FAQ's

@ Phromthep Muay Thai Camp

FAQ = Frequently Asked Questions

Reference Guide to Muay Thai FAQ's

about ... Phuket Thailand

Phuket is a tropical island located 830 km north of the Equator.
The island is approx 55km in length & approx 15km at its widest point.
The WATER tempature @ Phuket beaches is approx 23 - 27c | 75 - 82 F
The air tempature @ Phuket is always between 25c & 35c | 77 - 95 F

Population of Thailand = approx 62 million people
Population of Phuket = approx 700.000 (High Season) | 300.000 (Low Season)
The average annual rainfall @ Phuket Thailand is + 2,200 mm

Phuket Sunrise
Low season ( April - October) = Sunrise 6am | Sunset @ 6:45pm
High Season (November - March) = Sunrise 6.30am | Sunset @ 6pm

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The Weather @ Phuket Thailand

We have 3 seasons here in the Tropics @ Phuket Thailand.

(Winter - The Peak Season)
November - December - January
The weather during the Peak Tourist season is PERFECT every day.
Day Temp: 30 - 32C | 85 - 89 F
Night time Temp: 24 - 27C | 75 - 80 F
Rain fall - Very little.

(Summer)
February - March - April
February is the coolest of these 3 summer months with each month increasing in temperature & humidity. Their is seldom any rain during February & March.
April is always the hottest month of the year @ Phuket Thailand with the average day & night tempature of 35c |95 F

(Monsoon Rains - The WET Season)
May - June - july - August - September - October
The Wet season in Thailand is better known @ Phuket as the Surfing Season
During the wet monsoon season ... the SURF @ Phuket is PUMPING.
September & October are ALWAYs the Wettest months @ Phuket Thailand.

See Video # Surfing naiharn beachPhuket Thailand

Average rain fall @ Phuket Thailand

The benefits of being @ Phuket during the Wet Season.

The surf @ Phuket is Pumping
Less Tourists on the roads & less people @ restaurants
Accommodation will be cheaper @ many places (Low season specials)
Cheaper international flights to Phuket (Low season specials)

Surf boards & boogie boards are available for hire @ Phromthep Muay Thai Camp

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Internet + Tech Savy Information

Wifi internet @ Phuket Thailand

Phuket is HUGE on free Wifi Internet.
Most coffee shops, restaurants & resorts at Phuket Thailand have FREE WiFi internet available for their customers to get online with lap tops.

The restaurant @ Phromthep Muay Thai Camp + ALL accommodation @ Phromthep Muaythai Camp has FREE Wifi connection to the Internet.

*Internet + Tech Savy Information Continued*
Electricity Plugs in used in Thailand
Thailand uses 220V 50Hz electricity.

Most of Thailand still use the old style (two prong plugs) with with no earth.

At Phromthep Muay Thai Camp we have upgraded our power sockets in the GYM & bungalows to the same (three prong plugs) as used in Australia & New Zealand.

UNIVERSAL multi plug power boards are for sale at the office @ Phromthep Muay Thai Camp for approx (500 THB / $10 Aust)

*Internet + Tech Savy Information Continued*
Having trouble RECEIVING e-mails
If you are having trouble RECEIVING e-mail in Outlook express when you come to Thailand then try changing your (OUT going mail settings)

Change them to # smtp.tttmaxnet.com

Instructions on how to change your e-mail settings

(1) Open OUTLOOK
(2) Click TOOLS
(3) Click e-mail Accounts
(4) Click VIEW or CHANGE existing e-mail account
(5) select the desired e-mail account & Click CHANGE >
(6) Change the OUT going mail server to smtp.tttmaxnet.com

Take NOTE of the settings before you change them because when you go back home you might need to change your e-mail settings back again.

Internet - Broadband Speed Check
Check your Broadband line Speed
Current broadband speed @ Phromthep Muay Thai Camp

Download 2519 kbps
Upload 396 kbps

*Internet + Tech Savy Information Continued*
Forget your mobile phone charger
Mobile phones & phone chargers / phone accesseries are CHEAP to buy @ Phuket Thailand. Their is a mobile phone shop located 2km from Phromthep Muay Thai Camp.

*Internet + Tech Savy Information Continued*
Thai SIM card for your mobile phone
If you stay in Thailand for more than a couple of weeks then you should consider buying a Thailand (pre paid) SIM card to use in your mobile phone.

Top Up credit for your (pre paid) Thai SIM card is available @ all (Seven Eleven) Convenience stores & mobile phone outlet's through out Thailand.
The costs of a pre paid SIM card is approx 300 THB ($10)

(One Two Call) pre paid phone cards are the best to use as they have a strong service through out most parts of Phuket & Thailand.

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Phuket Airport

map of phuket thailand

FLIGHT STATUS @
Phuket Airport - Arrivals | Departures

Phuket airport is located @ the north of Phuket Island, Approx 37 km (25 miles) from Phromthep Muaythai Camp.

It's a 45 minute taxi ride from Phuket airport to Phromthep Muay Thai Camp.
Taxi fare from Phuket airport to the Gym is 700 Thai baht

The Official airport Taxi stand is located IN SIDE the Phuket airport terminal.

Print MAP & DIRECTIONs for your Taxi driver @ Phuket Airport
# map & direction's to Phromthep Muay Thai Camp.

Late Arrivals

The Gym OFFICE is open between 7am & 10pm / 7 days a week. If you arrive after Business hours then you have the following 3 options....

Option 1) Late night check inn is available @ the many hotels / B&Bs on Rawai beach (1km from Phromthep Muaythai Camp). 24 hours check in is available, The average room rate = 1000 Thai Baht per night. (No advanced booking required)

Option 2 ) Sleep on the boxing ring at the Gym. Staff will start to arrive at the Gym between 5am - 6am, The GYM office opens @ 6:45 am. Their is a 24 hour seven eleven convenience store located 900 meters from the gym.

Option 3) If your flight arrives before midnight, We can organize airport pick up service that brings you safely to the GYM. The Pick up company coordinates with our office staff to have your bungalow & key available after hours.

Airport pick up fee = 1.000 Thai Baht (approx $30)

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Travel Warnings @ Phuket Thailand

Last Updated ... August 2010

Tourist POLICE

EMERGENCY NUMBER 1155
(All of Thailand - FREE Call )
The 1155 hotline is a tourist HELP center for tourists on holidays in Thailand.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set up a number of international telephone “hotlines” for persons out side of Thailand. The hot line is to help foreign visitors get updated on any travel issues for Thailand. 24-hour tourism information HOT LINE for persons that are out side of Thailand.

United Kingdom
Tel: +44-20-3355 0430

Sweden
Tel: +46-8-4083 8833

USA
Tel: +1-516-619 6810

Japan
Tel: +81-3-4520 9521

Australia
Tel: +61-2-8014 7129

You can reduce your chances of becoming involved in crime @ Phuket Thailand by taking note of the following WARNINGS.

Most crime's @ Phuket happen towards the end of the month.
Thai people get paid monthly so in the last week of the month most Thai people are low on money

Most Crime's @ Phuket happen between the hours of 1am & 5am.
If you are home in bed before midnight then you will be at a much lower risk of becoming a police crime statistic.

Please take note of the Warnings below...

