GoThailand Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

1、 Visa free entry

According to the bilateral agreement, individuals holding Chinese diplomatic and official passports are exempt from visa requirements within 30 days of entering Thailand.

On March 1, 2024, the agreement between China and Thailand on visa exemption for holders of ordinary passports officially came into effect. According to the agreement, holders of Chinese official ordinary passports and ordinary passports can enter the country visa free for a single stay of no more than 30 days (with a cumulative stay of no more than 90 days per 180 days). Activities that require prior approval, such as work, study, news reporting, and settlement, must obtain the corresponding visa before entering the country.

On July 15, 2024, the Thai government announced the extension of visa free entry for citizens from 93 countries and regions, including China (including Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan), to travel, conduct business activities, and perform emergency/temporary work in Thailand, with a maximum stay of 60 days per visit. (For emergency or temporary work types and application requirements, please refer to the website of the Thai Embassy in China www.thaiembeij. org/thaiembeij/cn/thai-service/visa)

2、 Visa Types

Thai visas are divided into seven categories: transit visas, tourist visas, business visas, non immigrant visas, diplomatic visas, official visas, and hospitality visas. Among them, non immigrant visas are divided into three types: ED, F, and O. On July 15, 2024, the Thai government announced the launch of a new visa type, the "Thai Destination Visa (DTV)," aimed at remote workers, digital nomads, freelancers, as well as participants in activities such as Muay Thai courses, Thai cooking courses, sports training, medical care, seminars, and music festivals. The spouse and children of DTV visa holders are also eligible to apply.

The specific requirements for applying for various types of visas can be found on the website of the Thai Embassy in China (www.thaiembeij. org/thaiembeij/cn/thai service/visa).

Special reminder: Thailand requires passports to be valid for at least 6 months, otherwise entry will be denied. Before going abroad, you should carefully check the validity period of your passport to avoid unnecessary losses.

3、 Landing Sign

The applicant's nationality must match that of the passport, and the passport must be valid for more than 30 days. The destination of the visit must be tourism, and the duration of stay in Thailand should not exceed 15 days. The cost of a single visa on arrival is 2000 baht. Inbound passengers must carry cash or equivalent foreign currency of at least 10000 baht per person and 20000 baht per household. Applicants must provide a valid return flight ticket within 15 days of entry, a valid Thai address, and a white background photo measuring 4 by 6 centimeters (taken within six months), and are not considered strictly prohibited from entering Thailand.

There are two ways to apply for a Thai visa on arrival:

Apply at the 51 ports of entry that allow visa on arrival applications;

Apply through the electronic visa channels at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Don Mueang International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, and Phuket International Airport in Bangkok.

4、 Visa extension

If entering without a visa or holding a non landing visa, and continuing to stay in Thailand after the visa expires, one must apply for an extension at various immigration offices in Thailand before the visa expires. Under normal circumstances, the extension can only be granted once and should not exceed 30 days. To apply for visa extension, a copy of passport, a 4x6cm ID photo, and an extension fee of 1900 baht are required. Generally, visa on arrival holders are not eligible for extension.

If there are special reasons, such as injury requiring treatment in Thailand or handling judicial cases in Thailand, the following materials can be prepared to apply for an extension:

（1） Injury and treatment

The materials that the injured need to prepare are as follows:

1. Doctor's certificate

2. A 4x6cm ID photo

3. Passport, passport copy

4. TM.7 Application Form

5. 1900 baht extension fee

The materials required for accompanying the injured are as follows:

1. Doctor's certificate

2. 1 2-inch blue background photo

3. Passport, passport copy

4. Proof of kinship relationship

5. TM.7 Application Form

6. 1900 baht extension fee

（2） Handling judicial cases

1. Formal investigation certificate

2. Passport, passport copy

3. TM.7 Application Form

4. 1900 baht extension fee

Note: Due to the handling of judicial cases in Thailand, visa extensions generally do not exceed 90 days.

Special reminder: Do not trust advertisements or individuals who assist in the extension process. If the extension stamp on your passport is forged, you will be arrested and sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.

5、 Visa expiration

If the visa expires, one must pay a penalty for overstaying and be deported back to their home country. The fine amount is 500 baht per day, with a maximum of 20000 baht. You can directly pay the fine at the airport immigration office. If you refuse to pay the fine, you will be sued by the immigration department and detained in the immigration detention center until the court makes a judgment.

Since March 20, 2016, the Thailand Immigration Administration has increased the punishment on foreigners who stay late. Overdue residents who surrender to the Immigration Bureau according to regulations and foreigners who have stayed in Thailand for more than 90 days shall not enter the country within one year after leaving the country; Those who have resided in Thailand for more than one year are prohibited from entering Thailand for three years; Individuals who have resided in Thailand for more than 3 years are prohibited from entering Thailand for 5 years; Those who have resided in Thailand for more than 5 years are not allowed to enter Thailand within 10 years. If a person is arrested by the immigration department for overstaying for less than 1 year, they will be prohibited from entering Thailand for 5 years. If they exceed 1 year, they will be prohibited from entering Thailand for 10 years.

Customs epidemic prevention and control

1、 Customs requirements

Passengers carrying the following items do not need to declare and can use the airport customs green channel (NOTING TO DECLARE) to clear customs: a reasonable amount of personal belongings with a total price not exceeding 20000 Thai baht (excluding restricted or prohibited items), 200 cigarettes (one cigarette) or 250 grams of tobacco (or snow cones), or a total of cigarettes, cigars, etc. not exceeding 250 grams; No more than 1 liter of sweet or strong liquor. Group travelers should purchase duty-free tobacco and alcohol separately and carry them separately. Do not put multiple people's tobacco and alcohol in one person's luggage, and do not hand them over to one person for safekeeping and carrying as soon as they leave customs. According to Thai law, such behavior is illegal and considered as carrying excessive tobacco and alcohol, and will be punished with confiscation, heavy fines, and even imprisonment.

