Sawasdee Ka! Welcome to the Land of Smiles. Every year, just like a moth drawn to a flame, thousands flock to Thailand for different reasons. Is this your first trip to Thailand? Or was the last time 10 years ago? Thailand is constantly changing and may be much different than what it used to be. Here is a practical guide when you come to Thailand so your stay will be something worth coming back for.

Thailand is 7 hours ahead of GMT, so make sure you set your timepiece upon arrival.

Thailand's local currency is the Thai Baht (THB) which comes in paper denominations of 20 (green), 50 (blue), 100 (red), 500 (purple) and 1,000 (gray). Keep in mind that the larger the note, the larger the denomination. Numerals are printed in both Thai and Arabic, so the notes are quite easy to get accustomed to. Coins are distributed in 10, 5, 2 and 1 as well as 25 and 50 satang or cents, but due to constant inflation, satang is now of little use. All denominations bear the image of King Rama IX and are supposed to be handled with respect, so take care not to crumple your bills nor throw away your coins.

The moneychangers in banks offer the best rates for foreign currency conversion. The US Dollar is the most widely accepted foreign currency. The rate for the past few years has fluctuated around B. 33-34 for one US Dollar.

Major establishments readily accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diner's Club. Travelers' checks get a better rate with a commission of 1% of amount plus THB3 per cashed checks. Visa and Master card holders can get cash advance of up to USD500 a day through some branches of local banks. ATM accepting debit cards are also available all around Bangkok, in major cities and in some smaller towns.

As the western tourist's gateway to Asia, Thailand has made things easy for visitors. Most foreign passport holders are allowed to enter for a maximum stay of 30days without having to apply for a visa. This is granted upon entry at no cost but you need to show a ticket for onward travel. The 30-day stay can be extended for a maximum of 7 to 10 days at the Immigration office. If you desire a longer stay, you should apply for a 60-day Tourist Visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate outside the country.

As a regional hub in Asia, Bangkok is a convenient place to get visas for onward travel to numerous countries. There are altogether 33 foreign diplomatic missions in Bangkok, generally listed and indicated on all tourist maps. The visa sections of most embassies are open from around 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Monday to Friday.

All forms of modern day communication, be it a telephone, a mobile, fax or the Internet, is readily available in Thailand. Postcards using good old fashioned snail-mail are also available for THB12 for size 105 x 148 mm. and THB15 for size 130 x 180 mm, which you can send to anywhere in the world. The 1972 Thai Art Deco building which houses Bangkok's main post office is worth a visit. The service is very efficient particularly for parcels, and it includes packaging facilities. Worldwide courier services are also available.

The telephone system is efficient and overseas calls are relatively cheaper than most Asian countries, probably because the influx of tourists have created a higher demand for quality service at good value. The country code is 66 and the area code of Bangkok is 02. For international calls, dial 00 before the number and for operator assistance, dial 100. Public payphones also allow international calls at a good price compared to hotels where there is added tax and surcharge. Cellular phones use the NMT 900MZ and GSM standards.

The internet is rapidly gaining popularity all over the country and cyber-cafes are now a common sight. To plug in your own machine, a RJ11 phone jack is the standard in most hotels.

Electricity is standard at 220V, 50 current. Electrical wall outlets are usually of the two-pole type. International plug adapters are readily available in department stores. Weights and measures are expressed in the Metric system.

Drinking water from the tap is a definite no; drink bottled water instead. Ice is generally produced from purified water under hygienic conditions and can be regarded as safe until they are transported. Ice delivery to street stalls is badly handled; placing blocks of ice on the side of the road to be cut or crushed. If you fancy pigging out on food on the streets, better see how it is prepared. If handled with gloves and prepared in a clean place then the food is most likely safe. Use your best judgment and common sense.

This is not customary practice in Thailand although leaving the smaller change of a restaurant bill or rounding up a taxi fare is generally appreciated.

Government offices are open from 8.30 - 16.30 hours on Monday to Friday. Office hours are normally from 8.00 - 17.00 hours on Monday to Friday. Shopping malls and department stores open from 10.00 - 21.00 hours and gets very crowded on Sundays.

The 7% VAT or Value Added tax is refundable upon departure in the International Airport and upon presentation of the goods and corresponding receipts.

While Thailand is safe by international standards and crime rate is relatively low, special care must be taken when in crowded tourist areas or travelling in the provinces. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) also maintains a 24-hour Tourist Assistance Center run by a paramilitary body called the Tourist Police. They are present in many of tourist areas in and out of Bangkok and are much more helpful than the normal police in case of trouble. They speak fairly good English (24-hour hotline Tel: 1672).

Be careful when travelling to the southernmost border provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat as rebels continue to plot their random attacks in the restive South.

The West also looks at Thailand as a prime destination for medical tourism where quality medicine is made affordable - something that the same healthcare service in a Western country will cost 3-4 times more.

There are many internationally recognized hospitals such as Bumrungrad Hospital, Bangkok Hospital and BNH Hospital to name a few, offering a full range of services. They have experienced, well-equipped and specialized doctors from all over the world ready to assist your medical concerns.

Moreover, there are three university research hospitals, about a dozen private and public hospitals as well as hundreds of medical clinics serving locals and tourists alike.

For brochures, city maps and other information that you may need, check with Bangkok Tourist Division or TAT, two invaluable resources for tourists in need of help. There are also Bangkok maps provided for free at the sky train stations.

Bangkok Tourist Bureau (http://www.bangkoktourist.com) Phra Athit Road, Banglamphu - 9a.m. to 7 p.m. daily) Managed by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, this office provides a wealth of information about life and getting around Bangkok.

TAT stands for Tourism Authority of Thailand (http://thai.tourismthailand.org) is the government arm that promotes the Thai tourism industry. It supplies information and data on tourist areas for the general public to enourage both Thais and foreigners to travel in and around Thailand. The information counters are found on the Arrival Floor of the domestic and international airports but the main office is on New Petchaburi Road (Call Center 1672 - open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily)