The hot dry season is from February to May and the wet season from June to October. The cool season from November to January is the most popular time for overseas visitors and is the high season. During the monsoon some of the streets may flood.

Banking hours are from 0830 - 1530, Monday to Friday. Exchange booths are open much longer and available around Bangkok. ATMs are everywhere but do sometimes fail.

Private offices are open from 9 - 5, Monday to Friday. Government offices open from 8.30 - 4.30 and banks from 9.30 - 3.30.

Show respect for the monarchy, and criticism is an offence. Stand for the king's anthem whenever played in public and at cinemas. Do not point with feet or touch the head and eat with your right hand. The Buddha is an image to be respected and you must not hang anything from the Buddha or even pose in the same photograph. Inside temples where appropriate clothing and you will not be let into the Grand Palace if not properly dressed. If things are not going your way resist the temptation to lose your temper, it does not work and very upsetting to Thais. Use a positive friendly style and things will happen.

Punishment for possession of drugs is a very serious offence resulting in death sentences in certain cases in Thailand. Nightclubs can be raided and all patrons tested for drugs by giving a compulsory urine test.

Electricity is 220V and uses flat or round two pin plugs without an earth.

There is no limit to the foreign exchange that can be brought into Thailand but only $10,000 can be taken out unless you have declared a larger amount on arrival.

Bangkok has internet cafes everywhere and very good value at about B1 per minute and sometimes less. They are mostly open until very late.

English is widely spoken and improves all the time. The insights eguide has a language section for useful Thai words.

You should not become involved with drugs of any kind. Possession of even very small quantities can lead to imprisonment. Possession of Marijuana can lead to a prison sentence of up to 15 years plus a fine of Baht 150,000. Amphetamines and Ecstasy are regarded as a class A drugs and possession or trafficking of them carries the same penalties as, for example, heroin. Possession of 20 grams, or over, of a class A drug at a point of exit from Thailand results in a charge of illegal possession, possession for distribution and attempt to smuggle and export, i.e. trafficking. A guilty verdict usually attracts the death sentence.

It is a criminal offence to make critical or defamatory comments about the King or other members of the Royal family, punishable by a sentence of 3 to 15 years.

The official drinking age is 18. Bars close at 2 am prompt and is enforced.

The age of consent is 15 but a higher minimum age of 18 applies in the case of prostitutes. All adult Thais must carry an identity card. Soliciting and pimping is illegal however enforcement is weak. It is not illegal to pay for sex or to pay a "barfine" the fee the bar takes if you take a girl away.

At the airport call 02 535 1254. On the buses call 02 246 0973 and on the Sky Train call 02 617 7141. If you lose your credit card the local numbers are American Express 02 273 5500; Diners Club 02 238 3660; Master Card 02 260 8573; Visa 02 256 7324.

The currency is the Thai Baht and the exchange rate at the moment is good. Bank notes are brown (10 baht); green (20 baht); blue (50 baht); red (100 baht); purple (500 baht) and grey for the largest bank note at 1000 baht.

Prices are generally good and a lot cheaper than most countries for the same goods. A taxi for example will cost on the meter about 300 baht from the airport to the central areas and a reasonable dinner might cost about 350 baht however there is a lot of variance and it is possible to eat for 100 baht.

Bangkok newspapers are the Bangkok Post and The Nation which have full listings and international news. A range of international papers is also available at most newsstands.

The emergency number is 191. For the tourist police call 1155 who speak English and will be most helpful.

The main post office is on Charoen Krung Road between the Sheraton and the Oriental hotel and open 24 hours.

Smoking is prohibited in all public areas and on public transport but allowed in designated areas of restaurants and bars.

You must dial the full number in Thailand and so in Bangkok dial the 02 as part of the number. The incoming number for Bangkok from overseas is prefixed by 66 and then drop the 0. For overseas dial 00 and then the number, dropping the zero. Public call boxes accept coins and cards. Pre paid mobile phone SIM cards are available and mobiles work well in Bangkok. For directory enquiries call 1133 for Bangkok, 183 for the Provinces and 100 for International. For operator assistance call 13.

Bangkok is seven hours ahead of GMT. In the winter this means that Bangkok is 7 hours ahead of London and 12 hours ahead of New York.

Tipping is not required. However tips after a meal are accepted with thanks and 10% would be the maximum. A smaller amount is very acceptable and if you do not feel like tipping then do not! Tipping is also appreciated for room services, porters, tour guides and for taxis rounding up the fare is very appreciated due to the low rates on the meter.

A VAT refund is available at the airport on departure to anyone who has been in Thailand less than 180 days, is not an airline crew member. A VAT refund only applies to good taken out of Thailand within 60 days of the date of purchase. Goods must be purchased from stores displaying the "VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS" sign. You must complete a VAT refund form in the store and attaché the original tax invoice to the form. The value of each item must be at least B2000 and a total of B5000 spent. The form with invoices should be presented at the VAT desk at the airport and a refund of VAT will be made.

Visas are not required for stays of up to 30 days from many countries, including Australia, UK and USA. Tourist visas can also be obtained at the airport on arrival for certain other countries provided you have a confirmed outward ticket and extra passport photos. Do make sure your passport is valid for more than 6 months after you arrive. Visa extensions are available from the Immigration Office at 507 Soi Suan Phu (02 287 3101 - 10). Do not use the services of travel agent or visa shop as there is a danger of false visas being inserted which carries stiff penalties. Overstaying on a visa results in stiff penalties.

If you lose your passport and need a new visa go to the Immigration Bureau, Section 4, Subdivision 4, Immigration Bureauon Soi Suan Phlu, South Sathorn Road. (02 287 3911). Make sure you take a police report along with your new passport.

Beware of offers for gems and precious stones. Beware of tuk tuk drivers offering cheap all day where the driver makes money from commissions if you buy something. In the go-go bar zones, beware of touts who try to drag you into the upstairs bars with offers of 100 baht beer as you might be charged for the show and that is not cheap.