Foreigners cannot buy land in their own name and they cannot stay here indefinitely without jumping through many hoops. It is important to realise this or the visitor can find themselves in an emabarrassing position !

Thailand is not like the west where foreigners can treat their host western country with contempt and get away with it.

1. Have respect for the Monarchy. The King of Thailand is held, quite rightly, in very high regard. Any disrespect to him or his family is not tolerated - in 2007 a western man was sentenced to 10 years in jail for defacing a picture of the King.

2. Do not climb on, or show disrespect, to anything connected to Buddhism. It is also considered disrespectful if a woman touches or hands anything to a Buddhist monk.

3. Try not to show anger. Showing anger, for whatever reason, is frowned upon. Tolerance is the keyword for getting things done, however frustrating that maybe.

4. Do not admit to Taxi or Tuk Tuk drivers that this is your first time in Bangkok. If you do, some will try to take advantage of you and travel a roundabout route to your destination.

5. When getting a taxi beware of taxi drivers who quote a fare for a particular local journey instead of using the meter. Insist on them using the 'meter'. If they refuse get another taxi.

6. Tuk Tuks. There are no meters in Tuk Tuks so negotiate the fare before you get in the Tuk Tuk. If the driver wants to take you 'shopping' decline. If you accept, he will take you to shops where he gets a high percentage of what you pay, and what you pay is normally way to much.

7. When visiting temples or the Grand Palace strict dress codes apply. Women must have their shoulders covered, no shorts, no tank tops, no flip flops.

8. At the airport. On arrival at the airport do not listen to the touts who are outside customs wanting to take you to a hotel, or get you a taxi. Use the official limousine kiosks or go outside to the official taxi stand.

If you need to book an hotel , use an official hotel information kiosk. But be prepared to pay over the odds.

For those on a low budget use the official airport bus service to downtown Bangkok.

If you talk to a tout and name a specific hotel he / she will state it is full and try to get you to go to a hotel of the touts choosing - which will be cheap, but will be miles away from where you want to be. They will appear helpful but they only want to help themselves.

In the authors view it is better, cheaper and more efficient, to book a hotel on the internet prior to your arrival.

9. Bars in the Patpong area. The Patpong area of Bangkok is a well known tourist area. But beware of the bars on the floors above ground level of the 2 Sois (roads) which make up the main Patpong entertainment area. These Sois are known as Patpong 1 and Patpong 2.

85 percent of the bars located on upper floors charge exorbitant entrance fees/ cover charges and drink prices which you only get to know about when you try to leave. Failure to pay can result in a nasty experience.

10. Do not drink the tap water. Drink only bottled water which is readilly available. However it is ok to use tap water to clean teeth, shower, clean dishes etc.

11. Street food vendors - The food prepared on the street is very good however do not use a vendor who has set up their stall near a drain cover or pile of rubbish. Try not to use a vendor who has no customers whereas other vendors nearby have many !

12. The reported rioting in Bangkok has been sensationalised. There is and has not been any widespread rioting. The problems were confined to a small area around Government House. Life in Bangkok goes on as normal.

13. If you are offered gemstones at very low prices in a bar, on the street, or a dodgy looking shop - have nothing to do with them, however tempting it may be. 9 times out of 10 the gemstones you end up with are coloured glass. Of course use your commonsense, there are many respectable jewellery shops.

14. When walking to a tourist attraction beware of pleasant sounding Thai's asking you ' where are going '. Much of the time they will reply with' Oh its closed today - I will show you a better thing' or similar. They sound helpful but only want you to part with your money where they get a commission. This is a particular problem on the route to some temples. Ignore them and continue on your way. The place you want to go to will probably be open as normal.

15. Crossing a road. It is essential to look both ways every time you walk across a road, irrespective of whether you are on what looks like a pedestrian crossing, or a place controlled by traffic lights. It is also essential to keep looking both ways as you cross. This is especially important for those people from countries where traffic drives on the right.

Thai drivers are renowned for ignoring traffic lights, riding on pavements/ sidewalks and driving the wrong way along one way streets. Keep your wits about you at all times when near a road or path.

If you take heed of the above paragraphs you will have a great time in Bangkok - as we do !!