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Tips on Traveling to Thailand from
Great Speaking Readers

Culture
From: wendydale@bigpond.com (Rob Dale)
. . . you will need
plenty of patience with their comprehension, as they will be saying yes to
tou and quite often mean no! you will pick up very quickly they are very
smart people, they think on their feet,

From: landesp@macatawa.org (Landes Productions)
Hey Tom,
This is what I have about Thailand.

It is an insult to show the sole of your shoe to a person in Egypt, Saudi
Arabia, Singapore and Thailand.
Have a great trip.
Pam

From: JCB@blakes.ca (JOAN BINETTI)
Hi Tom. I have never been to Thailand however I have heard of a book
put out by The Park Pen Company (200 page paperback) called "Dos &
Taboos Around the World" which covers protocol, gift giving and
receiving, etiquette, jargon and body language in business situations
around the world.
It can be ordered through the Order Department, John Wiley & Sons, 1
Wiley Dr. Somerset, NJ 08875-1212 (908-469-4400).

I may highlight some customs, etc. in Thailand that you could find of
interest.

Wish I could help you out further. Best wishes on a very successful and
enjoyable trip.

Joan Binetti

Computer Stuff

From: EZGourmet@aol.com
1. Easiest and cheapest way to get an Internet connection while there.
-ATT's call USADIRECT. You dial the local number and get a US operator in Philly. You'll have to practice a little, but basically put in a dial string that dials USADIRECT and then a pause for the BONG and then your credit card and then use the 800 AOL number. Second option is set your computer to "ignore dial tone" and manually dial ATT USA Direct and the credit card and the AOL number and then Hit the connect on Computer
2. Connectors needed for my laptop.
Take a regular phone line that plugs into your computer and cut off the end that goes into the wall. Strip the wires and put two alligator clips on the green / red. clip em to the two wires coming outta the wall. I've done it there and in 12 other countries.

3. Insurance company that will cover laptop out of USA
Forget it. But do get a customs form IN THE USA to prove that you owned it before you left

From: MDodd17@aol.com
Here is a great web site and listserv that I have used successfully for the past two years to answer your laptop questions:

http://www.roadnews.com

There is a searchable archive. My last trip to Bangkok was before I owned a laptop.
Marshall Dodd

From: sbhoward@singnet.com.sg (Steven Howard)
Tom: easiest way to get onto the Internet in Bangkok is through a "roaming service" if your ISP offers this. This allows you to dial into a local
number and get connected. Ask your ISP.

Whatever you do, don't connect by dialing an IDD number from your hotel
room. The hotel surcharges are a killer. At a minimum, use your MCI or
ATT card if you must call from your hotel room.

The voltage in Thailand is 220V, so you either have to have a dual power
notebook, or arrange from a step-down transformer from the hotel.
Otherwise you'll blow your circuits.

The telephone jacks in both Bangkok and Pattaya are the same as in the USA,so you can easily plug your computer straight into the phone line, or use their phone line to plug into your notebook.

>One more thing dumb question :)
>Do I need to wear long pants on our day trips to respect the temples?
>Long sleeves too for mosquitos?
>

Long pants is best, both out of courtesy to the Thai people as well as
protection against mosquitos. Long sleeve shirt, however, will probably be
too hot. Thailand is humid this time of year, so I'd recommend a
comfortable, cotton short sleeve shirt. Also, your pants should also be
comfortable and probably cotton based.

Cheers,

Steven Howard
Howard Marketing Services
Singapore

Author: "Corporate Image Management: A Marketing Discipline for the 21st Century. ISBN: 981-0080859 [Available through Amazon.com]

From: bkovach@mindspring.com (Bill Kovach)
Tom - RE: power requirements and adaptors - You can get a complete
conversion kit at most home electronic stores [Yes, like Tandy] for under
$25.00. The adaptors all fit a US standard plug and automatically do the
necessary conversion to local current without damaging your laptop.

Regarding questions 1, Use a phone card or your long distance company
should be able to provide you with the necessary data. I use Cable &
Wireless and they are very helpful.

Question 3 - your homeowners should provide you with the necessary
coverage. The simplest way to cover your laptop is to keep it in your hands!
Have a great trip!

