Emergency numbers useful contacts in Thailand

In Thailand, there’s no single number that does everything. You can’t just call 911 and expect it all to work out. Different emergencies need different numbers, and not all of them have English-speaking operators.

We’ve put together everything you need – from the number to call when you’re in a motorbike accident to the direct lines for the best hospitals in the country. Save the ones relevant to you before you need them.

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Quick reference – which number to call

Emergency numbers explained

Police and emergencies – 191
Thailand has made 191 the main call center for all emergencies. Think of it like 911 or 999, but with a catch – the operator may not speak English. If you can’t communicate, hang up and call 1155 (Tourist Police) instead. They’ll translate and dispatch for you.

Tourist Police – 1155 or (+66) 2308-0333
This is your lifeline. Available 24 hours a day, English-speaking operators every time. They’ll help with anything from reporting a crime to navigating a dispute with a taxi driver. You can also contact them via the Tourist Police i lert u app if you’d rather not call.

Public ambulance – 1669
This connects you to the national emergency medical service. Response time is around 10 minutes in cities, but can be 30 minutes or longer in rural areas. English-speaking staff should be available. For serious emergencies in Bangkok, the private ambulance numbers below may get you to a hospital faster.

Private ambulance (Bangkok) – 1724 or 1719
Traffic in Bangkok is brutal and public ambulance response times reflect that. These private services cost more but they’re faster, and they’ll usually take you directly to a private hospital where you’ll get treated immediately. If you have insurance, use these.

Fire department – 199
For fires of any kind. May not have English-speaking operators.

Highway Police – 1193
For accidents or breakdowns on highways and major roads. Useful if you’re driving in Thailand.

Hospitals – direct numbers

If you’re having a medical emergency and you’re near a major city, calling the hospital directly is often faster than going through 1669. These are the private hospitals that foreigners typically end up at – they all have English-speaking staff, international patient departments, and accept most insurance.

Bangkok

Bumrungrad International Hospital – (+66) 2 066 8888
The most well-known international hospital in Thailand. Accepts walk-ins 24/7 at the emergency department. This is where most embassies will send you.

Bangkok Hospital – (+66) 2 310 3000
Large hospital group with a dedicated international wing. 24/7 emergency department.

Samitivej Hospital (Sukhumvit) – (+66) 2 022 2222
Popular with expats and well-regarded for its emergency care.

BNH Hospital – (+66) 2 022 0700
Smaller and less crowded than Bumrungrad but excellent care. Right next to BTS Sala Daeng.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai RAM Hospital – (+66) 53 920 300
The go-to international hospital in Chiang Mai.

Phuket

Bangkok Hospital Phuket – (+66) 76 254 425
Largest private hospital on the island.

Siriroj International Hospital – (+66) 76 361 888
Located in Phuket Town.

Koh Samui

Bangkok Hospital Samui – (+66) 77 429 500

Pattaya

Bangkok Hospital Pattaya – (+66) 38 259 999

Other useful numbers

Poison control (Ramathibodi Hospital) – (+66) 2 201 1083
If someone has ingested something toxic. Staff speak English.

Immigration hotline – 1178
For visa questions, reporting overstay, or immigration-related issues.

Department of Land Transport – 1584
For issues with taxis, buses, or other licensed public transport.

Electricity (MEA Bangkok / PEA provinces) – 1130 (Bangkok) / 1129 (provinces)
Report power outages or electrical emergencies.

Water supply issues – 1125

What to do in common situations

Motorbike accident – Call 1669 for an ambulance, or if you can move, get a Grab to the nearest hospital listed above. If there’s a dispute with another driver, call 1155 (Tourist Police) – do not try to settle it yourself, especially if the other party is getting aggressive.

Theft or robbery – Call 1155 (Tourist Police). They’ll help you file a police report, which you’ll need for insurance claims. Don’t expect to get your stuff back, but the report is essential.

Lost passport – Call your embassy first (see table below). They’ll issue an emergency travel document. You’ll also need a police report from the Tourist Police (1155).

Scammed or overcharged – Call 1155. The Tourist Police handle these situations regularly and can often mediate on the spot. For jet ski scams, taxi disputes, or dodgy tour operators, this is your number.

Natural disaster or severe weather – Call 1784 (Disaster Prevention and Mitigation hotline) or monitor local news.

Embassies and consulates

Your embassy or consulate is who you call when things get serious – lost or stolen passport, getting arrested, a medical emergency where you need help navigating the system, or if you need emergency repatriation. They can also help if a family member has died overseas.

Most embassies are in Bangkok, but several countries also have consulates in Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, and Koh Samui. If you’re outside Bangkok, your embassy can usually still help by phone.

Before your trip, save your embassy’s emergency number in your phone. You can find the full directory of foreign embassies and consulates in Thailand on the Wikipedia list of diplomatic missions in Thailand, or search for your country’s embassy at EmbassyPages.com.