Tips for People Traveling to Thailand and/or Mahidol University for the First Time
By Judson Deitrich
Visa
• Make sure you have all of the required documents for entering Thailand
• Check with the website or call the Thai consulate or embassy in your country
Arrival
● Currency exchange is available at the airport
● ATM machines are readily available
● It is recommended that you buy a SIM card at the airport
● Taxi queue is at Level 1 of Suvarnabhumi Airport
● Airport Link connects to both BTS and MRT transit systems
Weather
● The rainy season is officially from July - October. However, it often rains in June as well.
● Heavy rain generally occurs sporadically in the afternoon or evening for short periods oftime
● Flooding can occur in areas around Mahidol University’s campus
● Do not underestimate the heat. A hat and sunscreen are highly recommended.
● Water fountains are not common. However, you will find places to buy bottled water or refill your bottle.
● The air quality in and around Bangkok is very poor
● The humidity is generally high in Thailand. Be cognizant of how this may affect yourinstrument and bow.
Transportation
● Taxis use cash and are not able to break large bills
● Taxis are required to use their meter
● Ifataxidriversaystheydonotusethemeterthenitisuptoyoutoagreeonaprice or find a different taxi
● Taxi drivers will ask the rider before taking the highway
● The rider is responsible for paying highway tolls
● When you arrive at a toll, the driver will ask you for money to pay the toll
● Taxis will choose not to take you because of distance or any other reason
● Locals do not typically tip for short distances. However, taxis in Thailand are extremely inexpensive so rounding up or tipping 10-20 baht would be a kind and greatly appreciated gesture.
● Tipping is expected for long distances
● Again, taxis typically do not keep a lot of cash on hand so keeping small bills withyou is important
Tuk Tuk/Motorbike
○ Tuk Tuks and motorbikes do not use meters
○ You must agree on a price before riding
○ Typically used for short distances
Grab
● Grab is the most commonly used ride-sharing appin Thailand
● Generally more expensive than taking a taxi
● Drivers know your exact destination so there is lessof a chance for miscommunication
● Can also be used for food delivery
Bangkok Rail System
● BTS is the above-ground transit system
● MRT is the underground transit system
● Airport link connects to both BTS and MRT transit systems
● Rail systems typically close at Midnight
Mahidol University Tram
○ A free tram service is provided within the university
○ Runs approximately every 15-30 minutes
○ Unmarked stop outside Building B
*Salaya Link
- ○ Mahidol provides a non-stop bus service that travels from the BTS/MRT Bang WaStation to the Mahidol University College of Music
- ○ Runs Monday - Friday and for Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra concerts only
■ Link to Schedule: <https://www.music.mahidol.ac.th/salayalink/> ○ Fare is 30 baht and typically paid by bank transfer via QR Code
■ In the event cash is not accepted, you can ask another passenger to pay for you in exchange for your cash (Thai people are very friendly and often very accommodating to foreigners)
○ Bang Wa Pick-up location is on the BTS side not MRT
Traveling from Bangkok to Mahidol University
Taxi
- If you tell the driver, “Mahidol (Mah-hee-don), Salaya (Sah-la-yah),” they willtypically know where you want to go and bring you to Mahidol University
- You will need to direct them to the building you are going to
- Show on a paper map
- Show on a map on your device ● Say
- ○ Dtrong bpai = Go straight
- ○ Liaw saai = Turn left
- ○ Liaw kwaa = Turn right
- You can ask your hotel to arrange a taxi for you
- Taxis are less inclined to travel outside of the city during peak hours. Youmay need to try asking multiple taxis and/or haggle.
- Again, Taxis use cash and are not able to break large bills
○ Grab
There are pins you can set your destination to that will put you at theentrance of any of the music buildings
Traveling from Mahidol University to Bangkok
Taxi
- Taxis are readily available at queues along the perimeter of the university○ Grab
- Youcansetapintohaveacarpickyouupattheentranceofanyofthemusic buildings
Cultural and General Considerations Specific to Thailand
● In general, Thai people are extremely polite and take saving face very seriously
○ Outward frustration or anger, raising your voice, pointing, touching, throwing, etc.,should be avoided
● When to “Wai” (Taken from (TheCultureTrip.com)
○ “The wai, pronounced like the word “why,” is the traditional greeting of Thailand. Though foreigners should not go around giving the wai to everyone they see, they are often expected to return the greeting. The wai greeting is usually paired with the word “hello” in Thai, thereby making it a greeting and a way to say hello; however, it is also a way in which to show someone respect.”
○ “While the wai is the way in which people greet each other, Thais also wai one another when thanking someone, apologizing to someone, or saying goodbye. Many Thais will also wai when they pass spirit houses, temples, shrines, or anything in regards to the monarchy—for example, a picture of the king. Many Thais will wai Buddhist monks, but monks are not expected to return the greeting. The safest bet is to wai someone who greets you in this way.”
- ● Pedestrians do not have the right of way. Do not expect a car to stop for you at a crosswalk. Wait until it is safe to cross.
- ● Accessibility and mobility
- Sidewalks in Bangkok and Salaya are often in poor condition
- Street food stalls, retail shops, and restaurants all vie for space on sidewalks
- Sidewalks on the MU university campus are ok
- There are ramps to the entrance of each university building
- Crossing a street or highway may require taking a footbridge that does not havean elevator
- Sidewalks in Bangkok are often narrow, damaged, under construction, or have obstructions making them difficult to use
Thailand is a kingdom and therefore has a king and royal family. Defamatory or insultingcomments about the royal family are punishable by prison. Avoid talking about the royal family in general.
Recommended YouTube Videos
Map of Music Buildings
BTS/MRT Map Link to map