The climate in Thailand is tropical, there are usually temperatures of 30 to 35 degrees with a very high atmospheric humidity.
Rainy season is from May till October.
The population embraces about 60 million people, about 10 million people live in Bangkok. Thailand is a constitutional monarchy in which the king takes a central role both as a head of state and as a topmost guardian of the religion.
Thailand is characterized very strongly Buddhistically. To not hurt the religious feelings of the thai, adequate clothes should therefore be respected when entering temples and other religious places.
Best time for travelling:
November till April
Travelers' Health
Health and prophylaxis:
- Dengue fever
Dengue, filariasis, Japanese encephalitis, and plague are diseases carried by insects that also occur in this region.
Protect yourself from mosquito insect bites by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats when outdoors. Use insect repellents that contain DEET. If no screening or air conditioning is available use a pyrethroid-containing spray in living and sleeping areas during evening and night-time hours and sleep under bed nets, preferably insecticide-treated ones. - Hepatitis Type A and hepatitis Type B
A increased infection risk exists throughout the country. Transmission of Hepatitis B can occur through activities that involve contact with blood or blood-derived fluids. Transmission of Hepatitis A can occur through direct person-to-person contact; through exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested from sewage-contaminated water; or from fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling
To protect yourself do not share needles for tattoos, body piercing or injections and only drink bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. Always use latex condoms. A preventing inoculation is recommendable. - Bird flu virus
In Thailand the virus was proven also in humans. Most cases of H5N1 influenza in humans are thought to have occurred from direct contact with infected poultry in affected countries. Contact with sick or dead poultry as well as with poultry that have no apparent symptoms should be avoided. Contact with surfaces that may have been contaminated by poultry feces or secretions should also be avoided.
To protect yourself avoid poultry farms, bird markets, and other places where live poultry is raised or kept.
Meals, which were heated up on over 70 degrees, can be eaten heedlessly. - Infections by contaminated meals or beverages
Hepatitis A, typhoid fever, diarrhea and vomiting or worm-related diseases will be transfered by contaminated meals and beverages.
To protect yourself do not eat food purchased from street vendors or food that is not well cooked to reduce risk of infection. Do not drink beverages with ice (No ice please!). Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized. - Rabies
Particularly by the increase of roaming, abandoned dogs a increased risk of the infection exists.
World-wide India is the country with the highest infection rate.
To protect yourself do not handle animals, especially monkeys, dogs, and cats, to avoid bites and serious diseases. Consider pre-exposure rabies vaccination if you might have extensive unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas. - Malaria
Risk areas are above all the border regions to Myanmar, Kambotscha and the golden triangle. There is no risk in Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Rai, Chanthaburi, Chiang May, Phuket and Ko Samui
Protect yourself from mosquito insect bites by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats when outdoors. Use insect repellents that contain DEET. If no screening or air conditioning is available use a pyrethroid-containing spray in living and sleeping areas during evening and night-time hours and sleep under bed nets, preferably insecticide-treated ones.