Relocation guide thailand by Ben Quinton

Relocation Guide: Thailand Our guide to living and working overseas

Thailand Overview

The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions: the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South. The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities.

309.000 thousand barrels of crude oil per day in 2007 and consumed an average of 910.000 thousand barrels of oil a day. Almost all of the country’s natural gas fields are located offshore in the Gulf of Thailand. Although natural gas production has risen steadily in recent years, it is still not enough to keep up with the growth in domestic consumption. The oil industry in Thailand is dominated by PTT, formerly the Petroleum Authority of Thailand. The Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO), which is part of Thailand’s Ministry of Energy, oversees all aspects of the country’s energy policies, including the oil, natural gas, and power sectors.

Geography Time Zone: + GMT 7 Location: Southeast Asia Area: 513,115 sq km Population Density: 66.7 Million Capital: Bangkok Language: Primarily Thai, although Lao, Chinese, Malay and English are also spoken. Religion: Buddhism

Air Energi in Thailand

Our Thailand office was established in 2003 under the commercial name “AIR Consulting Co.Ltd”. The Thailand office is supported by our regional Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore.

Oil and Gas in Thailand

Thailand has limited domestic oil production and relies heavily on imports, being the second largest net oil importer in South East Asia. Thailand produced an average of 1

Thailand is the geographical heart of SouthEast Asia. The infamous golden triangle, located at the nation’s northernmost point, is where Thailand’s borders meet those of both Laos and Myanmar (Burma). The border with Myanmar continues to the west and then south as far as the Malay peninsula, much of which is occupied by Thailand. On the east, the border with Laos meanders southeast along the Mekong River until it reaches Cambodia, which is due east of Bangkok, the Thai Capital. In the south is the Gulf of Thailand. Roughly the size of France (200,000 sq. miles), Thailand is composed of four main regions. The northern mountainous region contains numerous ruins and temples, the ancient city of Chieng Mai, and Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon. This region is also home to the hill tribes of Thailand, distinct ethnic groups which settled in the area thousands of years ago after migrating from as far away as Tibet and central China. The north-east of Thailand occupies the semiarid Korat plateau, the most desolate and least-visited part of the country. An interesting blend of Thai, Lao, and Khmer influences characterise the culture of the Korat. Central Thailand, which consists of the

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fertile plains surrounding the Chao Phraya River, is the country’s most populous region and its rice basket. Thailand’s alluring and congested capital city of Bangkok is located along the banks of the Chao Phraya, near the river’s outlet into the Bight of Bangkok and the Gulf of Thailand. The southern region of Thailand, which stretches for hundreds of miles along the Malay peninsula, abounds with stunning beaches and scores of tropical islands.

Climate

Thailand can be an extremely hot and humid place. Its tropical climate is divided into three seasons: cool in November to February, hot in March to May, and rainy in June to October. The seasons are more extreme in the northern regions, where the dry heat can grow quite intense in late spring and the cool can become cold in the mountains. The rainy season is no detriment to travel in Thailand, as the rains can be cool and refreshing.

Banking Information

ATM’s are widely available throughout Thailand, even in small towns. Currency exchange outlets are also common particularly in tourist areas. It is advised that in remote areas that you should keep a daily amount of cash on you as the Thai ATM machines crash late at night and aren’t reset until the morning. Most ATM’s offer both Thai and English language, especially those that process foreign credit cards, however some only display Thai. Many ATM’s are located in department stores. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 8:30am - 3:30pm.

Credit Cards

The most commonly accepted credit cards are MasterCard and Visa, however other major credit cards are also accepted.

Currency

The currency in Thailand is Baht. The main notes used are 20 baht, 100 baht, 500 baht and 1,000 baht. The main coins used are the grey metal 1 baht, 2 baht, 5 baht, 10 baht, and gold 0.25baht an d 0.50 baht (normally referred to 25 satang and 50 satang).