*Travel Warnings @ Phuket Thailand*
(1) Lock your Bungalow door @ night
Always Lock your bungalow door at night to prevent your bungalow being robed while you are sleeping.

*Travel Warnings @ Phuket Thailand*
(2) Don't leave valuables @ the GYM
Lockers are available @ the Gym to keep your valuables safe.
Items such as ipods, money, cameras & mobile phones should NOT be left unattended in the Gym while you are training. (See staff @ the Gym for a KEY to the lockers)

*Travel Warnings @ Phuket Thailand*
(3) Hand Bag - Snatch & Grab (WARNING for FEMALES)
Snatch & Grab hand bag theft is on the increase in Thailand.
A mugger will ride up behind you while you are riding your moped and reach into the basket on the front of your bike and try to steal your hand bag.

If you have a hand bag strapped over your shoulder they will GRAB for it & most times will result in YOU being pull you off your bike while you are still riding it & cause YOU SERIOUS / Fatal injury.

This sort of crime is ALWAYS done by 2 young persons riding on a single motor bike, they often scout for potential victim's at ATM machines and follow you intill they find a quiet location to rob you.

Females that plan to ride on a motor bike - moped while in Thailand should use a Travel Money Belt & NEVER a hand bag that makes you an easy target for criminals.

*Travel Warnings @ Phuket Thailand*
(4) The Law in Thailand
When traveling in Thailand you need to be VERY respectful of the Thai laws.
Their are 2 VERY important rules that Tourists need to remember.

(a) NEVER speak bad about the Thai Royal family.

(b) NEVER Swear @ Thai People / Government officials / Police / Airport Customs.
Swearing @ Thailand immigration officials at a Thailand airport will get you 3 weeks to 1 year in a Thai prison.

*Travel Warnings @ Phuket Thailand*
(5) SECURITY of valuables @ your bungalow
All the bungalows at Phromthep Muay Thai Camp (deluxe & shared) have an electronic safe for storage of your valuables.

*Travel Warnings @ Phuket Thailand*
(6) Security of Lap Top Computers
Many students bring their lap top computers with them to the Gym.
The only time I have every known about a lap top computer being stolen from the Gym was when a student brought home a bar girl for the night & in the morning the girl was gone with all of his valuables including his lap top computer.

*Travel Warnings @ Phuket Thailand*
(7) Bangkok to Phuket on the Bus
Many students have complained that the contents of their bags/ backpacks have been tampered with during the bus trip to Phuket. Items such as ipods, cameras, mobile phones are all items that are easily converted into cash by criminal's.
LOCK your bags with a quality padlock when you are traveling on a bus in Thailand.

Don't be an easy target for Criminals
Think SMART when you are on holiday's @ Phuket

*Travel Warnings @ Phuket Thailand*
(8) Full Moon Party@ Koh Phangan - Thailand
Drunk / intoxicated tourist make easy targets for criminals
Many people that go to the Full Moon Party @ Koh Phangan have their wallets & mobile phone stolen by pick pockets / thief's.

To lose your ATM card / Credit card / Passport / Drivers license / mobile phone & ALL of your money is a Damm inconvenience that could leave you stranded @ Koh Phangan with No money for your boat fare / bus fare back to Phuket & no mobile to call for help.

Prior to departing for The Full Moon Party...
Check your wallet to see what you can NOT afford to lose.
Take with you only what you really need and leave the rest in your safe @ the Gym. It would be smart to hide a little bit of money in a pocket for emergency use.

Safe sleeping zones are available on the beach @ the Full Moon Party but many people say it is when they were asleep in the safe sleeping zones that they had their pockets picked.

See Video# the Full Moon Party

Full Moon Party Schedule 2010

26 June 2010
28 July 2010
25 August 2010
23 September 2010
23 October 2010
21 November 2010
21 December 2010
25 December 2010 (CHRISTMAS PARTY)
31 December 2010 (NEW YEAR PARTY)

*Travel Warnings @ Phuket Thailand*
(9) Motor Bike Hire @ Phuket Thailand
Stealing motor bikes - mopeds - Scooters has become BIG business @ Phuket. Insurance in Thailand will NOT cover stolen or damaged motor bike's hired by unlicensed tourists. You will be held accountable to repair or replace your hire bike if it is damaged or stolen. The current price for a NEW Honda Click scooter in Thailand is approx 50.000 Thai Baht

All motor bikes have a steering lock mechanism that when you fully turn the key anti clockwise it locks the steering to prevent the bike being put in neutral and pushed away. When your motor bike is parked you should ALWAYs lock the steering.

Travel WARNING
If you plan to hire a moped / motor bike or ride on the back of one while you are in Thailand than you should ENSURE you have TRAVEL INSURANCE

Hospital fees for tourists that have crashed their motor bike while on holidays at Phuket have been between $2.000 US Dollars - $10.000 US Dollars.

If an emergency operation is required + a couple of weeks in hospital then your hospital bill could easily cost you MORE than $10.000 US Dollars.

Save your Family the STRESS of having to find the money for your HOSPITAL FEES GET your self some Travel INSURANCE

See Video# Riding Mopeds @ Phuket Thailand

*Travel Warning @ Phuket Thailand*
(10) Swimming @ the Beach
Criminals hang out @ the beach waiting for unsuspecting TOURIST's.
They will watch YOU as you leave your valuables under your towel & when you go for a swim they will come & steal your valuables. This style of theft @ Phuket has been on the increase over the past couple of year's as the Crook's can get a shit load of easy to sell valuable's with very little effort.

The Safe Solution ...

(A) Leave your valuables back at your bungalow / hotel
(B) Go to the beach with a group of friends & take turns @ looking after your gear.
(C) You can hide your valuables under the seat of your scooter / moped.

TRAVEL WARNING - The Wet Season
During the wet season some of Phuket beaches can become dangerous to swim at.
Many tourists drown every year during the monsoon season @ Phuket because they get in trouble with the big waves & rip currents.

See Video # about Rip currents

*Travel Warning @ Phuket Thailand*

Rip currents are identified by the following

Discolored brown water caused by sand stirred up from the bottom
Foam on the surface extending beyond the break
A rippled appearance, waves breaking on both sides of the rip.
Items on the waters surface, floating seaward on the surface of the rip

*Travel Warning @ Phuket Thailand*

What to do if you get caught in a Rip current

Do not PANIC, float on your back and let your self drift out the rip current.
Raise one arm above your head to signal for help from a lifesaver.
Never try and swim against a rip current.
Float out with the current and when you are past the breakers swim across parallel to shore intill you are out of the rip current & then swim back to shore.

The RED flag on the beach = Dangerous swimming Conditions.
Swim with Caution & Never Swim alone.
*Travel Warnings @ Phuket Thailand*

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Vaccinations @ Phuket Thailand

There are no vaccinations required when coming to Phuket (Southern Thailand).
If you feel the need to have some Vaccinations then Thyroid Fever & Hepatitis Vaccinations & Tetanus Shot would be a good choice.

*Health Warnings & Vaccinations @ Phuket Thailand*
Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is transmitted from mosquito bites. It is an acute illness with similar symptoms to the flu / influenza.

