GETTING FROM THE AIRPORT
DMK
SUB
Other Transport
BTS Skytrain
Clean, air-conditioned, fast. Ideal for shopping areas (Siam, Sukhumvit, Silom).
MRT Subway
Great for Chatuchak Market, Old Town access, and avoiding traffic.
Grab / Bolt
App-based taxis; safest and most straightforward.
You can book a car or motorbike.
Taxis
Cheap, but always ask for the meter (“meter na khrap/ka”). Expect traffic delays.
Motorbike Orange Vest - licensed motorbike taxi drivers. You’ll usually find them waiting at: Street corners, outside BTS/MRT stations and near markets, hotels, and busy roads
Very quick in traffic but be sure to wear a helmet and agree on price first.
Tuk-tuks - Good for short rides. Make sure to negotiate the price first.
Typical Tuk -Tuk Price (Bangkok)
Short ride (1–2 km): ~฿60–฿100
Medium ride (3–5 km): ~฿100–฿180
Longer ride (5–8 km): ~฿180–฿300+
sa-wat-dee – Hello
sa-wat-dee krap – Hello (male speaker)
sa-wat-dee ka – Hello (female speaker)
baai – Bye
khop-khun – Thank you
khop-khun krap / ka – Thank you (polite)
mai bpen rai – It’s okay / You’re welcome
khor-thoht – Sorry / Excuse me
bpai tee nee – Go here
yut tee nee – Stop here
chuay duay! – Help!
Emergency numbers
Police & emergencies – 191
This may be the most important number to remember. Thailand has reportedly made 191 the main call center for all emergencies. If the operator is unable to speak English, call 1155 (below).
Tourist Police – 1155 or (+66) 2308-0333
This hotline is available 24 hours a day and they will all speak English. This is an important phone number to remember – They will help you out with any concerns or questions you have and can redirect you to the correct number you may need.
Public Ambulance (Everywhere) – 1669
Dialing this number will connect you to a public ambulance service, which will dispatch a vehicle to your location. The average response time for urban areas is around 10 minutes, but may take up to 30 minutes in rural areas. English-speaking staff should be available to assist you.
Fire Department – 199
In case of an emergency such as a house fire, or forest fire, call 199 for the Fire Department to be dispatched to your location.
Private Ambulance (Bangkok) – 1724 or 1719
The response time of a public ambulance can vary. Traffic is terrible in Bangkok so it could be worth noting down these private ambulance numbers. It will cost you more but you are likely to get to the hospital and be treated quickly.
Highway Police – 1193
If you plan on driving in Thailand, then you may end up needing to use this number if you break down in an unsafe place etc.
Note: The emergency medical services (ambulance) should have English speaking staff, but the police and fire services may not speak your language. If there is a Thai speaker nearby, get them to call. If it is not an urgent emergency and you do not have a Thai speaker with you, it is advised to call the Tourist Police – See below.
Travel Insurance
When you are traveling in Thailand as a foreigner, it can be confusing to know which number to call in an emergency. It is not as simple as just calling one number for everything (like you may be used to in your own country). Fortunately, we have compiled a list of all the useful contacts that you may need whilst in Thailand.
English-speaking operators can be hit or miss. If you are having difficulty, the tourist police, or international hospital may be your best option.
SafetyWing is our recommended travel health insurance provider. In case of any type of medical incident, having health insurance coverage in Thailand can save you a lot of money, or even your life.
COMING SOON!