Cost of living Accommodation

The biggest expense when living somewhere is usually accommodation. If you intend to stay a long time, in 2011 you could buyor lease a condo. As for renting, expect to pay between 30,000 and 50,000 baht for a 2-bedroom furnished apartment. This would include access to a swimming pool and exercise room and most likely a sauna. Maid services including laundry can often be arranged quite cheaply. As for security there would be 2 or more guards on duty around the clock and often CCTV cameras will be present. Expect to pay more, if you really are right in the centre of the city, or when you want something quite luxurious. As for other basic home expenses, air-conditioning uses a lot of electricity. Using it around the clock (daytime in the living room, nighttime in the bedroom) will set you back about 4,000 baht. UBC cable TV costs 1,500 baht for the standard package. Making a phone call using a fixed line costs 3 baht, regardless of the duration of the call. The price of calling with a mobile phone varies.

Food

There are plenty of restaurants in Bangkok, both cheap establishments and fancy ones. You could expect to have a decent twocourse meal, excluding drinks, for between 150 and 250 baht. Hotel buffets may cost approx 1000+ baht whilst food stalls and

outdoor eateries sell plates of food at 25 -30 baht.

Electrical Goods

Thailand is one of the countries where these goods are produced and/or assembled. However, that does not mean that products are cheaper locally. We estimate that electrical goods, cameras, computer equipment etc, are priced 10-30% more expensive in Thailand. Therefore, smaller goods like brand-name laptops, cameras, iPods, are best bought outside Thailand.

Entertainment

Movie tickets (excellent seats, very good quality theatres) costs about 120-140 baht. Beers in most entertainment venues are around 100-150 baht, but you will pay much more if you wander into certain up market (what we call) discos. ADSL broadband is between 1000-1500 baht per month, but service is not as reliable as it should be. Standard modem connection is charged (you can buy a card with password and user name) at about 10 baht per hour.

Food and drink

Advice on Food Safety

In general, you can get by using common sense. Food in hotels and major restaurants is usually quite safe. On the street from sidewalk vendors, hot foods should be safe, as well as cooked foods which have been allowed to cool but haven’t been sitting out all day and night, and where there aren’t flies. The main problems come from uncooked or poorly cooked foods, those which have sat out for a long time after cooking and things handled by vendors who are not sanitary with their hands, such as fruits and vegetables. Thai food is usually spicy. This is consistent

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with other tropical regions that started the spice trade centuries ago (before the technology of refrigeration), as some spices help to preserve food from rapid onset of bacteria. However, spices can also cause stomach upsets among the unaccustomed.

Drinking Water

You are advised not to drink the tap water. Though it is said to exceed specifications of cleanliness in many places and some people drink it, you could experience several problems. One is leaking pipes in transit to your tap. Another is by products of dead bacteria and viruses can also trigger an immune response in your body causing diarrhea and/or nausea. Most people use the tap water for brushing their teeth.

National Drinks

• The local thai whiskey Mekhong and the SamSong Rum are very popular amoungst both the locals and tourists. • If you are into beer, the thai beer Singha is made locally and is so popular it dominates the domestic market. • For a refreshing non alcoholic drink, coconut milk straight from the shell during the harvest season is popular and great for rehydrating in the humidty. * Legal drinking age: The government has raised the legal drinking age from 18 to 20.

Social Etiquette & Customs General Etiquette

Courtesy is very important to Thailand. Being polite and respectful to others is considered indispensable to maintaining good relations. Speaking softly and smiling warmly will always help to create positive dealings. As in many other Asian countries, causing someone to “lose face” is never good. Open criticisms and negative responses are seen as an insult to the other person and cause them to lose face. Regardless of who is “right” or “wrong”, it is the person who has caused another to lose face that is seen as the one who is in the wrong. Negative responses should be given indirectly and compromises should be sought when agreements cannot be found. Public displays of emotion are best avoided. In no situation is it considered appropriate to show anger or a negative emotion. Doing so causes the other person to lose face and will not encourage sympathy or help from others. There is a strong hierarchy in Thai society which is evident at many levels. Among other things, age, social position and wealth affect a person’s place in the hierarchy. When Thais meet someone for the first time, it is not unusual for them to ask several questions in order to establish where they fit in the hierarchy. These questions may seem very personal to some foreigners but it is best to accept them in good nature and without affront. The family is at the centre of much of Thai life. Independence and individuality is not given the importance that it is in many western cultures. Hierarchy is present in the family with parents at the top. Family members often depend on and support 2

each other. This selflessness is evident in friendship as well. The group is considered more important than the individual. It is not uncommon for wealthier friends to pay the bill for drinks or dinner.