Dengue fever symptoms ... headache, fever, body exhaustion, SEVERE joint & muscle ache, swollen glands sometimes a red rash on the lower part of body toward the end of the Dengue fever cycle. Dengue fever symptoms lasts for 7 - 10 day's.

When no rash is present dengue fever can be easily misdiagnosed as (The flu)
No vaccine is available for dengue fever, Travelers can reduce their risk of acquiring dengue fever by applying insect repellent to both their skin and clothing.

Chikungunya Fever... Chikungunya fever is very similar to dengue fever.
They are both spread by infected mosquitoes & rarely life-threatening.
Chikungunya fever has much the same symptoms and cure as Dengue fever.
Read more about # Chikungunya Fever

*Health Warnings & Vaccinations @ Phuket Thailand*
Drinking Tap Water @ Phuket Thailand

Do NOT drink the tap water in Thailand.

The tap water is pumped up from the ground & is unfiltered.

You CAN use tap water to brush your teeth but don't swallow the water.
You can also use tap water to shower, rise dishes & wash clothes.

If you were to swallow some of the local tap water, it is unlikely to make you sick but their is a slight chance it could give you a mild dose of the runs for 12 - 24 hours.

Some Thai people use tap water for cooking rice but its not recommended for foreigners to eat rice made from unfiltered tap water.

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Travel insurance

Extreme Sport's Martial Arts Insurance - (World Coverage)
Never in my 9+ years living & training in Thailand have I ever seen a student seriously injured during Muay Thai training. In my opinion (martial arts insurance) is not required & your money would be much better spent on TRAVEL INSURANCE.

If you plan to hire a moped / motor bike or intend to ride on the back of a motor bike while in Thailand than you should ENSURE that you have TRAVEL INSURANCE

Hospital fees at Phuket can easily cost $1000+ US Dollars.
If emergency treatment / operation is required + a week in hospital then your Hospital Bill could easily cost you $10.000+ US Dollars.

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Drivers License in Thailand

By Thai law you need to have an international drivers license if you want to drive a car or ride a moped in Thailand.

A drivers license from your own country is OK if you are stopped for a monir traffic offence by Thai police but if you were to have a driving accident while in Thailand then Insurance company's would not pay out because you would be an Un licensed driver and blame for the accident will be on you. You will be libel to pay for any injury & property damage caused from the accident.

An international drivers license is easy to get and well worth the effort if you intend driving a car or ride a motor bike while on holidays in Thailand.

Check with your drivers license department in your own country about how you can get an international drivers license.

Travel WARNING
If you are going to hire a moped - motor bike or intend to ride on the back of one while in Thailand than you should ENSURE that you have TRAVEL INSURANCE.

Hospital fees @ Phuket can quickly exceed $2.000 US Dollars.
If emergency treatment / operation is required + a week stay in hospital then your Hospital bill could easily cost you $10.000 + US Dollars

Save your Family the STRESS of having to find money to cover your HOSPITAL Fees in Thailand... Travel Smart - Get Travel INSURANCE

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Thai Money / Thailand Currency

The currency used in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB )
See Current Conversion Rates.

You get a much better exchange rate if you exchange your money at any of the banks within Thailand.

Their are 2 Western Union offices, Bank money exchange center located close to Phromthep Muaythai Camp where students can exchange money.
The 2 BANKs @ Rawai beach both have ATM machines + Currency exchange open 7 days a week.

ATM cards using the logos below can be used in Thailand

Thailand BANKs Fees
ATM Transaction Fee in Thailand = 150 Thai Baht
UPdate: April 2010 - Australian Banks are now charging EXTRA fees for the use of overseas ATM machines. A withdraw from an over seas ATM machine will cost you approx $15 per ATM transaction rather than the ($3) 150 THB mentioned on your ATM transaction receipt.The maxamin withdraw each day in 20.000 THB so the bank fees is taxed by approx 20%.

Credit Card Warning
If you intend to use your Credit Card / ATM efpos card while you are in Thailand then you should contact your bank and inform them of your intention to travel over seas.

Failure to notify your bank prior to your arrival in Thailand may result in your card being canceled when you try to make a cash / Credit card withdraw in Asia/ Thailand.

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Payment @ the GYM

Money for accommodation & training is to be paid @ the GYM office.
All payments to be made in Thai baht (Prior to commencement of your training)

The Monthly rate for accommodation & training @ Phromthep Muaythai Camp has been discounted for training & accommodation PAID in advance.
If you prefer to pay each week then you will be charged @ the weekly rate.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

Payment @ the gym is to be made in Cash only (Thai Baht)
Phromthep Muay Thai Camp can NOT accept Credit Card payments.

Late Arrivals

The Gym OFFICE is open between 7am & 10pm / 7 days a week. If you arrive after Business hours then you have the following 3 options....

Airport pick up fee = 1.000 Thai Baht (approx $30)

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How to Prepare for Training in Thailand

The better your fitness is when you arrive @ Phromthep Muaythai Camp the easier it will be for you during your first week of training in the TROPICs.

What is considered... Good Fitness ?
If you can run 10 km (6.2 miles) then you are fit enough to handle our FIGHT training.
If you struggle to run 2 km (1.2 miles) with out stopping then it is recommended that you TRY to improve your fitness level BEFORE you come.

Skipping Rope ... build up to 15 - 20 minutes of skipping each day.
Skipping rope with shoes on will save you from shin splints

Running ... 5km @ a slow pace is the basic run recommended.
If you can work up to 10 km run's before you arrival @ Phuket then it would VERY beneficial for YOU in your first week of training in Thailand.

Please NOTE
The 5km (2.7 mile) run & 20 minutes of skipping is the basic level of FITNESS for the people that want to FIGHT in Thailand. Students that come to Phromthep Muay Thai Camp for fitness & detox are NOT required to do such BIG runs or skipping.

6 hours of training a day is VERY Taxing on the body
You will need to eat a good diet to sustain such a high level of training.

If you don't eat quality nutritional food between training sessions then your body will very quickly show signs of fatigue. Alot of people get sick after a week of training in Thailand, their bodies quickly become run down & drained of energy.

When you come to a new country your body is exposed to new types of bacteria in food, water & in the air. If your body is low in "Good Bacteria" then you will struggle to fight the bad bacteria that causes sickness and this results in flu type symptoms & colds. To avoid losing valuable training days from illness you should start to build your inner health at least 2 weeks to a month BEFORE arriving in Thailand.

Recommendations for Improving Health
BEFORE you come to Thailand

(1) Acidophilus Tablets - Broad Spectrum Pro Biotic Tablets
Take 1 - 2 Acidophilus tablets every day for 2 weeks prior to coming to Thailand.

One Acidophilus tablet will add 1 - 2 Billion live bacteria cells to your body.
This will help build up your "Good Bacteria" levels in your body to help fight against new germs & bacteria that you will be in contact with in Thailand.

Take NOTE:
Bio Yogurt is a VERY good source of calcium, phosphorus & LIVE acidophilus.
The good bacteria found in bio yogurt (lactobacillus acidophilus) aids your body by coating the lining of your stomach with millions of LIVE lactobacillus bacteria enzymes & helps with with food digestion & boosts your immune system.
Bio Yogurt is available FRESH every day @ Phromthep Muay Thai Camp.

(2) Milk Thistle tablets - liver flush
Milk thistle tablets are used as a organic remedy to detox the liver & gallbladder.
If you have been in PARTY mode, drinking alot of alcohol & using medication or recreational drugs then you will benefit from 1 - 2 weeks of detoxing your liver prior to starting your fitness training holiday in Thailand.

Milk Thistle tablets are available over the counter @ most Pharmacies in or health food shops. (Take 1- 2 tables daily ) BEFORE coming to Thailand.

Recommendations for Improving Health
AFTER you have arrived in Thailand

(1) CHIA seeds

CHIA seeds for improved ENDURANCE & HYDRATION

Chia seeds are used by tri athletes & ultra marathon runners to replenish electrolytes & keep the body hydrated. When you are training 4 - 6 hours a day you sweat so much that your body can quickly become dehydrated & deficient in electrolytes. Your sweat starts to taste extra salty & you start to get muscle spasms followed by muscle cramps. LOW electrolytes in your body = SLOW recovery from Training !

Mixing Chia seeds with your drinking water or added to your protein shakes is the PERFECT way to keep your body hydrated & your electrolytes levels balanced. Chia seeds are a good source of antioxidants, dietary fiber, protein, electrolytes & omega 3 oil.

Training in the Tropics you sweat .... ALOT.
Chia seeds mixed with water helps keep your electrolyte levels stay in balance.

How to use Chia seeds...

Add 1 - 2 table spoons of Chia seeds to your bottle of drinking water.

For best results ... when ever you drink water, make it Chia water & your body will reward you with a noticeably faster recovery from exercise.

CHIA Gel - Chia gel is more for endurance runners & tri-athletes to help maintain hydration during ultra marathon events. Add 5 table spoons of chia seed to two cups of water, mix it in well & pour the liquid into a small plastic bag. after 15 minutes the Chia water will solidify & become like firm jelly. During your bike leg you squeeze Chia gel into your mouth for continued hydration. ( You only need to try Chia Gel ONCE to appreciate its hydration benefits & its VERY noticeable faster recovery ....
(Chia gel keeps good in the fridge for 48 hours)

CHIA SEED in your Protein Shakes - add 1 table spoon of Chia seed to your protein shakes & GREEN smoothies. (Wait 10 minutes before you drink it !)

WARNING: If you eat Chia seed dry (without water) It will take the fluid from your body and cause you hydration issues. If you are using the seeds dry, BE CAREFUL of the amount you sprinkle on food. Chia seeds absorb 10 times their volume in water even if its the water is already inside your body. 3+ spoons of dry chia seed can severely dehydrate you in less than an hour.

Looking for Chia Seeds @ Phuket ?

Bring your water bottle to the Gym Restaurant & you can have one table spoon of Chia seed added to your drinking water for only 30 Thai Baht (approx $1)

Chia seeds can also be purchased @ PHROMTHEP Muaythai Camp, 500 gram pack = 1,000 Thai Baht (see Danny Avison @ the Gym more details about Chia seed)

(2) GREEN SMOOTHIES with mung beans

High Enzymes - Living Food - Raw food

The average cooked meal takes 1 - 3 hours for your digestive system to break down the food and start refueling your body. When you drink a green smoothie you save your digestive system a HUGE amount of work because the food that makes up the green smoothies has already been mixed to a fine pulp so your body can digest the nutrients faster, your recovery from HARD training will takes only hours rather than days.

Drinking a green smoothie within 30 minutes AFTER finishing training will speed up your recovery by a noticeable amount. DONT drink your green smoothie within an hour of going to bed or it will keep you awake.

Try to drink a glass of green smoothie after every cooked meal you eat.
If you were to consume 1 liter (3 glasses) of green smoothie & TWO cooked meals each day, within two weeks you would feel an increase in your energy levels + your recovery from exercise & the fat loss of from around your waist & abdominal's will be noticeable.

# MY Diet for fat loss & faster recovery from workouts

5 am - COFFEE or a glass of Green Smoothie.
9 am (after training) One glass of Green Smoothie.
10 am - Bowl of cereal / rolled oaks mixed with water & monofloral honey
12 noon - Brown rice with seafood or chicken + glass of Green Smoothie.
2 pm - Bowl of cereal (slow burning carbs) + a glass of Green Smoothie.
6 pm (After training) One glass of Green Smoothie.
7 pm - Cooked meal (high carbs - brown rice or pasta) + green smoothie
9 pm - If you feel the need to eat again before bed, rolled oaks / whole grains will refuel your body with slow release carbs for your morning run.
10 pm - You should be asleep !
( Your body repairs fatigued muscles MUCH faster when your sleeping)

Take NOTE:
The Green Smoothie diet is perfect for ANY one that wants to lose body fat and bring out the definition of their abbs. Avoid ALL junk food, processed foods, sweets, dairy products, processed breakfast cereals such as cornflakes, weetbix, fruit loops, coco pops. Drink lots of room temperature WATER (coffee in moderation ) NO soft drinks, NO pre packaged fruit Juices, NO sports recovery drinks.

An OVER weight person can easily lose 10+ kg of unwanted flab / love handles in less than a month by exercising twice a day (1 + hours @ each training session) & sticking to the Green Smoothie diet.

See before & after weight loss photo's

photo above - Germinated mung bean sprouts

about mung beans ...
germinated mung bean sprouts mung beans sprouts are one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet & can add a HUGE amount of quality Protein to your diet.

A mung bean is a fuel capsule full of all the nutrition required to create life.
By germinating the mung beans you unlock the nutrients & enzymes that lay dormant within the bean. Once the germination process begins the enzyme inhibitors that keep the mung bean dormant are removed and the mung bean begins to grow into a plant. The first 24 hours of germination is when the mung bean has the most nutrition and the best time for you to eat / consume the mung bean.

Nutritional break down of mung beans
(1/2 a cup of germinated / sprouted mung beans)
(* ) = Important nutrients required for optimum recovery from exercise

Carbohydrate 37.5g *
Protein 24.0 g *

Calcium 16.1 mg *
Iron 2.4 mg *
Magnesium 40.9 mg *
Phosphorus 98.0 mg
Potassium 272 mg *
Sodium 11.2 mg

Zinc 1.1 mg
Copper 0.3 mg
Manganese 0.4 mg
Selenium 0.7 mcg
Folate 86.8 mcg *

Vitamin B6 0.2 mg *
Vitamin C 19.8 mg *
Omega 3 fatty acids 13.6 mg *

How to germinate mung beans
Add 1/2 a cup of mung beans + 3 cups of water in a bowl and allow to soak for 8 - 12 hours (Use warm water in cold climates) Once the mung beans has absorbed enough water the beans will then start to germinate.

The mung beans then need Oxygen (o2) to grow so put them into a cooking sieve and after 2 hours you will start to see sprouts appear on the mung beans, They are now ready to eat.

Take Note
Mung beans have the most nutrition in the first 24 hours after germination
# more about sprouting mung beans

How to make a Green Smoothie
In a blender mix ...

2 cups of water
A hand full of fresh Spinach or Bok choy, fresh parsley, carrot tops
Handful of germinated mung beans + hanful of germinated wheat seed.
Small amount of FRESH Parsley
1 table spoon of Chia seeds
1 - 2 table spoons of (rolled oaks / flax seed / rice brain )
Add Fresh fruit to sweeten your Green Smoothie ( bananas / pineapple )

Helpful Tips

Your green smoothie will keep fresh in the fridge for 24 hours.
Mung beans are cheap to buy and can be found @ your local supermarket.
Germinated mung bean sprouts can also be added to salads & soups.
For extra protien in your Green smoothie ... try adding 1 - 3 table spoons of seeds / grains to you green smoothie ... Organic Oaks, Wheat Germ, Flax Seed, Linseed, Sunflower, Armonds, etc.

Nutritional benefit's of ...

Find out more about Body detox / Colon detoxing & improving Your Inner Health

(3) Eating Rice

Brown rice & white rice have similar amounts of carbohydrates and protein.
The main differences between them is the nutritional content.

Brown rice is produced when the outer layer (the husk) of rice seed is removed.
If you remove the layer underneath the husk (the bran layer & the germ) then you would get white rice.

Dietary fiber & vitamins such as Vitamin B1, B3, iron & magnesium are lost in the process of making white rice. One cup of cooked brown rice contains 84 mg of magnesium, one cup of white rice contains 19 mg of magnesium.
Magnesium is one of the main nutrients lost when sweating during exercise.

So why is white rice so popular if it is inferior to brown rice ?
White rice is FASTER to cook & has a longer shelf life than brown rice, making it ideal for our fast paced life style's of the 21st century.

The nutrition value of brown rice can be boosted even more by germinating the brown rice before cooking it. (GBR) Germinated brown rice is also known as GAMA rice / GABA rice because of the amino acid GAMA that is produced during the germination of the rice seed. (GBR) is a nutritionally superior way of preparing brown rice that dates back 1000's of years.

GBR rice is made by soaking brown rice in warm water for 24 hours prior to cooking it. This process stimulates germination of the rice seed which then activates various enzymes & makes it possible to obtain a more complete amino acid profile from the germinating rice seed including the very important GAMA enzymes (gamma-aminobutyric acid).

GAMA enzymes (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is used by the brain as a neuro transmitter. GAMA is an inhibitory neuro transmitter that promotes fat loss by the stimulation of the production of Human Growth Hormone. GAMA increases the sleep cycle giving deeper sleeps, boosts the immune system, lowers blood pressure, inhibits development of cancer cells & assists the treatment of anxiety disorders.

Orally administered GAMA has benefit's outside of the central nervous system such as increased muscle tone. GAMA is directly responsible for the regulation of muscle tone in the human body. Germinated brown rice has twice the GAMA of regular brown rice and ten times the GAMA of white rice.

How to GERMINATE Brown rice (GBR - Germinated Brown Rice)

You need to start with BROWN rice, white rice has had the hull removed which means that it is no longer capable of germinating.

1. Rinse (your desired amount) of brown rice until the water is clear.

2. Place the washed brown rice in a bowl and cover with warm water
(water temperature must be around 35c | 90 F to stimulate germination)

3. Let the rice soak 12+ hours overnight.

4. After 12+ hours of soaking, pour the rice into a cooking sieve & rinse with water.

5. Sit the strainer over a bowl for drainage & let the rice oxygenate 5 - 12 hours intill budsstart to appear on the germinating rice

6. Every 2 -3 hours rinse the germinating rice under water to keep the rice moist during the germination period.

7. Small sprouts will start to appear after 5 - 12 hours & your rice is then ready to eat / cook.

Helpful Tips
(a) Germinated brown rice is good to eat RAW (uncooked) to get most nutrient's & fiber. GBR makes for a super nutritious 100% raw LIVING snack food. Sprinkle 1 - 2 table spoons of grminated brown rice with your green smoothie to get MAXIMUM nutrition.

(b ) Cook germinated brown rice in a rice cooker the same as you cook normal rice but use slightly less water + cooking time of germinated brown rice will also be slightly shorter.

(c) Steamed Geminated brown rice is available at the Gym restaurant @ Phromthep Muay Thai Camp - Phuket Thailand

(d) For those that want to prepare their own GBR meals, 1kg packets of GABA rice™ is sold @ Phromthep Muay Thai Camp (GABA rice™ = pre germinated organic brown rice) With GABA rice™ all the work of germinating the rice has been done, you just need to cook it).

GABA rice™ is a blend of the best organic rice produced in Thailand, some of the rice used in the GABA mix is ancient & rare varieties of rice such as the organic purple rice cultivated by the Fuser tribe in the remote regions of northern Thailand.

The name G.A.B.A rice ™ comes from the large amounts of Gamma-Amino & Butyric Acid that is produced naturally during germination of the rice.

GABA rice™ has recently become better known in Thailand because it is said that the King of Thailand likes to eat GABA rice... read more information about GABA rice ™

(4) Honey & Ginger Tea

NOT the Ginger tea that comes in a packet from your supermarket.
Buy FRESH Ginger to make your Honey & Ginger TEA.

Ginger has been used in China / Asia for more than 2,500 years to treat illness. Ginger root can be used to cure a whole range of ailments like coughs, colds, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, inflammations of the joints, flatulence, motion sickness, colic, cholera, asthma, headaches, and even anorexia.

The active ingredients found in ginger is oleoresin and terpenes which are responsible for its mild antiseptic, lymph gland cleansing, constipation relief, circulation & digestion stimulating qualities.

According to research, it has been shown that ginger reduces the absorption of cholesterol in the liver and blood, thereby lowering blood cholesterol.

It has also been found that ginger blocks the effects of prostaglandin, which is a substance that is responsible for the inflammation of the blood vessels inside the brain which is what causes migraine headaches.

Ginger being a digestive aid is largely due to the shogoals and gingerols.
These help to neutralize the acids in the stomach, stimulate the secretion of digestive juices.

How to make Ginger Tea
Peel a piece of ginger (approx 3cm in length makes 1 - 2 cups of Ginger tea)
Put the peeled ginger in a blender with 1 cup of hot water and blend to a pulp.
Pour 1/2 a cup of hot ginger pulp into your cup & top up with more hot water.
Add 1 table spoon of 100% pure honey & stir.
Your Ginger tea is ready to drink.

Take Note
(a) Old Ginger tastes stronger than young ginger.
(b) Try to use Quality 100% NATURAL honey (Monofloral honey )

The cheap sugar filled honey's found in your local supermarket will only lower the quality of your Ginger tea in flavor & healing Properties.

Monofloral honey is darker and richer in taste than regular honey.
To produce monofloral honey bee keepers must keep their bee hives in an area where the bees have access to only one type of flower.

Popular North American monofloral honeys are clover, orange blossom, sage, eucalyptus, tupelo, manuka, buckwheat & sourwood.

European Monofloral honey includes thyme, thistle, heather, acacia, dandelion, sunflower, honeysuckle, and varieties from lime and chestnut trees.

Monofloral honey produced from the New Zealand Manuka tree & the Australian Tee tree contains the strongest antibacterial & anti fungal properties.

The finest quality monofloral honey is produced from hives placed in remote uncultivated regions.

Monofloral Honey is sold @ Phromthep Muaythai Camp
ONLY 500 Thai baht (700 ml bottle)

*How to Prepare for Training in Thailand*
Fresh Ginger & Honey shots
If you are feeling sick & low in energy or suffering from cold or flu type symptoms, then you will benefit greatly from drinking a shot glass of freshly pulped ginger straight from the blender.