If carrying the following items, one should truthfully declare them to the customs and clear them through the red channel (GOODS TO DECLARE): personal use items with an unreasonable quantity, carrying items with a total value exceeding 20000 Thai baht, or items used for commercial or trade purposes; Buddha statues, cultural relics, religious artworks, plants, live animals, pets, animal products, weapons, arms, etc. are items that require an export permit from the competent Thai authorities before leaving the country. Those who fail to declare items that require declaration will be fined four times the total value of the item and the taxes payable, or imprisoned for up to 10 years, or both, and the undeclared items will be confiscated.

Taking the most common cigarette and alcohol fines as an example, the usual practice of Thai customs is to add an ad valorem tax (40% for a pack of 100 baht or more) and a volumetric tax (approximately 1.2 baht per cigarette) based on the selling price of each brand of cigarettes per pack. Alcoholic beverages are priced based on the sales price of each type of alcohol, plus ad valorem and volumetric taxes (calculated based on alcohol content and container volume). Passengers will be fined at various tax rates based on the total amount of tobacco and alcohol they carry. If the fine is refused, the traffic police will file a case and the court will impose a fixed-term imprisonment.

It is strictly prohibited to bring the following items into and out of Thailand: anesthetics, drugs, pornography and books, counterfeit currency, counterfeit and pirated goods, and protected animals. According to Thai law, carrying or smuggling drugs is punishable by the death penalty. Do not carry items or luggage for others to prevent drugs or other prohibited items from violating the law.

For more information, please click to visit the Thai Customs website: www.cCustoms. go. th/or the Thai National Tax Agency website: https://www.excise.go.th/

2、 Inspection and Quarantine

Tourists who bring plants, live animals, pets, animal products, etc. into Thailand must apply to the Thai Ministry of Agriculture in advance. After approval, they must present their animal and plant inspection and quarantine certificates to the Thai customs to complete the customs clearance procedures. It is strictly prohibited to bring pork and pork products into Thailand.

3、 Financial regulation

Thai baht: Passengers carrying over 450000 Thai baht into the country or over 50000 Thai baht out of the country must declare to customs. Passengers traveling to Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Yunnan, China are not allowed to carry Thai baht exceeding 2 million Thai baht, and those exceeding 450000 Thai baht must declare to customs.

Foreign currency: Any foreign currency can be carried into or out of Thailand. If the total amount exceeds the equivalent of 15000 US dollars, it must be declared to the customs.

Special reminder: When entering or leaving the country, one should cooperate with customs and immigration officials for inspection and truthfully declare. When communicating, one should remain calm and rational, avoiding extreme words and actions to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Residency and Naturalization

Thailand does not recognize dual citizenship and has strict immigration policies, generally only issuing non immigrant visas to international students and foreign investors. Applicants can apply through the following methods:

1、 Relatives immigration

According to the Thai Immigration Law, Chinese citizens who meet one of the following conditions can apply for immigration to Thailand: their spouse or parents (including adoptive parents) are Thai citizens, unmarried children (including adoptive children) under the age of 20 are Thai citizens, brothers and sisters are Thai citizens, and other special circumstances stipulated by Thai immigration laws.

Those who meet the above conditions can entrust their relatives and friends living in Thailand to apply to the Thai Immigration Bureau; Alternatively, the applicant may submit an application to the Thai Embassy or Consulate in China with relevant documents. The required documents for the application include: a photocopy of the Thai family or friend's ID card, a certificate of income or property status from the Thai family or friend, a certificate of real estate such as a house, a letter confirming the relationship between the Thai family or friend and the applicant, relevant letters from the Thai family or friend, and the applicant's passport and photo. After receiving the application and relevant materials, the Thai Embassy and Consulates in China will report it to the Thai Immigration Bureau for review and recognition. After verification, officials from the Thai Embassy and Consulates in China will issue an immigration visa to the applicant, and the applicant can settle in Thailand with the immigration visa.

2、 Marriage Immigration

Foreigners who marry Thai nationals can apply for permanent residence. According to the Thai nationality law, children born in Thailand can obtain Thai nationality if one of their parents is Thai.

3、 Work Residence

Foreigners who apply for work in accordance with the Thai Investment Promotion Law and other laws must apply for a work permit within 30 days from the date of entry into Thailand, or within 30 days from the date when they know that they are allowed to work. Violators will be fined up to 1000 baht.

Foreigners who want to work in Thailand, regardless of whether they have the right of residence in Thailand, must apply for a work permit in advance. Otherwise, they will be sentenced to imprisonment for up to 3 months and fined up to 5000 baht.

Foreigners who violate the 1980 Act on Prohibiting Foreigners from Engaging in Occupations will be sentenced to up to five years' imprisonment and a fine of 2000 to 100000 baht.

The work permit must be carried or stored in the office for easy inspection. Violators will be fined up to 10000 baht.

If it is necessary to change the current job nature, address, or unit, approval must be obtained in advance, otherwise imprisonment of up to one month and a fine of 2000 baht will be imposed.

Foreigners who are allowed to extend their working period in accordance with the Investment Promotion Law and other laws must, within 30 days from the date of being informed of the approval, file a declaration with the Labor Service Office of the Employment Department of the Ministry of Labor in the region where they belong, and the violator will be fined up to 500 baht.

If you need to continue working after the expiration of your work permit, you must apply for an extension in advance. Otherwise, you will be sentenced to imprisonment for up to 3 months and fined up to 5000 baht.

If the work permit is damaged, an application for a new one must be submitted within 15 days from the date of discovery, otherwise a fine of up to 500 baht will be imposed.

If an alien changes his/her name, nationality, address or company, he/she must apply for change as soon as possible.

If you stop working, you must return your work permit within 7 days from the date of cessation, otherwise you will be fined up to 1000 baht.

