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Internships ThailandPre-Departure Guide

สว�สด�ค�ะ (Hello)

Congratulations on your decision to intern in Phuket, Thailand with World Internships Thailand!

We will help you make this an unforgettable experience that will allow you to grow both as an

individual and as a business professional.

The information provided in this manual should answer many of your questions and help you get

prepared for your adventure in Phuket, Thailand.

Your first step in preparing to go abroad is to keep a positive attitude and an open mindthroughout your experience. From going overseas to returning home, you will be making manyadjustments. You must remember to be patient with yourself and others as you transition into andout of a new culture. Meeting new people, eating new food, and exploring a new country, are justsome of the changes you will face while abroad that can be easily dealt with if you keep an openmind and a positive attitude. Internships Thailand provides superior on-site support andInternships Thailand are your main point of contact from the application and while you are inThailand.

Be sure to contact Internships Thailand if you have any further questions and best of luck in your

preparation!

Sincerely,

Worldwide Internships Thailand Team

Worldwide Internship (Thailand) Co., Ltd.99/7 Moo 1, T. Kathu, A. Kathu, 83120 Phuket, Thailand

P. +66 (0)76 612 550-2 F. +66 (0)76 612 553 E. [email protected]

Table of Contents

History of Thailand ............................................................................................................. 3Island of Phuket .................................................................................................................. 3People and Culture of Thailand ........................................................................................ 4Geography .......................................................................................................................... 6Airport Reception ............................................................................................................... 6Orientation ......................................................................................................................... 7Internship Quality Commitment Guidelines ....................................................................... 7Housing ............................................................................................................................. 9Electricity .......................................................................................................................... 10Transportation ................................................................................................................. 11Banking and Money .......................................................................................................... 11Metric System .................................................................................................................. 12Computers and Internet ................................................................................................... 13Phones .............................................................................................................................. 13Mail .................................................................................................................................. 14Cost of Living .................................................................................................................... 15Health and Safety ............................................................................................................. 17Medicine and Vaccinations ............................................................................................. 18Independent Travel .......................................................................................................... 19Getting There ................................................................................................................... 19Passport and visa information .......................................................................................... 19Additional Resources ........................................................................................................ 20



History of Thailand

People are thought to have migrated into Southeast Asia

beginning in the 10th century specifically from the Yunnan

province of China, although indigenous communities date

back as far as 500,000 years ago! Most literary and other

evidence of the Thai people’s presence in the area dates

back to around the 13thcentury.

The city of Ayutthaya became one of the most important areas of Thailand because it was

encircled by three rivers. It was here that King Ramathibodi I established Theravada Buddhism as

the official religion, in contrast to surrounding areas being under Hindi. He also established the

Dharmashastra legal code which furthered some of the traditional Thai customs that we see today.

In the 1500’s the city of Ayutthaya was visited by a Portuguese ambassador and began trading with

the Dutch and the French. Thai rulers in the 19th and 20th centuries focused efforts on protecting

various areas from Western colonialism and as a result, Thailand (known as Siam at the time)

became the only country in Southeast Asia to avoid European colonization. In 1946, the country’s

name was officially changed from “Siam” to “Thailand.”

Island of Phuket

Phuket is one of the southern provinces of Thailand and is an island approximately the size of

Singapore, and about 3 times the size of Washington, D.C. Phuket is also Thailand’s largest

sland and it is connected to mainland Thailand by two bridges. The island is divided into 4 main

areas: Western Phuket, Southeastern Phuket, Interior Phuket, and Phang Nga Bay.



Western Phuket is the most popular area and boasts lots of beaches and tourists and is also home

to Patong, one of the party capitals of Asia. The three other areas are a bit quieter and also have

great beaches, mangrove forests, cliffs and fishing / farming villages.

People and Culture of Thailand

Thailand is home to about 65 million people and

is primarily a Buddhist country, with a lot of their

culture being centered around their belief system.