Meeting and Greeting

When being introduced or greeting someone, men say Sawatdee-krap and women say Sawadee-kah. Thais greet each other with a “wai.” Foreigners are not expected to initiate the wai gesture, but it is an insult not to return the wai. If a wai is not offered to you, shake hands with men and smile and nod to women. A Thai businessperson may shake hands with a foreigner. Offer a wai only to a person of equal or greater status. Subordinates should offer a wai first. A wai can mean “Hello,” “Thank you,” “I’m sorry,” or “Goodbye.” A wai is not used to greet children, servants, street vendors or laborers. Never return a wai to a child, waiter, clerk, etc. Simply nod and smile in response. Monks do not return a wai. Introduce yourself by your first name. Feel free to introduce yourself or ask for someone’s name. When introducing your business partner to an important Thai, mention your partner’s name first. The inferior or lower-status person is always addressed first in an introduction. Thus, a child is introduced before its parents, a secretary is introduced before her boss.

Formal Situations

Appearance is very important to Thai people and care should be taken to dress smartly and appropriately. In formal or semiformal situations, it is better to wait for the hostess/host to make the introductions. Self introductions are rare. Hierarchy is always present and the oldest member of the group is honoured. Often, seating will be arranged with regard to the hierarchy. It is therefore better to wait until you are told where to sit. Thais rarely use surnames - the honorific title

Khun is placed before a person’s first name. Khun is a general title and can be used for all persons. Gift giving is not a part of Thai culture like it is in many other Asian countries. If a gift is given, it should be wrapped nicely; gold and yellow are considered auspicious colours, so are good for wrapping paper. Avoid green, black or blue as they are associated with funerals. Gifts will rarely be opened in front of the giver and will often be put aside until later. This is simply to avoid any show of emotion which may cause embarrassment. For weddings and ordination parties, money is placed in the envelope in which the invitation was received.

Business Etiquette

Thais prefer to build relationships before conducting business. Therefore, it will be likely that several meetings will take place. Discussing business before establishing relations is impolite. Often, issues will need to be discussed repeatedly and at many levels before decisions are made. Body language is important in Thai communication and respect and politeness should always be shown. Sit nicely and do not lounge in the chair. Saying no directly is considered impolite and Thais generally will never do so. Being receptive to subtle body language and indirect replies will help to avoid confusion and misunderstandings. Appointments for meetings should be made well in advance. It is a good idea to confirm the details of the meeting the day before. Arriving on time shows respect, although Thais often have a more relaxed view of time than is common in the west. Information concerning the agenda, the companies represented and the persons in attendance should be sent in advance. This will help Thai members prepare accordingly by knowing the hierarchy of the group. To avoid confusion and misunderstandings, written material, including business cards, should be provided in Thai and English. Business cards are generally exchanged after www.airenergi.com

the greetings. A business card should be offered with the right hand. Take time to read the card and make a polite comment about it. Business dress is conservative. Suits should be dark or mute colours. If skirts are worn, they should be knee-length or longer. The shoulders should always be covered. Smart shoes, and socks without holes are essential in case the shoes are to be removed.

Transport

Bangkok is notorious for its traffic and parking can be difficult to find and expensive. Metered taxis are ubiquitous, comfortable and economical. The skytrain is fast but very limited in coverage. Using air conditioned buses can save a lot of money but you need the bus maps (there’s no English on the bus signs) and during rush hour the bus stops are smoggy and the buses crowded. Motorcycle taxis weaving between stopped traffic are fast but can be dangerous. Boats run the river and some canals.

