- Capital
- Bangkok (BKK)
- Dialing Code
- + 66
- Time Zone
- UTC / GMT +7 hours
- Language
- Thai
- Best Time to Go
- November – February. Year-Round for the Southern islands.
- Currency
- Baht (THB)
Travel Tips
- English is widely spoken
- All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Bottled water is available, milk may be unpasteurised
- Check the local political situation before finalising travel plans and abide by any curfews imposed by the government. Avoid any political demonstrations. Travel to towns near to the Malaysian border should be avoided
Last updated 8 October 2026
Visa Guide
Travel Alerts
Please Note
From 15 September 2026, visa-free entry has decreased from 60 days to 30 days.
Foreign Representation in South Africa
Royal Thai Embassy, Pretoria
248 Pretorius/Hill Street Arcadia, Pretoria 0083
Telephone: 012 342 5470
Email: thaiembassy.pre@mfa.go.th
Visa Queries: visa.pre@mfa.go.th
Website: pretoria.thaiembassy.org
Hours: Monday - Friday, 09:00 - 12:00 & 13:00 - 17:00
Visa Hours:
Applications: Monday - Friday, 09:00 - 12:00
Collections: Monday - Friday, 14:00 - 16:00
Public Holidays
2026
January: 1 - 2
March: 3
April: 6, 13 - 15
May: 4, 31
June: 1, 3
July: 28 - 29
August: 12
October: 13, 23
December: 5, 7, 10, 31
Visa Requirements
South African passport holders can enter Thailand for 30 days visa-free for tourism purposes
- Namibian passport holders may apply for Visa on Arrival (VoA) at the immigration checkpoints for tourism purposes with the period of stay not exceeding 15 days
- Those who require visas should apply for an e-Visa on www.thaievisa.go.th
Entry Requirements
- Passport must be valid at least a minimum of 6 months
- You must have a return ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Complete the digital arrival card (TDAC) within 3 days prior to arrival tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/
Health / Vaccinations
Compulsory:
Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover)
Recommended Travel Vaccines:
Hepatitis A & B, Japanese Encephalitis (Not available in SA), Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio
Malaria Risk
South African Representative Abroad
South African Embassy
Floor 12 A, M-Thai Tower, All Seasons Place, 87 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Prathumwan, Bangkok, 10330
Telephone: +66 (0) 659 2900
E-mail: saembassy.bangkok@dirco.gov.za
Website: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/bangkok