Known as the “Land of Smiles,” Thai people follow

the wai, meaning they acknowledge and greet others

with a bow of the head, hands in prayer like position

and a smile to show recognition and a welcoming

attitude. About 80% of Thai’s work in agriculture which plays into a lot of the religious ceremonies

and festivals that shape Thai culture. Below you will find some useful tips on the culture and

etiquette of Thai people. Please be advised that even though you will be interning and residing in

the rather touristy island of Phuket where rules are a little more relaxed, it is important to follow

the tips listed below until you experience, firsthand, the way of the Thai, especially if you travel to

areas outside of Phuket City.

Clothing

In Phuket, Bangkok and other major cities, you will see people wearing more “westernized”

clothing and opting for traditional clothing only for festivals/events. If you are visiting a holy or

sacred place, you may be required to be covered up in order to enter.



Food etiquette

As in many cultures, meals are an important, communal activity. Here are a few tips:

Let the elderly women do the ordering, its tradition.

Wait for the host to ask you to “dig in”.

Don’t leave your chopsticks in the bowl – it symbolizes death.

Do not order one dish and expect to have it for yourself, everyone shares.

Do not put your fork to your mouth, instead use it push food into a spoon.

General Etiquette

You should not touch people on the head nor should you touch

touch or point your feet at people or above them. When seated,

the feet should not point towards others, they should be to the

side or tucked behind. This can be a grave insult. As with many

other Asian cultures, the idea of community is very important,

as is “saving face” – therefore you should never ask a question

that would have a “no” answer, as it will be an embarrassment

for the other person to have to tell you “no” and in all likelihood,

they will instead say “yes” but then not perform or do whatever

it was. This also leads to the idea of minimizing confrontation

and most Thai people live the “it doesn’t matter” attitude as a result. Physical contact between

men and women or any sort of affection should be avoided in public. You should be especially

sensitive about etiquette in places of worship. Dress conservatively and keep shoulders and knees

covered. Always take off your shoes before entering.

GeographyWorldwide Internship (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

99/7 Moo 1, T. Kathu, A. Kathu, 83120 Phuket, ThailandP. +66 (0)76 612 550-2 F. +66 (0)76 612 553 E. [email protected]

Thailand is situated in Southeast-Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. It is

bordered by Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Malaysia. Thailand is usually classified into four

geographical regions, the Northern Region that is extremely mountainous, North-Eastern Region,

the Central Region or the "rice bowl" of Thailand, and the Southern Region, which is home to the

island of Phuket.

Climate

Thailand has 3 seasons, winter, monsoon, and summer, with variations from North to South. April

and May are typically the hottest months of the year, reaching temperatures of over 38°C / 100°F

with the rainiest season being from June to October. Phuket, along with the rest of southern

Thailand, enjoys a tropical rainforest climate with year-round temperatures of about 28°C / 82°F.

Airport Reception

We will arrange for a driver to pick you up at the airport on your scheduled arrival date. The driver

will be waiting at the exit gate with a sign that has your name on it.

If your flight is delayed or you are unable to arrive at the airport at your scheduled time, simply call

or email your Program Coordinator to let us know. Please respect the drivers time and go

immediately to meet him when you get off the plane.

A representative will be waiting for you with your name plate when you arrive. If you are not able

to find the representative, there is a phone booth you can use at the airport to call and inquire the

whereabouts of your driver. Lastly, please be aware when claiming your baggage - other people

might try to take your belongings and/or ask for money.

Orientation

We want to take advantage of the short time you will be in Phuket so we get you up and running

as soon as possible with an introduction to the culture you will get to know!



An orientation of Phuket will take place immediately upon your arrival by your on-site coordinator

who will greet you at your accommodation and check you in. The goal of the orientation is to

familiarize you to the city, including transportation, ways of staying safe and healthy, and to go

over your program itinerary.

Internship Quality Commitment Guidelines

Overview

World Internships Thailand provide interns the invaluable experience of working with a company

in this vibrant city. These internships enhance cultural and business understanding through an

exchange of knowledge where the student provides real work assistance while the company

provides insight to the business world of Thailand.

What is expected of you, the intern?

