Banks: 08:30 to 15:30, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday; 09:00 to 12:00, Saturdays; some open on Sundays
Government Offices: 09:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:30, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 08:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09:00 to 17:30 or later, Monday to Saturday; many open on Sundays

Violent crime is rare in Thailand, especially in well-touristed areas. Since 2004, there have been a string of disorganised acts of violence in Thailand’s southernmost provinces. These attacks (borne out of civil unrest between Thailand’s minority Islamic culture and the mainstream tides of Buddhism) are far off the tourist track and have not crossed into Phang Nga province.

Scams can be a nuisance in Thailand, though these are typically concentrated in dense, metropolitan areas where touts and scammers are more likely to find a worthy mark. Beware of overly friendly strangers (Thai or foreigner) who seem unnecessarily concerned with gaining your trust.

Pickpockets and purse snatchers can also be a nuisance in crowded areas such as onboard buses or in bus or train stations. The best defence is to travel lightly, leaving any unnecessary valuables at home. Anything of value that you choose to bring on your trip can deposited in the hotel safe. Excess cash is best tucked into a money belt and secured under a layer of clothing.

Take care when crossing busy intersections on foot, as Thai drivers are not likely to yield to pedestrians. When driving around Phang Nga province, it is best to err on the side of caution. Keep in mind that rural roads in the interior may wash out during the rainy season.

Electricity: 220 volts, 50 hertz, both round and flat pin plugs can be used.

Thailand’s medical facilities have a solid, well-deserved reputation among international travellers. In fact, there is an entire demographic of travelling patients who visit for the express purpose of combining inexpensive, world-class medical care with a holiday in Southeast Asia.

Medical facilities in Phang Nga are adequate to deal with minor medical problems, while travellers who need more extensive medical attention may need to transfer to Bangkok, where the medical infrastructure is second to none.

In many cases, a trip the pharmacy is sufficient to deal with minor illnesses. Pharmacists in Thailand are very knowledgeable, and in many cases they can provide the appropriate medication without a prescription.

Private clinics are well-located throughout the province and country as a whole. These often cater specifically for travellers, offering dental, cosmetic or other procedural packages that can be paired with a holiday at a popular tourist destination. Private clinics may cost a bit more than public facilities, though the quality of care is generally very high.

Thailand’s official language is Thai, with many dialects spoken throughout the country. The central dialect (from Bangkok and environs) is widely understood, meaning travellers have little need to learn phrases in divergent dialects. English is spoken and understood by Thailand’s business elite and by those involved directly with tourism.

The official currency in Thailand is the baht. Banknotes are issued in 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 baht increments. Meanwhile, coins are minted in 1, 5 and 10 baht denominations. Beyond this, the baht breaks down in 100 satang. Uncommon in day-to-day commerce, tourists are unlikely to find use for the 25 and 50 satang coins that are in circulation.  

Cash is the most readily-accepted commodity in Phang Nga, and the city is well-equipped with multiple ATMs that accept internationally recognised debit cards. There are multiple national banks located in Phang Nga.

Internationally-recognised credit cards are accepted at large hotels and in some large restaurants. Cash is often preferred, and many large banks are equipped to issue cash advances against credit cards for travellers who do not carry a debit card. Western Union facilitates international wire transfers at a cost.

Traveller’s cheques, rarely accepted by individual establishments, are a secure means of bringing cash into Thailand. These can be exchanged for Thai baht at banks and currency exchange counters. Bear in mind that surcharges are levied per cheque rather than as a percentage of the amount exchanged. For this reason it is wise to carry large-denomination traveller’s cheques. 

Restrictions are placed on the import and export of the following items: drugs, firearms and pornography. Allowances are made for the export of genuine antiques, though only with authorisation (arranged through the antique dealer). Leaving Thailand with more than 50,000 baht requires authorisation. Conversely, there is no maximum on the amount of currency a tourist may import, though customs officials may enforce a minimum currency threshold.

