Fast Facts
Did you know?
Electricity
220V, 50Hz Two prong. There are 3 prong plug converters available but it is best to bring your own.
Business Hours
Offices are open from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. usually from 5 to 6 days a week. Most shops open 7 days a week and there are 24-/7 convenience shopping stores available all over the island.
Time Zone Difference
+ 7 hrs ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 1 hr behind Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
The tropics can sometimes pose hazards to visitors from Northern climates. However, on Phuket, you are unlikely to encounter any life-threatening wildlife (though it is advisable to steer clear of stray dogs) and most of the tropical bugs are benign. Phuket is malaria-free. From May-October occasional cases of mosquito-borne dengue fever are reported but even this can be avoided by wearing mosquito repellant during the day and staying away from still-water sites where mosquitoes proliferate. Always close your doors, windows and bug screens from 5:00 PM until dawn the following day. In the unlikely event of health problems, it is comforting to know that hospitals in Phuket offer modern medical treatment on a par with medical services available in the developed world.
Swimming is safe enough in the High Season. From November to April the West Coast waters are largely calm. The best swimming is off the West Coast, where the majority of resorts, hotels and party venues are located.
What are the major dangers? Erratic local driving and Low Season riptides. Stay away from both, and you’ll have a great time
!!!WARNING!!!
It can be very risky to swim off the West Coast of Phuket between the months of May and October. Pay attention to the warning flags on the beach. A red flag means do not enter the water. If swept out in a riptide do not panic. Swim gently parallel to the shoreline until you are away from the outward going current. Some beaches, like the extremely dangerous Nai Harn Beach, have lifeguards with kayaks. But they are not there all year round. If you want to swim, make sure that the watchtowers are manned.
Police Emergency Numbers
If involved in a serious accident, call the Emergency Police by dialing the following:
Police: 191
If you feel you are in a dangerous, threatening or compromising situation, call the Tourist Police simply give them your location. And they’ll come and help you out.
Tourist Police: 1155
Medical Emergency Numbers
Ambulance: Bangkok and Phuket Hospital: 076-254425
Ambulance: Phuket International Hospital: 076-210935
Hospital: Bangkok and Phuket Hospital: 076-254421 (Foreigners)
Hospital: Patong and Kathu Hospital: 076-340444 and 076-342633
Hospital: Mission Hospital of Phuket: 076-237220
Hospital: Phuket International Hospital: 076-249400 (Foreigners)
Most stomach upsets are due to the change of diet and climate. Many Thai people traveling abroad initially suffer from this ailment, too. If diarrhea persists go to a Thai chemist. If it still persists after treatment visit a doctor.
Do not drink tap water on Phuket! Beware of iced drinks in cheaper establishments – rather, drink bottled beverages.
If involved in a non-serious motorcycle accident, always disinfect any cuts and keep them clean. You will be expected to pay for any repairs to your rented vehicle.
Hospitals, Doctors-On-Call & Pharmacies
There are several excellent hospitals on Phuket and, with the growing numbers of expatriate visitors and residents, treatments and facilities are world class. With any luck, you will not have to seek hospital treatment during your stay on Phuket but, if you do, rest assured that you will be given the best care available.Doctors do not normally go out on call and prefer to work from their practice. However, if you are staying at a reputable hotel, they can be persuaded to visit. Let the hotel reception handle the situation for you. Thai pharmacies are well stocked, surprisingly cheap and numerous. Many Western prescription drugs are sold over the counter, thus pre-empting a visit to the doctor. Also, most Thai pharmacists are well informed and usually can diagnose most common ailments.
NOTE: With only a few exceptions, Thai pharmacists and doctors are much more likely to administer antibiotics than their Western counterparts. If you do embark on an antibiotic course, make sure you follow through as virus strains here can be extremely strong for those not used to them.
Banking, Local Currency & Credit Cards
The main concentration of banks on Phuket lies on Phang Nga Rd. in Phuket City itself. Similar services are offered on Rat-U-Thit Rd. in Patong. You can change money at booths all over the island. The exchange rate is the same so there’s no need to shop around. There is no need to bring Thai currency into the Kingdom. Most banks and large stores have ATM machines outside to facilitate transactions and draw cash on major credit cards.
• An ATM transaction costs 20 baht if conducted away from your registered bank.
• Debit, or credit cards can be used at Thai ATMs.
• Banks are open from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
• Banks and government offices close on the many public holidays in Thailand.
If you want to cash or bank a cheque, do it before 10:30 AM. or you’ll have to wait until the next day to have it registered.
The currency of Thailand is the BAHT.
