"Exigences de visa pour la Thaïlande pour les citoyens de Polynésie française."

Population and Size of Country

Thailand has a significantly larger population and land area compared to French Polynesia. As of the latest estimates, Thailand’s population is over 69 million people, while French Polynesia has a population of approximately 280,000. Thailand covers an area of about 513,120 square kilometers, making it much larger than French Polynesia, which spans around 4,167 square kilometers.

Ethnicity

Thailand’s population is predominantly Thai, with ethnic Thais making up about 97.5% of the population. There are also minority groups such as Chinese, Malay, and various hill tribes. In contrast, French Polynesia’s population is primarily Polynesian, with around 78% identifying as such. Other ethnic groups include Europeans (primarily French), East Asians (mainly Chinese), and mixed ethnicities.

Religion

The primary religion in Thailand is Buddhism, with approximately 93.5% of the population adhering to Theravada Buddhism. Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism are also present but constitute a smaller percentage of the population. In French Polynesia, Christianity is the dominant religion, with a significant majority identifying as Protestant or Roman Catholic.

GDP

Thailand has a much larger and more diversified economy compared to French Polynesia. As of recent data, Thailand’s GDP is approximately $543 billion USD. The economy is driven by manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and services. French Polynesia has a smaller economy with a GDP of around $5 billion USD, primarily supported by tourism, pearl farming, and fisheries.

Population Age Brackets

Thailand has a relatively aging population with a median age of around 40 years. The age distribution shows a significant proportion of the population in the working-age bracket (15-64 years). In contrast, French Polynesia has a younger median age of about 32 years, with a larger proportion of the population under the age of 30.

Men vs Women

In Thailand, the gender ratio is fairly balanced but slightly skewed towards women, with about 51% female and 49% male. French Polynesia has a similar gender distribution, with women making up approximately 50.5% of the population and men about 49.5%.

Source of Popular Types of Income

In Thailand, popular sources of income include agriculture (rice, rubber, sugarcane), manufacturing (electronics, automobiles), and tourism. The service sector also plays a significant role. French Polynesia’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism, particularly from France and other parts of Europe. Other important income sources include pearl farming, fishing, and some agricultural products like vanilla and noni fruit.

Violent Crime

Thailand generally has a lower rate of violent crime compared to many Western countries. While violent crime does occur, it is relatively rare for tourists to be involved. French Polynesian travelers should still exercise caution, especially in less populated areas or during late hours.

Casual Crime

Petty theft, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is more common in tourist-heavy areas like Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya. Travelers should keep an eye on their belongings, avoid displaying valuable items, and use hotel safes when possible.

Crimes of Passion

Crimes of passion do occur but are typically domestic issues and rarely involve tourists. However, travelers should be aware that in some cases, disputes can escalate quickly. It’s best to avoid confrontations and report any suspicious behavior to local authorities.

Safety for Solo Women Travelers

Thailand is generally considered safe for solo women travelers. However, it’s wise to take standard precautions such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night, not accepting drinks from strangers, and being cautious when using rideshare services or public transportation late at night.

Walking Around at Night

Walking around at night in well-populated and tourist-friendly areas is generally safe. However, travelers should avoid poorly lit or deserted areas and be cautious when walking alone. Stick to main streets and use reputable transportation options when needed.

Scamming

Scams targeting tourists are common in Thailand. These can include taxi overcharging, gem scams, and fake tour operators. Always use licensed taxis or rideshare apps, book tours through reputable agencies, and be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true. It’s also useful to familiarize yourself with common scams before your trip.

Les voyageurs de la Polynésie française trouveront plusieurs similitudes entre la cuisine thaïlandaise et leur propre cuisine, notamment l’utilisation de produits frais, de fruits de mer et de noix de coco. Les deux cuisines partagent également une passion pour les saveurs équilibrées, combinant souvent le sucré, le salé, l’acide et le piquant.

