Local Knowledge
Telephone
Dialing Codes
Country code for Thailand: +66 Area code for Bangkok: 02 (drop the zero when calling from abroad)
Emergency Numbers
Police: 191 Tourist Police: 1155 Ambulance: 191 Fire: 199
Tipping
Tipping is not expected but is becoming more common. Bills at most restaurants and
hotels include a 10% gratuity. Taxi drivers and porters also appreciate a tip.
VAT & Taxes
Prices in stores include the government's 7% value-added tax (VAT).
Getting Around
Taxis
Taxis in Bangkok are readily available. The vehicles are painted bright colors
such as orange, pink or half-yellow, half-green, making them easy to spot on the
congested roads. Hail them on the street or call ahead and book for a small
surcharge. Make sure the driver uses a meter to calculate the fare.
Skytrain
The Skytrain, also known as BTS, is an elevated monorail east of the Chao Phraya
River. It consists of two lines, which converge at Siam station. The Sukhumvit
line runs from On Nut in the southeast to Mochit in the north. The Silom line
connects the central National Stadium with Saphan Taksin in the southwest. The
service is fast, efficient and clean, with trains arriving every few minutes.
Buy single, multiple-journey or day tickets at stations.
Subway
Bangkok's subway, or MTR, consists of one semicircular line that runs
from Bang Sue in the north to Hua Lampong in the south, crossing the Skytrain
network at two points. Buy stored-value and single tickets at subway
stations.
Boat
To avoid traffic, take a water taxi along the Chao Phraya River. The Chao Phraya
Express Boat is the most popular and operates several routes. Pay the ticket
collector on board.
Tuk-Tuk
Tuk-tuks are taxis for the adventurous. The three-wheeled, open-sided rickshaws
are great fun for short trips. Don't attempt long distances, because
the comfort level leaves a lot to be desired. Most drivers don't speak
English, so use a map to point out your destination. Make sure you establish the
fare before you depart – there's no meter!
Public Holidays
New Year's Day
January 1
Makha Bucha (Buddhist Festival)
February-March
Chakri Day
April 6
Songkran (Thai New Year)
April 13-15
Labor Day
May 1
Coronation Day
May 5
Visakha Bucha (Buddhist holiday)
May
Queen's Birthday
August 12
Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent)
July-August
Chulalongkorn Day
October 23
King's Birthday
December 5
Constitution Day
December 10
New Year's Eve
December 31
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