Asian Study Programmes

Travel Checklist

This checklist aims at helping you to be prepared for the Thailand Summer School.
Dressing Properly

Even though foreigners often ignore how to dress properly in Thailand it is an important sign of politeness and education in the Thai society. In order to bring the right clothes with you for the summer school programme you are strongly advised to follow the guidelines outlined below.

Men At university you are supposed to wear long pants (no jeans) and a shirt (no T-shirts) with either long or short sleeves. At official occasions you should wear a tie, though a jacket is not necessary. At university you should wear closed-toe shoes, or sandals with a lace around the heel (no flip-flops). When visiting the royal palace, temples etc. you can wear any long pants and shirt (T-shirts are OK).

Woman At university you are supposed to wear long pants (no jeans), or a dress (not too short). The sleeves of the shirt, blouse etc. should cover the shoulders. You can wear sandals with a lace around the heel or elegant sandals (no flip-flops). This holds also when visiting the royal palace, temples etc.

Additionally be aware that the class rooms are often heavily air conditioned. To avoid getting a cold bring a scarf or sweater with you.

If you have any questions on how to dress properly please do not hesitate to contact the programme coordinator.

Money

The basic unit of Thai currency is the baht, which is made up of 100 satang. To check the current exchange rate click here.
ATM and/or credit cards, are the most convenient and secure way to withdraw money in Thailand. However, make sure that your cards are valid internationally and check the withdrawal fees beforehand.
The best rates for changing money are usually offered by banks or legal moneychangers in Thailand (competitive rates are also offered at the Suvarnabhumi Airport). It is not necessary to bring travelers checks with you as they are too much hassle and sometimes are even refused.

Health Advice

You are strongly recommended to visit your personal physician or a travel health clinic 4-8 weeks before departure to get the necessary vaccinations, which usually are:

•Yellow Fever
•Hepatitis A
•Hepatitis B
•Diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis
The Main Health Risks in Thailand are:

•Malaria, present in border areas, close to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Malaysia.
•Dengue fever
•Tuberculosis
•Diarrheic diseases
•Animal rabies
Food Safety

Gastric disease are common if you are not accustomed to local food or do not take precautions:

•Do not drink tap water and favor bottled mineral water. Drink without ice and avoid eating ice cream.
•Avoid eating raw or undercooked dishes, especially meat or fish. If possible order hot dishes.
•Bring anti-diarrhea medication with you.
•Wash your hands thoroughly before each meal.

Internet and Phone

In Thailand you will find small internet shops where you can go online at very low rates almost everywhere.

Probably the most convenient way to phone home is to bring an unblocked mobile phone with you. If you buy a Thai SIM card (around 50 Baht) you can use international phone cards to phone home at very competitive rates via your mobile phone. Both the SIM card and the international phone card are available at the popular minimarket seven eleven.
Visa requirements

If you hold an Austrian passport and arrive by air you may enter Thailand for up to 30 days without obtaining a visa in advance of arrival. If you intend to stay in Thailand for longer than the time endorsed on arrival you must obtain an extension of stay or a valid visa.

Overstaying without the proper authority is a serious matter and you can be held in detention until a fine is paid. The only legal way of obtaining a new visa, entry permit or extension of stay is from a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate, an Immigration Officer at a point of entry into Thailand or one of the Immigration Offices around the country.
Passport Validity

Entry to Thailand is normally refused if you have a passport with less than six months’ validity. Entry is also normally refused if your passport is damaged, or if pages are missing from your passport.

For further details check the website of the Royal Thai Embassy and the Austrian Foreign Ministry.
Travel Insurance

The price of the ASP Thailand 2009 includes a travel insurance
Local Laws and Customs

Drugs

For your personal safety during the summer school in Thailand you should never become involved with drugs of any kind in Thailand. Possession of even very small quantities can lead to imprisonment. If you are found guilty of being in possession of marijuana you are likely to receive a long prison sentence plus a hefty fine. Amphetamines and Ecstasy are regarded as class A drugs and possession or trafficking of them carries the same penalties as, for example, heroin. If you are found guilty of being in possession of 20 grams or more of a class A drug at a point of exit from Thailand you will most likely be sentenced to death.
Monarchy

You should also be aware that it is a criminal offence to make critical or defamatory comments about the King or other members of the Royal family in Thailand, which is punishable by a sentence of three to fifteen years or longer. The Thai royals are treated like living gods and are genuinely loved by Thai people.
Religion

You should respect the local religion (Buddhism) especially when visiting temples and holy places by behaving respectfully. You should not touch, climb or sit on Buddha images and Chedis. Remove shoes before entering a temple’s main sanctuary. Do not step on raised door thresholds. Do not sit with your feet pointing towards the Buddha images. Do not touch a monk or novice. Women must avoid all physical contact with monks and not place any object directly into their hands. Do not ask them to pose for photographs.
Other Customs

In the Asian culture the sole of the foot is regarded as the dirtiest part of the human body. Therefore never expose your foot to another’s sight. When sitting it is best to sit with the feet on the floor or with crossed legs.

The traditional Thai way of greeting is a ‘wai’. This is a prayer-like gesture, with the palms pressed together and the tips of your fingers at level with your nose – the neutral position. The higher the wai, the more respect is being shown. It is not common to return a wai of a waiter, security guard etc.; bowing or nodding your head is enough. However, as foreigner you are not expected to know all nuances of a wai.

The quality of face is a very important attribute in Asian society standing for honour, integrity and pride. Never cause an Asian to lose face or lose face yourself e.g. by losing your temper. Face can not be underestimated. Asians have long memories, and any loss of face will be remembered.