How to Call Thailand
Complete guide to dialing Thailand (country code +66)
Planning to connect with friends, family, or business contacts in Thailand? Learning how to call Thailand correctly ensures your call goes through smoothly every time. Whether you're calling from the US, UK, or anywhere else in the world, understanding the proper dialing format is essential. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about calling Thailand, including step-by-step dialing instructions for landlines and mobile phones, the most common mistakes people make when placing international calls, and helpful tips on Thai phone etiquette. We'll also share useful emergency numbers and important contacts you might need during your communication with Thailand. By the end of this guide, you'll be confidently making international calls to Thailand without any confusion or connection issues.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
Understanding Thailand's International Dialing Format
To call Thailand from abroad, you'll need to follow this structure: Exit Code + 66 + Local Number (without leading 0). Thailand's country code is +66, and all local Thai numbers begin with 0, which must be dropped when dialing internationally.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions by Country
From the USA or Canada:
- Dial 011 (US/Canada exit code)
- Dial 66 (Thailand country code)
- Dial the local number without the leading 0
From the UK:
- Dial 00 (UK exit code)
- Dial 66 (Thailand country code)
- Dial the local number without the leading 0
From Other Countries:
Most countries use 00 as their exit code, though some vary (Australia uses 0011, Japan uses 010). Check your country's specific exit code.
Practical Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Bangkok Landline (02-XXX-XXXX):
- From USA: 011-66-2-XXX-XXXX
- From UK: 00-66-2-XXX-XXXX
- The local number 02-345-6789 becomes 66-2-345-6789 internationally
Example 2 - Thai Mobile Number (08-XXXX-XXXX):
- From USA: 011-66-8-XXXX-XXXX
- From UK: 00-66-8-XXXX-XXXX
- The mobile 081-234-5678 becomes 66-81-234-5678 internationally
Example 3 - Chiang Mai Landline (053-XXX-XXX):
- From USA: 011-66-53-XXX-XXX
- From UK: 00-66-53-XXX-XXX
- The local number 053-123-456 becomes 66-53-123-456 internationally
Important Tips
Always remove the leading zero from Thai numbers when dialing internationally. Thai mobile numbers typically start with 06, 08, or 09, while landlines have area codes like 02 (Bangkok), 053 (Chiang Mai), or 076 (Phuket). When using mobile phones, you can often replace the exit code with + (press and hold 0), making the format +66-XX-XXX-XXXX.
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Common Mistakes
When calling Thailand, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
Not dropping the leading zero - Thai phone numbers start with 0 for domestic calls, but you must remove it when dialing internationally. For example, a Bangkok number 02-123-4567 becomes +66-2-123-4567, not +66-02-123-4567.
Using the wrong exit code - Different countries have different exit codes (011 for USA/Canada, 00 for most of Europe). Using your country's exit code incorrectly will fail. Instead, use the + symbol, which works universally on mobile phones.
Confusing the country code with area codes - The country code +66 must come first, followed by the area code (without the zero). Don't accidentally dial the area code twice or skip the country code entirely.
Incorrect spacing or formatting - While spaces don't affect dialing on mobile phones, inconsistent formatting can lead to input errors. Use a consistent format like +66-2-XXX-XXXX for clarity.
Forgetting mobile number formats - Thai mobile numbers have different prefixes (6, 8, 9) after removing the leading zero. Ensure you're dialing +66-8X-XXX-XXXX, not +66-08X-XXX-XXXX.
Cultural Etiquette
Phone Etiquette and Calling Customs in Thailand
When making phone calls in Thailand, understanding local customs helps build respectful relationships. Thai culture emphasizes politeness and hierarchy, which extends to telephone conversations.
Greetings and Formalities
Begin calls with "Sawasdee krap" (for men) or "Sawasdee ka" (for women), followed by introducing yourself. In business contexts, maintain formal language and use titles like "Khun" before names. Personal calls allow more casual conversation, but initial politeness remains important.
Appropriate Timing
Avoid calling during lunch hours (12-1 PM) or late evenings after 9 PM unless urgent. Business calls should occur between 9 AM and 5 PM on weekdays. Thais value personal time, so weekend calls should be reserved for friends or emergencies.