Pour a small amount of freshly pulped ginger into a glass & add 1 - 2 table spoons of monofloral honey. The healing benefits to your body can be felt within minutes of drinking it.

Honey & Ginger Tea is made FRESH every day @ Phromthep Muaythai Camp
A glass of Ginger & Honey tea = 40 Thai Baht per Glass ($1 dollar per Cup)

# Top of Page

Travel Tips for Phuket Thailand

Written by ... Danny Avison
The Internet manager @ Phromthep Muaythai Camp.

Tips for living Cheap @ Phuket Thailand
+ some IMPORTANT things I wish I new BEFORE I came.

*Travel Tips for Phuket Thailand*
about Thai culture ...
Things you should know BEFORE you come to Thailand

(1) Never swear at Thai Government officials / Police / Airport Customs officers.
Swearing at the Thai immigration officers will get you 3+ weeks in a Thai prison.

(2) ALWAYs take off your shoes before you enter the house of a Thai person.

(3) Dont get caught with drugs in Thailand.

*Travel Tips for Phuket Thailand*
Infections in the Tropics
In the high humidity of the Tropics a small scratch on the skin can get infected & turn NASTY very quickly. (ANY cut of the skin should be treated with iodine antiseptic, even blisters from running can get nasty quickly if not treated with iodine.

Once an infection sets in, you will need to take oral antibiotics to get rid of it & that will cost you 1 - 2 weeks of no training while you wait for the infection to clear.

Apply iodine Antiseptic to ALL cuts & blisters.
Iodine Antiseptic is available @ any Pharmacy in Phuket for approx 30 Thai baht

Take Note
If you find your self getting fatigued quickly & slow to recover from training then the chances are you will have one or multipule infection some where on your body.

Your body devotes a HUGE amount of its energy reserves towards fighting an infection. Your energy levels will drain VERY quickly during training & recovery from exercise will be VERY slow. CHECK your body for any cuts on the skin or early signs of infection.

If you are training with a Polar heart monitor then you would have noticed an increase in your heart rate by approx 20 bpm above your normal exercising heart rate. Your increased heart rate should be noticeable 1 - 3 days before an infection becomes noticeable to the eye. If your listening to your body then you should detect infections and deal with them before they become a problem.

If you are FIGHT training ...
You should be on HIGH ALERT for infections.
Common infections caused during Muay Thai training = blisters on the feet, elbows, knees, knuckles, shins, mosquito bites, ingrown toe nails, tooth cavity.

idione antiseptic infections tropics phuket thailand health issues

infection in the tropics training muay thai boxing thailand

infection tropics training energy loss slower recovery

The infections in the photo's above went un noticed intill they started to become inflamed & NASTY. 1 - 2 weeks of training can easily be lost while you wait for a simple infection to clear up.

If you train / fight while your body is fighting an infection, your energy will drain quickly & before the end of the 3rd round your energy levels will be drained.

*Travel Tips for Phuket Thailand*
Shark Attacks in Thailand
There has NEVER been a recorded shark attack in Thailand waters.
The Tropical waters surrounding Phuket are too warm for most sharks.

The sharks that scuba divers are most likely to encounter in the open seas off the coast Thailand is the gray reef shark which grow up to 2 meters in length & the whale shark which grows to 12 - 18 meters in length, both of these sharks are harmless to humans. Scuba divers will often see baby sharks on shallow reefs at places like Shark Bay on Koh Tao island but they are also harmless to humans.

*Travel Tips for Phuket Thailand*
Jellyfish @ Phuket

Their are jellyfish in the waters surroundings Thailand but it is seldom that I ever hear of any one @ Phuket being stung by one.

IF YOU ARE unlucky to get stung by jellyfish .... as quick as possible you should apply monofloral honey (100% Pure honey) to the affected area to reduce swelling & neutralize the toxin. For relief from the PAIN ... HOT water works well.. (the hotter the better).

Jellyfish stings can be VERY PAINFUL but is seldom fatal to humans.
Jelly fish are mostly found in Thailand waters during the months of August - September & October (The monsoon season - wet season @ Phuket Thailand)

If you find your self in need of some FAST relief from a jellyfish sting ... Danny Avison (the internet manager @ Phromthep Muay Thai Camp) always has a bottle monofloral honey in his room @ the GYM.

*Travel Tips for Phuket Thailand*
Snakes in Thailand
Their are Cobra snakes in Thailand but you are unlikely to see one unless you are @ the Phuket Cobra snake show. If you do come into close proximity to cobra snake while you are in Thailand, DONT PANIC, stand perfectly still & the snake will quickly retreat to a safe place.

*Travel Tips for Phuket Thailand*
Street dogs in Thailand
If you are bitten by a dog in Thailand you will need to go to the hospital for rabies shots + the skin surrounding the bite will need to be treated. Dog bites are NOT a common problem @ Phuket but many tourists find street dogs intimidating.

If you are bitten by a dog in Thailand you MUST go to the hospital for Rabies shots. As QUICK as possible !... it is important to have the dog bite treated within 48 hours of being bitten. Don't settle for the local doctors treatment because the wrong treatment can end up being fatal for YOU, 1 - 2 months after being infected with rabies, it starts to attacks your brain & nervous system.

Rabies shots at the Hospital are covered by Travel insurance. Rabies shots @ a Thailand Hospital = (approx 30,000 Thai Baht)

If you are confronted by a dog in the streets of Thailand, pick up a stone & throw it in the direction of the dog. The dog only needs to see you bend down to pick up a stone & he/she will run... the old throwing a stone @ the dog trick works EVERY time !

*Travel Tips for Phuket Thailand*
Toads in your Running Shoe's
Toads LOVE to hide out in the darkness of your running shoes.When you are in Thailand, ALWAYs check your shoes before putting them on.
See more about Toads in your running shoes

*Travel Tips for Phuket Thailand*
It's PHUKET ... not Fuckit

The correct pronunciation of Phuket is .... Poo Ket

*Travel Tips for Phuket Thailand*
What to Pack ...
You don't need to stress too much about what or what to bring with you to Thailand. Anything you forget can always be found some where @ Phuket.

Clothes are VERY cheap to buy in Thailand.
T- shirts for $3, board shorts for $5, Custom made business suits from $100.
Adidas, Nike & other BIG Name Companies all have their Factory's located here in Thailand so alot of the (end of line products) can be found cheap in the markets @ Phuket.

I say to most people to pack light & buy most of what clothes you need when you get to Phuket.

You should consider bringing to Thailand with you ...
A broad rim HAT to give shade from the SUN.

You will shower alot when you are training Muay Thai in the Tropics so bring with you more underpants than you would expect to need.

If you want to swim at Phuket then don't forget to bring swimming goggles.
Swimming is popular @ Naiharn beach (1.3 km from Phromthep Muaythai Camp)

*Travel Tips for Phuket Thailand*
Phuket Monks...

Their are two Buddhist temples in the Rawai - Naiharn area.
If you do your morning run between 5am & 7am you will see the monk's walking along the streets of Rawai & Naiharn.