From: SSindelar@aol.com
Radio Shack Converter
I just got back from Fiji, so this reply may be too late. When I spoke in Malaysia, Singapore and Jarkarta, my Radio Shack converter burned out after a few days. So, I purchased a heavy duty (and heavy - about 1 pound) converter locally from the electronics section of a large department store. It cost about $60 or $80 US, but I felt it was a great buy. It came with the adaptor plugs- but those are available anywhere here (Samsonite, RadioShack, and many other brands - all seem to work well because they are just changing the wiring connections, not the electrical input). Those countries are usually 220v and 50 Hz with the angled plugs. Sometimes all you will need are the adaptors - read your equipment's power supply labels - most will work on 220/50 - mine did in Fiji with just an adaptor plug. Bon voyage.
Scott Sindelar, Ph.D.
~~~~ Creating Balance, Raising Emotional IQ, & More ~~~~
Institute for Advanced Business Psychology
Scott Sindelar, Ph.D.
Psychologist, Professional Speaker, Consultant

ISPs in Thailand
From: hlee@macau.ctm.net (Herbert Lee)

Try this page for some internet service providers within Thailand

http://thelist.internet.com/countrycode/66

Like most of Asia I believe they have access (debit) cards for purchase.

If you're using AOL Netmail you can retrieve your email using any browser
(like Hotmail) as long as you can connect. The debit card gives you that.

Internet Access
From: VGMink@aol.com
Hi, Tom!
I was in Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket last year training for House of Lloyd on an incentive trip...I would think that your hotel business center would be the easiest source for the internet...things are very inexpensive in Thailand.

You are in for a real treat! If you are a diver, check out Phuket...beautiful beaches and fun night life.

Vickie Mink
District Manager and Field Trainer
Birmingham, AL

Laptop Insurance
From: QuoteNotes@aol.com

Your homeowners policy may provide coverage. The basic policy usually limits coverage to $250-$1,000, but can be increased by endorsement. Check with your independent insurance agent for details...if he/she doesn't know: (1) send me an email for more info, and/or (2) get a new agent (go to www.independentagent.com to find an agent in your area)!

- Bill Wilson
www.BrightPath.com

From: AMWINDHA@AOL.COM
If your laptop is owned personally by you, as in personal property, then check your homeowners policy. It should cover theft and loss world-wide, for the value of the computer and software., not the value of the data and information stored on. I will check at my office (I'm an insurance agent). this morning.

If you have a business and the laptop actually is owned by the business, the same should apply. I'll check on that also. There is usually "off-premises" coverage. If not, you can get an "inland marine" rider to your current business policy to protect the laptop. you can get electronic data coverage to protect the data stored on the computer. In any case, I would recommend making a copy of the harddrive and leaving it in the state. If worse came to happen, someone could copy it and forward it to you, or when you return, you could buy a new laptop and have the data installed.

I would call a Thailand embassy and ask about electrical connections and internet sources. Also, upon arrival in Thailand, seek the US embassy. They would be able to help. Now that I think about it, maybe email the US Embassy in Thailand today for answers to those questions.

Hope I helped.
Mike Windham

Miscellaneous

From: amburtell@hotmail.com (Ann-Marie Burtell)
I went to Thailand on my own two years ago and have traveled throughout
Asia. The secret to my independent travels is the book put out by "Lonely
Planet." It's worth hundreds of dollars in savings and tips, for a mere
cost of $25.00 or so. It truly is a bible for travels in Asia and other
parts of the world.

I suggest that you get the book and search for the locations where you will
be going (Bangkok and Pattaya) and read it thoroughly. I am sure there will
be a discussion on Internet Cafes. In Thailand there are many more public
cafes with internet connections than here in the U.S. I suggest that you get a hotmail account that you can access through any Internet connection, AOL will be more difficult...

I also suggest doing a search on the NET. When I was considering moving to Thailand I found a couple of real estate agencies that were extremely
helpful in answering my questions. You can also call Gateway's
international department and they wil be very helpful in telling you what
you need, perhaps even giving you info on insurance coverage abroad.

Thailand is also an amazingly ADVANCED country. Carry very little cash.
Just enough for emergencis. They have more ATM machines per square mile than any other country I have ever been to. It is like magic. You punch in a number and your cash (in Thai currency) comes out. Remember, you can always cash a PERSONAL check at any American Express office if you have an AM EX card.

