Your arrival in Thailand

You will probably arrive by air at Suvarnabhumi International airport. Don’t forget to fill the arrival card from the Thai Immigration Bureau before you land and make sure to keep the departure card which you need to present when leaving the country. 

The International Student Center (ISC) provides international students with airport transfer service to their accommodation.

Lodging

Studios and apartments are readily available around the campus and throughout Bangkok at very affordable price.  They are mostly furnished, with attached bath-room, and often provides services such as wireless internet; cable TV; laundry; etc.

See Accommodation for more details.

Money & Banking

All international students receive a bank account and ATM card upon admission. The ATM card is also the student ID card. ATM’s are readily available on campus and throughout the country.

Banks operates from Monday to Friday, though some branches located in shopping malls operates even on weekends.

Health

Thailand is considered a healthcare destination due to the first-rate services and facilities available and their very competitive cost.

There is on-campus first-aid medical service provided free of charge to all students. International students must pay $US 150 for health insurance.

Insurance

All students are covered by an insurance for accidents. Still students may choose to buy additional insurance to fit their needs. Major international insurance companies are represented in Thailand.

Cost of living

Budget-wise Thailand is a very attractive destination: food; lodging; transportation and healthcare costs are very competitive compared to most countries.

See the chart for some examples of costs.

Climate

Thailand enjoys a hot climate all year round with temperatures above 30°C.

The climate can be divided into 3 seasons: a cool and dry winter (November—February); a dry and hot season (March—June); and a rainy hot season (July—October).

Transportation

Bangkok features an excellent network of public transportation which includes mass transit railways system (Sky Train and Underground); buses; trains; boats; taxi and its unique tuk-tuks. All modes of transportation are very cheap. Also various budget air carriers fly to all the top destinations in the region.

Visa

International students need to possess a student visa (non-immigrant-ED) to come and stay in Thailand.  First students are granted a non-immigrant visa valid for 90 days. Students with valid academic status can obtain an additional 1-year stay permit from the date of entry. It is possible to extend the non-immigrant visa at the immigration bureau in Bangkok.

Website: www.imm.police.go.th

Eating & Shopping

Thai food is spicy but irresistibly delicious.  It is available everywhere, as food is customarily sold at food stall on the street. International fast-food chains, such as Starbuck, Subway, KFC, Burger King and McDonald’s are also available throughout the country, as well as restaurant from virtually all countries and origins.
Supermarkets, such as Carrefour, Tesco Lotus and Makro are open from early morning until late in the night. And then there are the ubiquitous 7-Eleven convenience stores open day and night.

Things to Bring

There are really not many things you need to bring along since you can find everything you need in Bangkok. Pack for hot climate and bring us some specialty goods from your country!

Things to See & Do

The list of things to see and do is very long: from temples and Khmer ruins to snorkeling, kayaking, jungle trek and white-water rafting to mention but a few possible combinations.

The International Student Center (ISC) regularly organizes field trips and activities that are designed to let international students get genuine Thai experience. Contact ISC and check its website for more information.
Many interesting sites are located in or near Bangkok, such as the Grand Palace and the Temple of Dawn. Day trips and weekend trips to nearby cultural and natural attractions such as Damnoen Saduak Floating Market; the Death Railways and Bridge over Kwai River; agro– and eco-tourism in nearby provinces; and beach resorts and islands such as nearby Pattaya.