At about 5:30 am the monks walk the streets to collect food for the day.
You will see local Thai people waiting at the front of their homes to give food to the Buddhist monks, this is a great way to get some good Karma, especially when it is your birthday. The monks will to return to the temple for breakfast around 7am.

Su or Goong @ Phromthep Muay Thai Camp are always happy to assist students in giving food to the local Buddhist monks @ Phuket.
See Video Giving Food to the monks

*Travel Tips for Phuket Thailand*
Best Time to Run @ Phuket

Before 7am & after 5pm are the best times to be running in the Tropics.
If you do your run when the Sun is baking down on you (between 9am - mid day) it will drain you of energy and leave you feeling flat & weak for most of the day.

I like to start my morning run @ 5:30 am & I try to be back @ the gym before 8am.
Before sunrise the streets of Rawai are quiet with very little traffic, The tempature @ + 27 c | + 80 F is perfect for running.

If you were to do your afternoon run @ 5 pm you will notice a HUGE reduction in the heat compared to running @ 4pm when the sun is still high in the sky.

Running 5 km AFTER you have finished your afternoon Muaythai training will give you more energy for kicking pads @ afternoon Muay Thai training.

*Travel Tips for Phuket Thailand*
Acid rain in Thailand

The air in Thailand considered clean & fresh most of the time but during the monsoon season the storms blow in from surrounding countries such as China, India, Malaysia, Burma, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines.

47% of the worlds 6.7 Billion population lives within 4000 km of Thailand.
See Map South East Asia

China has a population of 1.3 Billion people
India = 1.2 Billion people
Bangladesh = 162 million people
Philippines = 92 million people
Vietnam = 85 million people

Thailand = 63 million people
Burma = 50 million people
Malaysia = 28 million people
Cambodia = 14 million people

In Comparison to...
America (USA) has a total population of 307 million people
England has 60 million people
Australia has 22 million people
New Zealand 4.3 million people

List of countries by population

Thai boxers DONT like to run in the rain !

It is said that the pollution from surrounding countries blows in with the monsoon winds & comes down with the wet season monsoon storms @ Phuket.

Running in the rain storms gives you flu type symptoms (sore glands) & low energy. The general rule with most Thai fighters training in Thailand is NOT to get caught running in the rain, duck under a tree for cover and let the heavy rain pass.
If you do get caught running in the rain, a hot shower & cup of Honey & Ginger Tea after training or a hot salt bath mixed with bi carb soda / detox bath will cleanse your skin & body of any pollutants adsorbed by your skin.

*Travel Tips for Phuket Thailand*
Thailand Toilets
The toilets in Thailand are NOT designed to handle alot of toilet paper & will block up VERY easily if you flush large amounts of toilet paper.

Coming Soon # information about ...

Prickly heat powder for when you get Tropical heat rash from training

Heart rate monitors ... AWESOME for Muay Thai & Fitness training

All day in the sun zaps your energy for training

2 hour Thai massage is better than a 1 hour Thai massage

Drink green coconuts for a faster recovery

Bi carb soda and its many uses in the GYM

Low in energy ? feeling sick when you train hard ? ... Try Cleaning your tongue...

*Travel Tips for Phuket Thailand*
Tips for living in Thailand on the Cheap

12 eggs from the the local food market @ Phuket will costs about 30 Thai Baht.
Drop a couple of eggs in your kettle and when the kettle has boiled your egg will be ready to eat. (30 THB = approx $1)

If you like your eggs to be hard boiled then just leave them soaking in the hot water for an extra few minutes. (That's ALOT of Protein for Only $1)

*Travel Tips for Phuket Thailand*
Thailand Fruit
Tasty tropical fruit is VERY CHEAP & easy to buy in Thailand.
Fresh fruit is available every day from the local market's @ Phuket.

Mangosteen
The mangosteen is the Queen of fruits & is well knowen as a a super fruit because of its nutrient richness, antioxidant strength & potential for reducing human diseases.
Mangosteen season @ Phuket = June - July - August - September.
1 kg of mangosteen sells @ Phuket market for 15 Thai baht

Banana
Thailand banana's are VERY sweet and VERY cheap.
Banana's are always in season @ Phuket Thailand
1kg of banana's @ the Phuket market sells for about 20 Thai baht

Mango
The mango is very rich in nutrients that qualify it as a superfruit.
Mango's are high in prebiotic dietary fiber, vitamin C, polyphenols and carotenoids, beta-carotene, Vitamin B6, antioxidants, amino acids & dietary minerals.

Mangoes account for approximately fifty percent of all tropical fruits produced world wide. Thailand Mango's are VERY Sweet & when in season cost less than $1 a Kg.
Mango season in Thailand = April - May - June

Jack Fruit
Jack fruit is available all year @ Phuket & can be found @ the Phuket market for about 30 Thai baht for a small tray of peeled & ready to eat jack fruit.

Tamarind
Tamarind Season @ Phuket Thailand = March - April - May

Dragon fruit
This fruit is good for weigh loss & helps to reduce sugar in your blood
Available all year @ Phuket Thailand

Duriean
Duriean has a strong smell, you will either love or hate.
Duriean season @ Phuket = July - August - September

Rambutan
Rambutan season @ Phuket Thailand = June - July - August

Top of Page

Thailand Visa Requirements

Last Updated ... December 2009

Passport holders from the following 41 Countries are given a standard 30 day Tourist Visa on arrival @ Thailand. No paper work is required for the visa, you get your 30 day visa stamp when you pass through the customs / Immigration Passport check point @ the Thailand international airport / Thailand border.

01. Australian
02. Austria
03. Belgium
04. Brazil
05. Bahrain
06. Brunei Darussalam
07. Canada
08. Denmark
09. Finland
10. France
11. Germany
12. Greece
13. Hong Kong
14. Iceland
15. Indonesia : Republic of Indonesia
16. Ireland
17. Israel
18. Italy
19. Japan
20. Korea (South)
21. Kuwait
22. Luxembourg
23. Malaysia
24. Netherlands
25. New Zealand
26. Norway
27. Oman
28. Peru
29. Philippines
30. Portugal
31. Qatar
32. Singapore
33. Spain
34. South Africa
35. Sweden
36. Switzerland
37. Turkey
38. United Arab Emirates
39. United Kingdom
40. United States
41. Vietnam

# See Thai Embassy locations (world wide)

Passport holders from the following countries are NOT eligible for the 30 day Tourist Visa on arrival & should contact their local Thai Embassy office for more information.

01. ALGERIA
02. BANGLADESH
03. CHINA and TAIWAN
04. EGYPT
05. INDIA
06. IRAN
07. LEBANON
09. NEPAL
10. NIGERIA
11. NORTH KOREA
12. PAKISTAN
13. PALESTINE
14. RUSSIA
15. SAUDI ARABIA
16. SRILANKA
17. SUDAN
18. SYRIA
19 .YEMEN

To stay more than 30 days but less than 45 days ...
You can get a 10 day visa extension by visiting the Immigration office @ Phuket or you can get a 15 day visa extension by doing A visa run to the border check point @ Ranong / Burma . (See more about the visa run below)

If you are only over by a few days then you might find it easier to just pay the ($15) 500 Thai Baht per day OVER STAY fine. The over stay fine is paid @ the airport customs office when you depart Thailand.