Taxis

Most taxis in Thailand are metered, i.e., you don’t need to negotiate a fare. Just get into a taxi that says “TAXI-METER” on the top. There are a few plain taxis still going around, but the vast majority are either relatively new taxi-meter fleet or taxis that have been converted over. Taxis are economical in Thailand relative to western countries. As of new rates approved in June 2008, the first revision in taxi rates since 1997, the fare starts at 35 baht (approx. $1) and stays there for the first 1 kilometre. When waving down a taxi, turn your palm down and wave them in with your fingers. If you take the expressway (“tong doo-un”), then give the taxi driver the expressway fare before he enters the booth. For a car, the far is 40 baht or less, and he will give you back any change. (Of course, expressway fares are in addition to the taxi fare.)

BTS SkyTrian

The SkyTrain and Subway are the best way to beat the traffic and pollution, but the trains get packed during rush hour. However, the skytrain and subway cover mainly the central Bangkok area, not the suburbs. The SkyTrain maps and fares are at the Bangkok Transit System (BTS) web site. The English language version is at www.bts.co.th/en/

MRT Sub Way

The M.R.T. Chaloem Ratchamongkhon Line (The MRT System) is the first underground metro in Thailand. Its initial route is Hua Lamphong to Bang Sue. Map & more information www.bangkokmetro.co.th

Buses

There is no need to own a private car in Bangkok, unless you need to transport goods around town on a regular basis. Petrol is priced at about 20 baht per litre. For about 50 baht you can take a 4 km ride. Buses are frequent, but less comfortable. Fares start at 8 bath (for the non-air conditioned buses). 20 or 30 baht can take you to the other end of town in air conditioned buses.

Driver’s License

For an international driver’s license, you must take documents to the Vehicle Registration Division of the Department of Land Transport. In Bangkok, the office is located opposite Chatuchak Park, by the Mo Chit bus station, at 1032 Poholyothin Rd, Tel: +66 2 272-3615. Application can also be made at the Vehicle Registration Office in Chiang Mai located on Chiangmai-Hangdong Rd. Tel :+66 53 270411 as well as other registered Centre. Allow one month for issuance and mail delivery from Bangkok. To get a Thai driver’s license, there are many more offices where you can go and you are required to go to the branch office designated for your residential address. You can find out from the main office at 02279-2959 which office you should go to. For example, there are at least 5 offices in the greater Bangkok metropolitan region. Office working hours, last time we checked, were Monday to Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm.

Main Airport

for Tourists forms are completed at the time of purchase and it is necessary to show one’s passport. Cash refunds (minimum 5,000) can be obtained in the airport departure hall and often the goods purchased must also be shown.

water. Beware of dairy products that may have been made with unboiled milk. Stick to meat and fish that have been well cooked, preferably served hot, but not reheated. Refrain from raw vegetables and unpeeled fruit.

Prohibited Imports

Other Risks

There are limitations on the import and export of prohibited drugs, any firearms and ammunition. The export of archaeological items or anything with historical value, religious artefacts and images of the Buddha requires an official document of authorisation from the Department of Fine Arts in Thailand. Radio transceiver equipment, plant and living materials, live animals or products, medicines and chemicals also require a permit from the relevant government agency. Warning: Any drug-related offences will be severely punished and may result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

Vaccinations

Special Precautions

Diphtheria Yes Hepatitis A Yes Malaria Sometimes Rabies Sometimes* Tetanus Yes Typhoid Yes Yellow Fever Sometimes** Vaccination regulations can change at short notice. Please consult medical advice in the case of doubt. For travellers spending four weeks or more in the country, or who are going to be more than 24 hours from medical help or who are handling animals, if bitten, do seek medical advice without delay. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving within 10 days from infected areas.

Health

Food and Drink

Drink only bottled or boiled water for consumption, brushing teeth or making ice. Unpasteurised milk should also be boiled, although pasteurised or homogenised milk is also available. Tinned or powdered milk is safe as long as it is reconstituted with sterile

HIV is widespread in Thailand, especially among prostitutes in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Amoebic and bacillary dysentery and hepatitis E may occur. Hepatitis B is highly common. Japanese encephalitis may occur, particularly in rural areas and precautions should be taken to guard against mosquito bites due to the risk of these diseases and also dengue fever. Travellers to Thailand are unlikely to be affected by avian influenza, but should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where they may come into close contact with wild or caged birds; and ensure poultry dishes are thoroughly cooked.

