Everything you need to know before your trip

Prior to the Get Together in Bangkok, we would like to bring to your attention a list of tips and important information regarding the laws, customs, and healthcare in Thailand:

Alcohol consumption, drugs, smoking

• As well as in many other countries, drinking alcohol in certain public places (temples, places of worship, public parks, etc.) is prohibited. The penalty for illegally drinking alcohol at these public locations is six months' imprisonment, and/or a fine up to THB 10,000.
• As of 2017 the law prohibits "the display of logos and brands of alcoholic products in order to persuade people into drinking alcohol whether directly or indirectly" on social media. This means that to be safe and avoid a potential fine, please refrain from posting photos where the brand name of your alcoholic beverage can be seen. 
• Drugs are strictly illegal in Thailand, and drug convictions can result in the death penalty.
• Prior to travel please check whether your prescribed medication is considered a narcotic. You can visit http://www.thaiembassy.org/ and check the restrictions applying for medication.
• Smoking is prohibited in many public locations such as public parks, amusement parks, playgrounds, markets, outdoor sports facilities, etc. 
• Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices have been banned in Thailand since 2014, and their illegal use results in a fine and/or arrest.

Photography

• Street photography is generally allowed, however it is forbidden in certain temples and places of worship, so please always check prior to taking a picture. Photographing images or statues of Buddha is strictly forbidden in every temple. 
• If you would like to take photos of monks, please always ask for their permission. It is not allowed to take pictures of military posts.
• Drone photography requires insurance, as well as a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), which needs to be obtained prior to travel.

Other rules to abide by

• Littering in the street or sidewalk (including spitting out your chewing gum) is prohibited, and results in a fine of up to THB 2,000. 
• Thai law requires that travelers carry ID at all times. When renting a vehicle, for instance, never leave your passport or form of ID as a security deposit, provide a different form of identification (e.g. driver's licence) or cash deposit instead.

Cultural requirements

• Please always remove your shoes when entering a temple, a place of worship, or a Thai home.
• Both women and men are required to dress conservatively (long sleeves, long pants) when entering temples or places of worship. Women are not allowed to touch monks, or their robes.
• Thais greet each other with a "wai". Foreigners are not expected to initiate the wai gesture, but it is an insult not to return it. If a wai is not offered to you, shake hands with men and smile and nod to women. 
  
• Confrontation, as well as raising your voice or getting angry publicly is not customary in Thailand, nor is public display of affection. Kissing in public, even between spouses, is considered inappropriate. Touching a person's head (including that of children) is a cultural taboo. 
• If you have an image of Buddha tattooed on your body, please consider covering it up in public places, as it is considered culturally insensitive, and even offensive in some areas.
• Tipping isn't customary in Thailand, but it is greatly appreciated.
• It is a serious offense and is punishable by law to defame, insult, threaten, or defile any image of the Thai royal family, which also includes stepping on local currency (Thai baht, THB). Even talking or joking about the royal family is considered inappropriate, especially in public areas, and can lead to arrest. When the national anthem is played publicly, it is required to stand still to show your respect.

Health considerations

• If you plan to continue your journey from Bangkok to rural areas or the islands, please make sure you get the relevant vaccines for regionally present mosquito-borne illnesses (malaria, dengue fever, etc.) prior to travelling.
• Many dogs, cats, and monkeys carry rabies. Please make sure you avoid contact with stray animals and monkeys, and if you are visiting areas or places where the risk of encountering such animals is high, please consider to be vaccinated against rabies.
• Please note that tap water in Thailand is not safe to drink. In order to avoid sickness, make sure to only drink bottled or boiled water, eat only cooked, fresh foods, and accept ice that is not made out of tap water.
• In order to keep yourself and others around you safe and healthy, please carefully maintain your personal hygiene, wash and/or sanitize your hands frequently during the day, and out of caution please consider wearing a mask during your flight and on public transport.

Other useful information

• Thailand uses 220V AC electricity. Power outlets most commonly feature two-prong round or flat sockets. While most hotels have adapters or power outlets that work with different plugs, if you wish to use your appliances outside the hotel, please check your electrical requirements and bring an adapter with you.