We are so excited to welcome you to Bangkok, Thailand to connect, share and learn at SVRI Forum 2026!
~ Informational Guide ~
At a Glance
Time zone: Indochina Time (ICT) – UTC +7
Language: Central Thai is the national and official language of Thailand (strong English profficiency)
Currency: Thai Baht (THB). 1 USD ≈ 35 THB
Safety: Level 1 “Exercise Normal Precautions”. Considered highly safe for tourists.
Emergency numbers: 191 (police), 1155 (tourist police), 1669 (ambulance), 199 (fire service).
Thailand is famously known as the “Land of Smiles” – we hope this proves true for you!
- Visa exemption: Many nationalities still qualify for 30 days visa-free on arrival. Confirm your specific allowance online.
- Visa on arrival (VOA): Available to citizens of select countries for stays up to 15 days. Not recommended if you plan to extend your trip.
- Tourist Visa (TR): If needed, apply online for a Tourism and Leisure activities Tourist Visa. For a visa support letter, please contact our registration manager at Celine.Beneke@mrc.ac.za. Letters of support will only be provided once we have proof of payment for registration.
What you’ll need
- Biodata page of Passport or Travel Document
- Photograph taken within the last six months
- Document indicating current location (e.g: proof of payment of airline tickets or accommodation)
- Travel booking confirmation
- Proof of accommodation in Thailand
- Financial evidence: An amount of no less than 20,000 THB (bank statements for the last three months, or a sponsorship letter).
Digital Arrival Card
Since May 2025, all foreign visitors must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival (this replaces the old paper TM6 form). Submit your TDAC no earlier than 3 days (72 hours) before your scheduled arrival. Please note, this is free of charge.
Final check before departing:
- Passport (6+ months validity) & printed e-Visa confirmation
- Completed TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card)
- Travel insurance document
- Copies of important documents (digital + paper)
Getting There
Airports: Bangkok has two international airports:
| Airport | Code | Typical use |
| Suvarnabhumi | BKK | Most full-service and long-haul carriers for international flights |
| Don Mueang | DMK | Low-cost carriers reserved mostly for regional/domestic flights |
Both are well connected to the city centre (30–45 minutes by taxi or rail). Local SIM cards can be bought at the airport for easy connectivity.
Booking tips
- Peak season begins in November, so October fares are often reasonable, book early for more affordable rates.
- Set fare alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner.
- Consider flexible dates, midweek departures tend to be cheaper.
Getting Around Bangkok
Rail networks
The city’s BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are fast, air-conditioned, and cover most tourist and business districts.
- Single-journey tokens typically cost 17–62 THB depending on the journey’s distance.
- BTS Rabbit cards (card issuance fee 100 TBH) and MRT cards save time at ticket machines.
Taxis and ride-hailing
- Metered taxis: These are plentiful but insist the meter runs.
- Grab (the regional equivalent of Uber): Offers transparent pricing and cashless payment. We recommend downloading the app before your arrival.
Tuk-tuks and boats
- Tuk-tuks: Fun for short hops. Agree on a fare before setting off (fares should range from 50–150 THB for nearby trips).
- Chao Phraya Express Boats: A scenic, affordable way to travel along the river, recommended for reaching the Grand Palace and riverside hotels.
Climate in October
October marks the tail end of the monsoon season. Expect:
| Condition | Typical range |
| Temperature | 24 °C – 32 °C (75 °F – 90 °F) |
| Humidity | High (70–85 %) |
| Rainfall | Occasional heavy afternoon showers |
Packing essentials
Lightweight, breathable clothing (linen, cotton). Include modest clothing for temple visits
Compact umbrella and/or rain jacket
Comfortable walking shoes
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses and sunscreen – UV remains strong even on cloudy days)
Adaptor: Thailand uses Type A, B, C outlets (220V / 50 Hz)
Money Matters
| Item | Details |
| Currency | Thai Baht (THB) |
| Approximate exchange | 1 USD ≈ 35 THB · 1 EUR ≈ 38 THB (rates fluctuate) |
| ATMs | Widely available, typically charge 220 THB per foreign withdrawal |
| Cards | Accepted at hotels, malls and larger restaurants. Recommended to carry cash for street food, markets and small vendors. |
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Common practice:
- Restaurants: round up or leave 20–50 THB
- Hotel porter: 20–50 THB per bag
- Spa/massage: 50–100 THB
Food & Drink
Bangkok’s culinary scene ranges from Michelin-star fine dining to legendary 50 THB street-food stalls. Forks and spoons are the primary utensils but also expect Thai chopsticks and knives. Use your right hand when eating with your hands.
