Thailand travel guide for the Irish

Irish citizens do not need a visa for Thailand for stays up to 30 days when entering by air, and 30 days by land. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. For longer stays, apply for a tourist visa at the Royal Thai Embassy in Dublin before you travel.

You can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days per entry. This applies to both air and land arrivals, though the land border allowance is also 30 days. If you plan to stay longer, you need a tourist visa (typically 60 days, extendable by 30) obtained before departure.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. You may be asked to show proof of onward travel and sufficient funds, though this is rarely enforced for short stays. Overstaying incurs a fine of ฿500 per day, up to ฿20,000, and can lead to a ban.

For the latest rules, check the Thai embassy or the Department of Consular Affairs.

The Royal Thai Embassy in Dublin handles visa applications and consular services for Irish citizens. In Thailand, the Irish embassy in Bangkok is the point of contact for passport issues or emergencies. For urgent help, the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs can provide assistance.

If you lose your passport, contact the Irish embassy in Bangkok immediately. They can issue an emergency travel document. Keep a photocopy of your passport and visa separately.

A comfortable trip to Thailand costs about €50–80 per day per person, covering a mid-range hotel, meals, local transport and some activities. Budget travellers can manage on €30–40 per day with hostels and street food. Luxury resorts and private tours push the daily cost above €150.

Flights from Dublin to Bangkok typically cost €600–900 return in low season, more in December and January. Internal flights (Bangkok–Chiang Mai, Bangkok–Phuket) run €30–60 one way. A meal at a street stall costs €1.50–3; a sit-down restaurant €5–10.

Carry cash for small purchases; ATMs are widespread but charge a fee (around ฿220 per withdrawal). Credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants.

There are no direct flights from Dublin to Bangkok. Most routes connect through a Middle Eastern hub (Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi) or a European city. Total flight time is around 13–16 hours plus a connection, so plan for 18–22 hours door-to-door.

The main arrival airport is Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK). From there, domestic flights and trains connect to the rest of the country. Use the flight-time planner to compare options from your home city.

Thailand uses 220 V, 50 Hz electricity, the same as Ireland, so you do not need a voltage converter. Plugs are types A, B, C and O. Irish plugs (type G) will not fit, so bring a universal adapter. Most hotels have USB ports for charging phones.

Tipping is not expected in Thailand, but it is appreciated. Round up the bill in restaurants, leave small change for taxi drivers, and tip massage therapists and guides if the service was good. A typical tip is ฿20–100 depending on the service. Hotels and resorts often add a 10% service charge, so check your bill.

In an emergency, dial 191 for police, 1669 for ambulance, and 1155 for the tourist police, who speak English. For consular help, contact the Irish embassy in Bangkok. Keep these numbers saved in your phone and written down.