Updated 17 October 2026. This guide replaces older material with practical information and sourced references. Rules, services and contact details can change.
A useful Thailand travel checklist is not complete until you have the emergency numbers saved. An old PersonalThailand article focused on one medical hotline, 1669. That number remains important, but travellers benefit from knowing which number to use for medical emergencies, police help, fires and tourist assistance.
Quick takeaway: Verify official information before travel, keep critical records offline and prioritise personal safety over recovering property or winning a dispute.
The key Thailand emergency numbers
Thailand’s Tourism Authority publishes separate numbers for different urgent needs. Save them in your contacts before your trip and consider taking a screenshot you can access without mobile data.
The essential numbers are: 1669 for emergency medical assistance, 191 for police emergencies, 199 for fire emergencies and 1155 for the Tourist Police. These numbers are also supported by published Thai government contact lists.
When to call 1669
Use 1669 when urgent medical assistance is needed, such as a serious injury or someone becoming unresponsive. Give the operator the location first, the nature of the emergency and an available return telephone number. If possible, ask someone nearby who speaks Thai to assist with the location details.
This is an emergency service rather than a replacement for routine medical advice or a guaranteed booking with any particular private hospital. Do not delay an emergency call while searching for an insurer’s preferred facility.
Police emergencies: 191 and Tourist Police 1155
191 is the general police emergency number in official Thai listings. The Tourist Police number, 1155, is a useful contact for visitors who need help involving crime or tourism-related problems. The Tourist Police publish 1155 on their own website.
When reporting an incident, be precise about what happened and where. In an immediate threat, seek physical safety first. You may later need a police report for insurance or replacement travel documents.
Fires and other contacts
The Tourism Authority lists 199 for fire emergencies. Another useful number is 1672 for the Tourism Authority of Thailand information centre, but it is not a substitute for ambulance, police or fire emergency services.
Rail passengers can use the State Railway of Thailand hotline 1690 for travel enquiries. Check whether a call is intended for urgent help or for routine travel information before choosing the number.
How to describe your location
Emergency callers may not know the exact address. Look for a hotel name, road, intersection, building entrance, nearby shop or map pin. Share a clear meeting point and explain whether the person needing help can move.
When possible, send a location pin to a companion or hotel receptionist who can help convey directions. If you are inside a large complex, name the entrance or floor. Do not share sensitive personal details publicly on social media.
Set up your phone before travelling
Save the contact list as a note, add a second copy in your travel documents and ensure someone travelling with you knows where to find it. Check how your mobile plan handles local calls and roaming.
Official emergency numbers may change, and access conditions can vary by device or carrier. Recheck the Tourism Authority’s useful-calls page before a future trip rather than depending indefinitely on a saved screenshot.
Frequently asked questions
What number calls an ambulance in Thailand?
1669 is the medical emergency number published by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Is 1155 the same as 191?
No. 1155 is Tourist Police; 191 is the general police emergency number.
Can I call 1672 for an ambulance?
1672 is for tourism information. For emergency medical assistance use 1669.
Official sources and further reading
- Tourism Authority of Thailand — Useful Calls
- Thailand Government Public Relations Department — Tourist Assistance Numbers
- Thailand Tourist Police — Contact
Editorial note: We have removed unverified incidents, guarantees and outdated claims from the older article. This is general information, not legal, medical or financial advice.
