Thailand is a constitutional monarchy.  It is generally described as having a tropical and humid climate.  There are roughly three seasons in the north of the country:  Hot (March to May), Cool (November to February) and Rainy (May to October).  The southern peninsular region of Thailand has, broadly speaking, two seasons: Wet (April to October on the west coast and September to December on the east coast) and Dry. 

It is estimated that approximately 11 million tourists visit Thailand each year.  Many Irish people travel to Thailand on holiday or en route to and/or from Australia.  A growing number of Irish citizens have also made Thailand their home.  It is important to be aware that English is not widely spoken outside of major tourist destinations. 

As with all countries, you are required to have a valid passport to enter Thailand.  Your passport is an important document and should be treated carefully.  A number of Irish citizens have been deported from Thailand back to Ireland for attempting to enter the country on a damaged passport.  The Thai immigration authorities do not accept passports that have missing pages or have been damaged in any way. 

The Thai immigration authorities also require that travellers have at least six months validity on their passports in order to enter the country.  Please check the period of stay stamped in your passport by the immigration officer. Visitors who overstay their visa will, at the time of their departure, be fined 500 baht (approx. €11) for each excess day.  As well as travelling on your original passport it is also advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you and to carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

You should not become involved with drugs of any kind.  The possession of even very small quantities can lead to imprisonment.  Overall, penalties for the possession, distribution and consumption of drugs in Thailand are severe and include the death penalty.  A number of tourists have suffered psychiatric problems as a result drug use in Thailand. 

It is strongly recommended that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance (including medical evacuation) before travelling. You should check any exclusion and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand provides a helpful website for all visitors to Thailand.

An extensive list of Thai Government website links can also be found.

For travel advice and information on travelling to Thailand choose from the menu on the left.