• Population: 69 million
• Capital: Bangkok
• Demographics: Thai nationals make up the majority of Thailand's population, 95.9% in 2010. The remaining 4.1% of the population are Burmese and other minorities. 62 ethnic communities are officially recognized in Thailand.
• Religion: Active participation in Buddhism is among the highest in the world, AS Almost 95% of the country's population self-identified as Buddhists of the Theravada tradition.
• Type of government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
• Currency: Thai Baht
• Common foods: sticky rice, red curry, tom yum soup, panang curry, green papaya salad, mango sticky rice, pad thai, pad see ew, pad ki mao

The official language of Thailand is Central Thai. Other dialects include Southern Thai and Isaan (a Lao dialect spoken in northeastern Thailand). Most people do not speak English except in large cities like in Bangkok.

As a University of Illinois student, you have access to library resources (such as Rosetta Stone and Libguides). You may also want to consider free sources to learn basic phrases, or to refresh your language skills prior to departure.

It is each students responsibility to independently verify the visa information below and ensure they apply and secure the appropriate documentation to travel and stay in their host country for the duration of their program.

A visa is required for stuents studying in Thailand. Visit the Thai Embassy website for more information.

To read more on passport and visa terminology see the Passports & Visas page of this website.

Phones

• Most will get a pre-paid SIM card to put in your phone from AIS. You can upload money onto your phone at any phone kiosk (found everywhere, definitely near a 7-11).

Internet

• Wifi is easily found, almost every establishment has free wifi available to connect to.
• Make sure you have the Duo Mobile app set up on your phone. If you get a new SIM card, use the passcode options instead of PUSH, or go to UI Verify website to enter your new phone information.

Electricity

• Thailand uses type C and O plugs, so you will need universal adapter, or one far right pictured below.
• You may also want to bring a portable charger.
• While an adapter makes your device fit into the local outlet, a converter converts the voltage. It is recommended that you do NOT bring appliances such as hair dryers or hair straighteners with you unless you also purchase a voltage converter.

Banking Tips

• Bring cash to exchange at a local bank (can exchange some money at the airport, but local banks will give the best exchange rate)
• Take out cash at ATM machines (easily found, usually a few options by a 7-11)
• Common banks include: Siam Commercial Bank and Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri)
• Tip: save 10 baht coins for laundry machines

Geography

• Thailand is situated in southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of Burma. It features a tropical climate that is rainy and warm during the soutwestern monsoon and cool and dry during the northeast monsoon.

Climate

• Thailand’s climate is tropical with a mean annual temperature of 82°F and high humidity. There are three distinct seasons – the hot season from March to May, the cool season from November to February and the rainy season from about June to October.
• The High Season (Nov–Mar) is a cool and dry season follows the monsoons, meaning the landscape is lush and temperatures are comfortable.
• The April through June Shoulder Season is generally very hot and dry, with an average Bangkok temperature of 30°C. Sea breezes in coastal areas provide natural air-con.
• During the September and October Shoulder Season the gulf coast islands are your best bet for avoiding rain.
• The Low Season (Jul–Oct) has monsoons, with precipitation ranging from afternoon showers to major flooding. Rain is usually in short, intense bursts. Some islands shut down, and boat service is limited during stormy weather at times. Be flexible with travel plans.

Clothing

• Take shoes off when entering homes
• Dress conservatively, especially when entering temples (it is considered extremely disrespectful and you will not be allowed in the temple if not dressed properly)

Packing

• Take a raincoat and umbrella
• Mosquito repellent is an essential
• Travel with a water bottle
• Cotton clothes that will be good in the heat
• Pack conservative clothes for when you go to the temple, villages, or class.
• For more packing considerations, view the Packing List (PDF).

Traveling Locally

• Trains, Taxis, Tuk tuks, Songthaew and Grab are common modes of transportation
• Songthaew is a 2 row mini bus (red color), or a shared taxi that takes up 10-14 people. Songthaew can go almost anywhere for 10-15 baht depending on city
• Grab is like Uber or Lyft (both not allowed in Thailand). It is useful to download the app, to compare Grab prices to taxis or tuk tuks to make sure you aren't getting scammed.

Flights

• Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, and many of the islands have airports
• Common airlines include Thai Smile Airways and Air Asia

Each student faces different barriers and unique challenges based on their identity. For example, how you identify in the United States may not be how you choose to identify abroad because of the local social culture. We encourage all students to reflect on the different aspects of their identity and consider how they may play a role in their study abroad experience. To help with this thought process: visit the State Department website and look into the Identity & Inclusion resources available on this website.

International Safety and Security provides important wellness tips, along with using your insurance and the emergency phone number. Be sure to become familiar with this website and the resources available to you. Review the U.S. Embassy page and the Department of State website for additional safety resources.

Enroll yourself in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Department of State. Registration in STEP will allow you to get alerts on the latest safety and security information. In addition, the information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.