EMERGENCY SERVICES

Most often, the first emergency responder will be the Sawang Boriboon Foundation, a volunteer service. Their staff has received training. They are based in Naklua and South Pattaya. Although they have an ambulance, they also may respond and transport with a pickup truck. Their emergency number is 038-488-882. More information can be obtained from their website http://www.rescuesouthpattaya.com/

POLICE ASSISTANCE - Although the police are all part of the Royal Thai Police force, they have different roles and jurisdictions. In Pattaya you have five police agencies that you may come in contact with - Banglamung, Pattaya, Tourist, Highway, and Immigration. Club member and former Chairman Drew Noyes described the roles of these police agencies at a Club meeting - click here for a summary of his talk. For assistance, you will most likely call the Tourist Police, Pattaya Police, or Banglamung Police. Their address and telephone numbers are in the Emergency & Useful Numbers page.

PATTAYA CALL CENTER - In emergencies, you can telephone the Call Center at 1337, which is answered in English. You can then touch 9 for connection with an English speaking operator. Explain you emergency, your location, and ask them to request police and/or medical assistance. The 1337 service has direct Hotlines to the Police, Fire Department, Tourist Police, hospitals and government emergency services. 

EMBASSY ASSISTANCE - Most foreign embassies offer assistance to their citizens when in Thailand. The type of assistance will vary depending upon the Embassy. The Emergency & Useful Numbers section has a listing of consular offices based in Thailand and a link to a listing and contact numbers for Embassies located in Bangkok.

• Loss of Passport - Report the loss to the police and obtain a police report. Contact your Embassy to learn what you need to do for replacement travel documents. Contact Thai Immigration to learn what you need to do regarding your permission to stay in Thailand and your departure card.

• Arrest - When you are in Thailand, you are subject to the laws of Thailand. If you are arrested for a criminal offense, you can ask that they notify a consular officer at your Embassy or have a friend or acquaintance notify them. Many Embassies advise their citizens that they can (1)visit you to determine that you are being treated humanely and not being discriminated against, (2) provide you with a list of local attorneys, and (3) notify your family of your arrest. They advise that they cannot (1) interfere in the Thai judicial system or (2) provide money for bail or attorneys.

• Serious Injury - Many Embassies can arrange to contact your family to apprise them of your situation. Some may offer financial assistance in the form of a loan or help you arrange for family or friends to provide funds depending on your country’s policies.

• Death - In the event of a foreigners death in Thailand, the Thai police notify the foreigner’s Embassy. Autopsies are normally performed if the deceased has died outside of a hospital or if the cause of death cannot be determined. Autopsies are performed within twenty-fours after the Thai forensic authorities receive the remains. Full autopsy reports are not available for up to three months after the completion of the examination. Many Embassies will notify the next of kin and assist them in making arrangements for the disposition or repatriation of the remains. In most cases, funeral arrangements in Thailand or shipping of the remains will be an expense of the deceased’s family or legal representative.

• Registration With Your Embassy - Many Embassies have a registration process so that you can notify them that you are in Thailand. This is usually a good idea as it will allow your Embassy to contact you with any travel warnings or locate their citizens in the event of natural disasters or civil disturbances.