Treat the internship as you would any job, with respect and professionalism.

Approach the experience with an open mind, everything from time to communication to feedback could be different than what you are used to.

Work towards real results that are useful to the company.

Show up on time to work and meetings.

Be able to work independently and in groups.

Comply with all arrangements negotiated for the placement and do everything necessary tomake the placement a success.

Abide by the rules and regulation of the host organization, the agreed-upon schedule, code of conduct and rules of confidentiality.

Communicate with World Internships Thailand about any problems regarding the placement.

Qualities of a successful participant

Upbeat - You're in an amazing place, enjoy it.



Stay interested - Learn about Thai culture and language - this is as much a cultural

immersion program as it is an experiential learning program.

Be considerate of others - Think about how your actions affect your host, program staff, and

other interns.

Be open minded - Try it! You'll probably like it!

Keep a journal - It helps you save your memories and it helps you process your feelings and

experiences.

Logistics

On average, interns will dedicate 40+ hours per week to the internship placement. The schedule is flexible and will be determined in conjunction with the placement supervisor and the company’s needs.

Students must dress in a manner appropriate to the placement, be sure to check with the company and your on-site coordinator for details that may be particular to your placement company.

If you are sick (or for any other inconvenience/setback) and cannot go to work one day,immediately call your company’s supervisor to inform him/her about your absence.



What is expected of your Internship Supervisor

Provide the intern with meaningful work experience and tasks.

Assign the interns tasks and responsibilities to match their knowledge, skills, competencies,and training objectives.

Ensure appropriate resources and support is available.

Have an open mind and accept that the interns may come with a different work style andway of viewing time, accomplishing tasks, etc.

Provide guidance and support to the intern.

Have projects ready for the intern from day one.

Share your culture and your way of business with the intern.

Incorporate training of the intern on the first day.

Appoint a mentor to advise the interns, help them with their integration into the hostorganization and monitor their training progress.

Give the intern an overview of the different aspects of the organization

Provide practical support and facilitate understanding of the culture

Housing

Please note that although we make every effort to provide your preferred form of housing, wecannot guarantee that all personal preferences are met. We have carefully selected safe andadequate housing for each student; each living arrangement is distinct and special in its own way.Should you have problems or questions about your living arrangements once you arrive, youshould speak with your on-site coordinator. There is a natural adjustment period to life abroad andmaking any housing changes during this time is usually premature. Each housing option is differentfrom the other, and different from the housing you are accustomed to back home. The availablestorage and living spaces will be smaller than you are accustomed to.

Every housing placement is different with pros and cons. Accommodations will have differentbonuses, such as location or room size. Now is the time to open your mind and get ready toexperience something different; this attitude is in the spirit of your decision to intern abroad.



Due to the amount of time it takes to confirm housing, students may not receive specific housing

details until 2 weeks prior to departure. If information is available sooner, we will send it out;

however, we ask that interns remain patient.

Housing Policies and Restrictions

Living in Thailand means that you will be subject to local laws and standards of living. These laws

are quite different than what you are accustomed to back home. It is important to remember that

you are among other people who also live and work in Phuket. Your residence is in their

neighborhood, and you are living as guests among them. Interns must remember they are no

longer in their home country and that keeping regular sleeping and waking hours is important so

as not to disturb the other people living in your accommodations. Absolute respect for, and

consideration of, all who live in your area is expected. Anything less will not be tolerated.

Utility Bills

Utilities are very inexpensive. Program fees include the regular usage of utilities (heat, hot water,

and electricity) by Thai standards during your stay in Phuket. However, any abuse of these stated

standards will result in additional fees, which will be charged to you. To avoid additional charges,

be sure to keep your consumption to a minimum; turn off lights when not in use, and avoid long

showers. Average consumption in Thailand is far less than it is in other parts of the world and you

are expected to adjust your habits accordingly.

