Need an ambulance right now?
Call 1669 — Thailand's national emergency medical number. Say "English" when connected.
If you're struggling to communicate or need guaranteed English support:
- 1155 — Tourist Police (English-speaking, 24/7). They can coordinate medical help for you.
- 1724 — BDMS private hospital network (English-speaking, physician-staffed ambulances). Covers Bangkok Hospital, Samitivej, BNH, Phayathai, and 45+ hospitals nationwide.
- +66 2011 5222 — Bumrungrad International Hospital emergency line (Bangkok only, interpreter services available).
Share your location: Open Google Maps, tap the blue dot showing your location, and share the coordinates with the operator or ask anearby Thai person to help explain where you are.
Understanding Thailand's ambulance system
Ambulances in Thailand work differently than in Western countries. There are two separate systems, and knowing the difference can affect the care you receive.
Government ambulances (1669)
The national 1669 hotline connects you to Thailand's public emergency medical system. This service is free and available nationwide.
However, many government ambulances are operated by volunteer rescue foundations rather than hospitals. These volunteers receive basic first aid training but are not paramedics. Their primary role is transport — getting you to a hospital quickly — rather than providing advanced medical treatment en route.
In Bangkok, the Erawan Center (1646) coordinates a more advanced network with hospital-based ambulances, though 1669 will also route to this system when you call from Bangkok.
Government ambulances will typically take you to the nearest public hospital. You can request a specific hospital, but this may be refused depending on the situation.
Private hospital ambulances (1724, direct hospital lines)
Private hospital ambulances are a different experience entirely. These are staffed by doctors, nurses, and trained emergency personnel with ICU-level equipment on board.
The BDMS network (call 1724) operates advanced ambulances across Thailand with English-speaking medical teams. Other major private hospitals like Bumrungrad have their own emergency lines.
Private ambulances cost between 1,500-5,000+ THB depending on distance and services required. For serious emergencies where you want physician care during transport, this is often worth the cost.
Which number should you call?
Life-threatening emergency: Call 1669 immediately. Any hospital will stabilize you, and public hospitals are required to treat critical emergencies without upfront payment.
Serious but not immediately life-threatening: Consider calling a private hospital directly (1724 for BDMS network, or your preferred hospital's emergency line). You'll get English-speaking staff, a physician-staffed ambulance, and the ER will be briefed before you arrive.
Can't communicate in English or Thai: Call 1155 (Tourist Police) first. They have guaranteed English speakers who can coordinate with medical services on your behalf.
In a remote area: Call 1669. Private hospital ambulances may not reach rural locations, and public services will be your fastest option.
Overcoming language barriers
The 1669 operators usually speak basic English, but explaining a complex location or medical situation can be difficult. Here's what works:
Say "English" immediately when your call connects. Most operators can handle basic communication.
Ask a Thai person nearby for help. Hotel staff, shop workers, or bystanders can describe your location to the operator far more effectively than you can. Hand them your phone.
Call 1155 as a backup. The Tourist Police hotline has guaranteed English-speaking operators 24/7. They can contact medical services for you and help coordinate.
Call a private hospital directly. Bumrungrad, Bangkok Hospital, and other major private hospitals have multilingual staff and can dispatch their own ambulances in urban areas. Please make sure to call their emergency number and not the regular front desk.
How to communicate your location
One of the biggest challenges for foreigners is explaining where they are. Thai addresses can be confusing, and you may not know the name of your street or soi.
Use Google Maps. Tap the blue dot showing your current location, then tap "Share" to copy coordinates or send a link. You can share this with the operator or someone helping you.
Reference landmarks. Major hotels, 7-Eleven stores, BTS/MRT stations, temples, and shopping malls are useful reference points. "I'm at the 7-Eleven on Sukhumvit Soi 23" is easier to find than a street address.
The 1669 system can locate you automatically in many areas using your phone's GPS when you call. However, don't rely solely on this, always try to describe your location as well.
If you're at your accommodation, take a photo of the address in Thai when you first arrive. This can be shown to emergency responders or read over the phone by a Thai speaker.
What to expect when the ambulance arrives
Government ambulances may arrive with volunteer first responders rather than medical professionals. They will transport you to a hospital but may provide limited treatment during the journey.
Private hospital ambulances arrive with medical teams who can begin treatment immediately and communicate with you in English.
Response times vary. In Bangkok, expect 10-20 minutes depending on traffic. In rural areas or on islands, it may take significantly longer.
If you have a preference for which hospital you want to go to, communicate this clearly. Government ambulances will generally take you to the nearest facility, while private ambulances will transport you to their network hospital.
Emergency numbers to save in your phone
Save these numbers before you need them:
- 1669: National emergency medical services
- 1155: Tourist Police (English-speaking, 24/7)
- 1724: BDMS hospital network (Bangkok Hospital, Samitivej, BNH, Phayathai)
- +66 2011 5222: Bumrungrad International Hospital (Bangkok)
- 191: Police
- 199: Fire department
Note: 911 also works in Thailand and will route to emergency services.
Prepare before an emergency happens
Carry your insurance card and save your insurer's emergency hotline. Private hospitals may ask for payment confirmation before extensive treatment. Having insurance documentation ready avoids delays. Urgent care will always be provided.
Know which hospitals in your area accept your insurance and offer direct billing. Major private hospitals like Bumrungrad, Bangkok Hospital, and Samitivej are experienced with international insurance.
Photograph your accommodation's address in Thai. This helps emergency services find you and can be read over the phone if needed.
Download the Tourist Police "I Lert U" app. It provides one-button emergency alerts with GPS tracking and supports multiple languages including English, Chinese, and Japanese.
Private hospitals with English-speaking emergency care by region
Bangkok: Bumrungrad International, Bangkok Hospital, Samitivej Sukhumvit, BNH Hospital
Chiang Mai: Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Ram Hospital
Phuket: Bangkok Hospital Phuket, Vachira Hospital (public, more affordable)
Pattaya: Bangkok Hospital Pattaya
Koh Samui: Bangkok Hospital Samui, Bandon International Hospital
The BDMS network (accessible via 1724) operates 45+ hospitals across Thailand, ensuring coverage in most tourist destinations.
Summary
Thailand has capable emergency medical services, but the system works differently than what you may be used to. Government ambulances (1669) are free and available everywhere but are often staffed by volunteers focused on transport. Private hospital ambulances (1724 or direct hospital lines) provide physician-staffed, English-speaking care but cost money.
For English speakers who need help communicating, the Tourist Police (1155) are your most reliable backup. Save the key numbers in your phone, know which private hospitals are near you, and carry your insurance documentation. A few minutes of preparation can make a significant difference if you ever need emergency care in Thailand.
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