Currency  - Time - Electricity - Health - Government - Religion

Currency
The local currency is the weak, but pretty stable Thai Baht. The best and most up to date currency exchange rates can be found with the currency converter www. XE.com. In general The Thai baht stands 35 to the US dollar and 45 to the Euro. However, most major hotels and dive shops accept Credit Cards, USD and Euros.

Time
Thailand is seven hours ahead of GMT. During daylight saving in Europe the difference goes down to six, since there is no daylight saving in Thailand

Electricity
In Thailand 220Volt 50Hz is standard. Electrical wall outlets are usually the round, two pole type; (comparable to the Dutch) some outlets also accept the flat, two bladed terminals. Most electrical supply shops sell international shape and voltage converters.

Health
The general hospitals and dental clinics in Thailand are of sensational quality. The Staff speak impressively good English and the knowledge, techniques and equipment is advanced, often competing but in many cases exceeding western standards.

Most of the country is free of Malaria, cholera and other tropical diseases. However Dengue fever does still occur. So keep appropriate measures against mosquito’s bites. The basic food and hygiene is good, but as always it’s important to keep an eye out for raw and undercooked food.

The most common cause of illness in tropical climates is still dehydration. Especially in combination with diving, you can never drink enough bottled Mineral Water. Also the use of electrolyte powder is highly recommended in your drinking water to prevent from dehydration. Little bags of electrolyte powder are sold in every supermarket. Most liveaboard’s provide electrolyte powder for its customers on board.

Government
The stable government of Thailand is led by King Bhumibol. The Thai Royal Family has been leading Thailand for the last 60 years creating a modern, wealthy and the powerful economy, far above neighboring countries like, Lao, Burma and Cambodia. It comes as no surprise that the Royal Family is so extremely well respected and loved by the Thais.

Religion
The King is the protector of all Faiths creating a very high tolerance for other religions and beliefs in Thailand. Less than five percent cover the Muslim, some Christians and Hindus faiths. Most Thai’s are Buddhists, they believe strongly in two words: Faith and Karma. Believing what you do to another will be done to you in return as well as believing that everything happens for a reason. These Buddhist beliefs have created a very pleasant country with low crime rate and one of the safest countries for tourist to travel.