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Population and Size of Country

Morocco has a population of approximately 37 million people, while Thailand’s population is around 70 million. In terms of land area, Morocco covers about 710,850 square kilometers, making it smaller than Thailand, which spans approximately 513,120 square kilometers.

Ethnicity

Morocco’s population is predominantly Arab-Berber, with a significant number of people identifying as Berber or Amazigh. In contrast, Thailand’s population is predominantly Thai, with ethnic minorities including Chinese, Malay, and various hill tribes.

Religion

Islam is the dominant religion in Morocco, with over 99% of the population adhering to Sunni Islam. Thailand is primarily Buddhist, with about 93% of its population practicing Theravada Buddhism. There are also minorities practicing Islam, Christianity, and other religions.

GDP

Morocco’s GDP is around $124 billion USD, while Thailand’s GDP is significantly higher at approximately $543 billion USD. This difference reflects both the larger population and more diverse economy of Thailand.

Population Age Brackets

Morocco has a relatively young population, with around 27% under the age of 15 and about 9% over the age of 60. Thailand, on the other hand, has an aging population; around 17% are under 15 years old, and approximately 16% are over 60.

Men vs Women

In Morocco, the gender ratio is relatively balanced with slightly more females than males. In Thailand, the gender ratio is also fairly balanced but leans slightly towards more females than males.

Source of Popular Types of Income

In Morocco, key sources of income include agriculture (notably olives and citrus fruits), phosphates mining, and tourism. Thailand’s economy is more diversified with significant contributions from agriculture (rice and rubber), manufacturing (automobiles and electronics), tourism, and services.

Violent Crime

In general, Thailand is relatively safe when it comes to violent crime, especially compared to many Western countries. Violent crimes against tourists are rare but not unheard of. Moroccan travelers should still exercise caution, particularly in less crowded areas or late at night. Unlike Morocco, where violent crime rates can vary significantly between urban and rural areas, Thailand’s tourist spots are usually well-patrolled by police.

Casual Crime

Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching are more common in Thailand, particularly in busy tourist areas like Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya. Moroccan travelers should be vigilant, especially in crowded markets or public transportation. Unlike Morocco, where casual crime might be more opportunistic, in Thailand it can be more organized, with teams of thieves working together.

Crimes of Passion

Crimes of passion, including domestic violence and disputes that escalate, are not commonly directed at tourists in Thailand. However, Moroccan travelers should be aware that such incidents can happen and may be more prevalent in nightlife areas where alcohol consumption is high. Similar to Morocco, these crimes are generally isolated and not a significant threat to tourists.

Safety for Solo Women Travelers

Thailand is considered relatively safe for solo women travelers compared to many other countries. However, Moroccan women traveling alone should still take standard precautions such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and being cautious when accepting drinks from strangers. Unlike Morocco, where cultural norms might restrict solo female travelers more, Thailand is generally more liberal but still requires caution.

Walking Around at Night

Walking around at night in Thailand is generally safe in well-populated and tourist-friendly areas. Moroccan travelers should stick to well-lit streets and avoid deserted areas. In comparison, walking around at night in Moroccan cities can be more variable depending on the neighborhood, but the principle of sticking to busy areas applies in both countries.

Scamming

Scamming is a notable issue in Thailand, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. Common scams include overpriced taxi rides, fake tour operators, and gem scams. Moroccan travelers should be wary of deals that seem too good to be true and always negotiate prices upfront. While Morocco also has its share of scams targeting tourists, the types and methods can differ, making it essential for Moroccan travelers to familiarize themselves with common Thai scams.

By being aware of these differences and taking standard safety precautions, Moroccan travelers can enjoy a safe and pleasant trip to Thailand.

While Moroccan and Thai cuisines are distinct in their flavors and ingredients, travelers from Morocco will find some delightful similarities and exciting new dishes to try in Thailand. Both cuisines emphasize the use of fresh herbs and spices, creating vibrant and aromatic dishes.

In Moroccan cuisine, spices such as cumin, coriander, and cinnamon are commonly used, much like in Thai cuisine where you’ll find lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. Both cultures enjoy complex flavor profiles that balance sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements.

Moroccan travelers might appreciate Thai curries such as Green Curry (Gaeng Keow Wan) and Massaman Curry, which can be reminiscent of Moroccan tagines due to their rich, spiced sauces. Massaman Curry, in particular, incorporates spices like cardamom and cinnamon that are familiar in Moroccan cooking.

For those who enjoy Moroccan salads like Zaalouk (eggplant and tomato salad), Thai salads such as Som Tum (green papaya salad) offer a refreshing yet spicy alternative. Both cuisines use fresh vegetables and herbs to create vibrant salads that are both healthy and flavorful.

