Emergency and Useful Numbers

Emergency Calls

Police - 191

Crime - 195

Fire - 199

Traffic Control Center - 199

Highway Police - 197

Tourist Police -1193

Tourist Service Center - 1699

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Hotline - 1155

Missing Persons Bureau - 282 1815

Medical Evacuation and Ambulance Service - 255 1133


Useful addresses and calls

Immigration Office
Soi Suanphlu, Sathorn Tai Road, Bangkok 10120
Tel. +66 2 287 3101

Revenue Department
Chakkapong Road, Bangkok 10200
Tel. +66 2 282 9899

National Museum Division
Na Prathat Road
Tel. +66 2 226 1661

Tourist Information Counter
372 Bamrung Muang Road, Bangkok 10100
Tel. +66 2 226 0060, 226 0072

Tourist Assistance Center
4 Ratchadamnoen Nok Road, Bangkok
Tel. +66 2 281 5051

Tourism Authority of Thailand Head Office
Le Concorde Building
202 Ratchadapisek Road
Tel. +66 2 694 1222 Fax +66 2 694 1220

Tourist Police
Unico House, Soi Lang Suan, Ploenchit Road, Bangkok
Tel. 1699 or +66 2 652 1721

Bangkok International Airport
Phahonyothin Road, Bangkok
Tel. +66 2 535 1111

Bangkok Domestic Airport
Phahonyothin Road, Bangkok
Tel. +66 2 535 2081

Thai Airways International Plc.
89 Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Bangkok
Tel. +66 2 513 0121

Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong)
Rama IV Road, Bangkok 10500
Tel. +66 2 223 7010, 223 7020

Northern & Northeastern Bus Terminal
Phahonyothin Road, Bangkok
Tel. +66 2 272 0299

Southern Bus Terminal
Boromrat Chonnani Road, Bangkok 10700
Tel. +66 2 435 1199, 434 5558

Eastern Bus Terminal
Sukhumvit Road (Ekamai), Bangkok 10110
Tel. +66 2 391 2504, 392 2521

Historical Sites - Wat Thammamongkhon

Wat Thammamongkhon

This contemporary temple in eastern Bangkok features a 95-meter pagoda, the tallest in the country. The soaring chedi contains a hair of the Lord Buddha, presented by the Supreme Patriarch of Bangladesh. Visitors can ride to the top of the chedi in a lift to enjoy the panoramic views of the area.

Wat Thammamongkhon is located on Sukhumvit Soi 101 and admission is free.

Historical Sites - Sri Mariammam Temple

Sri Mariammam Temple

Also known as Wat Phra Si Maha Umathewi or commonly 'Wat Khaek', the Sri Mariammam Temple is one of few temples in the busy commercial district of Silom. Located on the corner of Pan Road and Silom, Wat Khaek is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Uma Devi, although many other deities are represented. Immigrants from southern India built this colorful temple in the 1860s.

People of all creeds worship at the temple on Friday mornings and at around 11.30 am vegetarian food is offered to the devotees. At around noon, a priest sprinkles holy water on the hands of worshippers, who pass their hands through the flame of an oil lamp for purification. They then dip their fingers in colored powder and daub prayer marks on their foreheads.

Watch out for the brightly colored garlands of marigolds on sale around the temple and at the entrance to Pan Road.

The Sri Mariammam Temple is open daily and admission is free.

Historical Sites - Wat Saket and the Golden Mount

Wat Saket and the Golden Mount

Wat Saket is built atop Bangkok's only hill-the man-made Golden Mount, not far from Rajadamnoen Road. Construction of the Golden Mount started during the reign of King Rama I and proceeded with the addition of the present golden chedi until the reign of King Rama V. The chedi houses a relic of the Buddha from India, added by King Rama V. The mount's concrete walls were added during the Second World War.

A large festival is held in the grounds of Wat Saket every November with a candlelight procession up the hill.

The footpath up the Golden Mount offers fine views over the city. Admission to the temple is free except for the final stretch to the top, which costs 5 baht.

Historical Sites - Wat Ratchanatdaram

Wat Ratchanatdaram

Dating from the reign of King Rama III, Wat Ratchanatdaram (Wat Ratchanadda) is situated on Mahachai Road not far from the Democracy Monument. One of the principal attractions of this temple is the Loha Prasat or Metal Palace, which stands 36 meters in height with 37 surrounding spires. This unusual multi-layered metal structure, designed to resemble Indian or Sri Lankan themes, was only recently opened after 150 years of sporadic construction. A royal pavilion and a memorial statue of King Rama III are located within the temple compound.

Wat Ratchanatdaram is also well known as a center for amulets and small Buddhist charms. Amulets of all shapes and sizes are available at the small market, including images of the Buddha, Indian deities and well-known Thai monks. Certain amulets are highly sought after and command high prices among Thais who believe in the magical powers of these charms.

Historical Sites - Wat Ratchabophit

Wat Ratchabophit

Built in 1869 by King Rama V, this temple is within walking distance of Wat Pho on Fuang Nakhon Road. Wat Ratchabophit demonstrates the growing influence of new ideas at the end of the 19th century with its blend of local and western styles. This melding of forms is particularly evident in the interior of the main chapel or 'bot', which is strongly reminiscent of a gothic church or cathedral. The western influence can also be felt with the gilded pagoda and courtyard that is enclosed by a circular cloister. Watch out for the windows and doors to the main chapel with their mother-of-pearl inlay and exquisite bas-reliefs.

Wat Ratchabophit is open daily and admission is free.

Historical Sites - Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha

The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, located next to the Grand Palace, is Bangkok's oldest and largest temple. Construction of the present temple started in 1781 on the site of a monastery dating back to the 16th century. Wat Pho is encircled by tall white walls and split into two compounds by Chetupon Road (the temple is also known as Wat Phra Chetupon). The temple grounds house some 400 Buddha images, a very large main chapel, a large 'viharn', which houses the reclining Buddha, four large chedis commemorating the first three kings of the Chakri Dynasty (Rama III has two chedis) and 91 smaller chedis.

The main feature of Wat Pho is a colossal 46-meter-long reclining Buddha, which depicts the Buddha passing into nirvana. The reclining Buddha is modeled from plaster and brick with a gilt covering. The soles of his feet are adorned with the 108 auspicious attributes of the Buddha in mother-of-pearl inlay.

Wat Pho is often considered the first center of public learning, "Thailand's First University", and also serves as the national headquarters for the teaching and preservation of Thai massage and medicine. A massage here costs 180 baht for an hour or 100 baht for half an hour. Courses are also available for anyone wishing to study Thai massage.

Wat Pho is open from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm with a 10 baht admission fee. English, French, German and Japanese-speaking guides are available for hire.