Tap water
Tap water is not recommended for drinking. Use bottled or filtered water.
Asia country brief
Thailand travel essentials
ประเทศไทย
Thailand uses Type A / Type B / Type C power outlets at 230V, 50Hz. The general emergency number is 191 (police) / 1669 (medical). Tap water is not safe to drink — stick to bottled water.
Last reviewed
Verify visa and entry rules with official authorities before travel.
Quick answer
Thailand uses Type A / Type B / Type C power outlets at 230V, 50Hz. The general emergency number is 191 (police) / 1669 (medical). Tap water is not safe to drink — stick to bottled water.
P
Power and plugs
- Plug types
- Type A, Type B, Type C
- Voltage
- 230V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Thailand runs at 230V. Travelers from 100–127V regions (US, Japan) need a voltage converter for devices that aren't dual-voltage.
E
Emergency numbers
General
191 (police) / 1669 (medical)
Police
191
Ambulance
1669
T
Travel notes
Tipping
Tipping is not traditional but is increasingly common in tourist areas. Rounding up taxi fares and leaving 20-50 baht for good restaurant service is appreciated. Upscale hotels and restaurants may add a service charge.
Best season
November to February is the most comfortable season for Bangkok, Chiang Mai and many beach areas. March to May can be very hot, while monsoon patterns vary between the Andaman and Gulf coasts.
Visa basics
Visa exemptions, visas on arrival and tourist visas change periodically and depend on nationality. Confirm current rules with the Thai e-Visa portal or a Thai embassy before departure.
✓
Before you go: Thailand checklist
- Pack a Type A/Type B/Type C plug adapter for Thailand.
- Thailand runs at 230V. Travelers from 100–127V regions (US, Japan) need a voltage converter for devices that aren't dual-voltage.
- Budget for bottled water — tap water in Thailand isn't safe to drink.
- Save the emergency number 191 (police) / 1669 (medical) in your phone before you arrive.
- If you'll drive, remember traffic keeps to the left in Thailand.
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Check adapter needs for Thailand
Compare your home country with Thailand for plug and voltage compatibility.
Reference
Emergency numbers by country
Browse emergency numbers across all published TravelReady Guide country briefs.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I drink tap water in Thailand? ⌄
No. Tap water in Thailand is not recommended for drinking. Use bottled or filtered water.
What power plug and voltage are used in Thailand? ⌄
Thailand uses Type A, Type B, Type C plugs running at 230V, 50Hz. Thailand runs at 230V. Travelers from 100–127V regions (US, Japan) need a voltage converter for devices that aren't dual-voltage.
What is the emergency number in Thailand? ⌄
Dial 191 (police) / 1669 (medical) for general emergencies in Thailand. Police: 191. Ambulance: 1669.
When is the best time to visit Thailand? ⌄
November to February is the most comfortable season for Bangkok, Chiang Mai and many beach areas. March to May can be very hot, while monsoon patterns vary between the Andaman and Gulf coasts.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Thailand? ⌄
In Thailand, traffic drives on the left side of the road, so the steering wheel is on the right. Visitors from right-hand-drive countries should take extra care.
What is the country calling code for Thailand? ⌄
The international dialing code for Thailand is +66. Dial this prefix after your exit code (e.g. 00 or +) to call a Thailand number from abroad.
S
Sources
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