En Thaïlande, ils peuvent essayer des plats comme le Tom Kha Gai, une soupe à base de lait de coco, de poulet et d’herbes aromatiques qui rappelle les soupes au lait de coco polynésiennes. Le Pad Thai, un plat de nouilles sautées avec des crevettes, du tofu, des œufs et des cacahuètes, pourrait également plaire aux amateurs de plats équilibrés et savoureux.

Les fruits de mer sont omniprésents en Thaïlande. Les visiteurs peuvent déguster des crevettes grillées, des calamars frits ou encore des curry de crabe. Les marchés locaux offrent une abondance de fruits exotiques comme la mangue, l’ananas, le durian et la papaye, qui sont également populaires en Polynésie française.

Pour une expérience unique, ils peuvent essayer le Som Tum, une salade de papaye verte épicée qui combine des saveurs sucrées, salées et piquantes. Les amateurs de grillades apprécieront le Moo Ping, des brochettes de porc marinées et grillées, souvent servies avec une sauce épicée.

Enfin, les desserts thaïlandais comme le Khao Niew Mamuang (riz gluant à la mangue) ou les Roti Sai Mai (crêpes fines avec des filaments de sucre) offrent une douceur qui rappelle les desserts à base de fruits tropicaux et de noix de coco que l’on trouve en Polynésie française.

Cultural Differences and Social Etiquette

When traveling from French Polynesia to Thailand, understanding the cultural nuances can significantly enhance your experience and help you make friends more easily. Thai culture places a high value on respect, politeness, and maintaining harmonious relationships.

Making Friends

Thai people are generally friendly and welcoming. A traditional greeting is the “wai,” where you press your palms together in a prayer-like gesture and bow slightly. This is often accompanied by a smile. When addressing someone, use their first name preceded by “Khun” (e.g., Khun Somchai) as a sign of respect.

What to Do

• Dress Modestly: Especially when visiting temples or religious sites, wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
• Remove Shoes: Always remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or a temple.
• Respect the Monarchy: The Thai royal family is highly revered. Avoid making any negative comments about them.
• Use Soft Voices: Speaking softly and calmly is appreciated. Loud or aggressive behavior is frowned upon.

What Not to Do

• Don’t Point Your Feet: Pointing your feet at people or religious objects is considered very disrespectful.
• Avoid Public Displays of Affection: Holding hands may be acceptable, but kissing and hugging in public are not.
• Don’t Touch Heads: The head is considered the most sacred part of the body. Avoid touching anyone’s head, even children.
• Don’t Raise Your Voice: Losing your temper or showing strong emotions in public can cause you to “lose face.”

Habits Not to Bring from French Polynesia

• Casual Dress: While casual dress is common in French Polynesia, Thailand expects more modest attire, especially in formal settings.
• Public Affection: As mentioned, while public displays of affection might be more acceptable in French Polynesia, they are not in Thailand.

Deportment and Respect

• Respect Elders: Always show respect to older people. Offer your seat to them on public transport and allow them to go first.
• Use Both Hands: When giving or receiving something, use both hands as a sign of respect.

Touching

Physical contact should be minimal. Handshakes are not common; instead, use the “wai.” Avoid touching people unnecessarily.

Religious Places

• Dress Appropriately: Wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
• Be Quiet and Respectful: Maintain a low voice and avoid any disruptive behavior.
• No Photography: Some areas may prohibit photography; always ask for permission.

Public Presentation of Oneself

• Dress Neatly: Even in casual settings, Thai people tend to dress neatly and cleanly.
• Maintain Composure: Always appear calm and composed. Public outbursts or showing frustration can be seen as losing face.

Behavior on Public Transport

• Queue Properly: Form orderly lines when boarding buses or trains.
• Offer Seats: Offer your seat to monks, the elderly, pregnant women, and young children.
• Keep Quiet: Avoid loud conversations or phone calls.

Losing and Gaining Face

In Thai culture, “face” refers to one’s reputation and dignity. Losing face can happen through public embarrassment, confrontation, or showing anger. Gaining face involves showing respect, humility, and kindness. Always strive to help others save face by being polite and considerate in all interactions.

