From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Thailand
Date: 18 Nov 1992 12:44:56 -0600
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Thailand
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Thailand - Consular Information Sheet
 November 13, 1992

Embassy and Consulate Locations:  The U.S. Embassy is located at 95 
Wireless Road in Bangkok.  The mailing address is APO AP 96546.  The 
telephone number is (66-2) 252-5040.  The U.S. Consulate General in 
Chiang Mai is located at Vidhyanon road; the mailing address is Box 
C, APO AP 96546.  The telephone number is (66-53) 252-629.  The U.S. 
Consulate in Songkhla is located at 9 Sadao Road.  The mailing 
address is Box S, APO AP 96546.  The telephone number is 
(66-74)321-441.  The U.S. Consulate in Udorn is located at 35/6 
Supakitjanya Road.  The mailing address is Box UD, APO AP 96546.  
The telephone number is (66-42) 244-270.

Country Description:  Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. It is 
a popular travel destination and tourist facilities and services are 
available throughout the country.

Entry Requirements:  Passports and onward/return tickets are 
required.  Visas are not needed for stays of up to 15 days.  
However, without a visa, entry is permitted only when arriving at 
international airports in Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai.  For 
longer stays, or overland entry, travelers can obtain visas in 
advance from a Thai embassy or consulate.  For stays of up to 60 
days a tourist visa is required, the fee for which is $15.  For 
further information, travelers can contact the Embassy of Thailand, 
2300 Kalorama Rd. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel. (202) 234-5052 
or 483-7200.

Medical Facilities:  Medical treatment, especially in Bangkok, is 
good.  While the general level of health is good, hepatitis is 
endemic.  AIDS is increasing, especially among prostitutes and 
intravenous drug users.  Malaria is a problem in rural border areas 
but not in Bangkok or other major tourist destinations.  Doctors and 
hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.  
U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United 
States.  Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas 
coverage has proved useful.  The international travelers hotline at 
the Centers for Disease Control, tel. (404) 332-4559 has additional 
useful health information.

Information on Crime:  Major crime against travelers is uncommon.  
Petty crimes are common in areas where tourists gather.  Many 
tourists have been victimized by someone offering to serve as a 
guide, free of charge, to practice English.  The "guide" takes the 
tourist to a gemstones dealer who overcharges for poor quality 
stones.  Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting 
personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the 
Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad".  It is available 
from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing 
Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties:  Thailand strongly enforces its strict drug laws.  
Americans convicted of drug trafficking have received long 
sentences, often in excess of 20 years.

Other Information:  Heavy traffic is constant in Bangkok.  Motorist 
and pedestrian accidents are common. 

Registration:  Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. 
consulate can obtain updated information on travel and security 
within the country.

 No. 92-116