Communication

content from GV Thailand Information Handbook

Can You Hear Me Now?

Thailand’s communication network is becoming increasingly sophisticated. It is possible to make international calls and send faxes or access to the internet and send e-mails from all business centers and main hotels. Public phones and internet cafés can be found on main roads and many minors one in provincial cities. The postal system, however, can be erratic; if you are sending valuables it is advisable to use courier services.

Local Calls: Calls can be dialed throughout Bangkok and greater Bangkok at one baht for the first three minutes. Your calling time is limited, do have some coins handy to continue the call if needed. In-country long distance calls are charged according to destination while calling to mobile phones is charged at three baht per minute.

International Calls: International phone calls can be made easily from mid to upper level hotels. There is direct dialing to and from more than 50 countries on five continents. Rates for calling out of the country are normally considerably higher than for calling in so if you expect a long conversation you might save some money by having your party call back if possible. If you can't call from your hotel, go to the General Post Office (GPO) on major post offices, and call from special booths for overseas calls. At Bangkok International Airport, you can be made at Credit Card Telephone booths or Post and Telegraph Offices located in the departure and arrival lobbies.

Pre-paid international phone cards can be purchased and used from specified phone booths such as Lenso or any phone to make international calls. They are generally available in places such as; post offices, bookstores, department stores and mini-marts. Prices are Baht 300, 500 and 1000.
- Operator assisted international calls: Dial 100 + (country code) + (area code) + (telephone number)
- Direct international calls: Dial 001 + (country code) + (area code) + (telephone number)

Telephone Rental: Rental of cellular telephones is available to arriving passengers at the counter in the arrival hall at Bangkok International Airport and other provincial airports around the country.

Postal Services: Thailand's mail service is reliable and efficient. Major hotels provide basic postal services on their premises. Be wary of sending valuable items through the mail as parcels have been known to go astray. Greater reliability can usually be assured by sending letters and packages by registered mail or via International Express Mail (EMS).

Courier Services: The major international courier companies such as DHL, FedEx and TNT operate in Thailand so it is easy to have goods air freighted home. However, for very heavy items, shipping is the better option.

Are you sure it's plugged in?

Internet and Email: Major hotels often provide the internet service for guests. However, should be aware that as with phone calls, hotels add a heavy markup for the service. It can be cheaper to take advantage of the internet service available at the internet cafés that can be found on main roads in provincial cities or larger tourist areas. Typically, baht 30-60 per hour.