Thailand Welcome Guide
Useful Tips For Your Internship
Welcome to Thailand!
Your internship experience is one of the most important pieces of the foundation you are laying down for a successful career.
Since the professional world can be very different from university life, it's important that you have an understanding of some of the differences.
Use These Tips To Help You Make The Most Of Your Internship.
- Clarify expectations about the internship, both the employers and yours. It’s a good idea to agree upon your job responsibilities in writing.
- Take advantage of the transition time at the beginning of your internship and ask a lot of questions.
- Meet regularly with your supervisor to ensure that both of your expectations are being met.
- First impressions are very important, as is maintaining good ones. It's important for you to dress, speak, write, and generally behave like a professional.
- Be observant and ask questions about appropriate behavior at the work place. Different organizations have different expectations regarding employee behavior.
- Focus on your communication skills, both written and verbal. Proofread your written work carefully. When communicating with your co-workers choose a respectful, tactful, and professional language at all times.
- Be punctual and show up to work on time. If you're going to be late or sick, be sure to call your supervisor to inform them. Choose your sick days with care and try not to miss too many days at work.
- Establish good relationships with your co-workers. Be friendly, polite, helpful, and sensitive. Also be careful about bringing personal business to work.
- Be easy to work with. Accept assignments without complaint, ask for more work when assignments are completed, and turn out good quality work.
- When you complete your internship, be sure to ask your supervisor for a letter of recommendation and keep in touch so that you can call upon him/her later when you are in need of a reference.
Here's a good read on 5 Reasons Why An Internship Is Important For Your Future Career.
Emergency Information
In case of any emergencies, here are important phone numbers to have on hand.
Money Exchange
The currency used in Thailand is the Thai Baht.
The used banknotes are THB 1000, 500 100, 50, and 20. The used coins are THB 10, 5, 2, 1, 0.5, and 0.25.
1000 Thai Baht is approximately $29.35 or ‚€26.18 or £22.69.
When you come to Thailand we recommend you to exchange your local currency to Thai Baht within the city, rather than at the airport.
The currency exchange companies in the city give a much better exchange rate than the ones at the airport.
The currency exchange shops that we recommend you to get the best rates are Vasu Exchange, Super Rich, and SIA Money Exchange.
These exchange companies can be found at many BTS and MRT stations, as well as in many major shopping malls.
SIM Cards In Thailand
There are 3 mobile carriers in Thailand: Truemove, AIS, and dtac.
You can buy a SIM card at the respective mobile carrier stores, which can be found in most major shopping malls.
Additionally, you can purchase SIM cards at 7-Eleven and FamilyMart stores.
Checkout this article on the 10 BEST Apps To Survive In Thailand!
Useful Thai Phrases
The Thai language can be quite difficult for new foreigners. Especially since the Thai language has it's own unique alphabet.
It's very beneficial to know some useful phrases during your stay in Thailand.
We provided some basic phrases for you to get started, which are transcribed to the pronunciation of the words.
Also very important to know is that “Ka†and “Kub†are polite words to say at the end of a sentence or expression.
Kaâ is used for females and Krub is used for males.
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Places To Visit
The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace was built in 1782 and is home of the Thai Kings and Royal Court. It's beautiful architecture attracts many tourists.
When you visit the Grand Palace make sure that you dress properly.
Men must wear long pants and shirts with sleeves. Women must be dressed similarly, with no see-through shirts and no bare shoulders shown.
If you're clothing isn't appropriate, there is a booth near the entrance which provides you with proper clothing for which you have to pay a deposit.
Wat Arun
Wat Arun was constructed during the first half of the 19th century in the Khmer Style.
The Temple of Dawn symbolizes the birth of the Rattanakosin Period and the founding of the new capital after Ayutthaya fell.
The quietest time to visit is early in the morning before the crowds arrive.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Damnoen Saduak is the pioneer of all floating markets.
The floating market offers an authentic experience, even though it is very touristy.
There are dozens of wooden boats with fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
Chinatown
Chinatown in Bangkok is known as being one of the biggest in the world.
Packed with small stands, food stalls, and shops, Chinatown in Bangkok is an experience which you cannot miss.
Chao Phraya River
The Chao Phraya River is a great way to explore the city of Bangkok.
Touristic longboats are used to show beautiful places along the river and transportation ferries which can bring your across the river to various locations.
Taking a boat as a way of transportation can be a great opportunity to see the different areas of the city.
Chatuchak Market
Chatuchak market is one of, if not the most popular markets in Thailand.
Once popular amongst traders and wholesalers, Chatuchak market has now become a major tourist attraction.
The 8,000 plus stalls on 35 acres of land offer all kinds of products like clothes, furniture, souvenirs, food, and much more.
