What number do I call for a medical emergency?

Call 1669 for the national ambulance service. In Bangkok, you'll often get faster response by calling a private hospital's emergency line directly. Bumrungrad (+66 2066 8888) and Bangkok Hospital (+66 2310 3100) operate their own ambulance services with English-speaking staff.

Does the Tourist Police handle non-tourist issues?

The Tourist Police (1155) primarily handles issues affecting tourists and foreigners, including theft, scams, disputes, and safety concerns. They speak English and can be more helpful than regular police for foreigners. For serious crimes, contact the regular police at 191.

What should I do if I lose my passport in Thailand?

First, file a police report at the nearest police station (you will need this for the replacement process). Then contact your embassy to arrange an emergency travel document or replacement passport. Processing times vary from 1-10 business days depending on your nationality. Keep a photocopy of your passport and visa page in a separate location, and store digital copies in cloud storage, as this significantly speeds up the replacement process.

Are ambulance services reliable in Thailand?

In Bangkok, ambulance services from major private hospitals like Bumrungrad and Bangkok Hospital are reliable with response times of 10-20 minutes. The public EMS (1669) is available nationwide but response times outside Bangkok can be 30-60 minutes or longer in rural areas. For serious emergencies in Bangkok, calling a private hospital directly is recommended. In tourist areas like Phuket and Pattaya, response times are generally acceptable.

Practical6 min min read

Emergency Contacts & Essential Numbers in Thailand

Thailand Path Team|April 1, 2026

Knowing the right numbers to call in an emergency can be life-saving. Thailand's emergency services have improved significantly in recent years, but response times and English-speaking availability vary by location. This guide provides a comprehensive directory of emergency contacts, hospital hotlines, embassy details, and essential services that every foreign resident in Thailand should have saved on their phone.

Key Takeaways

1The general emergency number in Thailand is 191 (police) or 1669 (ambulance)
2Save your nearest international hospital's direct emergency number
3The Tourist Police (1155) speaks English and handles foreigner-related issues
4Register with your embassy for emergency notifications
5Download the Thai emergency services app for your location

Emergency Numbers

Thailand’s emergency number system is straightforward, though response quality varies by location. For general police emergencies, dial 191 (this is the nationwide emergency number, though English-speaking operators are not guaranteed outside major cities). The Tourist Police can be reached at 1155 — they specifically assist foreigners, speak English and other languages, and handle issues like theft, scams, disputes with businesses, and safety concerns. They are generally more helpful and approachable than regular police for foreign residents. For medical emergencies and ambulance services, dial 1669 (the national Emergency Medical Services number operated by the National Institute of Emergency Medicine). For fire emergencies, dial 199. Bangkok has its own emergency coordination center at 1646, which can dispatch appropriate services. The Highway Police handle incidents on major roads and can be reached at 1193. Immigration inquiries can be directed to 1178. For medical emergencies in Bangkok, calling your nearest international hospital directly (Bumrungrad at +66 2066 8888, Bangkok Hospital at +66 2310 3100, or Samitivej at +66 2711 8181) is recommended, as these hospitals operate their own ambulance services with faster response times, English-speaking paramedics, and better-equipped vehicles than the public 1669 service. Always save your nearest hospital’s emergency number in your phone contacts.

Major International Hospitals

Knowing the direct emergency numbers for major international hospitals can save critical minutes in a medical emergency. In Bangkok, Bumrungrad International Hospital (+66 2066 8888) operates a 24-hour emergency center with English-speaking staff and a fully equipped ambulance service. Bangkok Hospital (+66 2310 3100, with locations also in Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and other cities) has a comprehensive emergency and trauma center. Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital (+66 2711 8181) and Samitivej Srinakarin (+66 2711 8181) both offer round-the-clock emergency care. BNH Hospital (+66 2632 8551), located near Silom, is popular with the expat community. In Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Ram Hospital (+66 5322 4852) is the primary international-standard facility. In Phuket, Bangkok Hospital Phuket (+66 7625 4425) provides emergency services for the island. In Pattaya, Bangkok Hospital Pattaya (+66 3825 9999) handles emergency cases. In Koh Samui, Bangkok Hospital Samui (+66 7742 9500) serves the island community. Always call ahead in an emergency so the hospital can prepare the appropriate medical team and equipment, and have someone relay your location clearly using nearby landmarks if street addresses are unclear.

Embassy Contacts

Keep your embassy’s contact information readily accessible, as they can provide critical assistance including emergency passport replacement, notarization services, and coordination during natural disasters or political unrest. US Embassy Bangkok: +66 2050 4000 (located at 95 Wireless Road, with American Citizen Services available Monday through Friday). British Embassy: +66 2305 8333 (14 Wireless Road, with consular services for UK nationals). Australian Embassy: +66 2344 6300 (181 Wireless Road, offering passport and consular assistance). Canadian Embassy: +66 2643 1100 (15th floor, Abdulrahim Place, 990 Rama IV Road). German Embassy: +66 2287 9000. Japanese Embassy: +66 2207 5800. French Embassy: +66 2287 0800. EU Delegation to Thailand: +66 2304 1700. Most embassies are concentrated in Bangkok’s Wireless Road (Thanon Withayu) and Sathorn areas. Register with your embassy’s citizen service or smart traveler program (such as the US STEP program or the UK’s LOCATE service) for travel advisories, emergency alerts, and to make it easier for them to contact you during crises. Many embassies also maintain active social media accounts on Facebook and X (Twitter) where they post real-time updates about emergencies, visa changes, and community events.