There are currently three red (extremely high-risk) areas in Thailand, while the rest of the areas are blue (low-risk). Specifically, as follows:

Red areas: Southern Beidiannian, Yala, and Taogongfu areas. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminds Chinese citizens not to travel to the above-mentioned areas in Thailand in the near future. Personnel and institutions in the area should evacuate or transfer to safe areas as soon as possible. In case of emergency, please report to the police in a timely manner and contact the Chinese embassy or consulate in the local area.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and overseas embassies and consulates will continue to closely monitor changes in the overseas security situation, dynamically adjust relevant risk assessments, and release and update corresponding security reminders in real time on platforms such as the China Consular Service Network. Please continue to pay attention.

public security

The overall social security situation in Thailand is good, and the security situation is generally stable. However, the security situation in the provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Taogong along the Thai Malaysian border is severe. Since July 2005, they have been designated by the Thai government as areas implementing emergency laws, and explosions have occurred from time to time. Unless there is a special need, one should avoid going to the aforementioned three places.

Attached is a guide for safe and civilized tourism

（1） Water safety. Many tourist destinations in Thailand are located by the sea. During the monsoon season, the surrounding waters experience strong winds and high waves, and the sea conditions change rapidly. Safety accidents often occur in water related activities such as snorkeling and swimming. Phuket Island, Panya Bay, Pipi Island, and Rebe Island are located on the west coast and are affected by the Indian Ocean monsoon from May to October each year. Koh Samui and Tao Island are located on the east coast and are affected by the northeast monsoon from November to April each year, with strong winds and waves, making them unsuitable for swimming. Do not rely on your water instincts to show off, do not enter the water in strong winds or rapids, do not enter dangerous areas (such as beaches with warning signs such as red flags), and do not enter the water after drinking. It is necessary to wear a life jacket throughout the water wading project, and snorkelers should receive formal training. Master the usage of snorkeling equipment. Elderly, hypertensive, and heart disease patients should not snorkel. In addition, local hotel swimming pools generally do not have lifeguards, so it is best to go together.

（2） Traffic safety. Thai right-hand drive and left-hand drive. When crossing the road, you should first look to the right, then to the left, and be careful to avoid "motorcycles". Choose a taxi that is willing to take a taxi and record the license plate and driver's license information on the left front windshield of the car. Purchase tickets and insurance from a reputable long-distance bus company and do not take night buses. Those who rent and drive motorcycles or self drive in Thailand without holding a local or international driver's license are considered to be driving illegally without a license. Chinese driver's licenses cannot be exchanged for international driver's licenses in Thailand, and holding only Chinese driver's licenses or their English translations and notaries is not protected by law in Thailand. Not only will they be fined by the police, but they will also bear full responsibility in case of accidents. Passport is an important document for Chinese citizens to enter and exit the country and to prove their nationality and identity abroad, and must be properly kept. Do not mortgage your passport when renting a car to avoid disputes and affect subsequent travel. If you are not familiar with local traffic regulations and road conditions, the probability of traffic accidents is high, and it is difficult to protect your rights afterwards. In the event of a traffic accident, immediately report to the police (191); Personnel casualties, call for ambulance (166916911554).

（3） Property safety. Pay attention to the safekeeping of property, documents, etc. In Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Sumy and other places, incidents of car robbery, bank card theft, and theft of hotel luggage and property occur from time to time.

（4） Safe sailing. Please choose a legitimate travel company and shipping company, and before registering, you should check if there is travel accident insurance and the scope of claims; Understand the weather and sea conditions of the day. If the weather is bad, with strong winds and waves, the trip should be cancelled; When riding a speedboat, please understand and comply with relevant safety requirements, always wear a life jacket and sit firmly to prevent injury from bumps.

（5） Renting a boat is safe. Renting a motorboat to play by the seaside often leads to economic disputes. The performance and driving skills of motorboats are different from driving, and in addition, unexpected situations at sea cannot be controlled, resulting in casualties and accidents. Rental companies often claim high compensation from tourists on the grounds of boat scratches and damages. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly understand the lease agreement, especially the insurance claims terms, before renting a boat. Once a motorboat is scratched and heavily claimed, it is necessary to promptly report to the police (Tourist Police: 1155) for assistance. Do not mortgage your passport when renting a boat to prevent theft.

（6） Food safety. The weather in Thailand is hot, and people enjoy drinking ice water. There are many delicious seafood stalls on the roadside. Tourists should not indulge in cold and excessive food while dining. Prepare commonly used medications for treating diarrhea before traveling.

（7） Electronic cigarettes: According to Thai law, electronic cigarettes are prohibited items in Thailand. Carrying, using, importing, exporting, and selling electronic cigarettes in Thailand is illegal. Among them, carrying and using electronic cigarettes will be sentenced to a maximum of 5 years in prison or a fine not exceeding 500000 Thai baht (approximately 100000 RMB), or both; If there is any import, export, or sales behavior, the maximum sentence is 10 years or a fine not exceeding 1 million Thai baht (approximately 200000 RMB), or both.

（8） The following behaviors are prohibited on 24 beaches throughout Thailand:

Smoking or discarding cigarette butts outside designated areas;

2. Discard garbage outside the designated area, such as plastic and other objects that may cause certain damage to the environment;

3. Any behavior that may damage the coastal ecological environment.

Violators will be sentenced to one year imprisonment or a fine of 100000 Thai baht (approximately 20000 RMB), or both.

List of 24 beaches implementing the above regulations

Banchuen Beach, Dalat Province;

Laem Sadet Beach, Chumphon Province;

Saeng Chan Beach, Rayong Mansion;

Bangsaen Beach, Chumphon Province;

Tam Pang Beach, Chumphon Province;

Sai Kaew Beach, Chonburi Province;

Dongtan Beach, Chumphon Prefecture;

Cha am Beach, Phetchaburi Province;

Hua Hin Beach, Bashu Prefecture;

Khao Ta Kieb Beach, Bashu Province;

Sairee Beach, Chumphon Province;

Bor Pud Beach, Surat Thani Province;

Samran Beach, Dong Li Mansion;

Klong Dao Beach, Krabi Province;

Kor Kwang Beach, Krabi Province;

Phra ae Beach, Krabi Province;

Khao Lak Beach, Panya Province;

Khai Nok Beach, Panya Province;

Khai Nai Beach, Panya Province;

Patong Beach, Phuket Province;

Wasugree Beach, Beida Nianfu;

Chalatas Beach, Songkhla Province;

Plai Sai Beach, Nakhon Si Thammasat Province;

Chalok Baan Kao Beach, Surat Thani Province

natural disaster

The main natural disasters in Thailand include floods, rainstorm, landslides and debris flows, earthquakes, tsunamis, etc. During the rainy season, floods and waterlogging occur frequently along the banks of the Mekong River basin in central Thailand. Rainstorm often cause landslides and debris flows in mountainous areas in northern Thailand.

