馃尨 Thailand

Official government travel advice

Advice changes quickly. Check it before you travel and again before you leave.

Costs

Prices here are about 31% of US prices (World Bank, 2025). This compares a country's overall prices, not the cost of a trip.

Practical information

Entry

Mandatory for every foreign visitor, whether arriving by air, land or sea, is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), which is free and online only. It can be filed during the 3 days (72 hours) preceding arrival, with the arrival day counted. For short stays, many other nationalities, and most ASEAN citizens, need no visa, but how many days are allowed has shifted in recent years, so the official e-Visa site is the place to check for your passport.

Culture - take note

The monarchy is held in deep respect and shielded by strict lese-majeste laws. Jokes about the royal family, and disrespect shown to its images or to banknotes, are never acceptable; banknotes carry the King's portrait. At temples, dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees and removing shoes. Heads must not be touched, and feet must not be pointed at people or Buddha images. Women must not touch monks. Greeting politely is done with the 'wai', palms pressed together. Vapes and e-cigarettes are illegal. Alcohol can only be sold at set hours, and sales are prohibited on some Buddhist holy days.

Emergency

Tourist police 1155 (English). Emergency 191. Ambulance 1669.

Good to know

Baht, card fraud and bar bills

The currency is the Thai baht, says the national tourism authority. Canadian advice warns that credit card and cash machine fraud occurs: pay close attention when others handle your cards, use machines in well-lit public places or inside a bank, and cover the keypad when typing a PIN. It adds that some bars, nightclubs and entertainment venues may try to charge exorbitant prices, and suggests confirming prices before ordering, not running a tab and not leaving a card with staff.

Local laws and customs

Monarchy, vapes and social media

UK advice says criticising the Thai monarchy is illegal and can bring a long prison sentence, and that posting images of people drinking alcohol or wearing inappropriate clothing can be illegal. Vapes and e-cigarettes are banned, with no exceptions for tourists. Drug laws are strict, and recreational cannabis use remains illegal. Canadian advice adds that smoking is banned in public places, including some beaches, and that feeding fish in the ocean is illegal.

Taxis and scams

Licensed taxis and meters

Metered taxis are found in Bangkok and the larger provinces, says Thailand's tourism authority. Canadian advice recommends a licensed taxi from an official stand, a limousine service or a trusted ride-hailing app, since unlicensed cars, recognisable by black-and-white plates, lack proper insurance for carrying passengers and may not use a meter. Should a fare dispute with a taxi or tuk-tuk turn threatening, local police can be asked for help. The tourism authority's complaint centre handles complaints about taxis and tuk-tuks.

Rental damage claims

Some motorbike and jet-ski rental firms blame renters for damage when the vehicle comes back, and have harassed or threatened those who would not pay, Canadian advice says. Read the contract, take photos of any damage already present before setting off, and rent only from reputable companies. Both UK and Canadian advice say never to leave your passport as a deposit or guarantee.

Gem shops and bar bills

Special one-day sales at gem shops, promised by strangers posing as officials, street touts, or taxi or tuk-tuk drivers, are almost always a scam, Thailand's tourism authority warns. Some bars and nightclubs charge very high prices, Canadian advice adds, so ask what things cost before ordering, do not run a tab and keep your card with you rather than leaving it with staff. Any incident should be reported to the Tourist Police.

Who can help

local government

Tourist Police Bureau

Helps with: Thai police bureau set up to protect visitors and their belongings. Its hotline 1155 gives information and help to tourists, runs 24 hours a day and supports eight languages.

Who qualifies: Tourists and other foreign visitors anywhere in Thailand.

Phone: 1155

Email: [email protected]

Address: 999 Moo 1, Suvarnabhumi 4 Road, Nong Prue, Bang Phli, Samut Prakan 10540

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

local government

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)

Helps with: Thailand's national tourism body. Its Travel Buddy call centre 1672 gives travel information and help to visitors, and its website takes complaints and suggestions.

Who qualifies: Anyone travelling in Thailand or planning a trip there.

Phone: 1672

Email: [email protected]

Address: 1600 Phetchaburi Rd., Makkasan, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

local government

Tourist Assistance Center (Ministry of Tourism and Sports)

Helps with: The tourism ministry's assistance centre for visitors. It offers help in the aftermath of natural disasters, assault, accidents and other distress.

Who qualifies: Tourists in Thailand who have had an accident, been attacked or are otherwise in trouble.

Phone: 0 2134 4077

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

ngo

Thai Red Cross Society

Helps with: Thailand's national Red Cross society. It provides medical and health care services, the blood transfusion service, and disaster preparedness and relief for people affected by disasters.

Who qualifies: People in Thailand who need its medical, blood or disaster relief services.

Phone: +66 2256 4032

Address: Terd Prakiet Sodej Phra Yanna Sangworn Building, 1871 Henry Dunant Road, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

un agency

International Organization for Migration (IOM) Thailand

Helps with: The UN migration agency. In Thailand it works to save lives and protect people on the move, including vulnerable migrants and people affected by trafficking, such as into scam centres.

Who qualifies: Migrants in Thailand, especially vulnerable migrants and people affected by trafficking. It is not a help service for ordinary tourists.

Phone: +66 2-343-9300

Email: [email protected]

Address: 18th Floor, Rajanakarn Building, 3 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

embassy

Foreign embassies and consulates in Thailand (official list)

Helps with: For a lost passport or serious trouble, contact your own country's embassy. The Thai foreign ministry's Diplomatic and Consular List (April 2026) gives each mission's address and phone; some are based abroad.

Who qualifies: Citizens of each country, through their own embassy or consulate.

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

local government

Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM)

Helps with: Thailand's national department for disaster prevention and relief. Its hotline 1784 is the national contact line for disaster situations.

