Passport
As stated elsewhere, check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry (a requirement for immigration) and that it has plenty of blank pages. If it will expire before the end of your contract, or you only have a few blank pages left, check what additional documents (such as birth certificate) you will need to bring to apply for a new passport. Doing this before you come will save a lot of logistical problems later! It’s really best if your passport is valid for the whole of your placement.
Passport photos
Please bring at least four passport-sized photos to get your work permit (identical pictures, white or blue background, two each of 3 x 4 cm and 4 x 6 cm). However, these are available cheaply close to the British Council offices in Bangkok.
Documents to bring
Please also bring the following documents:
- Original professional certificates (Diploma, PGCE, TEFL cert etc.)
- Medical check form
- It’s a good idea to bring copies of your passport data page.
Mosquito repellent - DEET
Make sure you buy DEET-based mosquito repellent to keep the bugs at bay. For those resident in the UK the ‘Repel – tropical strength’ sold by Boots chemist in silver bottles is an example of this. Note there are branches of Boots in Bangkok which sell this. Long-sleeved tops and long trousers are also a good idea.
Sufficient cash
You will be provided with a generous settling in allowance of 25,000THB (around £550 according to the exchange rate at the time of writing). However, this settling in allowance will be provided in the form of a cheque and you will need to have a Thai bank account to cash this cheque. Since you can’t get a Thai bank account until you have your work permit, it may be a week or two until you are able to access this so you should bring sufficient funds to tide you over until you can access this money.
Currency exchange is available at the Bangkok airports at a good rate but you may wish to bring some Thai Baht with you for the taxi as you may be tired from a long flight and wish to avoid the hassle of changing money on arrival. There are ATM machines if you want to withdraw money when you arrive.
Smart clothes
See detailed advice on the dress code in the “Before you leave” section of this website.
ID for police check
If you have not been able to get your ID checked for the DBS clearance before you leave the UK, bring this with you. See the “Before you come” section of this website.
Medication
If you are taking any regular or prescription medication, you may wish to bring this with you, although most medication is available in Thailand.
Motorcyclists
You may have the opportunity to ride a motorcycle while in this post but you do so at your own risk and you should be aware that, according to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, motorcycle accidents are one of the biggest causes of death and injury for foreigners abroad.
In addition, in order to ride a motor-cycle in Thailand, you must have a legal driving license for Thailand. This means either:
- Converting a driving license from the UK or other overseas country to a Thai license
- Getting an International Driving License
- Passing a driving test in Thailand
If you do ride a motorcycle, you are advised to get hold of a full face helmet. You can bring this with you or purchase in Bangkok at the following:
Leon motorbikes - Srinakarin area - 023857729, 0818401813 - https://th-th.facebook.com/leonhelmet - -
VNP Racing - Bangkae area - 02 455 5632, 085 075 9693 -http://vnpracing.tarad.com/contactus.template.php?lang=th&headername=ติดต่อเรา&headername=#
Auto speed - Bumrung Muang area - 02-2212780, 086-3443387 - http://www.auto2speed.com