courses appears in weekend newspapers. Some expatriate clubs have golf groups for their members.

Performing Arts

Major Western – style dramatic or musical events and series are somewhat limited in Bangkok. Foreign cultural centers sometimes offer theater performances or film screenings of interest. The “What’s On” sections of the Bangkok post and The Nation carry entertainment listings.

Historic Highlights

Thailand is filled with historic treasures: ruins, deserted cities, and an overwhelming number of temples (wats)

Obtain a detailed guidebook or some of the informative publications from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for specific information on the many historic sights and attractions in Thailand. The ‘Bangkok Guide’ updated every 2 years by the Australian-New Zealand Womens’ Group, & available at Asia books stores, as an invaluable point of reference.

SETTLING IN

In most locations, there is already an established expatriate community offering numerous opportunities for socializing and becoming involved in activities.

Most families are in similar circumstances and have similar interests. There are almost always clubs, especially well organized women’s group that often have orientation programs or welcome networks to assist new arrivals.

Where there are children, schools are a natural focus of social, as well as scholastic activities.

Church and sporting activities are other possibilities for easing the stress of transition. Embassies and consulates usually have information on expatriate clubs, and may occasionally host social get-togethers for resident nationals.

Volunteer organizations offer the opportunity of making new friends while giving back to the community.

Health and fitness clubs are a good way to meet other expatriates. If they aren’t readily available in your new community, major hotels usually have fitness facilities and may allow membership to residents.