Emergency numbers and what to do
The numbers that work, which hospital to go to, and the first five things to do in an accident, arrest or loss.
The essentials
- Tourist Police 1155 — English speaking, the right first call for most foreigner emergencies.
- Medical emergency and ambulance 1669. Police 191. Fire 199.
- Private hospital ambulances often arrive faster than the public service in Bangkok; save your nearest hospital number.
- Carry your insurance policy number and emergency assistance line in your phone and in your wallet.
- Report a lost passport to the police first; your embassy needs the police report before issuing a replacement.
The numbers
Save these before you need them. Most operators on 1155 and 1669 speak English; 191 may not.
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Tourist Police (English) | 1155 |
| Medical emergency / ambulance | 1669 |
| Police | 191 |
| Fire | 199 |
| Highway Police | 1193 |
| Immigration Bureau | 1178 |
| Marine emergency | 1196 |
| Poison control (Ramathibodi) | 1367 |
Medical emergencies
In a serious emergency go to the nearest capable hospital rather than the one your insurer prefers; stabilise first, argue about billing later. Private hospitals require a deposit or a guarantee of payment from your insurer before admission, so call your insurance assistance line on the way.
Bring your passport. Keep every receipt and the itemised bill in Thai and English, as insurers reject claims without the itemisation.
Accidents
Do not move vehicles until the insurance assessors of both parties arrive; Thai practice is that the scene is documented as it lies. Call 1669 for injuries, then your own insurer, whose assessor attends and negotiates on your behalf. Photograph everything. Admitting fault at the scene has financial consequences.
Arrest or detention
You have the right to contact your embassy, and you should do so immediately. The embassy cannot get you released or pay legal fees, but it can provide a lawyer list, notify your family and monitor conditions. Do not sign any document in Thai you cannot read.
Lost passport
File a police report at the local station, then attend your embassy with the report, photos and any copy of the lost passport. After the replacement is issued you must visit Immigration to have your visa or extension and entry stamp transferred, otherwise your permission to stay is unprovable at the border.
Official sources
Everything above is written from these. Rules change without notice, so check the relevant one before you book, pay or travel.
This page was last checked against those sources on 31 July 2026. Spotted something out of date? and we'll re-check it.