Recommended dishes to try
| Dish | Description |
| Pad Thai | Stir-fried rice noodles with tamarind, egg, tofu or shrimp |
| Tom Yum Goong | Hot-and-sour soup with prawns, lemongrass, galangal |
| Som Tum | Green papaya salad – spicy, sour and refreshing |
| Khao Pad | Thai fried rice, often served with cucumber slices |
| Mango Sticky Rice | Sweet glutinous rice with ripe mango and coconut cream |
Places to explore
- Yaowarat (Chinatown): Night-time paradise for seafood, noodles and dim sum.
- Sukhumvit Soi 38: Compact alley with classic street eats.
- Or Tor Kor Market: Upscale fresh market near Chatuchak, pristine produce and prepared dishes.
Street food tips
- Follow the crowds. Busy stalls turn over ingredients quickly.
- Try stick to vendors cooking food fresh to order.
- Bring small bills (20s, 50s, 100s), most hawkers don’t accept cards.
- Bottled water is cheap and readily available. Avoid tap water and ice from unknown sources.
Sightseeing
Bangkok is a treasure trove of sights, offering something for everyone!
Historic & spiritual
- Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew: Dazzling royal complex housing the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred image
- Wat Pho: Home of the 46-metre Reclining Buddha and a renowned massage school
- Wat Arun: Iconic riverside spire, best photographed at sunset from across the river
Modern Bangkok
- ICONSIAM: Riverside mega-mall with an indoor floating market, luxury retail, and rotating art exhibitions.
- Rooftop bars: Venues like Sky Bar, Octave, and Vertigo offer panoramic city views; smart-casual dress codes apply.
- Chatuchak Weekend Market: Over 15,000 stalls selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade ceramics.
Feminist stops
- Lady Laughs: A monthly open mic stand-up hosted by the Bangkok Hilarious Comedy Club. For 250 TBH, enjoy sets from the city’s best women comics, or have a go yourself!
- Paste: This Michelin-star restaurant is run by Chef Bee Satongun, named Asia’s Best Female Chef 2018 by World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
- Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC): This central arts hub frequently hosts exhibits by feminist collectives such as Womanifesto and is the prime location to view works by acclaimed Thai feminist artists like Pinaree Sanpitak.
Day trips
- Ayutthaya: UNESCO-listed ancient capital
- Floating markets: Damnoen Saduak or the less-touristy Amphawa (weekends).
Cultural Etiquette
The monarchy
The Thai royal family is deeply revered. Avoid any negative remarks, lèse-majesté laws carry serious penalties.
Temple conduct
- Dress modestly: Cover shoulders and knees.
- Remove shoes before entering temple buildings.
- Never point your feet toward a Buddha image or monk.
- When walking through a doorway, do not step directly onto a door threshold, rather step over it.
- Before taking any photographs, check the temple’s policy. In worship areas, stay mindful of people in prayer.
- Women should not touch monks or hand objects directly to them. If you would like to make an offering, rather place items at their feet on a cloth or table.
Everyday customs
- In Thai culture, the head is sacred and the feet are seen as the lowest part of the body – so it is considerate to avoid touching anyone’s head and to be mindful of not pointing your feet, particularly toward people or religious objects. When gesturing to indicate direction, a gentle lift of the chin is preferable.
- The wai is the traditional greeting: A slight bow with palms pressed together in prayer form, return it when offered.
- The national anthem is played twice daily at 8am (flag-raising) and 6pm (flag-lowering) through public loudspeakers. If you are in a public area, it is customary to stop walking and stand still.
Health & Safety
Vaccinations
Consult a clinician 4–6 weeks before your departure. Commonly recommended vaccines include hepatitis A, typhoid and routine boosters.
Medical facilities
Bangkok has world-class private hospitals (Bumrungrad, BNH, Samitivej) with English-speaking staff. Purchasing travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Recommended to get cover that includes emergency hospitalisation and repatriation.
Practical precautions
- Stay hydrated: Humidity is high, drink bottled or filtered water.
-
Allergens: Peanuts (peanut oil), shellfish (shrimp paste, oyster sauce) and soy are staples in Thai cuisine (curries, stir-fries), and cross-contamination is common.
- Use mosquito repellent, especially from dusk onwards.
- Keep your valuables locked in the hotel safe. Beware of bag-snatchers on motorbikes in tourist areas.
- Traffic is busy and fast-paced: Cross roads carefully, preferably at pedestrian bridges or lights.
Embrace the chaos: Bangkok is loud, vibrant and occasionally overwhelming. Approach it with curiosity and flexibility, and you’ll be rewarded!