All those entering the country are required to fill out a customs declaration document. Duty-free allowances (per person) are as follows: 200 cigarettes, one video camera, three rolls of film and one litre of alcohol. 

The standard Thai greeting is called a wai, in which palms are pressed together in a prayer-like gesture under the nose. Younger Thais offer a wai to their elders first, before the greeting is returned in kind or otherwise acknowledged. Western handshakes are increasingly common with the younger generation and throughout business circles.

When visiting temples, chedis, mosques and homes in Phang Nga, visitors are expected to remove their shoes. An arrangement of shoes at the entryway is a good indication that you’re about to enter a shoes-off establishment. Visitors to religious sites also do well to keep their legs and shoulders covered. Many larger temples offer donor shirts and long pants to accommodate inappropriately dressed visitors.

One of the most important points of social conduct in Thailand involves a hierarchy of the body. The feet, as the lowest part of the body, are considered dirty, and it is extremely rude to point your feet at a person or highly-revered object (such as a Buddha image or a portrait of the king). Bear in mind that all Thai money bears the image of the current king or kings past and shouldn’t be stepped on.

Conversely, the head, as the highest part of the body, is considered sacred. Thais generally avoid touching one another on the head (except between close friends or in intimate relationships). Tourists do well to avoid touching a Thai person’s head. This applies even to children. 

Finally, the Thai class of Buddhist clergy are subject to a specific set of rules governing social interaction, and laypeople help to make this possible. Monks are not permitted to touch women; if this accidentally happens, the monk must undergo a series of purification rites. On buses, other passengers offer the back seat to monks.

Dining Etiquette
Many southern Thai dishes are served over fragrant Jasmine rice. Spicy curries highlighted with fresh seafood are especially nice here. Glutinous sticky rice is often available in restaurants, though it is less prevalent here than in northern Thailand.  

Due to Phang Nga’s location in southernmost Thailand, the culinary style here is heavily influenced by cuisine from neighbouring Malaysia, India and even China. In fact, merchants from these countries were well established centuries ago, and the evolution of food in Phang Nga reflects these influences. Creamy, coconut milk curries are an integral part of the local fare.

In local restaurants, visitors may be surprised to learn that local Thais opt for a fork and spoon rather than chopsticks. The exception is when eating rice noodle dishes like pad thai, when chopsticks are preferred.

When a group of Thai people go out to eat together, the person with the most seniority picks up the bill. Seniority is a fluid concept, taking age, status and affluence into account. If you’re not sure whether you should be paying, it is wise to make an attempt. Above all, it is assumed that the person who plans the event and invites others will be paying.

Tipping is relatively uncommon throughout Thailand, especially at smaller establishments. Diners typically decline small change, though increased Western influence has increased expectations for a more substantial gratuity in upscale, resort-style restaurants. 

As visa requirements are subject to perpetual change, visitors are advised to check with the nearest Thai embassy for current visa regulations.

Citizens of most Western nations are eligible for a 30-day tourist visa which is issued by customs officials upon arrival. It is also possible to arrange a 60-day tourist visa, though this is only available in advance from Thai embassies or consulates. Certain travellers may qualify for 90-day non-immigrant visas, though an organisation or business entity in Thailand must petition on behalf of the traveller. This applies primarily to business travellers, official volunteers and teachers.

Upon arrival, your passport is stamped with a date indicating the expiration of the visa. Passports are required to maintain an additional six months of validity following the date of entry. Tourists can receive a new 30-day visa by crossing the border into Malaysia, though a maximum stay of 90 days is permitted inside of any six-month period. 

The nearest Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) office is located in Phuket city at 73 Phuket road (phone: +66 76 211036). This office offers brochures, information, maps and limited booking services pertaining to travel throughout Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi.

There is also ample information available from travel agencies throughout Phang Nga city. In many cases, private travel agencies are the most efficient means of planning and booking regional travel arrangements.