By understanding and respecting these cultural differences, travelers from French Polynesia can have a more enriching and enjoyable experience in Thailand.

Bringing Phone from French Polynesia
Ensure your phone is unlocked for international use. Most modern smartphones are compatible with Thai networks, but it’s always good to check with your carrier in French Polynesia. Consider purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival for better rates on calls and data.

Internet Availability
Thailand has excellent internet coverage, especially in urban areas. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. For more reliable access, a local SIM card with a data plan is recommended.

Dominant Messaging Apps
LINE is the most popular messaging app in Thailand, followed by WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. Download LINE before arrival to stay connected with locals.

Must-Download Apps Before Arrival

• LINE: For messaging and staying connected.
• Google Maps: For navigation.
• Grab: For taxis and food delivery.
• XE Currency Converter: For real-time exchange rates.
• Thai Language Apps: Basic translation and language learning apps can be handy.

Currency
The currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). It’s advisable to exchange some money before you arrive, but ATMs and currency exchange counters are widely available.

ATM Use
ATMs are plentiful in Thailand, but they often charge a fee for foreign cards (around 220 THB per transaction). It’s best to withdraw larger amounts to minimize fees. Notify your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues.

Taxi Apps
Grab is the go-to app for booking taxis in Thailand. It’s similar to Uber and offers a reliable and safe way to get around, especially in cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.

Food Delivery
GrabFood and Foodpanda are the leading food delivery services in Thailand. Both apps offer a wide range of options from local street food to high-end restaurants.

Credit Cards
Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shopping malls. However, smaller vendors, street food stalls, and local markets typically accept cash only. Always carry some cash for smaller purchases.

Shopping
Thailand offers diverse shopping experiences, from luxury malls like Siam Paragon in Bangkok to bustling markets like Chatuchak Weekend Market. Bargaining is common in markets but not in malls or stores with fixed prices.

Trains
Thailand’s train network is extensive and offers a scenic way to travel between cities. The State Railway of Thailand operates most services. Booking in advance is recommended for long-distance travel. The Bangkok Skytrain (BTS) and MRT are efficient for getting around the city.

Local Buses
Local buses are an affordable way to travel but can be confusing for newcomers due to limited English signage. In Bangkok, the BMTA operates an extensive network of buses. Apps like Moovit can help navigate the bus system.

Acceptance of Men from French Polynesia

Thai people are generally welcoming and curious about foreigners, including those from French Polynesia. Your unique background can be a conversation starter and a point of interest for many Thai women. Emphasize your culture and be respectful towards theirs.

Funny Ways to Tell Women You are From French Polynesia

You could use humor to break the ice. For example: “I come from a place where the ocean is our backyard and coconuts are our best friends!” This can make you stand out and pique their interest.

Which Dating Apps to Use

Popular dating apps in Thailand include Tinder, Badoo, and ThaiCupid. These platforms have a large user base and are commonly used by locals looking to meet new people.

Good Opening Lines to Use with Thai Women on the Apps

• “Sawadee krub! I’m [Your Name] from French Polynesia. Ever met someone from an island paradise?”
• “Hi! Do you know where French Polynesia is? Let me take you on a virtual tour!”
• “Hello! I’m new here and would love to know more about Thailand. Can you be my guide?”

Teaching Thai Women About French Polynesian Culture

Share interesting facts about your culture, such as traditional dances, music, and cuisine. You could also talk about the beautiful landscapes and unique traditions, like tattooing, which has deep cultural significance in French Polynesia.

Dressing and Personal Hygiene

Thai people appreciate good grooming and clean attire. Dress smartly in casual or semi-formal clothes for dates. Make sure to maintain good personal hygiene—clean nails, fresh breath, and a pleasant scent go a long way.

Examples of Red Flags You Should Watch For

• If she asks for money early in the relationship.
• If she avoids meeting in public places.
• If she is overly secretive about her personal life.
• If she frequently cancels plans at the last minute.

Examples of Scams on Dating Apps

Be wary of women who quickly express deep feelings or ask for financial help. Common scams include requests for money for emergencies, visa applications, or travel expenses. Always verify the authenticity of the person you are talking to.

