How much experience should I have/how fit do I need to be?

Regarding your experience and fitness, the camp caters for all levels - from complete beginners to fighters with X amount of year’s experience. There is no pressure on you to work really hard unless you yourself want to work harder. If you feel that you've done enough, you are allowed to stop and rest, you won't be penalised if you're tired!

Be warned though, what you'll really have to work on is your running as the run along the beach in the morning and afternoon are killers. Especially when it's hot.

 What vaccinations will I need?

There aren't any shots required but Hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, cholera and tetanus are recommended. It is best to check with your local GP to find out what jabs you will need as you may already be vaccinated.

 Will I need to take Malaria tablets?

No, Koh Samui is a part of Thailand that is classified as being free from risk of malaria. If your GP asks what part of Thailand you’re travelling to, tell them you're going to Bangkok and Lamai in Koh Samui.

 What currency is used in Thailand?

The currency in Thailand is called Baht and usually stays quite level at 62/63 Baht to the Pound.

 What currency should I take with me?

It would be wise to have the majority of your spending money in Traveller’s cheques so that you are covered if it is lost or stolen. Pounds Sterling are better than Dollars as you receive a double commission charge from converting Pounds into Dollars and then into Baht at a later date.

Also, it would be a good idea to get some Baht before flying out to Thailand in case you arrive late in the evening or on a Bank Holiday.

 How much spending money should I bring?

This is entirely up to you, but if you have a budget, you can get by on £500 and still be able to eat out most nights and do loads of shopping. Bear in mind that most of the excursions are paid for i.e. the Grand Palace, the boat along the river, the tour around Koh Samui, entry into one fight night.

 Okay, so I’ve paid my deposit for the trip… what happens now?

Your name is added the list of confirmed attendees and your details and cheque will be sent to the WMC representative in the UK. You will already have been told the deadline for the final amount by the KO organiser. Once all final payments have been made, the tickets will be booked and you will be advised of the confirmed flight times. Flight tickets will not be posted. The WMC representative will meet you at the airport three hours before the flight time, and he then will issue you with your tickets.

 Can I get a receipt when I make my payments?

A receipt can be provided for you upon request.

 Do I have to get my own holiday insurance?

Yes, as this is no longer a service we can arrange for you. If you need some advice on who to use, we can recommend Columbus Direct - www.columbusdirect.com The cost for single trip cover starts at £35.70, martial arts training is included as standard.

 Can I bring a friend or partner on the tour?

Yes of course! Tours are not restricted to just KO members. Children are also welcome.

 What if my partner/friend doesn’t want to train?

If your friend/partner doesn’t want to train a reduction will be made to the final cost of their trip.

 What happens when we arrive in Bangkok?

When you first get to Bangkok you will be met by Stephan Fox (the Vice President of the WMC) he'll also be your tour guide while you're in Thailand. You will be taken to the Grand President Hotel in Bangkok. You'll stay for either one or two nights. During your stay in Bangkok you will be taken on tour to the Grand Palace Temples as well as other various parts of BKK. You’ll also get to check out the nightlife, but remember, “what goes on tour, stays on tour!”

 What is the hotel like in Bangkok?

The hotel you will be staying at while in Bangkok is called the Grand President. Click on the link below for more information about the hotel and facilities:-

www.presidentpark.com/grand.html

 I am under the age of 18, will an adult need to accompany me?

Yes, anyone under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by either a parent or guardian*

*(with written confirmation from the parent that they have given permission for the guardian to go in their place)

 If I am a minor will the cost of the trip or airfare be reduced?

Unfortunately not. This is due to the airline classing anyone over the age of 13 as an adult. If, however, you are bringing a child on the trip who will not be taking part in the training, reductions will be made to the final cost of your trip.

 Are there any customs I should be aware of?

Language: It's always good to know at least a few words in Thai as it shows the locals that you're willing to make an effort and respect their culture. Have a look at the Lonely Planet Guide for Thailand, it has a handy section on what you should and shouldn't do in Thailand - i.e. don't touch anyone on the head as this is a sign of disrespect and do take your shoes off when entering a shop or someone's home unless they tell you otherwise. A link to the Lonely Planet website, Thailand section is below. It only gives the a brief overview of the country , so it really is better to buy the actual guide.

www.lonelyplanet.com

 Is there anything I can't get in Thailand?