Electricity

Thai voltage is 220 volts, which means that unless your American appliance has a built-in

converter, it will explode when plugged into a Thai outlet (most computers have a converter built

into the power cord). If you must use a plug-in appliance (clock radio, hair dryer, etc.) it is best to

buy these appliances in Thailand. If you want to bring one, make sure the appliance says

somewhere on it that it can operate on 220v. Please note that outlets and plugs in Thailand have a



different prong configuration, so be sure to get a plug adapter for your US electronics (these are

available in airport shops and electronics stores). For more information, visit:

http://www.travelproducts.com/electricity_guide.htm

Transportation

There are a few ways to get around the city of Phuket,

but it is important to plan in advance. Taxis are always

a good option, but you need to be well aware of the

taxi driver’s intentions when it comes to paying. You

can negotiate with the driver about the price of the

ride, and it is highly advised you research beforehand

the length and typical price of your journey as they will

try to rip you off. You can also use a Tuk Tuk which is like a bus that can take you around the city.

The most common way of navigation throughout the city is by foot. If you want to save money and

get true first-hand experiences of the marvels of this great city while also getting some good

exercise, walking is a great option!

Banking and Money

Credit Cards/ Debit Cards/ ATMs.

Major establishments accept credit cards whose logos

are posted in their front windows, just as they do in

the USA and Canada. You should check with your credit

card company to see if they charge you an international

transaction fee or foreign transaction fee. Visa and

Master Card charge a processing fee on international

transactions,and most card-issuing banks add their




own fees on top of that. They equal to generally a percentage of your overall purchase price,

sometimes as high as 3% extra.

Major establishments accept credit cards whose logos are posted in their front windows, just as

they do in the USA and Canada. You should check with your credit card company to see if they

charge you an international transaction fee or foreign transaction fee. Visa and Master Card

charge a processing fee on international transactions, and most card-issuing banks add their own

fees on top of that. They equal to generally a percentage of your overall purchase price,

sometimes as high as 3% extra.

Conversion Rate

The official currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht. When exchanging money, Thailand is

represented by the three-letter code, THB. It’s important you know how to estimate the exchange,

so that you avoid overspending! You can find up-to-date exchange rates online at

http://www.xe.com.

Metric System

US Measurement Metric

Measurement

Metric

Measurement

U.S.

Measurement

1 mile 1.609 kilometers 1 kilometer .62 miles

1 foot .3048 meters 1 meter 3.28 feet

1 inch 25.4 millimeters 1 millimeter .0393 inches

1 gallon 3.785 liters 1 liter .2642 gallons

1 pound .4536 kilograms 1 kilogram 2.2 pounds

Fahrenheit = (Celsius x 1.9) + 32 Celsius = (Fahrenheit – 32)/1.8



http://www.xe.com/

Check out http://www.worldwidemetric.com/metcal.htm and bookmark it in your web browser

for quick and easy metric conversion.

Computers and Internet

We encourage all students to bring their laptops with them to Thailand. Nowadays many houses

and restaurants have WiFi or internet access. As a side note, internet in Asian countries is much

slower than what you may be accustomed to and often not the most stable.

One program you may want to consider downloading is Skype, a free service that offers an easy

way to keep in touch with friends and family back home via online messaging and phone calls. If

your family also has Skype, you can make free calls to one another when you are both logged on.

Calls from your Skype account to a phone in the US (or elsewhere) are also very affordable and a

good way to keep in touch.

Phones

Long Distance Calls

You will be provided with an international calling card during orientation. Both local and long

distance require the proper area code before dialing the number. Ex: To call USA or Canada from

Thailand: 001 + area code + phone number.

Cell phones

Before you go abroad, you should look into your different options for cell service abroad. You can

call your cell phone provider and ask them about what you may need to do if you wanted to use

your phone abroad. Most likely, you will need to unlock your phone and buy a SIM card once you

are in the country abroad. If you try to buy the SIM card before you go abroad, there are good

chances it will not work in the country you are going to, so it is best to wait. Another option is to



http://www.worldwidemetric.com/metcal.htm

wait and buy a cell phone once you are abroad, these phones are relatively inexpensive and you

can purchase pay as you go plans so you can purchase credit as needed.

