GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THAILAND

VISA
Thailand does not require a visa for tourists staying short periods. On arrival at immigration your passport will be stamped for entry permitted up to 30 days.

CURRENCY
The local currency is the Thai Baht. For up-to-date exchange rates click here for Currency Converter. Most hotels, restaurants and shops accept all major credit cards, US$ and Euros.

TIMEZONE
Local time is 7 hours ahead of UTC (GMT) throughout the country all year round. Thailand has no daylight savings period.

ELECTRICITY
In Thailand 220Volt 50Hz is standard. On board MV Excalibur we have both 220V 50Hz and 110V 60Hz available. The 110Volt is only available in the camera charging areas. Guest cabins are 220Volt and a 24Volt safety lighting system for emergencies.

HEALTH
Health services in Thailand are excellent with modern equipped hospitals in all major towns. Most of the country is free of malaria, cholera and other serious diseases. Thailand is S.A.R.S free. However, it is always a good idea to check if your vaccinations are still up-to-date. Normal precautions with food will keep you out of trouble. Be sure to drink a lot of bottled drinking water to prevent dehydration!

LANGUAGE
Thai is the official language but nearly all Thais working in the tourism industry speak English. Make sure you speak slowly and clearly without too many colloquialisms and people will understand you just fine. Thais believe that the least we can do for our fellow man is to smile and be polite. If you maintain the same attitude during your stay in Thailand, you'll have a wonderful time.

DRESS CODE
In all the tourist resorts shorts and T-shirts are acceptable attire. This is also appropriate at night, although "smart-casual" is preferred in the better eating places. Jackets and ties are not required anywhere. Ladies are expected to dress appropriately when visiting temples.

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GOVERNMENT
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy led by King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The Royal Family has earned the love and respect of the entire nation and is held in the highest esteem. Visitors to the country are expected to treat the Royal Family with respect.

RELIGION
Nearly all Thais (85%) are Buddhists. A small percentage (4%) is Muslim and some are Christians, Hindus or Confucianists. Tolerance towards religion is symbolized by the fact that the King is the Protector of All Faiths.

AIR & WATER TEMPERATURES
Air temperature: 25C - 35C, always warm, can be very hot and humid, nights often cooler.
Water temperature in the Andaman Sea averages around 27C to 29C. Very pleasant although, sometimes thermo clines occur. The type of wetsuit you need depends on how easily you feel the cold and how many dives per you make day. A thin shorty or skin may be enough for a daytrip but on a live aboard cruise you are better off with a 3-5mm full wetsuit.

CLIMATE
Thailand's tropical climate is influenced by the southwest and northeast monsoons. There are three seasons: Dry (November through Feb), Hot (March through May) and Rainy (June through October). Diving is possible all year round, but there are about two weeks each year when monsoon winds are too strong for safe recreational diving. Except day trips around the protected and well sheltered Phi Phi Island are on there regular schedules. Let's have a look at Krabi's & Phuket's weather from a diver's point of view. This is just an attempt to show you a typical year. This is not a 100% weather forecast. No guarantees!

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