Help & emergencies.
Numbers worth saving before you need them, the hospitals travellers use most, and a few things locals wish every visitor knew.
Where to get care
For an ambulance, call 1669 — it dispatches to the nearest hospital. Private hospitals usually ask for a passport and proof of insurance or a deposit.
Island safety tips
Some international SIM cards cannot reach Thai short numbers like 1669 or 1155. A local SIM or eSIM is cheap and works everywhere on the island.
Operators will ask for your location first. Share a map pin, name the nearest hotel, beach or 7-Eleven, and keep your accommodation address saved on your phone.
A red flag means no swimming. Rip currents are strong on west-coast beaches during the rainy season (roughly May to October) and drownings happen every year.
Riding without a motorbike licence valid in Thailand and a helmet can mean fines, and many travel insurance policies will not cover you after an accident.
Carry a photo of your passport and entry stamp, and leave the original somewhere safe. Never hand your passport over as a rental deposit.
Agree on prices for taxis, tuk-tuks, jet skis and tours before you start. If something goes wrong, call the Tourist Police on 1155 rather than arguing.
Phrases for a bad day
Numbers checked October 2026. In a life-threatening emergency, call first and read later.