It is recommended that Chinese citizens pay timely attention to the disaster warning information posted on the website of the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, closely monitor the weather conditions, prepare in advance, and try to avoid traveling or going to disaster areas in adverse weather conditions.

FDA

Thailand has hot weather and different dietary and cooking habits from China, so attention should be paid to drinking water and food hygiene. Do not drink raw water, go to regular restaurants with good hygiene conditions to dine, and avoid consuming meat and vegetables that have not been fully processed or cooked to prevent food poisoning.

Urgent Help

Medical: 1669/1691/1554.

Fire alarm: 199.

Police officer: 191.

Tourist police emergency hotline: 1155 (including Chinese hotline).

air traffic

Thailand has a total of 68 airports, including 15 international airports. Bangkok is an important air transportation hub in Southeast Asia, with 60 countries and regions having fixed air routes in Thailand. There are 139 international routes connecting 181 cities worldwide, and domestic routes covering 23 large and medium-sized cities across the country. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport is the largest and most important aviation hub in Thailand, and Bangkok Don Mueang Airport also has a large number of flights to China. Please confirm airport information before heading to the airport. As of 2025, Bangkok has opened regular international routes with 59 domestic cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Tianjin, Wuhan, Nanjing, Kunming, Fuzhou, Nanning, Guilin, Zhengzhou, Hangzhou, Changsha, Chongqing, Chengdu, Xi'an, Taiyuan, Xiamen, Shenzhen, Shantou, Qingdao, Jinan, Haikou, Hong Kong, Macao, Taipei, Kaohsiung, etc. Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, Xiangpeng, Chunqiu, Shenzhen Airlines, Jiuyuan, Jixiang, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Lion Air, Vietnam Jet and other airlines operating round-trip routes between the two countries. Domestic routes basically cover most of the northern, central, northeastern, and southern regions of Thailand. Suvarnabhumi International Airport is connected to the city center via airport light rail, and passengers can also take airport shuttle buses and taxis to travel back and forth. Suvarnabhumi International Airport consultation hotline: 02-1321888 (Chinese), 021321880/021321890 (Lost and Found). Consultation hotline for Don Mueang Airport: 025351192 (Chinese), 025351100 (Lost and Found).

Chiang Mai International Airport is the largest and most important aviation hub in northern Thailand, with multiple international and domestic routes. Chiang Mai Airport has opened international flights to and from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Kunming, Xishuangbanna, Hong Kong, Taipei, Kaohsiung, Seoul, Japan, Osaka, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Myanmar, Luang Prabang, Laos, Manila, Philippines, Hanoi, Vietnam, as well as domestic flights to and from Bangkok, Phuket, Songkhla, Khon Kaen and other provinces in China. Chiang Mai Airport is located close to the ancient city and provides taxi services to and from the city. Passengers can also choose to take double decker buses or tuk tuk buses to the ancient city. There are very few taxis in Chiang Mai, and you can choose from double decker taxis, tuk tuk taxis, or ride hailing services. Fixed flights to and from Bangkok have been opened at Chiang Rai, Punggol, Nambok, and Mae Sot airports. Chiang Mai International Airport consultation hotline: 053-922000 (transfer to 23070 for lost and found).

Southern Thailand is a famous seaside tourist destination with 11 airports, including Phuket, Hat Yai, Sumy, and Krabi with international flights. Phuket International Airport is located 36 kilometers from Phuket city center and is the busiest international airport in southern Thailand, offering flights to multiple cities in Europe, America, Asia, and Oceania. Phuket has direct flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Guiyang, Kunming, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Hong Kong and other places in China. Passengers can also transfer from Bangkok to Phuket. Phuket Airport can be accessed by airport bus or taxi from the city center, and hotels generally provide shuttle services. Hat Yai is the economic center of southern Thailand, with flights to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Malaysia, and Singapore. Passengers can take taxis to travel between the airport and the city center. There are currently regular and charter flights from Koh Samui Airport to cities such as Guangzhou, Kunming, and Hong Kong. Consultation hotline for Hat Yai International Airport: 074-227000, 074-227001, 074-227002. The consultation hotline for Koh Samui International Airport is 077-428500. Phuket International Airport domestic flight consultation hotline: 076-351111, 076-351122, 076-351666; International flight consultation hotline: 076-351801.

The northeastern region of Thailand is adjacent to Laos and Cambodia, with 9 airports, including Khon Kaen, Ulong, and Ubon as the main airports. There are multiple direct flights to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket every day. Kongjing Airport consultation hotline: 043468170, Wulong Prefecture Airport consultation hotline: 042244426, Ubon Prefecture Airport consultation hotline: 045245612.

land transport

The existing railways in Thailand are all narrow gauge, with a total length of 4451 kilometers, and 47 provinces in the country are connected by trains. Bangkok is a railway transportation hub in Thailand, connected to other regions of the country through the North Line, East Line, Northeast Line, and South Line, covering most of Thailand's open areas. Thai trains are usually divided into three classes: air-conditioned sleeper, non air conditioned sleeper, and seat carriages, with slower operating speeds. Passengers are required to purchase tickets at least 5 days in advance at each train station and train ticket agency. Bangkok and Chiang Mai are connected by railway and can be traveled back and forth by train. Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammasat, Dong ri, Botalam, Songkhla, Yala and Taogong provinces in southern Thailand are all connected to Bangkok by railway. There are six railway lines in the northeastern region of Thailand, namely Bangkok to Langkai, Bangkok to Ubon, Bangkok to Khon Kaen, Bangkok to Surin, Bangkok to Seremban, and Bangkok to Buriram.