• There are 100 satang in one baht but the smallest denomination, the 50 satang piece, is becoming rarer and rarer.
• The baht comes in one baht, five baht, and 10 baht coins.
• Bank notes of 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 baht are in circulation.
Where can I change currency at the most advantageous rate? There is no black market for currency in Thailand. Any bank or currency exchange booth will offer almost identical rates.
• All major international credit cards are accepted.
If you lose your credit card here are some contacts:
Credit Card Emergency Numbers (Bangkok)
• American Express: 02-2730022
• Diners Club: 02-238-3660 OR 02-238-5775
• MasterCard and Visa: 02-299-1990 OR 02-273-4489
Immigration & Customs
Visas
Visitors entering Thailand must have passports valid for 6 months from the date of their arrival. Please check with the Thai consulate/embassy in your country , or on-line http://www.thaivisa.com/, to confirm whether or not you have the right to a 30 day tourist visa on arrival in the kingdom. Citizens of many countries do, but some others do not. If you intend to work here you must produce a letter of introduction from your prospective employer in order to apply for a “non immigrant B visa” at the Thai consulate in your country. There are 2 immigration offices on Phuket; In Patong, on the Beach Rd. near the Impiana Cabana and in Phuket Town, on Phuket Rd. by Saphan Hin.
Visa Extension
Go to one of the offices above with your passport and two passport sized photos plus two photocopies of your passport visa and photo page. The fee for a further one week is 500 Baht. The process is fairly straightforward.
Lost Passport
If you lose your passport you must go to the local police station to file a police report then go to Phuket Immigration before claiming a new one from your embassy/consulate in Bangkok.
Embassies & Consulates
• Argentina
o The Embassy of the Republic of Argentina
Prommitr Villa, 20/85 Sukhumvit Soi 49/1, Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 259-0401-2, 259-9198
Fax: (02) 259-0402
• Australia
o The Australian Embassy
37 South Sathorn Rd, Bangkok10120
Phone: (02) 287-2680, 287-3485, 287-4843
Fax: (02) 287-2028-9
• Austria
o The Austrian Embassy
14 Soi Nandha, Soi Attakarnprasit, South Sathorn Rd, Bangkok10120
Phone: (02) 287-3970-2, 287-3925
Fax: (02) 287-3925
o Office of the Commercial Counsellor
9th Flr, Kian Gwan House, 140 Wireless Rd, Bangkok10500
Phone: (02) 251-4173-4
Fax: (02) 253-3567
• Bangladesh
o The Embassy of The People's Republic of Bangladesh
727 Sukhumvit Soi 55, Bangkok 10110
Phone (02) 381-1144, 391-8069-70
Fax: (02) 391-8070
o Visa Department
Phone: (02) 391-8067
• Belgium
o The Belgian Embassy
44 Soi Pipat, Silom Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Phone: (02) 236-0150, 236-7806, 236-7860, 236-7896-7
Fax: (02) 236-7619
• Bhutane
o Royal Bhutanese Embassy
Rm 107, 19th Flr, JTC Bldg, 919 Silom Rd., Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Phone: (02) 237-3315-27, 237-3600-3
Fax: (02) 237-7541
• Boliva
o The Consulate of the Republic of Bolivia
1901 Ramkamhang Rd, Huamark, Bangkapi, Bangkok 10240
Phone: (02) 314-0040, 314-1911
Fax: (02) 318-9737
• Brazil
o The Embassy of The Federative Republic of Brazil
23rd Flr, Lumpini Tower, 1168/66 Rama 4 Rd, Bangkok 10120
Phone: (02) 679-8567-8
Fax: (02) 679-8569
• Britain
o British Embassy
1031 Wireless Road, Patumwan, Bangkok 10300
Phone: (02) 253-0191
Fax: (02) 254-9579
o Consular Section
Phone: (02) 267-9689
Fax: (02) 255-6051
o Visa Section
Phone: (02) 267-9699
Fax: (02) 254-9579
• Brunei Darussalam
o The Embassy of Brunei Darussalam
154 Ekamai Soi 14, Sukhumvit Soi 63, Luksorndang, Prakanong, Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 381-5914-6
Fax: (02) 381-5921
• Bulgaria
o The Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria
33/15 Soi Charoenchai, Sukhumvit Soi 63, Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 391-6180-1
Fax: (02) 391-6182
• Cambodia
o Embassy of Cambodia