I also suggest that you go to the Marble House in Bangkok for a massage by the blind masseuse. It's location is mentioned in the Lonely Planet. If you don't get there then get to the temple where they have the massage
school and get a professional massage for around $4.00! I had over 30 in a
3 week period! Thailand is known for its therapeutic massage worldwide and they have quite a few schools throughout the country.

From: Bob@bobperks.com (Bob Perks)
Tom, In the latest issue of NSA Pro Speaker Patricia Fripp talked about
her experience in Taiwan. Page 31 Perhaps she could be of help in
regards to overseas travel.
"I Believe in YOU!"
Bob
--
Bob Perks - Professional Speaker, Author of "The Flight of a Lifetime!"
Member National Speakers Association, National Writer's Association,
International Platform Association, Optimist International.
Visit www.bobperks.com
Call 570-696-2581 or Fax 570-696-1310
"I Believe in YOU!"

From: cjp@worldsalescenter.com (Colin Pearce)
>1. Easiest and cheapest way to get an Internet connection while there.
Plug it into the wall socket and dial home long distance. You only need to
be on the net for a few minutes to upload and download emails. You will go
out of your mind trying to make sense to the locals. Bypass anything that
will frustrate you. Pay the extra few dollars. They speak English but
cannot understand a word of it. This is so around the world. Even being an
Australian (where our native tongue IS English) in the USA it is tiresome
beyond words when trying to speak to local operators who get very annoyed
with 'foreigners'.
>
>2. Connectors needed for my laptop.
Look in the Duty Free stores downtown or at the airport and pick up
whatever plug you need as you go through. They're marked on the packs.
>
>3. Insurance company that will cover laptop out of USA
Your normal household or business insurance company will cover mobile
equipment for an extra premium, just as it does for special items like
rings, cameras, hairpieces, walking frames, etc...
>
>4. Any other tips that you think I should know. I'll be primarily in
>Bangkok and Pattaya.
Walk slowly. Eat slowly. Speak slowly to the locals.They have no idea what
you are saying but they smile nicley. Only drink bottled water. Wear a hat.
If you get a head ache, wrap your head in a banana leaf and set it on a
cool rock out of the sun.
>
Colin Pearce

From: JohnHelseL@AOL.COM
Sorry guys....I visited there with the NAVY fifteen years ago.
Although I had an INCREDIBLY MEMORABLE TIME, and could provide you with tons of wonderful information, It's probably not applicable to your situation, or the "information" you're looking for.
(Just thought I'd throw in a little humor.)

From: Marv@MarvinMarshall.Com (Marvin Marshall & Associates)
Obtain an American Express Platinum Card. Although it is $300 per year, itis great medical coverage. If you need any medical assistance, American
Express will pay for it. Great medical insurance plan for travelers!

I'm enjoying your e-mail newsletter.

Enjoy the far east--as you will.

Best of luck.

Marv Marshall

--
HOW TO DISCIPLINE
without Rewards or Punishments
& RAISE RESPONSIBILITY

MARVIN MARSHALL
Member: National Speakers Assn
4235 Via Norte Cypress, CA 90630
714/ 220-0678 714/ 220-2800 fax

Marv@MarvinMarshall.com
http://www.MarvinMarshall.com

From: joe@travelthe.net (Joe Harkins)
For Thailand info try the following links:

for connection:
http://203.150.12.96/

government contacts:
http://asem.inter.net.th/thailand/index.sub.html

AsiaTour db
http://asiatour.com/thailand/e-02trav/et-tra70.htm

business and general info:
BizLinx
http://www.bizlinx.de/english/countries/thailand/general/general_introduction_economic_information.phtml

Thai Data
http://www.thaidata.com/

The Big Picture: Thailand
http://wwwusa.nectec.or.th/thailand/index.html

Asian Issue of Technology
http://www.pts.ait.ac.th/Asia/travel.html

Global Service corp
http://www.econet.apc.org/ei/gsc/tback.html

Assumption University Thai culture and info site
http://sunsite.au.ac.th/thailand/tourism.html

That should do for a start:

Joe Harkins, syndicated columnist
Travel The Net
http://www.travelthe.net

From: OptimGroup@aol.com Craig Palubiak
Don't breath the air.
Don't get run over by gas powered bikes and three wheelers.
Be very careful if buying jewelry in the state owned stores. Bargains are usually not what they appear to be.
Take a day or two and head north, towards the triangle.
Pray you don't need a blood transfusion while in the city of lust.
All aside, a beautiful people and place

From: Dhvoracek@aol.com Dave Voracek
Don't drink the water.

From: EMBA10@aol.com
Tom: I spent two weeks there several years ago giving a series of seminars. I cannot help with your questions regarding internet connections and the such but perhaps you can find this out on their massive Web site. Regarding Bangkok, be prepared for a massive traffic jam (with the emphasis on major). It is unbelievable!! Also, there is a much higher incidence of Cellular Phone usage than here in the U.S. Most business people all speak and understand English. The taxi drivers will hound you to go to a tailor and/or a massage parlor. They are super aggresive. (And by the way, it is practically impossible to get a real massage.)