The consultation and booking hotline for the Thai Railway Bureau is 1690.

The total length of roads in Thailand is 160000 kilometers, with roads connecting all provinces and counties in all directions. The Kunming Bangkok Highway (R3A, R3B), which starts in Kunming, China and ends in Bangkok, Thailand, has been completed and opened to traffic, with a total length of over 1800 kilometers. It is an important international passage connecting China and Southeast Asian countries, and can be reached by car from Kunming to Bangkok. In recent years, some self driving enthusiasts have used the R3A, R3B Kunming Bangkok Highway to travel to northern Thailand. The road transportation in Thailand is relatively complete, and most areas can be reached by intercity buses from Bangkok. However, some sections are bumpy and there are currently no fully enclosed intercity highways.

Thailand Land Transport Department switchboard: 022718888; Call Center: 1584.

water communication

The Mekong River and the Mekong River are the two major waterway transportation arteries in Thailand; There are a total of 47 ports in the country, including 26 bay ports and 21 international ports. Bangkok is the most important port, responsible for handling 95% of the country's exports and almost all imported goods. Important ports include Lianchabang Port, Songkhla Deepwater Port, and Phuket Deepwater Port. Songkhla Port is mainly used for freight transportation, while Phuket Port is used for both passenger and cargo transportation. The import and export of goods in Tainan still heavily rely on Penang Port in Malaysia, with shipping routes reaching China, Japan, the United States, Europe, and Singapore. The waterway transportation line in northern Thailand runs down the Mekong River from Jinghong Port in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, passing through the waters of Myanmar and Laos, and has fixed cargo ships traveling to and from Qingsheng Port in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. Chinese tourists can travel by boat from Jinghong in Xishuangbanna along the Mekong River to Chiang Rai, Thailand, in irregular groups organized by some travel agencies in Yunnan Province, China.

Contact number of the Thai Maritime Authority: 022331311-8; Fax: 022367248; Email: marine@md.go.th .

Urban transportation

The transportation within Bangkok includes public buses, urban light rail and subway, taxis, double decker buses, tuk tuk tuk, and motorcycles. Public bus services are good but crowded, so it is recommended to avoid peak hours in the morning and evening. There is a Thai written route map inside the car, but there are no road signs at each stop. There are a total of 4 light rail lines and 1 subway line in the city, marked with English Thai route maps, and tickets can be purchased at free ticket machines. There are many taxis in Bangkok, and the vast majority of them have air conditioning and can be metered. As a supplement to public buses, the double decker bus operates in streets and alleys without public buses, with unpredictable routes and stops at any time. Motorcycles can also be taken in the alleys, and the price is negotiable. Dudu is one of the unique features of Bangkok, which is a modified three wheeled motorcycle with a canopy that can be negotiated face-to-face. In addition, Bangkok also has barges crossing the Chao Phraya River and up and down the river, which are cheap and can be purchased at various ports.

It is recommended to take a taxi for travel and ask the driver to dial a meter to collect the fare and remember the license plate number. When taking bargaining type transportation, explain the destination to the car owner in advance and negotiate the price to avoid unnecessary trouble. When riding a motorcycle, you should wear a helmet. When riding an open vehicle, please take care of your belongings and do not extend your arms or other body parts outside the vehicle. Pay attention to travel safety.

Taxi services: 1681, 1661.

major city

Thailand has a developed tourism industry, first-class hotel services, and complete accommodation facilities. There are over 500 hotels and inns in Bangkok, with countless small and medium-sized ones available at a wide variety of prices to meet the needs of different levels. Bangkok is home to many famous hotel chains from around the world, such as Hilton, Holiday, Sheraton, Hyatt, Novotel, and more. There are also local Thai brand hotels, such as Anantara, Royal Park, Siam Inter, Imperial, and so on. Chiang Mai in northern Thailand and Phuket, Pangga, Krabi and other tourist attractions in southern Thailand also gather world-renowned chain hotels, providing differentiated and diversified accommodation services. It is recommended to book a hotel before traveling to Thailand and take good care of your personal belongings. Don't blindly seek cheap prices, try to choose hotels with good reputation and reliable safety conditions to stay in.

1、 Bangkok City

As the capital of Thailand, located in the lower reaches of the Chao Phraya River, about 15 kilometers from the estuary, with a population of approximately 5.45 million, it is the largest city in Thailand. Bangkok has a history of over 200 years. In 1782, King Chao Phraya Chakri of the Bangkok Dynasty established the capital city of Bangkok as "Kyoto Prefecture". In 1971, the Thai government merged Thonburi Province, separated by a river, with Kyoto Province, still known as Kyoto Province or Bangkok City. Currently, Bangkok is still under the jurisdiction of a prefecture, with 50 districts under its administration. Bangkok is the political, economic, cultural, and transportation center of the country. Except for the royal palace, central government, and various parliamentary institutions all located in Bangkok, the vast majority of industries, businesses, banks, and higher education institutions in the country are also concentrated in Bangkok. Bangkok is not only a national hub for railways, highways, and aviation, but also one of the largest airports in Southeast Asia. The tertiary industry in Bangkok is relatively developed, with numerous shops throughout the city and a balanced distribution of service industries. There are also several world-class hotels, and the tourism industry is highly developed. There are many Chinese residents in Bangkok, and streets such as Yaohua Li Road, Sanpin Street, and Shilongjun Road in the city center have a high concentration of Chinese residents, earning them the nickname "Bangkok Chinatown".

2、 Chiang Mai Province and Chiang Mai City

Located in northern Thailand, about 696 kilometers from Bangkok, with an altitude of 310 meters, an area of 20107 square kilometers, and a population of approximately 1.779 million. Chiang Mai Prefecture has 25 counties, 204 towns, and 2066 villages under its jurisdiction. Chiang Mai borders Myanmar to the north and faces Laos across Chiang Rai province to the northeast. Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand and the political, economic, and cultural center of northern Thailand.

