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