Phone and Area Codes

Emergency Telephone Numbers:

Police 191

Ambulance 1669

Tourism Police 1155

Tourism Authority of Thailand 1672

US Embassy 66 (0)2 205-4000

Mail

Mailing Home

“Snail mail” is still a great way to share your experiences with friends and family! Try writing letters

and postcards while you are abroad, rather than or in addition to calling home and emailing.

Letters are wonderful, tangible, and personal expressions of your experience that you may be able

to add to your memories souvenirs at the end of your time abroad.

Mailing Restrictions

Please be aware that there are some things you and

your family will not want to send through the mail, due

to federal restrictions. This includes prescription

medications, cash, produce, live animals and weapons,

among others. Please be sure to check mailing

regulations before having anything sent to you.



Customs may go through your items in transit, so it is not recommended to mail any expensive

items or large packages. Mail can take anywhere from 2 weeks up to 2 months to travel

internationally to and from Thailand.

Cost of LivingThe table below should provide you with some approximate costs for everyday items.

http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Thailand

Cultural Adjustment

Culture Shock occurs as a result of total immersion in a new culture. Newcomers may be anxious

because they do not speak the language, know the customs, or understand people’s behavior in

daily life. The visitor finds that “yes” may not mean “yes,” that friendliness does not necessarily

mean friendship, or that statements that appear to be serious are really intended as jokes. The

foreigner may be unsure as to when to shake hands or embrace, when to initiate conversation or

how to approach a stranger. The notion of culture shock helps explain feelings of bewilderment

and disorientation.

When this happens, visitors may want to reject everything about the new environment and may

glorify and exaggerate the positive aspects of their own culture. The severity of culture shock

depends on visitors’ personalities, language ability, emotional support, and duration of stay.

It is also influenced by the extent of the differences, either actual or perceived, between the two

cultures. There are recognized periods of adjustment, and although the stages in the cycle do not

always occur in the same order and some stages may be skipped, the following pattern is a

common one.

Honeymoon Period - Initially many people are fascinated and excited by everything new. The

visitor is elated to be in a new culture.



http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Thailand

Culture Shock - The individual runs into some problems: Housing, transportation, shopping,

and language. Mental fatigue results from continuously straining to comprehend the foreign

language. Complaints are the first symptoms.

Initial Adjustment - Everyday activities such as housing and shopping are no longer issues.

Although the visitor may not be fluent in the language spoken, basic ideas and feelings in the

second language or new dialect can at least be expressed.

Mental Isolation - Individuals have been away from their family and good friends for a long

period of time and may feel lonely. Many still feel they cannot express they as well as they

can in their native culture. Frustration and sometimes a loss of self-confidence result. Some

individuals remain at this stage.

Acceptance and Integration - A routine (i.e. work, business or school) has been established.

The visitor has accepted the habits, customs, foods, and characteristics of the people in the

new culture. The visitor feels comfortable with friends, the classmates and culture of the

country.

A similar process occurs when a person returns to their native country, although the stages are

usually shorter and less intense. It can be hard to express to family/friends about your experience

and pictures/ words can only do your trip so much justice.

Some ways to combat stress produced by culture shock are:

Be Patient – It takes time to acclimate to new cultures and find a new routine.

Carpe Diem – Seize every opportunity to learn the language or local lingo, participate in

cultural and social activities, consider joining local clubs or groups, explore your city and the

surrounding areas.

Physical Activity – Whether you are an avid runner or prefer calming yoga, exercise is proven

to release positive endorphins .

Health and Safety



Emergency Contacts

Phuket On Site

Phuket Office Phone number:

Jorge de la TorreMobile: (089) 725 6994

GobGabMobile: (094) 709 7259

Worldwide Internships (Thailand) Co.,Ltd.Phone: (076) 615 550-2

Emergency Numbers:

Police 191

Phuket Immigration (076) 221 905

Tourist Police 1155

Hospitals:Bangkok Phuket 1719 / (076) 254 425

Mission (076) 237 220-6

Patong (076) 342 633

Phuket International (076) 249 400

Vachira (076) 371 234

In an emergency, dial 191 (this is like dialling “911” in the USA).