Health Care

Health insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are good in main centres. All major hotels have doctors on call available. Emergency numbers Below are some very useful telephone numbers when in Thailand. Highway Police Metropolitan Mobile Police Tourist Assistance Center Tourist Police (Bangkok) Bangkok directory inquiries

193 191 02-281-5051 1155 13-1113

Air Consulting Co. Ltd 555 Rasa Bd., 14th floor, Unit Number 1405-2 Phaholyothin Rd., Jatuchak,10900 Thailand Tel: +662 937 0554 -5 Fax: +662 937 0399

Thailand’s main airport is at the countries capital Bangkok. Suvarnabhumi “Bangkok International Airport” BKK is open for all domestic and international flights.

Airport Customs

Duty Free The following goods is allowed to be imported into Thailand with no customs duty imposed to any person, irrespective of age: • 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco or equal weight of cigars. • 1l of alcoholic liquor. Value Added Tax (7%) can be refunded on goods bought in shops labeled ‘VAT Refund for Tourists’, but there is a minimum transaction of 2,000 including VAT. VAT Refund Application

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Tra vel Tips Be prepared

Generally, overseas travellers are more likely to be injured through unintentional injuries than to be struck down by exotic infectious diseases. In fact, accidents and traffic collisions are the most frequent cause of death among travellers, so ensure you have good insurance and if you are hiring a vehicle, ensure it is in good working order. It will be beneficial to have some vehicle maintenance knowledge if you are planning on travelling to the more remote areas of the world, where a breakdown in harsh conditions can cost your life.

Copy your documents

In the unfortunate event of your luggage going missing, or your passport / wallet is stolen or lost, it is a good idea to have copies that can help you with re-issues. Take 2 colour photocopies each of your passport, plus visa stamps and documents, driving licence, important prescriptions or other ID documents. Make 2 sets of the documents and keep these copies separate from your main luggage, preferably in 2 separate bags. It is also a good idea to copy scanned or phtocopied documents to an Internet based e-mail account. Make sure someone at home knows how to access it in case of an emergency.

Vaccinations

Check with your medical practitioner on what vaccines are required before your travel. Due to your medical history, you may require more than one dose, or you may need boosters for childhood vaccines. Check the latest travel advice and travel bulletins for your destination before you depart, and also while travelling, so you can ensure you have the latest information. Common diseases contracted by travellers include those which are the result of eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or not practising safe sex, plus a number of mosquito or tick-borne diseases endemic to tropical areas. Be sure to take measures to avoid being bitten such as wearing light-coloured clothing that covers your arms and legs, regularly applying an appropriate insect repellent and staying in mosquito-proof accommodation or using bed nets.

Taking medicines with you Book a checkup at your doctor or dentist, dbefore you leave. If you wear glasses or contacts lenses, bring an extra pair of glasses and your prescription. Persons taking prescription medications should make sure they have an adequate supply for the trip, and/or bring their prescription, making sure it includes the medication trade name, manufacturer’s name, generic name, and dosage. Prepare a simple medical kit of over5

the-counter medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, antihistamine, antiseptic, diarrhoea medication), bandaids, thermometer, sunscreen, and insect repellent. When travelling overseas with medicine, (including over-the-counter or private prescription) it is important that you talk to your doctor and discuss the amount of medicine you will need to take. Carry a letter from your doctor detailing what the medicine is, how much you will be taking, and stating that it is for your own personal use. Leave the medicine in its original packaging so it is clearly labelled with your own name and dosage instructions. If you have to inject your medication, inform your airline before you travel and, if necessary, arrange a letter from your doctor explaining why you need to carry them.

Your health on long-haul flights

Keep important medication with you in case your luggage goes missing. To help avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT): drink plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and whilst seated, stretch and rotate your feet and lower legs. Walking around the cabin at regular intervals will help.

Scuba Divers

If you have been scuba diving, don’t travel in an aircraft for at least 24 hours after your final dive.