Business vs. Personal Calls
Business calls require directness balanced with politeness. State your purpose clearly but avoid aggressive tones. Personal calls typically include longer greetings and inquiries about well-being before discussing main topics.
Voice Messages
Keep voicemails brief and polite. Speak clearly, leave your name, phone number, and reason for calling. Many Thais prefer texting over voicemail, so consider following up with a message.
Cultural Considerations
Never raise your voice or show frustration during calls—maintaining "jai yen" (cool heart) is essential. Thais often use indirect communication, so listen carefully for subtle cues. Smiling while speaking creates a friendly tone that translates through your voice.
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Emergency Numbers
Police: 191 (24/7, some English-speaking operators available)
Tourist Police: 1155 (24/7, English-speaking assistance for tourists, highly recommended for foreign visitors)
Ambulance/Medical Emergency: 1669 (24/7, free emergency medical service)
Fire Department: 199 (24/7)
Highway Police: 1193 (for road accidents and highway emergencies)
All emergency numbers in Thailand are toll-free and accessible from both landlines and mobile phones throughout the country. However, English-speaking operators may be limited outside major tourist areas. The Tourist Police (1155) is particularly valuable for foreign visitors, offering multilingual support and assistance with tourist-related issues, crimes, or emergencies. For medical emergencies in Bangkok, you may also contact private ambulance services through major hospitals. It's advisable to have your location details ready when calling, as GPS tracking isn't always available.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 1133 - General directory assistance for local numbers
- 100 - Domestic operator assistance
International Services
- 100 - International operator for assisted calls
- 001, 007, 008, 009 - International direct dial prefixes
Tourist Support
- 1672 - Tourist Police hotline (24/7, multilingual support)
- 1155 - Tourism Authority of Thailand call center
Embassy Contacts
Contact your embassy directly for passport issues, legal assistance, or emergencies. Major embassies are located in Bangkok's diplomatic quarter.
Other Useful Numbers
- 1644 - Immigration Bureau hotline
- 1584 - Anti-corruption hotline
- 1356 - Consumer protection
- 1111 - Government complaint center
Keep these numbers saved in your phone for convenient access during your stay in Thailand.
Tips for Calling Thailand
When calling Thailand, factor in their time zone of UTC+7, which means they're typically 12-14 hours ahead of US time zones. For business calls, aim for 9 AM-5 PM Bangkok time, Monday through Friday. If calling from North America, this translates to evening or late-night calls your time.
Schedule business calls in advance—Thais appreciate proper planning and it shows respect. Avoid calling during major holidays like Songkran (mid-April), Thai New Year, and the King's Birthday celebrations when offices close.
For international rates, consider calling during your carrier's off-peak hours, typically evenings and weekends, though this may land outside Thai business hours. Services like Skype or WhatsApp offer cost-effective alternatives.
Communication tips: speak clearly and at a moderate pace, as you may be conversing with non-native English speakers. Confirm important details via follow-up email. Be patient with potential connection delays or quality issues on some networks.
For personal calls, late afternoon Bangkok time (morning in Europe, evening in the Americas) often works well for both parties. Always confirm the recipient's availability beforehand to ensure you're not calling during inconvenient hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Thailand is +66. You'll need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Thailand from anywhere in the world.
To call Thailand from your cell phone, dial + (or 011), then 66 (Thailand's country code), followed by the local number without the leading zero. For example: +66 2 XXX XXXX for Bangkok numbers.
Yes, you must drop the leading zero from Thai phone numbers when calling internationally. Thai local numbers start with 0, but when dialing from abroad, omit the 0 and dial the country code +66 first.
The cheapest way to call Thailand is using ZippCall, which offers affordable pay-as-you-go international calling rates. With ZippCall, you can call from your web browser, iPhone, or Android device with no contracts, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees—just transparent, low-cost rates for calling Thailand.
In Thailand, dial 191 for police, 1669 for emergency medical services, and 199 for fire emergencies. Tourist police can be reached at 1155. These numbers are toll-free and can be dialed from any phone within Thailand.
Yes, you can call Thailand directly from your web browser using ZippCall. Simply visit the ZippCall website, enter the Thai phone number you want to call, and connect instantly without any downloads or installations required.
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