185 Rajadamri Rd, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330
Phone: (02) 254-6630, 253-9851
Fax: (02) 253-9859
• Canada
o The Canadian Embassy
15th Floor, Abdulrahim Place, 990 Rama 4 Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok, 10500
Phone: (02) 636-0560
Fax: (02) 636-0568
• Chile
o The Embassy of the Republic of Chile
15 Sukhumvit Soi 61, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 391-4858, 391-8443
Fax: (02) 391-8380
o The Consulate of the Republic of Chile
8th Flr, Southeast Insurance Bldg, 315 Silom Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Phone: (02) 234-0230-7
• China
o The Embassy of the People's Republic of China
57 Ratchadapisek Rd, Dindang, Bangkok 10310
Phone: (02) 245-7030-45, 2472122-3
Fax: (02) 246-8247, 247-2214, 248-8085
• Colombia
o The Consulate of the Republic of Colombia
9th Flr, Park Place, 231 Sarasin Rd, Lumpini, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330
Phone: (02) 254-5105-6, 254-6914-5
Fax: (02) 254-5109, 254-6920
• Cuba
o Consulate of Cuba
984/97 Sukhumvit Soi 71, Prakanong, Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 391-9673-4
Fax: (02) 391-1174
• Cyprus
o The Consolate of The Republic of Cyprus
17th Flr, Richmond Bldg, 75/59 Sukhumvit Soi 26, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 261-8408-10
• Czechoslovakia
o The Embassy of Czechoslovakian Socialist Republic
71/6 Ruam Rudee Soi 2, Ploenchit Rd, Bangkok10330
Phone: (02) 255-4978, 255-3027
Fax: (02) 253-7637
• Denmark
o The Royal Danish Embassy
10 Soi Attakarn Prasit, South Sathorn Rd, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120
Phone: (02) 213-2021-5679-9349-50
Fax: (02) 213-1752
o Commercial Section
Phone: (02) 287-2896
o The Royal Danish Consulate General
EACBuilding, 55 Oriental Avenue, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Phone: (02) 233-2020
• Dominican Repulic
o The Consulate-General of the Dominican Republic
92/6 Changwattana Rd, Laksi, Bangkhen. Bangkok 10210
Phone: (02) 521-0675, 521-1282, 521-5000
Fax: (02) 521-0737
• Egypt
o The Embassy of the Arab of Republic of Egypt
49 Soi Ruam Rudee, Ploenchit Rd, Bangkok10330
Phone: (02) 253-0161, 253-8138
Fax: (02) 256-9310, 254-9489
• Ethiopia
o The Consulate-General of Ethopia
962/14 Prannok Rd, Bangkok10700
Phone: (02) 411-0218, 412-1068
• European Union
o Delegation of The European Commission
19th Flr, Kian Gwan House 2, 140/1 Wireless Rd, Bangkok
Phone: (02) 255-9101, 255-9106-11
Fax: (02) 255-9113-4
• Finland
o The Embassy of Finland
16th Flr, Amarin Plaza, 500 Ploenchit Rd, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330
Phone: (02) 256-9306-9, 256-9511-3
Fax; (02) 256-9310
• France
o The French Embassy
35 Soi Rong Phasi Kao 36, New Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Phone: (02) 256-9306-9, 285-6104-7
Fax; (02) 256-9310
o French Consulate
29 South Sathorn Rd, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120
Phone: (02) 287-1592-8
Fax: (02) 287-1019
• Gabon
o The Consulate General of Gabon
Rm 1008, DusitTower, Rama 4 Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Phone: (02) 267-7860
Fax: (02) 267-7861
• Gambia
o The Consulate of the Republic of Gambia
610/5-6 Songwad Rd, Samphantawong, Bangkok 10100
Phone: (02) 224-0091
Fax: (02) 224-6212, 224-6894
• Germany
o The Embassy of the FederalRepublic of Germany
9 South Sathorn Rd, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120
Phone: (02) 285-6627-8, 679-1120
Fax: (02) 287-1776
• Greece
o The Embassy of Greece
99 Rama 9 Rd, Huay Kwang, Bangkok
Phone: (02) 247-1068, 254-9729
Fax: (02) 247-1068
o Consulate General
412/8-9 Siam Square Soi 6, Rama 1 Rd, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330
Phone: (02) 252-1686
• Honduras
o The Consulate of the Republic of Honduras
4A PhiromMansion, 11 Sukhumvit Soi 41, Bangkok 10110
• Hungary
o The Embassy of The Hungarian People's Republic
28 Soi Sukchai, Sukhumvit Soi 42, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110
o The Commercial Counsellor's Office