Alcohol

For some of you this will be the first time you are legally allowed to drink and you will feel excited

about your new found freedom. While we want you to enjoy your experience abroad, we also want

you to remember that you are there to develop as a professional. World Internships Thailand has a

zero tolerance policy for excessive alcohol consumption during any World Internship related

activity. This is includes, but is not limiting to: orientation, excursions, social events hosted by

World Internship, and your internship. World Internships staff nor a host company will take kindly

to an intern coming in disheveled, hung-over, tired, or drunk.



Also, be aware that the use of “rape drugs” is becoming more prevalent around the world. Never

leave your drink (alcoholic or not) unattended at any social event, and never let someone you don’t

know fix you a drink if you are unable to watch them. Be sure that you go out with a group and

remain in control so you are aware of your surroundings and can avoid being a target for pick

pocketing.

What Students Say: “Drinking is a huge social aspect in almost every culture, but nothing calls you

out as a tourist faster than being belligerent in public. It’s hard for people to take you seriously if

you’re stumbling all over yourself and you wouldn’t want to run the risk of seeing someone from

work and making a fool of yourself. Play it safe and be social, not sloppy.”

Medicine and Vaccinations

Before departing to Southeast Asia, you should double check with your healthcare provider which

immunization shots you may need before arriving, especially if you are staying for a long period of

time.

It’s usually best to boost up about one month before your intended travel duration. Not all

foreigners in Thailand receive vaccinations before arriving, but it is highly recommended. Highest

recommendations are MMR, tetanus, chicken pox and flu. Read here for more information:

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/thailand

If you use any type of prescription medication and will be travelling with a supply of these

medicines, be sure to obtain a note from your physician, approving the use of the medication.

If you use any type of prescription medication and will be travelling with a supply of these

medicines, be sure to obtain a note from your physician, approving the use of the medication.



http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/thailand

Independent Travel

It should be noted that independent

travel outside of Phuket is undertaken

entirely at your own risk. World

Internships cannot be held responsible

for anything that might happen to you

during independent travel, thus it is

vital that you exercise caution and good

judgment when travelling

independently. If you plan to travel independently away from your program site, please be aware

that it is mandatory to notify the World Internships staff of your plans. It is always wise to let them

know where you are going, when you will be back, and how they can contact you while you are

travelling in case there is an emergency and they need to contact you. You may also want to inform

your employer of your plans in case you are delayed due to weather or another reason. Do keep in

mind that your internship is your priority and while you may request time off from your employer;

your employer is not required to grant you the time off. Also, please check in with our on-site staff

once you’ve returned so we know you are safe!

Getting There

The following information is important to keep in mind prior to your travel and as you prepare for your trip abroad.

Passport and visa information

Your passport is extremely important. Make sure you keep your passport in a safe place and only

carry it with you when necessary so it is not lost or stolen. The passport is the most recognizable

form of identification, and you may be required to show it. However, it is not recommended that

you carry your passport around daily. If you lose your passport, contact your native EmbassyWorldwide Internship (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

99/7 Moo 1, T. Kathu, A. Kathu, 83120 Phuket, ThailandP. +66 (0)76 612 550-2 F. +66 (0)76 612 553 E. [email protected]

immediately to get a replacement. It’s not the end of the world, but it is a hassle you will want to

avoid. When traveling inside or outside of Phuket, you should carry a copy of your passport at all

times.

Power of attorney

It is a good idea to have a Power of Attorney designated before you go abroad in case your

signature is needed while you are away. Things that you might need to sign for include financial

aid documents and registration papers. By having a notarized document giving these rights to

someone close to you (parent is usually best) you can alleviate possible hassles down the road.

Time Zones

Thailand is on Indo China Time (ICT) and is 11 hours ahead of EST, 12 hours ahead of Central

Standard Time (CST), etc. If in doubt, you can use www.worldtimezone.com. This is also a good

website to give family and friends so that they know when it’s okay to call you.