I have not been to Pattaya but I will almost bet it is more pleasant and tolerable than Bangkok. I spent my time in Bangkok, Chung-Mei and Lumpang - the latter two areas to the North and North-East of Bangkok.

A little anecdote. Shortly after my visit, a meeting of Third world countries was to take place in Bangkok. To present a better appearance and to get the cars and beggars off the streets, a three day National Holiday was declared.

Good luck, Let us know how you fare.
Elliott Black

From: prospeak@bellsouth.net (Connie Sky)
Go to the Listserv called TRDEV-L and subscribe. That is a web site for
people in training to share knowledge in the speaking/training
industry. They will e-mail you directly with questions / answers of
people who train/travel/speak.

If you pose your question there, many people should repond quickly with
helpful information.

ASTD (American Society of Trainers & Developers) is also a great
resource for training information.
They are hold their International Conference in Atlanta, GA this week.
Check out their web site!

Aim High!!
Connie SKY
ProSpeaker, Inc.

From: MerlinTS29@aol.com
I have conducted a lot of business in Thailand. The biggest problem I had with my computer was having a large enough converter for the power system. Go to Radio Shack and tell them where you are going, get the heaviest converter they have. When in Pattaya Beach expect power surges, I have not had that problem in Bangkok except at a private residence.

Schedule any meeting you can at your hotel, if that is not possible plan for only one meeting in the AM and one in the PM. The traffic is a nightmare and will wear you out.

I am sure you have done your research on giving presentations there, however, keep in mind that many of the U.S. "experts" continue to emphasize presentation etiquette that is out dated. The Thai's are more western in their education and business practices then we sometimes give them credit. That does not completely discount the more apparent presentation differences.

Your guests will show you many of the exotic sights I sure, enjoy them but be safe. I take it from some of your comments on your newsletter that you are single, the women are some of the most beautiful in the world but the health problems are out of control there, be careful.

If you enjoy athletic events the Muay Thai fights (kick boxing) are a must. The men are true athletes. Go to the evening fights, not the afternoon, because the fighters are older and better and the crowds are more entertaining.

Enjoy Tom, the first time in Thailand is always one of life's treats.

Terry M. Shephard

From: EAdG@worldnet.att.net (Eric de Groot)
In case you are still here (USA) here are some tips:
1) Watch the jetlag. Don't drink on the plane. At least not going there.
2) Watch what you eat, prior to presenting, or all the time should you have
a sensitive stomach as I do.
3) When in Rome (Thailand) do like the................
4) Besides being electronically connected, watch where you 'park' your
stuff.
5) Did you find your connectors and did you get insurance, if not let me
know.
Best regards, Eric de Groot

From: ABurrese@aol.com
Hope this gets to you in time. I did not take a lap top with me when I spend a couple weeks in Thailand a couple years ago, it was all pleasure and no business. :-)

But I do encourage you to see as much as you can, there are some wonderful sights to see. Too many to list here. Do avoid the jewlery scams. I had a number of people try to sell me jewlery, saying I could take it back to my home country and sell it for a profit that would pay for my trip. People will come up to you while you are at a temple, or whatever and tell you about how they know a great place with a great deal, yada yada. Don't do it.

The day trip to the Bridge over River Kwai and Floating Market was worth the price I payed. Organized this trip from kao san road. The Bridge has been comercialized (buy your key chain here) but for me being interested in military and martial arts, it was a must to visit. I also had to go to the Thai boxing matches and training gyms in Bangkok because of my martial art background. Do not know if that interests you, but it was quite an experiance.

Sorry got back to you so late. Law school finals and my Korean fiance arriveing from Korea this month have kept me from the computer, just now catching up with everything.

Have a great trip! Look forward to hearing about it, and can't wait till I take that long flight again.

Alain Burrese

From: Annsch@yeoandyeo.com (Annette Schumann)
Call on any merchandise "buyer" for a retail store they travel to the East
on a regular basis and somehow make the technology work.
AJS