Thailand
About
| Thailand hosts millions of visitors every year, drawn to its fantastic beaches and aquamarine seas, as well as its rich culture, glitzy shopping malls, chic boutiques and colourful markets crammed with bargains. Bangkok is usually the first stop on a visit to Thailand, where you will encounter incredible traffic volumes, hordes of people, loads of hotels and plenty of shopping centres. Located over 700 km northwest is Chiang Mai, also a dynamic and modern city, but retaining a cultural atmosphere with temples in abundance and much in the way of handicraft shopping. Chiang Rai is pretty much Chiang Mai on a smaller scale with a more relaxed ambiance, where smokey hills and huts catch the eye. Thailand's most popular island is Phuket, a world famous dream destination with miles of sandy beaches and resorts and some of the best golf courses you'll find anywhere. Other much-visited islands include Ko-Pha-Ngan, Ko Samui and Ko Phi Phi Don. |
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| Official Name: | Kingdom of Thailand |
| Native Name: | Muang T'hai |
| Capital: | Bangkok (BKK) |
| Currency: | Baht (THB) |
| Language: | Thai. English is widely spoken. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 66 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT +7 hours (5 hours ahead of South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Left |
| Best Time to Go: | November – February (cool season) or year-around for the Southern islands. |
| Best For: | Spectacular coastline, Island relaxation, Diving |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Flat and round two-pin plugs are used. |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Bottled water is available. Milk may be unpasteurised. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. |
| Customs: | Public displays of affection should be avoided. Dress is informal. Swimwear should be reserved for the beach and topless sunbathing is frowned upon. Public displays of anger and drawing attention to the mistakes of others is considered extremely impolite. Shoes should be removed before entering homes or temples. |
| Local Offences / Laws: |
There are severe penalties for the possession and trafficking of drugs, and drug traffickers risk the death penalty. The use of e-cigarettes & related products is illegal. Any devices and liquids brought into the country (whether for personal use or commerce) could be confiscated, and you could be subject to a jail sentence of up to 10 years. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: |
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. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching is frequent in the main towns. Avoid obvious displays of wealth and secure valuables in the hotel safe. Avoid accepting drinks from strangers. Following the sad passing of King Bhumibol Aduladej, some events and attractions may be closed / postponed. Click here for more information. |
| Duty Free: | • 200 cigarettes or 250g of cigars or tobacco. • 1L of alcohol. • Goods to the value of ฿10,000. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Prohibited imports include obscene and pornographic objects and publications, goods displaying the Thai national flag, narcotics, counterfeit currency, fake Royal/official seals, and pirated and counterfeit goods. Restricted imports include drugs, food, weapons and ammunition, antiques and artworks, and endangered species. Any drug-related offences are severely punished and may result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty. The use of e-cigarettes & related products is illegal. Any devices and liquids brought into the country (whether for personal use or commerce) could be confiscated, and you could be subject to a jail sentence of up to 10 years. |
| Prohibited Exports: | There are restrictions on the export of illegal drugs and all firearms and ammunition. The export of archaeological items or anything with historical value, religious artefacts and images of the Buddha requires a certificate of authorisation from the Department of Fine Arts in Thailand. Radio transceiver equipment, plant and living materials, live animals or products, medicines and chemicals also require a permit from the relevant government agency. |
Travel Alerts
24 July 2025: Check local situation before travel due to clashes with Cambodia over border.
This Information is intended as a Guideline.
Issuing Authorities
Royal Thai Embassy, Pretoria
248 Pretorius/Hill Street Arcadia, Pretoria 0083
Tel: 012 342 5470
Email: thaiembassy.pre@mfa.go.th
Visa Queries: visa.pre@mfa.go.th
Web: pretoria.thaiembassy.org
Hours: Mon-Fri: 09:00 - 12:00 & 13:00 - 17:00
Visa Hours:
Applications: Mon-Fri: 09:00-12:00
Collections: Mon-Fri: 14:00-16:00
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Apr 6-7, 13-16; May 1, 4-5, 11-12; Jun 3; Jul 21, 28; Aug 12; Oct 13, 23; Dec 5, 10, 31
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1-2 ; Mar 3; Apr 6, 13-15; May 4, 31; Jun 1, 3; Jul 28-29; Aug 12; Oct 13, 23; Dec 5, 7, 10, 31
Visa Requirements
South African passport holders can enter Thailand for 60 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.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
- Passport must be valid at least a minimum of 6 months.
- You must have a return ticket.
- Proof of sufficient funds
VISA APPLICATIONS:
Those who require visas should apply for an e-Visa on:
Website: www.thaievisa.go.th
SA Representative
South African Embassy
Floor 12 A, M-Thai Tower, All Seasons Place, 87 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Prathumwan, Bangkok, 10330
Tel: +66 (0) 659 2900
E-mail: saembassy.bangkok@dirco.gov.za
Web: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/bangkok
Travel Health
| 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 |
