BRIEFING REPORT: Thailand
Country Office information
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WFP Office mailing address |
U.N. Building, Room No. 0347B, 3rd floor. Rajdamnern Avenue, Bangkok 10200 |
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Contact Person |
Ms. Malee Bhadrasiri, WFP Procurement Assistant |
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P.O. Box |
618 |
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Telephone numbers |
(662) 2881461, 2881463 |
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Fax. |
(662) 2881046 |
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Website |
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Working hours |
0800-1615 |
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Sub-Offices’ locations and tel numbers |
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Country Introduction
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Climate: |
Located outside the typhoon belt. The north, north-east, south-east and central regions including Bangkok have a climate with three seasons: rainy (June to October); cool (November to February); hot and sunny weathers (March to May). |
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Language: |
Mother tongue is Thai while English is widely spoken in Bangkok and in most large towns. |
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Currency: |
Thai Baht. |
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Population: |
Approximately 60 million of which 9 million live in Bangkok and its vicinities. |
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Religion: |
Buddhism is the main religion of Thailand with about 95% of the Thai people being Buddhists. Muslims form the largest of the religious minorities and are to be found mainly in the four southern provinces. Other minority groups include Hindus, Sikhs and Christians. |
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Cultural norms: |
Stand up as you hear the Royal anthem, e.g. at the cinema. If you hear the national anthem played at 8 a.m. or at 6 p.m. for example while walking in the street, it is polite to stop. When visiting temples, due respect should be shown and shoes should be removed before entering. Bare shoulders must be covered, and trousers rather than shorts should be worn. Don’t touch peoples’ head; the upper part of the human body is considered high, feet are regarded as low. Women are not allowed to touch a monk. |
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Security: |
Good national security. |
Living Conditions in the Capital City
Accommodation
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Description |
Approximate cost $US |
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Temporary Accommodation |
A wide selection of hotels, hostels, guest houses on a daily/weekly and monthly basis |
From $US10 per night upwards, depending on the grade/location. |
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Private housing |
Bangkok has a wide selection of houses and apartments. One-year leases are most common with one to six month’s rental being paid in advance together with one or two months’ rental held as a deposit. Rentals must be renegotiated at the expiration of each lease period since they fluctuate according to demand. |
From $US600 per month upwards depending on the location, size and type. Rents do not include telephone, electricity/gas and water supply. |
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Hotels |
A wide selection of hotels |
From $US10 per night upwards, depending on the grade. |
Health
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UN Medical Facilities |
The UN Medical Central located at the UN Building has one doctor and one nurse on duty during 07.00-12.00; 12.45-15.15 hours. The facilities are first aid, physical examination, Electro-cardiology and immunization. |
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Local Medical Facilities (Clinics, Pharmacies, Dental Care) |
Most Bangkok hospitals are fully equipped and well-trained staff to handle a wide range of medical and surgical cases. There is a large number of private clinics in Bangkok. Highly qualified dentists and ophthalmologists are also operating both in hospitals and in private clinics. There are plenty of pharmacies with full selection of medical supplies. Most Department Stores have pharmaceutical sections where all common medical supplies are available. |
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Emergency numbers |
2881353 for UN Medical Center during office hours; 191 or 123 for Police; 2522171-5 for Ambulance Police Hospital. |
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What to bring |
Lightweight summer clothing. A few light sweaters/jackets during the cooler months. |
Transport & Communications
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How to travel internationally (airport, rail, road) |
Thailand is the regional air hub with world-wide flight connections. All main provinces within Thailand are connected by domestic air services. Rail and road transports are cheaper. |
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From airport to Country Office (how, cost$US) |
By taxi meter (approx. $US8) or airport limousine (approx. $US18). There is also an airport bus No. 2 ($US2) which one can get off at the Larnluang Road and continue to UN Building by a taxi meter ($US2). |
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In-country Travel (plane, rail, road) |
Domestic air services are available to all main town within Thailand. Good highways exist throughout the country. Railway system connects the main towns of the country and linked to the Malaysian railway system which continues to Singapore. The north-eastern line runs up to the Thai/Laotian border in Nong Khai Province. |
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Identity Cards |
Upon arrival of UN personnel, UNDP will process for the request of an ID card to be issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In addition, all staff member are required to apply for UN Ground pass/ID through ESCAP Security Unit for those working in the U.N. building. |
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Mail, Telephone, Fax, e-mails, pouch |
Thailand has an excellent communication systems. Telephone/telegraph/cable/fax/internet services are available at all post offices and hotels. Staff members may have their mail addressed to them care of UNDP (G.P.O. Box 618, Bangkok 10501, Thailand). Ther are United Nations pouch services twice weekly to New York and Rome; and weekly pouches to Geneva, Vienna, Paris and some other countries in the region. There is a post office at the UN Conference Centre, ground floor (working hours: 0800-1600). |
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International and local press |
Varies. |
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Personal transport (availability, cost$US) |
A duty free car can be ordered through UNDP for UN personnel who is on a minimum assignment of one year or more. Car can be ordered through various agents in Bangkok, or by direct order to the manufacturer. A small compact car is recommended due to crowded streets in Bangkok. Traffic moves on the left side of the road; therefore a right-hand drive car is required. Air conditioning is also highly recommended for comfortable driving, heat protection and air pollution. Price ranges from $6,500 upwards depending on the make and model. A Thai Driving license is required and can be arranged by UNDP without need for driving test provided the applicant already holds a valid/current national driving license. In addition, car insurance can be obtained locally and full comprehensive cover is recommended. Repair and spare parts services are locally available. The current cost of petrol is Baht11.18/litre (unleaded super) |
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Electrical supply (voltage, plug type) |
220 volt, 2-leg plugs are commonly used in private housing. The 3-leg plugs are also in used in U.N. building. Adapters are available. |
Banking: There are many foreign and local banks in Bangkok. The Siam Commercial Bank is located on the first floor of the Service Building, UN compound. Banking hours are 09.30 a.m. to 15.30 p.m. Monday to Friday except Public Holidays.
Major credit cards are acceptable at all large hotels, shops and restaurants.
Schooling: There are many English and American International Schools in Thailand, most of them are located in Bangkok and a few are spread out in the country.
Finding work for spouse: Spouses accompanied to UN employees with non immigrant category O visa are not permitted to work unless they arranged for their own visa. Possible employments for spouses who are self-obtained visa, are at UN organizations, embassies and some international schools.
Recreation: There are sports clubs provide a variety of facilities for single/family membership, the bigger clubs membership fee is high and on waiting lists.
Most hotels/apartments have fitness clubs with various facilities.
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Local major public Holidays |
Total 16 days but for 10 days for UN holiday |
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Sports |
Varies: golf, tennis, table tennis, squash, soccer, rugby, basketball billiards, swimming. |
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Expatriate Clubs |
British Club, Polo Sport Club, The Royal Sport Club |
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What to bring (Books, music, videos…) |
Foreign books/original sound track music are expensive in Thailand. There are many good videos rental shops in Bangkok. |
Living Conditions in the sub-offices n/a
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Name of Office |
Accommodation |
Notes |
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Information prepared on 16/4/99