Major Difference in Dating Between French Polynesia and Thailand

In Thailand, dating can be more conservative compared to the laid-back approach in French Polynesia. Public displays of affection are less common, and family approval can be very important in serious relationships.

Major Differences Between Thai Women and French Polynesian Women

Thai women may be more reserved initially and place a high value on respect and family. French Polynesian women might be more open and expressive. Understanding these cultural nuances can help in building a respectful relationship.

Popular First Date Activities

• Visiting a local market or night market.
• Exploring temples or historical sites.
• Enjoying street food together.
• Taking a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River.
• Visiting a rooftop bar with a view of the city.

Red Light Districts

Areas like Patpong, Nana Plaza, and Soi Cowboy in Bangkok are known red light districts. These places are often frequented by tourists but may not be suitable for genuine dating experiences.

Prostitution on Dating Apps

Prostitution is prevalent on some dating apps. Be cautious if someone seems too forward or if their profile appears overly sexualized. Genuine profiles usually have more balanced information about interests and hobbies.

10 Places to Meet Thai Women Outside of Dating Apps

1. Cafes: Popular spots like Starbucks or local coffee shops.
2. Universities: Areas around major universities like Chulalongkorn or Thammasat.
3. Shopping Malls: Places like Siam Paragon or CentralWorld.
4. Parks: Lumphini Park or Chatuchak Park.
5. Language Exchange Meetups: Events where people practice languages.
6. Yoga Classes: Many Thai women attend yoga sessions.
7. Cooking Classes: A fun way to meet people interested in food.
8. Concerts: Live music events often attract young crowds.
9. Bookstores: Kinokuniya or Asia Books in major malls.
10. Volunteering Events: Join local community service projects.

By understanding these aspects, you can navigate the dating scene in Thailand more effectively and build meaningful connections.

Practical Guide to Extending a Thai Tourist Visa or Thai Visa Exemption for French Polynesian Passport Holders

Step-by-Step Process

1. Gather Necessary Documents

   • Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of extension.
   • TM.7 Form: Obtain and fill out the TM.7 application form for visa extension. This form is available at Thai Immigration Offices or can be downloaded from their official website.
   • Passport-sized Photos: Two recent passport-sized photographs (4x6 cm) are required.
   • Proof of Address in Thailand: Provide a copy of your hotel booking, rental agreement, or a letter from your host.
   • Proof of Financial Means: Some immigration offices may request proof of sufficient funds, such as bank statements or cash equivalent to 20,000 THB per person or 40,000 THB per family.
   • Visa Extension Fee: The fee for extending a tourist visa or visa exemption is 1,900 THB, payable in cash.

2. Visit an Immigration Office

   • Locate the nearest Thai Immigration Office. Major offices are found in Bangkok (Chaeng Wattana), Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and other tourist areas.
   • Arrive early to avoid long queues.

3. Submit Your Application

   • Present your documents to the immigration officer.
   • Pay the 1,900 THB fee.
   • The officer may ask a few questions regarding your stay and future travel plans.

4. Wait for Processing

   • Processing times can vary, but typically it takes a few hours. In some cases, you may be asked to return the next day to collect your passport.

5. Receive Your Extended Visa

   • Once approved, your passport will be stamped with the extension date. Double-check the new expiry date to ensure accuracy.

Important Tips

• Plan Ahead: Start the extension process at least a week before your current visa or exemption period expires to avoid any last-minute issues.
• Dress Appropriately: Dress modestly and respectfully when visiting immigration offices.
• Be Polite and Patient: Thai immigration officers appreciate politeness and patience.

Special Considerations

• Overstay Penalties: Avoid overstaying your visa as it incurs a fine of 500 THB per day and could lead to more severe penalties.
• Multiple Extensions: Generally, you can extend your tourist visa or visa exemption once. For further extensions, you may need to leave Thailand and re-enter.

By following these steps, French Polynesian passport holders can efficiently extend their stay in Thailand and continue enjoying their travels without any legal complications.