You can get almost anything in Thailand, although some imported items can be expensive. Shaving equipment is usually expensive. For women, Tampons are difficult to find as well as sports bras!

 What’s in Lamai, Koh Samui?

The resort of Lamai on Koh Samui is not lacking in facilities. There are plenty of chemists, two Doctor's practices, laundries everywhere (charging very low prices), massage parlours, bars, restaurants, clothes shops, jewellery shops… the list is endless!

Also, in the main resort of Chaweng, there are stores such as Nike Town, Bodyshop, Boots, Tesco’s, Starbucks, Haagen Dazs Café, Pizza Hut and Burger King (just in case you're missing western life!)

 Is there anything I need to buy when I first arrive?

One thing you will need to buy as soon as you arrive in Lamai is a salt replacement called Electrolite, you pour this into a bottle of water about three times a day and it replaces any salts that have been lost through sweating. Don’t worry, they are sold in either orange or lemon flavours and taste nice! Make sure you buy enough when you first arrive to last the duration of your stay?

Another thing to get when you arrive in Lamai are incense burners that repel mosquitoes and other insects. Light one of these and leave it outside your door when it starts to get dark and it should keep the flying bugs away. You can get these from the supermarket.

 Should I bring my training equipment with me?

If you already have the KO gym’s Thai shorts then bring these with you, as there will be group photographs taken during the trip where you will need your shorts. Also, bring some lightweight tops that you don’t mind getting ruined by sweat! As for gloves, shin pads and other equipment, the WMC camp stock the Muay Thai range of gloves and shin pads and supply a large range of essential equipment and clothing so you won’t be left wanting. Make sure you bring at least one pair of running shoes with you for the runs along the beach in the morning and afternoon too.

 What clothing should I bring with me?

Bring shorts, t-shirts/vest tops, flat shoes etc for during the day. It will also be warm during the evening so you can get away with wearing shorts, although do take one or two smart outfits with you in the event of going out to a restaurant or club. If you will be travelling out in November, it would be wise to also bring a lightweight jacket with you in case the evenings become cool. Oh yes, and make sure you bring a hat to protect your head from the sun during the day!

Also, bring warm clothing with you for travelling between Bangkok and Koh Samui on the coach, the air-conditioning on the bus can sometimes make you very cold, as the November ’02 Thai trippers will confirm!!

Bear in mind that clothes are relatively cheap in Thailand, so you can buy more when you arrive, although it can be difficult to get larger sizes.

 What else should I bring with me?

Bring plenty of sun block, as it will be very hot. Also, bring lots of after sun, just in case you fall asleep in the sun! It is also a good idea to bring plenty of mosquito spray. Autan has proved to be one of the best repellents as it contains deet. Another recommendation would be to start taking Vitamin B about two-three months before you go on the trip. Vitamin B emits an odour that we cannot smell but the mosquitoes can and it makes you less desirable to the little bloodsuckers!

 What can I do during the day on Samui?

There are lots of places to go and sites to see during the day. If you're feeling active you can go elephant trekking, check out the local waterfalls, go to one of the local nature reserves or hire a boat to go across to one of the other islands. There's also a small zoo, go-karts and even a shooting range within driving distance. Water based activities are scuba-diving, snorkelling, deep sea fishing and canoeing! If you don't want to depend on someone else arranging a day-trip for you and have a full driver's licence, you can hire a jeep or motorbike from the camp and go off by yourself. If you can't drive you can also hire bicycles from the camp!

 What is the weather like in April and November?

The weather in April is very hot and humid. It usually doesn’t begin to get rainy until around May. November is the cooler period and it is more likely to rain at this time, although even during the rain the temperature is usually still quite warm.

 Where can I get updates on current situations in Thailand?

Below is a link to the Foreign Office website and their Country Advice for Thailand, it provides some very useful information and you can also sign up to the news letter:-

www.fco.gov.uk/Thailand

 Will I need to apply for a special Visa?

No, for a two-week stay you will not need a special Tourist Visa, however, if you do wish to stay for a longer period of up to 60 days this link may be of use to you:

www.traveller2000.com/thailand/visa/information.htm