Chiang Mai is a historic city, founded in 1296 AD, and the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, nurturing a rich and diverse culture. The northwest of Chiang Mai is a mountainous area inhabited by ethnic minorities such as Akka, Miao, Yao, Dong, and Karen. The main industries in Chiang Mai Province include agricultural product processing, animal husbandry, catering, wood processing, building materials, and textiles, producing rice, soybeans, garlic, scallions, longan, and lychee. Chiang Mai is located in the subtropical zone, with a pleasant climate and beautiful scenery. There are many tourist attractions, mainly including Puping Palace, Suthep Mountain Shuanglong Temple, Orchid Garden, Mesa Elephant Park, Intanon National Park, and Napasa Night Market. Chiang Mai also holds folk activities with strong ethnic characteristics such as Songkran Festival, Lantern Festival, and Flower Festival every year. Chiang Mai has convenient transportation and communication facilities, as well as numerous hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets. The warm and hospitable people have attracted a large number of tourists to come for sightseeing and shopping.

3、 Pattaya City

Located 147 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. After decades of development, Pataya has become a tourist destination with modern luxury hotels and resorts, enjoying the reputation of "Oriental Hawaii". Pataya's nights are even more colorful, with unique bars and cafes scattered along the seaside avenue, and various entertainment venues crowded with visitors. The whole city is like a shining night pearl.

4、 Hua Hin City

Famous seaside tourist city. Located in the southern part of Thailand, in the province of Bashu, about 230 kilometers away from Bangkok city. The terrain is high in the west and low in the east, bordering the Gulf of Thailand. Covering an area of 86.4 square kilometers, it has jurisdiction over Huaxin County and Nuangge County. The permanent population is about 65000 people. Except for residential and commercial areas with high population density, most of them are farmland, mountainous areas, and military land. Huaxin was originally a small fishing village, famous for its blue sea and white sand, as well as its peaceful and leisurely atmosphere. After the seventh king of the Bangkok dynasty ascended to the throne in 1925, a palace was first established here, which has been renovated and expanded several times and continues to be used today. King Bhumibol Adulyadej named it "Wuyou Palace" and lives here every summer to escape the heat. Huaxin focuses on developing the tourism industry and attracts numerous domestic and foreign tourists every year. It has been designated as a key environmental protection area by the Thai government. There is a Chopstick Mountain located 7.6 kilometers south of the city, with a temple and standing Buddha on the mountain, offering a panoramic view of Hua Hin Beach. In addition, there are tourist and leisure destinations such as Lion Island and golf courses.

5、 Phuket Province

Located in southern Thailand, it is a beautiful and prosperous island province surrounded by the Andaman Sea, and is also one of Thailand's important tourist destinations, known as the "Pearl of the Andaman Sea". The province is composed of over 30 islands of various sizes, with an area of 543.3 square kilometers, which is similar in size to Singapore. Phuket is 876 kilometers away from Bangkok on land and is a historic international commercial port. The Sarawak Bridge between Phuket and Pangga connects the island with land transportation. Phuket Island has an international airport, which not only provides flights to Bangkok and various parts of the country, but also offers international routes to Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, and other destinations. Phuket is the largest island in Thailand. The coastline is long, the fishing industry is developed, and seafood is not only supplied to our province, but also sold to other provinces and abroad. Rich in tin and tungsten mines, it has the largest tin smelting plant in Thailand. In addition, there are industrial projects such as fumigation film factory, fish meal processing factory, canning factory, etc. The main crops are rubber, coconut, rice, pineapple, rambutan, durian, mango, etc.

6、 Hat Yai City

Hat Yai is located in Songkhla Province, southern Thailand, with an area of 21 square kilometers and a population of 1583.92 million. It is an important industrial and commercial city in southern Thailand. Hat Yai is also one of the main distribution centers for Thai rubber, where the Thai rubber market and research institute are located. The education industry in the city is also very developed. Prince Songkhla University has a teaching area here, and local Chinese associations also have Chinese schools such as Guoguang, Taohua, and Shuqiang. Hat Yai International Airport has regular flights to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Malaysia, Singapore and other places, where railways and highways from Bangkok and Malaysia converge.

7、 Khon Kaen Prefecture and Khon Kaen City

Kongjing Prefecture and Kongjing City: Kongjing Prefecture is located in the central area of northeastern Thailand. The province is 445 kilometers away from Bangkok and covers an area of 10885 square kilometers. Most of the terrain is plain and hilly, with an average elevation of about 100-200 meters. The population is approximately 1.7747 million, making it the fourth largest population prefecture in Thailand. It has jurisdiction over 26 counties, 199 townships, and 2139 villages. Kong Jing's handicrafts and agricultural products such as Taisi have long been renowned. Kongjing Prefecture has convenient transportation, with a total of 10 national highways passing through the prefecture, including lines 20, 938, 210, 226, 282, 208, 209, 228, 229, and 230; Multiple railway passenger trains depart from Bangkok to Khon Kaen Province every day; There is one airport with multiple weekly flights to and from Kongjing Bangkok, Phuket, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai, Utapao Airport, and other destinations.

Kongjing City is an important central city in northeastern Thailand, as well as a regional center for politics, commerce, education, healthcare, finance, and transportation. The environment here is beautiful, with numerous temples, rich Northeastern regional customs and cuisine, and beautiful rural scenery full of unique charm. The Nakong Temple and the Nine story Pagoda in Kongjing City are iconic attractions of the city; Kongjing City has participated in multiple China ASEAN Expo events and has been selected as the "Charming City" of the Expo.

