• Weather
Average temperatures range from 21°C (October to February) to 32°C (February to May). The rainy season is from May to October. The temperature peaks between March to May while November to February is cooler due to the northeast monsoon.
• Language
The national language is Thai, a tonal language with its own alphabet.
• Time Difference
GMT +7 hours
• Visa
Passport holders from 40 countries (including Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, UAE, UK and USA) and 1 special administrative region – Hong Kong SAR – are not required to obtain a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes and will be permitted to stay in the Kingdom for a period of not exceeding 30 days on each visit. At the airport, citizens from most countries will be granted a free transit visa valid for a period of up to 30 days, provided that they have a fully-paid ticket out of Thailand. To find out if you require a visa, check with your consulate or embassy before you travel.
• Currency
The unit currency is Thai Baht (THB), which comes in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000. Major credit cards are widely accepted at larger establishments. Many ATMs also accept cards that are CIRRUS, Maestro, VISA or MasterCard. Most travellers cheques can be cashed at banks with proof of passport or ID.
• VAT
Goods purchased in Thailand are inclusive of VAT at 7%. If you're visiting for less than 180 days in a calendar year, not an airline crew member, and leaving Thailand by plane, you can claim for VAT refund (non-Thais only). Tipping is not expected but is increasingly more common. A 10% service charge is normally added to the total bill at most hotels and restaurants.
• Business Hours
Banks and government offices, in general:
Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 to 15:30 hours
Saturdays, 09:00 to 11:30 hours
Offices, in general:
Mondays to Fridays, 08:30 to 17:30 hours
Saturdays, 08:30 to 12:00 hours
Shops and department stores, may vary but mostly:
Mondays to Sundays, 10:00 to 21:00 hours
• Cellular Network
The three mobile phone operators are True Move, AIS and DTAC.
• Health
No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless you are coming from or passing through contaminated areas. Yellow fever certificates are required for those who are arriving from the following countries; Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Angola, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Mauritania, Mali, Nigeria, Sudan and Zaire.
• Electricity
Voltage is 220V AC with flat 2-pin plugs.
• Public Holidays
New Year's Day, Chinese New Year, Makha Bhucha Day, Chakri Memorial Day, Songkran Festival, National Labor Day, Coronation Day, Visakha Bucha Day, Buddhist Lent Day, HM The Queen's Birthday, Rama V Memorial Day, HM The King's Birthday and the Constitution Day.
• Eating Out
Buriram is part of the northeastern region of Thailand which has its own distinctive regional cuisine, with some influences from neighbouring countries Cambodia and Laos. Isaan cuisine typically features sticky rice as a staple served with most meals, pungent fermented fish sauce, dips made with spices and herbs, clear soups and grilled or roasted meats. However, visitors can find a wide range of international fare as well, from Japanese to fast food favourites.
• Shopping
Pick up souvenirs from Buriram Castle Mall such as local crafts made of silk and na pho mudmee (ikat) or football-themed merchandise from Buriram Mega Store. The 35,0000 sqm mall also has a spa and beauty zone, and a health and wellness world. For fashion, cosmetics, homewares, electronics and more, there’s Robinson Buriram, a large department store. It also houses a cineplex and supermarket under one roof.