60+ days in Thailand

60 day / 3 month / 6 month / 1 year multi entry VISAs are available but you must apply for it BEFORE you arrive in Thailand.

To stay 30+ / 90 days you can apply for a VISA @ your nearest Thai Embassy.
To stay 90+ days in Thailand you will need an invitation letter from us to support your Visa application.

To get an Invitation letter from the Gym you will need to e- mail Danny Avison @ Phromthep Muay Thai Camp with the following details...
# Your expected arrival & departure dates
# YOUR NAME as it appears in your passport.

Please Note:
Some Thai Embassy's are VERY difficult and slow to deal with So DONT leave your visa application intill the last minute or you might find your S.O.L. (Shit out of Luck)

# Thai Embassy locations

Australian Residents
The Thai Embassy @ Brisbane is the easiest place to get your 6 or 12 month Visa. The Embassy staff @ Brisbane are very helpful & easy to deal with, If you don't live in Brisbane you can courier Fedex your application & passport to them for fast service.

Royal Thai Consulate General
87 Annerley Road South Brisbane
Queensland Australia 4102
Tel (07) 3846-7771 - Fax (07) 3846-7772
E-mail : admin@thaiconsulate.org

UK Residents
The Thai Embassy office @ Birmingham or the Royal Thai Consulate @ HULL (UK) are the two best places in the UK to get your 12 month Visa.

I am told by past students that the Thai Embassy office @ Hull & Birmingham both give you the visa over the counter in less than 30 minutes & they are both very pleasant & helpful to deal with. If you can not get their is person then you can post /Fedex your VISA application to them for fast service.

Thai Consulate @ BIRMINGHAM
One Victoria Square
Birmingham B1 1BD
Telephone:01216439481
Facsimile: 0121 643 9485
web site: www.thailand-visa.com

Royal Thai Consulate @ Hull
Priory Court Saxon Way Priory Park
West Hessle HULL HU13 9PB
Tel: 01482 581668
Web Site @ Thai Consulate Hull

The Visa Run

15 day Visa Extension @ Ranong / Burma
This is the cheapest Visa run available @ = 1800 Thai Baht

The Ranong / Burma Visa run is available 7 days a week.
(No Malaria tablets or vaccinations are required for the Visa run to Burma )

A mini bus picks you up from the GYM @ 6am and brings you back to the same day. The bus drives you to the Thailand city of Ranong, 257 km north from Phuket.

After you have received your Thailand departure stamp @ the Ranong customs office, you then take a 30 minute boat ride to Burma on a long tail boat.
After paying the $5 (US dollar) cash payment to the Burma customs officer you are then given a entry & exit stamp for Burma. After about 30 minutes of shopping for souvenirs the boat brings you back to Ranong Thailand where you are issued with a new 15 day Thailand tourist visa on your arrival back @ the Ranong customs office.
It's a 257 km mini bus ride from Phuket to the Thailand border @ Ranong / Burma.

# See a short Video # The Visa Run to Burma

60 day Visa Extension @ Penang Malaysia
The Phuket - Penang Visa run = approx 5000 THB

If you have already arrived in Thailand & decide you want to extend you stay by another 60 days then the Penang Visa run is the best option.
The Thai Embassy @ Penang Malaysia can give out 60 day tourists Visas.

From Phuket it's a 8 hour mini bus ride south to Penang Malaysia.
You stay overnight @ a 3 star hotel and return to Phuket the following day.

Tickets for the Penang Visa run can be booked from the office @ Phromthep Muay Thai Camp.
The Phuket - Penang Visa run = approx 5000 THB /$150 USD.

Other Visa Run Options .... by Danny Avison

Many parts of Asia are easy to visit using Thailand as your point of departure.
The VISA run offers a perfect opportunity to escape from training for a few days and explore some other regions of Asia such as Malaysia, Singapore, Northern Thailand, China, Hong kong, Macau, Taipei, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos & India.

Visa Run to ... Macau
What's @ MACAU you ask ... The CASINO, Gambling, Duty Free Shopping, Night life & bars, Horse racing, Greyhound racing, lots of jewelry & Gold shops.
Macau is the Las Vegas of Asia !

Macau is located 60 km south from Hong Kong & is only 3 hour flight from Bangkok. Passport holders from most countries are issued with a 30 day Tourist visa on arrival. A return flight to Macau from Bangkok with Air Asia costs only 5000 Thai Baht.

The price for a quality hotel room @ the Casino = $1500 HK Dollars per night. Minimum bet @ the Black Jack table is 100 HK dollar ($12 US dollars)

My recommendation for ...
Where to play & stay @ Macau

The Wynns - Casino & Resort (Non smoking Gaming area)
The Venetian - Casino & Resort

Other Helpful information

Take Note: Macau has its own currency called "The MOP" .... but the Casinos @ Macau prefer you to pay & play using Hong Kong dollar's (HKD)

Visa Run to ... Kuala Lumpur - MAYLSIA

Kuala Lumpur is one of the MOST exciting Asian Cities to visit.
KL is VERY tourist friendly with most locals speaking very good English language.
The city has lots to see & do such as Shopping, Night life, Good food, The world's tallest building, the Twin towers, an amazing Aquarium, China town, Local Markets, and some of the best Indian / Malay Curry's in Asia.

Kuala Lumpur is also home to the world famous SEPANG RACE Circuit.
KL is located close to Singapore & is only ONE hours flight from Phuket Thailand.
The Shopping @ Kuala Lumpur is amazing, ALL the BIG brand names are their @ prices so much cheaper than @ Europe.

Kuala Lumpur is the perfect destination for a 2 - 3 day holiday /VISA run
Phuket to Kuala Lumpur return flights with Air Asia costs approx 5000 THB.

Please Note: The Airport @ KL is located approx 60km from the City Center (CCKL).
A bus is the cheapest way to get to the City Center but is slow @ nearly 2 hours.
The Train takes 30 minutes and is the fastest option to get to the City.
The Air Asia terminal is located approx 5 km from the main airport terminal so when you have cleared customs @ KL airport you will need to catch a bus or a taxi to the main airport terminal to get the train into the City Center (CCKL).

Their are 3 main Tourist zones @ Kuala Lumpur

KLCC (City Center)
China Town
Bukit Bintang.

All 3 zones are walking distance to each other so you can easily visit the attractions in each of the 3 popular tourist zones.

Hotels @ Kuala Lumpur

I stayed @ the Istana Hotel & found it to be VERY GOOD.
The LOCATION was central to everything, including the mono rail & the famous Bintang Walk which is well-known for shopping malls, Night life & street markets.
The breakfast @ the Istana hotel was exceptional & the Pool was a nice place to chill out & soak up some rays.

Best time to visit KL is when the BIG bikes are racing on 17th - 19th October SEPANG RACE Circuit MOTO GP ... (17th - 19th October)

Other Helpful information

# Top of Page

Thai Language

Most Thai people @ Phuket understand basic English language.
Learn to speak Thai # Basic Thai words & commonly used Thai Phrases

# Top of Page

Washing your clothes @ the Gym

The laundry used @ Phromthep Muaythai Camp is located 20 meters from the gym.
It's a 24 hour turn around, drop of your washing today and it is ready to be picked tomorrow. Per load = approx 60 Thai Baht, (Washed, dried & folded).