8、 Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Dacheng Prefecture is located in central Thailand, with 16 counties under its jurisdiction, an area of 2556.6 square kilometers, and a population of approximately 800000. Dachengfu is an ancient capital with a long history, commonly referred to as "Dachengfu" by Chinese people. The Dacheng era rose from 1350 to its fall in 1767, spanning 417 years, with a total of 33 monarchs. In 1350, King Wutong established his capital here, declared independence from the Sukhothai Kingdom, and founded the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Soon after, he annexed the Sukhothai Kingdom and was granted the title of King of Siam by the Ming Dynasty of China. In 1767, the Burmese army captured Dacheng and the Ayutthaya Kingdom was destroyed. Later, Zheng Xin led his troops to expel the Burmese army and restore the country, relocating the capital south to Thonburi. The former Wangcheng Site is now the Ayutthaya Historical Park and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the capital of the Great City era, the culture, art, and international trade of this prefecture were highly developed. But it was completely destroyed by arson by invading Burmese soldiers, leaving only partial palace ruins, precious Buddha statues, and exquisite carvings for people to pay their respects.

9、 Nakhon Ratchasima Province and Nakhon Ratchasima City

Nakhon Ratchasima Province is located in the western part of the Nakhon Ratchasima Plateau, with an area of approximately 20453.96 square kilometers, including 14175.47 square kilometers of agricultural planting area and 3087.19 square kilometers of forest. It is the largest province in Thailand with a population of about 2.65 million, ranking second in the country after Bangkok. Nakhon Ratchasima has a long history and numerous cultural relics of the Mon and Khmer ethnic groups. Among them, the Potala Pagoda is the most famous, built between 968 and 1001 AD, and is known as the "Angkor Wat of Thailand".

The capital city of Nakhon Ratchasima is about 259 kilometers away from Bangkok and serves as the gateway from Bangkok to northeastern Thailand. Since ancient times, Nakhon Ratchasima has been an important transportation hub and economic center in northeastern Thailand, and is still one of the largest cities in Thailand with prosperous commerce. There are multiple highways available from Nakhon Ratchasima to Bangkok, including National Highways 1, 2, 304, and 305. There are multiple railway trains running between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima every day. The Tao Surat Nara Women's Heroes Monument is a landmark attraction in Nakhon Ratchasima City.

Commodity prices

Thailand is the world's largest producer of rubber and exporter of rice, with a wide variety of tropical fruits and ethnic handicrafts that are loved by tourists. The price level of tourist attractions such as Bangkok, Phuket, and Sumy is basically the same as that of Beijing, while the price level in other areas is relatively low.

Financial services in Thailand are relatively developed, with Bank of China having a branch in Bangkok and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China having a subsidiary in Thailand. Most hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, etc. can use Visa, Mastercard, American Express credit cards. In Thailand, all merchants with the UnionPay logo can accept UnionPay cards. Some merchants may not have the "UnionPay" logo, but they can still use UnionPay cards. It is recommended to show the UnionPay card to the cashier before using it to inquire if it can be used. At present, ATM machines throughout Thailand can basically accept UnionPay card withdrawals (marked with the "UnionPay" logo). The settlement exchange rate for UnionPay cards is based on the foreign exchange selling rate listed by domestic banks on the day of consumption or withdrawal, which is used to convert cardholders into RMB for settlement. In addition, many merchants in Thailand, such as 7-11 and Family Store, also accept Alipay and WeChat payment.

Thai taxes are mainly divided into two categories: direct taxes and indirect taxes. Direct taxes include personal income tax, corporate income tax, and petroleum income tax. Indirect taxes include value-added tax, special industry tax, customs duty, consumption tax, stamp duty, and property tax.

The collection of taxes is carried out by the Ministry of Finance through the Customs Department responsible for import and export tariffs, the Revenue Department responsible for collecting income tax, value-added tax, special industry tax, and stamp duty, and the Consumption Department responsible for collecting specific commodity consumption tax. Local governments are responsible for collecting property taxes and local taxes. The main tax categories include:

1、 Corporate income tax. Companies with legal personality in Thailand are required to pay taxes proportionally. Funds, federations, associations, etc. shall contribute 2-10% of their net income. The tax for international transportation companies and the aviation industry is 3% of net income. Unregistered foreign companies or companies not registered in Thailand are only required to pay taxes based on their income in Thailand. Normal business expenses and depreciation subsidies are deducted from net profit at a rate ranging from 5% to 100%. Interest payments on foreign loans are not subject to corporate income tax.

2、 Value added tax and special industry tax. The value-added tax system has been implemented since January 1, 1992, with a value-added tax rate of 7% for each stage of product production and processing. Manufacturers, service industries, wholesalers, retailers, and import and export companies are required to pay this tax. Value added tax must be paid on a monthly basis.

3、 Income remittance tax. When a subsidiary in Thailand remits profits back to its overseas headquarters, an additional income tax is levied at a rate of 10% of the remittance amount, which must be paid in full by the remitting company within 7 days after the remittance. However, there is no need to pay taxes on the purchase of goods, business expenses, loan principal, and return of investment capital. In addition, Thai cooperative companies do not need to pay an additional 10% tax when remitting dividends or paying interest.

4、 Personal income tax. Thai residents or non residents who obtain legal income or assets in Thailand are required to pay personal income tax. According to international conventions and bilateral agreements, United Nations officials, diplomats, and some visiting experts are exempt from personal income tax.

5、 Oil revenue tax. According to the Oil Revenue Tax Law, companies engaged in oil industry operations with government authorization, as well as companies that purchase oil from these companies for export, are required to pay oil revenue tax to the government. The net income of oil companies includes production revenue, sales revenue of oil or automobiles, etc.

6、 Stamp duty. The stamp duty rate is determined by the nature of the transaction, and for unprinted documents, the total amount of the original tax payable and six times the amount of the original tax shall be levied.

7、 Consumption tax. Levying in the sale of certain categories of goods, including petroleum products, tobacco, alcohol, beverages, cement, electrical appliances, and automobiles.

8、 Property tax. Owners of land or buildings in designated areas are required to pay taxes to the local government annually. According to the 1965 Local Development Tax Law, the tax rate per unit is determined based on the value of the land. But for personal residence, except for animal breeding and land cultivation. The 1932 Housing and Land Tax Law stipulates that based on other conditions of land and buildings, the annual tax rate is assumed to be 12.5% of the rental amount, excluding the self use portion.