Coping with Jetlag

Factor the effects of jet lag into your itinerary. In order to cope with Jetlag you should get a good deal of sleep before your journey. It is also important to rest as much as possible during your flight. Planning to arrive at your destination as near to the time when you normally go to sleep will also help with the adjustment. If you are able to plan your itinerary allow time on arrival for adjustment or plan meetings at similar times to back home. Some people advise changing their watches to destination time when they get onto the plane. While this helps many people, for those who are on regular medication, such as diabetics, watches should remain on home time until you are able to adjust your medication to local times on arrival at your destination or as suggested by your health advisor. On arrival at your destination get active as soon as possible, as exercise has been proven to improve productivity. Adjust your meals and activities to local time as soon as you can. Exposure to light is also a good way of naturally allowing your body to adjust. If you need to take a short nap, do, it will help refresh you, but don’t forget to use an alarm clock or wake up call to get you up!

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Lost Luggage

If you happen to lose your baggage on arrival at your destination airport, tell the airline immediately and get suitable compensation. Agree on an amount you can spend on essential items that you will need and give them an address to deliver the luggage to when they find it. It is wise to make a copy of your passport details and any other important papers or vaccination certificates that you are carrying with you when you travel. Leave them in a safe place in the office or copy to an Internet based e-mail account. Make sure someone at home either a partner or friend knows how to access it in case of an emergency. You will need photo identification even for air travel within the UK.

Personal Safety

Be aware of your surroundings at all times; thieves will use many tricks to distract you - wiping something off your shoulder while an accomplice is picking your pocket, getting young children to surround you while they plan to rob your belongings. Trust your instincts, especially when visiting countries where a high poverty rate comes along with high petty crime rates. When not attending meetings, try to blend in with the crowd when out and about - try not to look like a visitor! When enjoying the local nightlife, guard your food/drinks and keep your wits about you. Beware of the fact that you will be an easy target after a few too many drinks. Avoid walking home to your hotel late at night, even if it is close by. Get a taxi. Don’t take shortcuts through poorly lit areas, it pays to trust your instincts in these situations. Keep your wits about you when making new friends - men and women may come across very friendly indeed if you are the route to an easier life. Be careful of telling people where you live.

Unsafe Water - What to do

If travelling to more remote areas with poor sanitation - only drink boiled water, hot beverages, such as coffee and tea, canned or bottled carbonated beverages, beer, and wine. Ice may be made from unsafe water and should be avoided. It is safer to drink from a can or bottle of beverage than to drink from a container that was not known to be clean and dry. However, water on the surface of a beverage can or bottle may also be contaminated. Therefore, the area of a can or bottle that will touch the mouth should be wiped clean and dry.

Malaria Awareness The Mosquito - Disease Carrier

Mosquitoes transmit the viruses responsible for yellow fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever, epidemic polyarthritis, several forms of encephalitis and, most famously, malaria. Mosquitoes lay their eggs wherever there is standing water, ponds, salt water marshes, or even puddles and discarded containers. Only female mosquitoes bite, as they require blood to produce their eggs.

What is Malaria?

Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted by mosquitoes. The most deadly strain being plasmodium falciparum. The mosquito unwittingly transmits this parasite when biting its victim. These parasites then spread to the liver where they take one to four weeks to multiply. Once mature, they spread throughout the red blood cells resulting in the first symptoms - a flu-like fever, which, if left untreated will lead to liver failure, coma and ultimately, death.

Symptoms

Malaria symptoms are very similar to flu, however you may not suffer from all of them: • • • • • •

High Fever Headache Vomiting General ill feeling Muscle and joint aches Jaundice / yellow skin tone

Medical attention should be sought immediately if you have any symptoms that could be malaria. Ensure that you can get to medical facilities 24 hours a day, and know your options when in developing countries. Bear in mind that once malaria symptoms strike, you will not feel like travelling very far. Malaria can kill within 48 hours of developing symptoms.