Who qualifies: Anyone in Thailand affected by a disaster or reporting one.

Phone: 1784

Address: 3/12 U-thong Nok Road, Dusit, Bangkok 10300

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

local government

TAT Bangkok Office

Helps with: Tourism Authority of Thailand office for Bangkok, Pathum Thani and Nonthaburi. Contact it for tourist information about the city and nearby provinces.

Who qualifies: Anyone visiting Bangkok or the nearby provinces, or planning to.

Phone: +66 (0) 2276 2720

Email: [email protected]

Address: D2 Bld, 8th Floor, Preecha Complex, 48/11 Ratchadapisek Road, Samsennok, Huaykwang, Bangkok 10310

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

local government

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Call Centre

Helps with: Bangkok city government's call centre. The Tourism Authority of Thailand lists it among the contacts for visitors during weather and travel disruption in Bangkok.

Who qualifies: Anyone in Bangkok, residents and visitors alike.

Phone: 1555

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

local government

TAT Phuket Office

Helps with: Tourism Authority of Thailand office responsible for Phuket. Contact it for tourist information about the island.

Who qualifies: Anyone visiting Phuket or planning a trip there.

Phone: +66 (0) 7621 1036

Email: [email protected]

Address: 191 Thalang Road, Tambon Thaladyai, Amphoe Mueang, Phuket 83000

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

local government

TAT Pattaya Office

Helps with: Tourism Authority of Thailand office responsible for Chon Buri province, which includes Pattaya. Contact it for tourist information about the area.

Who qualifies: Anyone visiting Pattaya or elsewhere in Chon Buri, or planning to.

Phone: +66 (0) 3842 7667

Email: [email protected]

Address: 609 Mu 10, Pratamnak Road, Tambon Nong Prue, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chon Buri 20150

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

local government

Pattaya City Contact Center 1337

Helps with: Pattaya City's public contact centre. It takes complaints, gives information and coordinates the city's work to solve reported problems.

Who qualifies: Anyone in Pattaya City, residents and visitors alike.

Phone: 1337

Address: 171 Moo 6, North Pattaya Road, Naklua, Bang Lamung, Chonburi 20150

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

local government

Emergency number 191 (police, ambulance and fire)

Helps with: Reaches police, ambulance and fire services. UK government travel advice lists this number.

Who qualifies: Anyone in the country, including visitors.

Phone: 191

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

local government

Ambulance emergency number 1669

Helps with: Reaches the ambulance service. UK government travel advice lists this number.

Who qualifies: Anyone in the country, including visitors.

Phone: 1669

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

local government

Fire emergency number 199

Helps with: Reaches the fire service. UK government travel advice lists this number.

Who qualifies: Anyone in the country, including visitors.

Phone: 199

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

Cities and places

Bangkok BangkokBig shopping malls, night markets, street food, grand temples and the Grand Palace mark Thailand's capital, the main gateway.Photo: Ninara from Helsinki, Finland, CC BY 2.0 Phuket PhuketLively nightlife, resorts, beaches and island-hopping boat trips draw visitors to Thailand's largest island.Photo: Bennypc, CC BY-SA 4.0 Pattaya PattayaClose to Bangkok, this busy beach city is known for day trips to nearby islands, water sports, shows and family attractions.Photo: Sergey S. Dukachev, CC BY-SA 3.0 Chiang Mai Chiang MaiHundreds of temples, night bazaars, mountain trips and an old walled centre characterise this cool northern city.Photo: Nawit science, CC BY-SA 4.0 Krabi KrabiEasy boat trips reach Hong Island, the Phi Phi Islands and Railay from here, and the area is famous for limestone cliffs and clear water.Photo: kallerna, CC BY-SA 3.0 Koh Samui Koh SamuiResorts, palm-lined beaches and excursions to Ang Thong Marine Park fill this relaxed island in the Gulf of Thailand.Photo: Manfred Werner, CC BY-SA 3.0

City selection based on: Euromonitor Top 100 City Destinations 2025; Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports provincial arrivals and revenue data

Festivals and events

festival

Yi Peng & Loy Krathong lantern festival

around Nov 2026 路 Chiang Mai

Hotels book out and prices climb for this event, one of the largest the country holds annually, so plan early.

festival

New Year's countdown

31 Dec 2026 - 1 Jan 2027 路 Bangkok

Fireworks light up the Chao Phraya river as well as large shopping malls.

sport

MotoGP Thailand (Buriram)

around Feb-Mar 2027 路 Buriram

Chang International Circuit stages world motorcycle racing. Prices climb and hotels fill up, so plan ahead.

Official site

festival

Songkran Festival

13-15 Apr 2027 路 Bangkok

Among the largest events held in the country each year. Expect full hotels and rising prices, so plan early.

trade

THAIFEX - Anuga Asia (food fair)

around May-Jun 2027 路 Bangkok

IMPACT Muang Thong Thani houses a large Asian trade fair for food and drink.

religious

Phuket Vegetarian Festival

around Sep-Oct 2027 路 Phuket

In Phuket Town, nine days bring Chinese-Thai processions along with vegetarian food.

festival

Yi Peng & Loy Krathong lantern festival

around Nov 2027 路 Chiang Mai

Hotels book out and prices climb for this event, one of the largest the country holds annually, so plan early.

festival

New Year's countdown

31 Dec 2027 - 1 Jan 2028 路 Bangkok

Fireworks light up the Chao Phraya river as well as large shopping malls.

sport

MotoGP Thailand (Buriram)

around Feb-Mar 2028 路 Buriram

Chang International Circuit stages world motorcycle racing. Prices climb and hotels fill up, so plan ahead.

Official site