Getting Started in Thailand - Useful Facts

Managing Director P.A.P.P.A. Co., Ltd. Legal and Visa Services

Registering with the Consular Section at your Embassy in BangkokMost allow you to do so on the internet. Simply “Google” your country name and add “Embassy Bangkok” in the search feld and click.  Make sure the list has an offcial website for your country before selecting.

If you are living in Thailand, or if you intend to visit for an extended period of time, we strongly recommend that you register with the consular section of your embassy in Bangkok.

There are 61 foreign embassies in Bangkok. Registration is to your advantage in that it will enable them to locate you in case of a family emergency, and helps keep them better informed of the number and location of citizens from your country in the event of a large-scale emergency. Most embassies are required by law to keep any information you give them completely confdential, and will release it only when authorized by you to do so.

Google the Thailand embassy for the website of your country to register on-line.

If you are from the USA log on to http://usa.or.th/embassy/acs.html , click on "online registration form" and follow the directions. You will be registered electronically with the consular section. If you register on-line, you can also register to receive our consular announcements. This will allow you to stay in close touch with the Embassy.

Look under EMBASSIES in the Offcial Thailand Survival Guide, Pattaya Edition to fnd the location of your embassy or go to http://www.pattaya-times.com/embassies.  You may be able to call them and ask them to fax you a registration form which you complete and fax back. You can also register with the Consular Section during one of the regional consular visits. Call the Embassy for information on the next visit in your area. Or go to the Consular Section of your Embassy in Bangkok Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. -- 11:00 a.m., or 1:00 p.m. -- 3:00 p.m. (except holidays of your country and Thai holidays) and complete a registration form. Be sure to bring your passport so they can verify your identity and citizenship. Registering at the Consular Section will facilitate issuance of a replacement passport in the event your passport should be lost or stolen.

Lost Airline Ticket in ThailandIf you should lose your airline ticket, it is vital that you call the airline immediately. Depending upon the airline and type of ticket, you may be able to have it replaced free or for a small charge. See AIRLINES in the Thailand Yellow Pages of the Offcial Thailand Survival Guide, Pattaya Edition for a list of telephone numbers of airlines that have service in Thailand.

Arrest in Thailand

If you are arrested in Thailand, ask the authorities to notify the consular offcer at your Embassy in Bangkok.

Although they cannot interfere with the Thai legal system, they may work to protect your legitimate interests and ensure that you are not discriminated against. Most embassies can provide a list of local attorneys, visit you, inform you generally about local laws, and contact your family and friends on your behalf. However, they cannot bail you out or give you money in most cases.