Here are some SERIOUS advice/tips for anyone coming to
Thailand for the first time. I am avoiding the "how much to pay" and
"wear a condom" stuff (which shall be covered later).
1. If you are from a country where they have Zebra/Pelican
crossings please do NOT assume the black and white things across the roads here
are the same. Motor vehicles here have no obligation to stop for you if you are
crossing on these. They are simply "designated crossing zones" -
technically if you cross at any other place you are jay-walking and can be
fined, but in reality you never are. I saw a farang girl saunter across Pattaya
Tai this morning and she was whacked almost immediately by both a car and a motorbike.
Fortunately she was OK but only 2 months ago two (Norwegians I think) were
killed crossing Sukhumvit road in Bangkok.
2. Never travel here without adequate insurance.
3. If you hire a motorbike PLEASE wear a helmet and get
insurance - you travel/medicare is invalidated if you have an accident on an
uninsured bike.
4. If you use a motorbike tax again wear the helmet. Also
ask them to drive slowly (cha cha). Usually they won't but it does tend to make
them not drive like maniacs as they are aware you are concerned.
5. Chonburi province has the 2nd highest incidence of Dengue
Fever in Thailand. Last year over 230,000 reported cases in Thailand. Less than
1% are fatal but it will ruin your holiday if you let it go untreated. It’s not
known as "break-bone" fever for no reason! If you think you are getting
"flu" get a blood test at one of the many doctors - 500 baht could
save your life.
6. Never drink the water here - avoid swallowing tap water
when showering and cleaning teeth.
7. Be respectful of Thai culture and traditions - read a
travel book before you come.
8. Wear a shirt at ALL times (poolside and beach is OK). It
is highly disrespectful to "bare shoulders" (male and female) in
Thailand let alone a bare chest and exposed beer gut!
9. GO TO Bangkok - most BMs here prefer Pattaya but you
should always give some time for this wonderful and exciting city, especially
if it might be your one and only trip to Thailand (I doubt it though).