What to bring

When it comes to packing, most people complain about packing too much and almost never

complain about packing too little. You should avoid over packing for your own benefit.

You can find almost anything in Phuket that you can find at home, and you will probably end up

doing some shopping there. If you pack lightly now, you will save yourself some trouble and

money when it comes time to return home.

Clothing

Pack comfortable clothes that you are likely to wear. It will be hot and humid in Thailand and the

temperature rarely gets any colder then about 70°F (22°C).

Toiletries

You only need to pack enough for the flight and your first few days. You can buy the rest in

Thailand, this will save space in your suitcase for more important items.



http://www.worldtimezone.com/

Electronics

You can bring your hair dryer, electric shaver, etc. however PLEASE note that voltage in Thailand is

230V, so your appliance must have a switch from 110 to 220. Also, some plugs are shaped

differently in Thailand, so you may need a plug adapter. Please take a look at this website as it will

be very helpful in what adapter to purchase.


Carry-on luggage

Try not to bring too much, for your own comfort. Remember that you are not allowed to carry

sharp objects such as scissors or liquids over 3 ounces. For more information on what you are

allowed to carry on please check the following website: http://www.tsa.gov. Note that you can

also use your carry-on bag as a traveling bag for your short trips from Phuket. You should pack the

following items:

Basic extra clothing: A couple of pieces for one or two days just in case your luggage gets delayed

and doesn’t get to Phuket when you do.

Health: Bring a full supply of medication if you need it, and make sure all meds are properly

labeled and in their original packaging. If you are bringing prescription medication, you should

have a note from your doctor as well. It is also a good idea to bring extra contacts, glasses, and

copies of any prescriptions (medicine and eye glasses) that you have or might need with you.

Money and documents: Never pack essential documents or anything you could not do without in



http://www.tsa.gov/


your checked luggage. Put them in your carry-on bag. Never carry large amounts of cash. Try using

a neck pouch or a money belt under your clothing to carry your cash. Make sure you carry your

passport on you, and not in your checked luggage!

Identification tags

You will receive your address in Phuket at least one

week before you leave. That is the address that you

should write on your luggage tags. You can put the

on-site office phone number on there too:

+66 (0) 76 612 550

Valuables

Neither the program nor the airline company will be

responsible for anything stolen from your suitcase. For

safety reasons, we recommend you not pack any valuable

items in your checked luggage. If you must, please inform

the airline employees in case you need to fill out any

additional forms prior to check-in.

For more information, please check the website of the US Transportation Security Administration:

https://claims.tsa.dhs.gov/pack.htm

Lost luggage

If your luggage does not arrive with you in Thailand, remember to fill out a “Luggage claims form”

before leaving the baggage claim area. The best address to leave is the one where you will be living

and the phone number to put is +66 (0) 76 612 550



https://claims.tsa.dhs.gov/pack.htm

Please bring with you:

Two photocopies of the first page of your passport (the page with your photo

on it plus the page opposite)

One photocopy of your return plane ticket if you have it

Don’t Bring

Food, pets, unnecessary clothing, electrical goods that need a converter (unless you have a

converter and adapter for them), live plants, more than $6000 USD cash (travelers or bankers

checks are okay), or an overabundance of toiletries that you can get in Thailand, as they take up

space.

The golden rule about packing is to lay out everything you want to bring, and then take half. If you

forget something or feel that you should have brought something, have someone from home mail

it to you. You can also find just about whatever you need in Phuket. Remember that you’re

responsible for carrying all of your own luggage, so if you can’t manage it on your own it’s a sure

sign you’ve packed too much.

Also, it's very important to remember to check with your airline(s) to find out about luggage limits

how many suitcases/carry-ons, weight limits) for domestic and international flights. If you are

flying with more than one airline, check with all of them as regulations vary between airlines.

Don't assume you are under the limit, as airlines charge a hefty fee for overweight luggage and /or

too many bags.

We hope that you found this guide useful.

If you have any additional questions do not hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to

answer them! We can’t wait to see you in Thailand!



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