Emergency Numbers in Thailand

In cases of emergency, the important numbers in Thailand are 191 (police assistance), 1669 (for medical emergencies), and 199 (fire department services).

Response time for public ambulance is usually 10 minutes within city fringe; however, in rural areas it will take 30 minutes for emergency service to arrive.

Transport facilities for emergencies are not always reliable, and traffic is a major obstacle in Bangkok. More so, drivers do not give way to responding ambulance units. Those with medical conditions are advised to live near a hospital to get immediate treatment in cases of emergency.

There are hospitals in Thailand equipped with mobile intensive care ambulances available for immediate treatment. Expats prefer to use a private ambulance and opt for private hospitals in Bangkok for medical care, as English-speaking physicians are hard to find outside the capital.

Hospitals with 24-hour emergency services and private ambulance in Bangkok include Bumrungrad International Hospital (2-667-2999), Samitivej Hospital (66-2-712-7007) and BNH Hospital (02-632-1000).

Private air ambulance services are also available in Thailand. Any life threatening medical situations can result to medical evacuation to a country with state-of-the-art facilities.