OAKTower, 95 Sukhumvit Soi 24, Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 661-1150-2
Fax: (02) 661-1153
• Iceland
o The Consulate-General of the Republic of Iceland
59 Soi Navin, Chuaploeng Rd, Bangkok 10120
Phone: (02) 249-1300
Fax: (02) 249-1253
• India
o The Embassy of India
46 Soi Prasarnmitr, Sukhumvit Soi 23 , Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 258-0300-6
Fax: (02) 258-4627
o The Consulate of India
88/2 Navarat Rd, Chiang Mai
Phone: 23-4066
• Indonesia
o The Embassy of The Republic of Indonesia
600-602 Phetchaburi Rd, Bangkok10400
Phone: (02) 252-3135-40, 254-2563-4, 252-3180
Fax: (02) 255-1267, 255-8199
• Iran
o The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran
602 Sukhumvit Rd (between Soi 22 and 24), Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 261-9790-3
Fax: (02) 259-9111
• Iraq
o The Embassy of The Republic of Iraq
47 Pradipat Rd, Samsen Nai, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400
Phone: (02) 278-5335-8
Fax: (02) 271-4218
• Ireland
o The Consulate of Ireland
11th Flr, United Flour Mill Bldg, 205 Rajawong Rd.Bangkok10100
Phone: (02) 223-0876, 226-0680
Fax: (02) 224-5551
• Israel
o The Embassy of Israel
25th Flr, OceanTower, 11 Sukhumvit Soi 19, Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 260-4854-9
Fax: (02) 260-4860
• Italy
o The Italian Embassy
399 Nang Linchee Rd, Tungmahamek, Bangkok 10120
Phone: (02) 287-2054-7, 285-4090-3
Fax: (02) 285-4793, 287-2012
• Japan
o The Embassy of Japan
1674 New Petchburi Rd, Huay Kwang, Bangkok 10310
Phone: (02) 252-6151-9
Fax: (02) 255-6999, 258-6877
o Consular Section
Phone: (02) 260-8502
Fax: (02) 258-9716 Japan Information Service
9th Flr, 159 Sermmit Tower, Sukhumvit Soi 21, Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 259-0234-7
Fax: (02) 258-6877
• Jordan
o The Consulate of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
47 Soi Ekamai, Sukhumvit Rd, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 391-7142
Fax: (02) 391-9180, 381-1314
• Korea
o Embassy of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
14 Moo Ban Suanlaemthong 2, Pattanakarn Rd, Bangkok 10250
Phone: (02) 319-1442-3
Fax: (02) 318-6333
• Laos
o Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
502/1-3 Ramkamhaeng Rd, Bangkapi, Bangkok 10310
Phone: (02) 539-6667
Fax: (02) 539-6678
o Visa Section
193 South Sathron Rd, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120
Phone: (02) 287-3964
• Lebanon
o Lebanese Embassy
15th Flr.CTITower, 191/67 Ratchadapisek Rd, Bangkok10110
Phone: (02) 261-1013, 261-1015, 261-5091
Fax: (02) 261-1026
• Malaysia
o Malaysian Embassy
35 South Sathorn Rd, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120
Phone: (02) 286-1390, 287-3979-80
Fax: (02) 213-2126
• Malta
o Maltese Consulate
485/14 Silom Rd, Bangkok10500
Phone: (02) 235-9423-4
Fax: (02) 235-6293
• Mexico
o Mexican Embassy
44/7-8 Convent Rd, Bangkok10500
Phone: (02) 235-6367, 234-0935, 234-0999
Fax: (02) 236-8410
• Morocco
o Moroccan Embasy
5th Flr, Ban Chang Glass House, Sukhumvit Soi 25, Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 260-6410-1
Fax: (02) 260-6412
• Myanmar
o The Embassy of The Union of Myanmar
132 North Sathorn Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Phone: (02) 236-6899, 234-4789, 233-2237
Fax: (02) 236-6898
o Office of the Military, Naval and Air Attache
116 North Sothorn Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
• Nepal
o The Royal Nepalese Embassy
189 Sukhumvit Soi 71, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 391-7240, 390-2985, 392-4741
Fax: (02) 381-2406
• Netherlands
o The Royal Netherlands Embassy
106 Wireless Rd, Bangkok10500
Phone: (02) 254-7701-5, 254-1265
Fax: (02) 254-5579
• New Zealand
o New Zealand Embassy
93 Wireless Rd, Bangkok10500
P.O. Box 2719, Bangkok10500
Phone: (02) 254-3856, 253-5363, 253-0429
Fax: (02) 254-9488, 253-9045
• Norway
o The Royal Norweigen Embassy
1st Flr, Bank of America Blgd, 2/2 Wireless Rd, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330