On the weekend the market has over 200,000 visitors.
Transportation
There are many different types of transportation methods in Bangkok.
For example, the BTS Skytrain, MRT Subway, taxis, motorbike taxis, busses, boats, and of course the famous tuk-tuks.
Below you can find the systems map of the Bangkok Transit System, Metropolitan Rapid Transit, Airport Rail Link, and Bus Rapid Transit.
CLICK TO ENLARGE MAP
All trains usually arrive at each station every 5 minutes and enable you to transport to various destinations throughout the city of Bangkok.
There are several connection points where you are able to get on another transport line.
Tickets are inexpensive and are easily payable by machines at the stations.
Each transport system offers cards that you can add credit to, which makes it much easier to check in and out.
Traveling by taxi in Bangkok is another very common method of transportation. There are some important things you should know before using taxis in Bangkok.
Firstly, taxis in Bangkok are painted in a range of bright colors.
The full colored taxis are rented out by drivers and are not always the most reliable.
The drivers sometimes will not want to drive to your destination, and/or they will not turn on the taxi meter and will try to charge you a high price.
The multi-colored taxis (e.g. yellow/green) are known to have a better reputation, as they are privately owned cars.
Also, try not to pay a taxi driver with anything more than a 100 Baht banknote, as some drivers pretend not to have change.
Food: Where And What To Eat
During your stay in Thailand, you will discover that there are many different types of food and unique places to eat.
Unlike many other countries, it's not necessary to visit a traditional restaurant for lunch or dinner.
It is very popular amongst locals to eat their meals from street food vendors and stalls.
The big advantages of eating street food are that it's very affordable, you receive your order extremely fast, and the meals are prepared in a very homemade fashion, as compared to typical restaurants.
For an average street food dish, expect to pay around 50 Thai baht, which is around $1.45 or €1,30.
Click here to see a list of the Top 10 Thai Food Dishes That Are A MUST EAT
Do's & Dont's
Medical Facilities
It is very important to be aware of the medical facilities around Bangkok, Thailand in case of any illness or emergency you may have.
Below we have provided you with some medical facility options for your convenience.
By clicking on each photo, you will be redirected to a pinned location of the facility on Google Maps.
Immunizations You May Need
Before coming to Thailand it's ideal to visit your personal doctor for a routine checkup.
Thailand does maintain high-quality medical facilities, but we suggest to utilize your health insurance in your home country.
The medical costs in Thailand can become quite expensive without insurance.
We also advise you to undergo the following immunizations if you haven't already.
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Japanese Encephalitis
- Malaria
- Rabies
- Yellow Fever
- Diphtheria/Tetanus/Polio
Culture
The Monarchy
As mentioned above, it is very important to be respectful of the Thai Royal Family.
Thai people are extremely respectful and loving towards their King.
Vandalizing, damaging, or destroying images, monuments, or statues of the King or Royal Family in any way can lead to imprisonment.
So it is very important to always show respect to the Monarchy.
Greetings
A big part of the Thai culture is about being respectful and polite to others at all times.
One simple way that visitors in Thailand can show respect to Thai people is by learning the traditional hand gesture for greetings and thank you's.
This gesture is called 'wai' and is done by putting your hands together in front of your chest, and slightly bending your head forward.
It is not expected for you to do it, but when someone wai's to you then you're expected to wai back.
If you're looking to meet new people, here are 12 Tips: How To Make Friends During Your Internship Abroad.
Interesting Facts
Bangkok is the longest city name in the world.
Krung Thep (Bangkok) is the shortened version of the actual name which consists of 169 characters.
The full city name is Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahinthara Yutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udom Ratchaniwet Mahasathan Amonphiman Awatansathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukamprasit.
The translation of this name is the city of angels, great city of immortals, magnificent city of the nine gems, seat of the king, city of royal palaces, home of gods incarnate, erected by Visvakarman at Indra's behest.
The King's Anthem is played before movies and cultural performances.
Before a movie, play or cultural performance, the King's Anthem is played and everyone must stand out of respect.
Also at train stations, the Thai National Anthem is played twice a day at 8 AM and 6 PM.
Not standing for the King's Anthem or Thai Anthem is illegal.
Enjoy Your Stay In Thailand!
Asia Internship Program wishes you an enjoyable time in Thailand during your internship.
By applying these tips and recommendations, we're positive that it will make your lifestyle in Thailand much more satisfying and stress-free.
If you found this guide useful during your stay in Thailand, share it with your friends who may also be interested in doing an internship in the Land of Smiles.
Also, for those of you still in your home country and are interested in doing an internship in Thailand, click the 'Learn More' button below for more info.
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