Currency
The Thai baht is the local currency. Cards are accepted at hotels, malls and larger restaurants, while street markets and tuk-tuks run on cash.
Language
Thai is the national language. English is understood in tourist districts, hotels and airports, though a translation app helps in smaller towns.
Time difference
Thailand is 1 hour 30 minutes ahead of Indian Standard Time (IST).
Weather
Tropical, with a cool dry season, a hot spell before the rains, and a wetter monsoon period that brings heavy but usually short afternoon showers.
Connectivity
Tourist SIMs and eSIMs are easy to buy at the airport, roaming packs work well, and Wi-Fi is standard in hotels, cafes and malls.
Food & culture
Thai cooking balances chilli, lime, fish sauce and palm sugar. Fish sauce, shrimp paste and dried shrimp can appear in vegetable dishes, so vegetarians should request jay or mangsawirat food. At temples, cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes, and avoid touching heads or pointing feet at sacred images.