Risk Areas

Mosquitoes have been found all over the world, however not all mosquitos carry malaria. The countries below are malaria hotspots, if you are travelling to them, it is necessary to take medicinal precautions. Malaria is one of mankind’s oldest known killers, dating back almost 5000 years.

What attracts mosquitoes?

• Carbon Dioxide - we exhale it when we breathe and also secrete it from our pores. • Fragrances such as deodorant, soap, shower gel, even cosmetics on the skin • Body heat and sweat • Dark Coloured clothing © Air Energi 2013

Repel Mosquitoes

• Cover up after dusk. • Use a repellant on your skin. • Close doors and windows at night. • Avoid lingering near stagnant water. ponds, lakes, and old containers are breeding grounds. • If you are out after dusk, wear a long-sleeved shirt, trousers in a closely woven fabric and cover feet with socks. • If you must wear thin clothing, buy a fabric friendly insect repellent, as mosquitoes will bite through the fabric.

On Skin

Choose insect repellents with DEET, on any exposed skin highly effective against all biting insects. Do not put your trust in products without DEET, no known natural remedies have been scientifically proven to provide a barrier for your skin. When visiting countries high in temperature or humidity, choose a repellent with 50% DEET protection, as humidity coupled with sweating will evaporate the repellent and reduce its effectiveness. Read labels carefully and do not be complacent with re-application.

Aroma Repellants

• Buy a pyrethroid coil or a plug-in insecticide. • Lemon eucalyptus oil and citronella are natural fly repellents. It is not recommended that you rely on them as their potency wears off quickly, but they may be of use alongside the above. • Ultrasonic devices and bug ‘zappers’ are not effective against mosquitoes • Make sure window and door screens are intact so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.

Mosquito Nets

If you are sleeping in an unscreened room, a mosquito net is advised. Nets come in a range of mesh weaves - choose wisely depending on your situation. Heavy-duty nets get hot and uncomfortable, whereas others may not offer enough protection, so do some careful research into the climate your are going to be in. A permethrin spray can be used on a mosquito net and sometimes clothing. It will instantly kill any mosquito that lands on it. This, coupled with a skin repellant creates a formidable barrier.

minimise allergic reactions to mosquito bites, and other insects you may encounter for the first time.

If you think you have Malaria

Seek advice from a medical professional to discuss the most appropriate anti-malarial medication for your needs. Visit the nearest medical facility as soon as possible for emergency treatment. If you go to an area where a wellequipped hospital cannot be reached within 24 hours, take emergency medicines with you.

Precaution Summary • Take anti-malarial medication as prescribed • Screen doors and windows • Sleep under a mosquito net • Spray your room with insecticide • Wear long trousers and sleeves after dusk • Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin when outdoors

Awareness

of the risk of malaria if you are travelling to a foreign country.

ites Avoid bites and reduce the chances of getting malaria.

omply with the appropriate drug regimen for the area you are visiting.

iagnosis Malaria can be fatal but early diagnosis and treatment is usually 100% effective.

Antimalarial Drugs

There are several different types of medication depending on such factors as area to be visited, length of stay, type of travel, your own medical history and drugs you may already be taking. Highly sensitive persons may consider antihistamines to www.airenergi.com

Frequently asked questions Do I need a visa to enter Thailand? Yes we will make these arrangements for you in advance and keep you informed at all times. Do I need a local bank account? Most banks offer a ‘migrant account’ while in the UK. You can transfer funds to it for your arrival. It is also useful when obtaining a driving license, or credit. Will I need a medical? You may be asked to complete a medical examination for the client you are working for, before you go. Will you provide medical insurance? No, you will need a personal medical insurance scheme, but we will help you where possible to set this up. Is bangkok a safe place? In comparison to other major cities around the world, Bangkok is very safe and in all probability, you will have no problem even if walking alone at night. Nevertheless, it always pays to use common sense and it’s worth remembering you are likely to be a lot richer than the average Thai - don’t flaunt it.

Contacts Air Consulting Co Ltd 555 Rasa Tower I, 14th Floor Phaholyothin Rd Chatuchak Bangkok Thailand 10900 Phone: +662 937 0554/55 Fax: +662 937 0399 asiapacific@airenergi.com