Phone: (02) 253-0390-2, 255-8210-1
Fax: (02) 256-0477
• Oman
o The Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman
7th Flr, 134/1-2 Silom Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Phone: (02) 236-7385
• Pakistan
o Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
31 Soi Nana Nua, Sukhumvit Rd, Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 253-0288-9, 254-9702
Fax: (02) 253-0290
• Panama
o Consulate-General of Panama
14 Surasak Rd, Bangkok
Phone: (02) 237-9008-9
• Peru
o The Embassy of the Republic of Peru
11th Flr, Ban Chang Glass House, 1102/25 Sukhumvit Rd, Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 260-6243
Fax: (02) 260-6244
• Philippines
o The Embassy of the Republic of the Philipines
760 Sukhumvit Rd, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 259-0139-40, 261-6869, 261-8805
Fax: (02) 259-2809
• Poland
o The Embassy of the Polish People’s Republic
8 Sukhumvit Soi 5, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 258-4112-3
Fax: (02) 251-8895
o Commercial Counsellor’s Office
27/1-4 Coi Charoenmit, Sukhumvit Soi 63, Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 392-9817
• Portugal
o Portuguese Embassy
26 Captain Bush Lane, New Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok
Phone: (02) 234-0372, 234-2123, 238-4275
Fax: (02) 236-1954
• Romania
o The Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Romania
150 Soi Charoenpohn 1, Pradipat Rd, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400
Phone: (02) 279-3683, 279-7882, 279-7902
Fax: (02) 279-7891
o Commercial Office
43 Soi Lang Suan, Ploenchit Rd, Bangkok 10500
Phone: (02) 252-7568
• Russia
o Russian Embassy
108 North Sathorn Rd, Bankrak, Bangkok 10500
Phone: (02) 234-9824
Fax: (02) 237-8488
• Saudi Arabia
o The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia
10th Flr, SathornThaniBuilding, 90 North Sathorn Rd, Bangkok10500
Phone: (02) 237-1938-41, 266-3888, 238-0888
Fax: (02) 236-6442
• Singapore
o Embassy of the Republic of Singapore
129 South Sathorn Rd, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120
Phone: (02) 286-2111, 213-1261, 287-5115
Fax: (02) 287-2578
• Slovakia
o Slovakian Embassy
Pantip Court, 68 South Sathorn Rd, Bangkok10120
Phone: (02) 285-0220-2
Fax: (02) 285-0223
• South Africa
o Souh African Embassy
6th Flr, Park Place, 231 Sarasin Rd, Lumpini, Bangkok 10330
Phone: (02) 253-8473-6
Fax: (02) 253-8477
• Spain
o Embassy of Spain
93 Wireless Rd, Bangkok10500
Phone: (02) 252-6112, (02) 252-8368
Fax: (02) 255-2388
o Commercial Office of Spain
26th Floor, Serm-MitTower, 159 Soi Asoke, Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 258-9020
Fax: (02) 258-999
• Sri Lanka
o Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
89 Sukhumvit Soi 15, Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 251-2788-9, 255-3848
• Sweden
o Swedish Embassy
20th Flr, Pacific Place, 140 Sukhumvit Rd, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 254-4954-55
Fax: (02) 254-4914
• Switzerland
o Swiss Embassy
35 Wireless Rd, Bangkok 10500
GPO Box 821, Bangkok 10510
Phone: (02) 253-0156-60, 254-6855
Fax: (02) 255-4481
• Taiwan
o Taiwanese Embassy
10th Flr, Kian Gwan Bldg, Wireless Rd, Bangkok10330
Phone: (02) 251-9274-6, 251-9393-6
Fax: (02) 254-9276
• Turkey
o Embassy of the Republic of Turkey
61/1 Soi Chatsan, Suthisarn Rd, Phayathai, Bangkok 10310
Phone: (02) 274-7262-3
Fax: (02) 274-7261
• United States of America
o US Embassy
95 Wireless Rd, Bangkok10500
Phone: (02) 205-4000
Fax: (02) 205-4131
• Uzbekistan
o Embassy of Uzbekistan
77 Soi Thonglor 8, Sukhumvit Soi 55, Prakhanong, Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 391-3397, 714-9838-9
Fax: (02) 391-3397
• Vatican City
o Apostolic Nunciature
217/1 South Sathorn Rd, Bangkok10120
Phone: (02) 233-9109, 212-5883-4
Fax: (02) 212-0932
• Vietnam
o Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
83/1 Wireless Rd, Bangkok10500
Phone: (02) 251-7202, 251-5835
Fax: (02) 251-7201, 251-7203
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