Only use long-established travel agencies with experts on your destination that belong to a professional trade organization. If they are also your tour operator, ask how you are protected should they default (go out of business) before you go or while you are away. Travel agent organizations in some English-speaking countries:

Association of British Travel Agents
55-57 Newman Street, London W1P 4AH
Tel. 0171-637 2444
Fax 0171-637 0713

Australian Federation of Travel Agents
Tel. 02-9264 3299

Travel Agents’ Association of New Zealand
Tel. 04-499 0104

American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)
Tel. 800-965 2782 (24 hours)
Fax 703-684 8319

Association of Canadian Travel Agents
Suite 201, 1729 Bank Street, Ottawa, Ontario

Travel agencies in your own country can give you information on special deals and packages open to students and senior citizens. Unfortunately, these groups enjoy few special privileges in Thailand about discounts for travel, museums, galleries etc.,
but senior travelers will find that they receive deferential treatment from Thai people, whose culture is strongly oriented towards respect for elders. Still, inquiries at large hotel restaurants occasionally turn up promotions for senior diners there is no harm in asking. Students who hit the budget trail generally realize that living and traveling in Thailand is cheap enough anyway, and few ever complain about the lack of student deals.

Although there are not much tourist deals for students, there are always special rate of ticket when it comes to concerts, official cultural performances, spectaculars, arts exhibitions or museums. If there is any special offer for students in any event, it will be indicated clearly on the announcement.