Moroccan travelers will also find comfort in Thai grilled dishes. While Moroccan cuisine includes grilled meats such as lamb kebabs, Thai cuisine offers Moo Ping (grilled pork skewers) and Gai Yang (grilled chicken) that are marinated in flavorful sauces before being barbecued to perfection.

Seafood lovers from Morocco will enjoy Thai seafood dishes like Pla Pao (grilled fish), which is often stuffed with herbs and served with spicy dipping sauces. This can be a delightful parallel to Moroccan fish dishes that are seasoned with chermoula.

Lastly, for those with a sweet tooth, Thai desserts such as Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang) can be an exciting new experience. While different from Moroccan sweets like baklava, Thai desserts also often incorporate tropical fruits and coconut milk, providing a sweet and creamy finish to meals.

Travelers from Morocco will find Thai cuisine both familiar and novel, offering a rich culinary experience that blends the exotic with the comforting.

Cultural Differences

In Thailand, social harmony and respect are paramount. Unlike Morocco, where directness might be more common, Thais often communicate indirectly to avoid conflict. Smiling is a key part of Thai interaction and is used to express a range of emotions, from happiness to apology.

Making Friends

When making friends, be polite and patient. Thais appreciate humility and a gentle approach. Greeting with a “wai” (a slight bow with the hands pressed together) is customary. Avoid overly assertive or aggressive behavior, as it can be off-putting.

What to Do

• Respect Elders: Always show respect to older individuals.
• Dress Modestly: Especially important when visiting temples or rural areas.
• Remove Shoes: Take off your shoes before entering someone’s home or a temple.
• Use Polite Language: Adding “krub” (for men) or “ka” (for women) at the end of sentences shows politeness.

What Not to Do

• Avoid Touching Heads: The head is considered the most sacred part of the body.
• Do Not Point Feet: Pointing your feet at people or religious objects is considered disrespectful.
• Avoid Public Displays of Affection: These are frowned upon, especially in more conservative areas.
• Do Not Raise Your Voice: Stay calm and composed; losing your temper is seen as losing face.

Habits Not to Bring from Morocco

• Direct Confrontation: Avoid direct confrontation or criticism; it is better to approach issues subtly.
• Overt Bargaining: While bargaining is common in markets, do so politely and without aggressive haggling.
• Public Smoking: Smoking in public places is restricted and frowned upon.

Deportment and Respect

Always show respect to monks and religious figures. Women should not touch monks or hand them objects directly. When visiting religious places, dress conservatively and behave quietly.

Behavior on Public Transport

On public transport, offer your seat to monks, elderly, pregnant women, and children. Keep conversations at a low volume and avoid eating or drinking.

Losing and Gaining Face

In Thai culture, “face” refers to one’s reputation and dignity. Losing face can occur through public criticism, failure, or showing anger. It is important to avoid actions that might cause someone to lose face. Conversely, gaining face involves actions that enhance one’s reputation, such as showing respect, being polite, and achieving success in a humble manner. Always aim to maintain social harmony by being considerate of others’ feelings and reputation.

Bringing Phone from Morocco

Ensure your phone is unlocked to use a Thai SIM card. Thai mobile networks operate on GSM, so compatibility should not be an issue. Major carriers include AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove.

Internet Availability

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public areas. For constant connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card with a data plan. SIM cards are easily available at the airport and convenience stores like 7-Eleven.

Dominant Messaging Apps

LINE is the most popular messaging app in Thailand. WhatsApp is also commonly used but not as widespread as LINE.

Must-Download Apps Before Arrival

• Google Maps: For navigation.
• LINE: For messaging and local communication.
• Grab: For taxis and food delivery.
• Klook: For booking activities and tours.
• XE Currency: For real-time currency conversion.

Currency

The currency is the Thai Baht (THB). Currency exchange services are available at airports, banks, and exchange booths in tourist areas.

ATM Use

ATMs are widely available. Note that Thai ATMs often charge a fee for foreign cards (around 200 THB per transaction). Inform your Moroccan bank about your travel plans to avoid any card issues.

Taxi Apps

Grab is the most reliable taxi app for both traditional taxis and private car services. Bolt is another option but less prevalent.

Food Delivery

GrabFood and FoodPanda are the leading food delivery apps. They offer a wide variety of options from local street food to international cuisines.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, large restaurants, and shopping malls. However, small vendors and street markets typically accept only cash.

Shopping

For modern shopping experiences, visit malls like Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, and MBK Center in Bangkok. For local goods and souvenirs, explore markets such as Chatuchak Weekend Market or night bazaars.

Trains

Thailand has an extensive railway network. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) operates long-distance trains. The BTS Skytrain and MRT are efficient for getting around Bangkok.

Local Buses

Local buses are an inexpensive way to travel but can be confusing due to lack of English signage. Apps like Google Maps can help navigate bus routes. Alternatively, use minivans for intercity travel; they are faster but slightly more expensive.