The following situations are also exempt from paying value-added tax:

The operator's annual sales revenue is less than 600000 baht;

Selling or importing agricultural products, livestock, and agricultural raw materials such as fertilizers, seeds, and chemical drugs;

Selling or importing published materials and books;

Audit, legal services, health services, and other professional services;

Cultural and religious services;

For more information, please visit the official websites of the Thai Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Finance, and Taxation Bureau.

Special Reminder:

The Tourism Authority of Thailand reminds foreign tourists that the Thai government has not opened any retail stores selling gemstones and jewelry. However, it is safe to purchase valuable items as souvenirs at a certified and authenticated store at a reasonable and affordable price. Do not take risks to purchase valuable items and sell them in the market for profit.

Do not trust roadside guides, taxi drivers, Tuk Tuk drivers, or anyone attempting to buy jewelry that is said to be 2-3 times cheaper.

Don't believe the shop assistants who say they are government run stores.

Don't believe the salesperson who says they are celebrating a holiday and holding a special sale.

Do not use mailing to avoid taxes or customs clearance procedures.

Do not purchase jewelry from stores that guarantee returns or can be returned or exchanged through overseas agents.

Do not purchase gemstones from jewelry stores that cannot provide information on the source and quality of the gemstones.

If you encounter issues with returning items or jewelry at a jewelry store, please contact the Consumer Protection Bureau (OCPB) at 1166.

If you encounter price fraud and request a complaint, please contact the Foreign Tourist Assistance Center (TAC), established by the Tourism Fraud Prevention Assistance Department of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand. The headquarters phone number is 02-356-0650 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, in Thai, English, and Chinese). Suvarnabhumi International Airport TAC phone: 02-134-4077, Don Mueang International Airport TAC phone: 02-535-3431/02-535-3433/083-131-2267, Chumphon TAC phone: 03-827-4284, Beibei TAC phone: 03-452-0335, Chiang Mai TAC phone: 053-281438089-3010400, Songkhla TAC office phone: 074-311573, Surat Thani TAC office phone: 077-283612, 081-597-9399, Surat Thani Railway Station TAC phone: 077-310870, 099-2222 9829, TAC phone numbers: 077-456979, 098-9191669, TAC phone numbers: 077-953105, 091-3924446, TAC phone numbers: 077-283612, 081-8650700, TAC phone numbers: 076-327100 for Phuket Airport, TAC phone numbers: 081-537-1328/062-880-8112 for Phuket Chalong Pier and Patong Police Station, TAC phone numbers: 075-663246, transfer to 101 or 102 for Krabi TAC office, Phang Nga TAC phone: 076-450-913, Nakhon Ratchasima TAC phone: 044-213666 (098-4980899), Ubon TAC phone: 045-252713, Ulong TAC phone: 042-244130 (093-0689456)

Insurance Medical

Common diseases in Thailand include malaria, dengue fever, pneumonia, hepatitis, etc. The medical conditions in Bangkok, Thailand are relatively good, divided into two types: public and private hospitals. Generally speaking, private hospitals have a higher level of medical services and mostly provide Chinese translation services. But the treatment cost is also relatively high, it is best to purchase insurance and have it paid by the insurance company. There are many retail pharmacies, and the medicines are also relatively complete. It is strongly recommended to purchase suitable personal accident and medical insurance before the start of the trip, just in case, and inform family members of the insurance purchase information. The main hospital information is as follows:

Customs taboos

Thailand is a Buddhist country, with over 90% of the population practicing Buddhism. Buddha statues are revered as sacred objects in Thailand, and disrespectful behavior towards them is strictly prohibited. Climbing Buddha statues for photography is also strictly prohibited. When visiting temples and palaces, one should dress neatly and appropriately, and should not wear sleeveless vests, short skirts, shorts, or other inappropriate clothing. When entering the main hall, one should take off their shoes according to the requirements before entering. During the visit, one should maintain solemnity and not chase, play or frolic. Women are not allowed to have direct contact with monks. If they need to hand over items to monks, they must hand them over to a man for assistance, or the monk can lay the robe in front of them and place the items on top of it.

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. The king and members of the royal family enjoy a high status in Thailand and are loved by the Thai people. Tourists should show respect to the king and members of the royal family. It is not allowed to discuss topics related to the royal family in public or make statements that damage the reputation of the royal family, otherwise one may be punished.

Thailand is a country of etiquette and is known as the 'Land of Smiles'. When Thai people meet, they usually put their hands together in front of their chest to greet each other. You can no longer shake hands after joining hands. Ordinary people cannot shake hands with monks. The head is considered as the most sacred part by Thai people, and it is forbidden to be touched by others. Do not pass or pick up items with your left hand. When sitting, avoid crossing your legs. When talking, avoid using your fingers on the other person. When shopping or negotiating prices, avoid using your feet to point at the goods.

Thai people are gentle, warm and polite. Rice is the staple food of Thai people, and they like spicy food. Pepper is an essential condiment on the table. Ice is added to general drinks. Thai people pay more attention to their clothes, and they always iron them before wearing them. For formal occasions and solemn ceremonies, men usually wear suits, while women tend to wear skirts and generally do not wear long pants.

There are many festivals in Thailand, mainly including: July 28th every year, the King's birthday; December 5th every year is Thailand's National Day, also known as Father's Day and the birthday of King IX of Thailand; Thai New Year (April 13-15 in the Gregorian calendar), also known as Songkran Festival or Songkran Festival; March 15th in the Thai calendar (usually in February in the Gregorian calendar) is the Wanfo Festival; On June 15th in the Thai calendar, Buddha's Birthday, also known as Bathing Buddha Festival, is the anniversary of the birth of Buddha Shakyamuni; On the first day of the second string of the eighth lunar month in the Thai calendar (usually in July in the Gregorian calendar), the Summer Festival is celebrated, which is an important Buddhist holiday; In mid to late November of the Gregorian calendar (the day of the full moon in December of the Thai calendar), the Water Lantern Festival is the most lively and poetic traditional festival among Thai people.