Inside Thailand: Be prepared

This is being written inresponse to some of the reviews read on here about Thai locations this year.

It seemssome people who travel to Thailer and are not really quite prepared for what theyre in for.

People seem to have quite high expectations from their accommodation,a midrange accommodation, usually costing about $20-$30 AUS reasonable, clean and comfortable, but definetelymay encounter some quirks.

People have to understand that in Thailand they just do not have the same standards and regulations, they don't have the strict government building regulations and health and hygiene regulations thatpeople are used to at home.

This is often not the case in Thailand. The fact is, you get what you pay for, and you may have to be prepared for musty smells, water damaged carpets, noisy air conditioners (very common complaint), mosquitos and noisy neighbours if you are going for cheaper accommodation.

Do not expect the Thai people to be sympathetic to your complaints about these trivial things, the conditions they live in are far worse and as far as the hotel staff are concerned,touristsare just spoilt foreigners living in luxury and complaining about it. If you break something, you will be expected to pay for it not matter what the circumstances. In Australia, if you recieve bad service, you may not be expected to pay. In Thailand, no matter what kind of service you recieve, you will be expected to pay. The Thai people see anger and arguing as a weakness and this will not get you very far.

Basically, do not go over to Thailand expecting things to be the same as they are at home. It is a developing country without strict rules and regulations regarding buildings, advertising, hygiene, and they certainly dont abide by minimum wage standards, so the reception staff you're arguing with are just not being paid enough to care.

If you're not prepared to deal with a bit of culture shock, stay at home.

• Important Phrases
  
• Be prepared
  
• Tipping & Etiquette
  
• Art and Galleries
  
• Day Trips
  
• Family Travel
  
• Health & Safety
  
• Local handicraft
  
• Nightlife