Acceptance of Men from Morocco

Thai society is generally welcoming and open to foreigners, including Moroccan men. However, it’s essential to be respectful and aware of cultural differences. Politeness and a friendly demeanor will go a long way in making a good impression.

Funny Ways to Tell Women You Are from Morocco

Humor can be a great icebreaker. You might say something like, “I’m from Morocco, where the food is as colorful as our markets!” or “I’m Moroccan, so I can make you the best couscous you’ve ever had!”

Which Dating Apps to Use

Popular dating apps in Thailand include Tinder, Bumble, and ThaiCupid. These platforms have a large user base and are widely accepted for casual dating and serious relationships.

Good Opening Lines to Use with Thai Women on the Apps

1. “Sawadee krub! I’m [Your Name], and I’m new here. Any tips for exploring Thailand?”
2. “Hi! I’m from Morocco. Have you ever tried Moroccan food?”
3. “Hello! What’s your favorite place to visit in Thailand?”

Teaching Thai Women About Moroccan Culture

Share interesting facts about Morocco, like its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and delicious cuisine. You could also talk about traditional Moroccan music and festivals to pique their interest.

Dressing and Personal Hygiene

Dress smartly but comfortably. Casual attire is acceptable, but make sure your clothes are clean and well-fitted. Personal hygiene is crucial; always be well-groomed and smell good.

Examples of Red Flags You Should Watch For

• Reluctance to meet in public places
• Asking for money or gifts early on
• Inconsistent stories about their background
• Avoiding personal questions

Examples of Scams on Dating Apps

• Fake profiles asking for money
• “Love at first sight” declarations followed by financial requests
• Catfishing with stolen photos
• Phishing links sent through chat

Major Difference in Dating Between Morocco and Thailand

In Morocco, dating can be more conservative and family-oriented, whereas in Thailand, dating can be more relaxed and casual. Public displays of affection are more accepted in Thailand compared to Morocco.

Major Differences Between Thai Women and Moroccan Women

Thai women are generally more open to casual dating and may have a more laid-back approach to relationships. Moroccan women might prioritize long-term commitments and family approval more seriously.

Popular First Date Activities

• Visiting a local market or night bazaar
• Enjoying street food together
• Going to a temple or cultural site
• Taking a cooking class
• Relaxing at a café or tea house

Red Light Districts

Areas like Patpong, Nana Plaza, and Soi Cowboy in Bangkok are known for their nightlife and red-light activities. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings if you choose to visit these areas.

Prostitution on Dating Apps

Prostitution is illegal in Thailand, but it does occur. Be wary of profiles that seem too forward or quickly suggest meeting at hotels or private locations.

10 Places to Meet Thai Women Outside of Dating Apps

1. Local markets (Chatuchak Market)
2. Coffee shops (Starbucks, local cafes)
3. Universities (Chulalongkorn University)
4. Language exchange meetups
5. Temples (Wat Pho)
6. Parks (Lumphini Park)
7. Cultural events and festivals
8. Cooking classes
9. Fitness centers or yoga studios
10. Bookstores

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

If you’re a Moroccan passport holder currently in Thailand and wish to extend your stay, you can extend your tourist visa or visa exemption. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Prepare Necessary Documents

• Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
• TM.7 Form: This is the application form for visa extension. You can download it from the Thai Immigration Bureau website or get it at the immigration office.
• Passport-sized Photos: Two recent photos (4x6 cm).
• Proof of Accommodation: A copy of your hotel booking or rental agreement.
• Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements or cash equivalent showing sufficient funds to support your stay.
• Visa Extension Fee: The fee is typically 1,900 THB, payable in cash.

2. Visit the Immigration Office

• Locate the nearest Immigration Office. Major offices are found in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya.
• Arrive early to avoid long queues. Offices usually operate from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday.

3. Submit Your Application

• Fill out the TM.7 form accurately.
• Submit the form along with your passport, photos, proof of accommodation, and financial means to the immigration officer.
• Pay the extension fee.

4. Interview Process

• Be prepared for a brief interview. Officers may ask about your travel plans and reasons for extending your stay.
• Answer honestly and provide any additional documentation if requested.

5. Receive Your Extension

• If approved, your passport will be stamped with the new expiration date of your visa or visa exemption.
• Double-check the stamp to ensure the dates are correct.

Tips:

• Dress Appropriately: Wear respectful attire as a sign of respect for Thai customs.
• Stay Polite and Patient: Immigration offices can be crowded and busy.
• Check Public Holidays: Immigration offices are closed on Thai public holidays.

By following these steps, Moroccan passport holders can efficiently extend their stay in Thailand and continue enjoying their travels. Safe travels!