Money & Banks
Exchanging money in Thailand (currency Thai Baht)
The exchange offices at the Thai airports have usually a less favourable exchange rate than banks in the city.
Among the banks we can recommend are the Kasikorn Bank and Siam Commercial Bank.
The opening hours of the Thai banks are Monday to Friday 08:30 to 15:30. In large shopping centers in the metropolitan areas, there are branches of large banks – the opening hours of these banks are 11:00 to 19:00 daily.
It is also possible to withdraw money at many ATMs in Thailand using credit or debit card, however each time a fee will be charged at a flat rate of between 200 and 500 Thai Baht (approx. 5 – 12 Euros).
When traveling to the smaller islands or in remote areas, it is better to carry some cash, because not all resorts accept credit card payments.
General opening times in Thailand
In Thailand, there is no law regulating the opening hours.
Shops and department stores in the cities are usually open every day. Department stores and shopping centres open from 11:00 to 22:00, while smaller shops keep flexible opening hours.
In the countryside and in tourist areas most stores open depending on customer’s demand. Everywhere you can now find mini marts or supermarkets such as 7-11; Tesco Express; Family Mart and others – these are open 24 hours and here you can buy phone sim cards, pay electricity, water and other bills.
The office hours in the cities are usually from Mondays to Fridays 0800 – 1700 hrs and possibly Saturdays half a day.
Post offices have their opening hours from Mondays to Fridays 08:30 – 17:00 and Saturdays 08:30 to 13:00 hrs.
Immigration Office has its opening hours Monday to Friday from 08:30 – 17:00 hrs.
Hospitals & Clinics
The emergency departments of hospitals are open 24 hours.
For a normal medical consultation you should make an appointment in advance.
Restaurants
The opening hours of restaurants throughout Thailand are determined by the restaurant operator. Some restaurants close for one day in a week, but there is no standard.
Emergency numbers & important addresses
Tourist Police Division
999 Nong Prue Bangplee
Samut Prakan 10540
Tel: +66 (0)2-134-0521
http://www.touristpolice.go.th
Suvarnabhumi Airport (Lost & Found)
Baggage tracking counter on the 4th floor of the arrivals hall,
between gate 5 and 6
Immigration Authority – Main Office
The Government Complex
Building B, 2 Floor, Counter D,
120 Moo 3, Chaengwattana Road
Thungsonghong Sub-District, Bangkok 10210
Tel 02-2873101 bis 9
Fax 02-287310110
http://bangkok.immigration.go.th/intro1.html
Airlines
Thai Airways
http://www.thaiairways.com/en_TH/index.page
Bangkok Airways
https://www.bangkokair.com/eng
Air Asia
http://www.airasia.com/th/en/home.page?cid=1
Nok Air
http://www.nokair.com/nokconnext/aspx/Index.aspx