EMBASSY

U.S. Embassy Bangkok
95 Wireless Road
Bangkok 10330
Thailand
Telephone: + (66) (2) 205-4049, 02-205-4049 (within Thailand)
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(66) (2) 205-4000, 02-205-4000 (within Thailand)
Fax: +(66) (2) 205-4103, 02-205-4103 (within Thailand)
Email: acsbkk@state.gov

CONSULATE 

U.S. Consulate General Chiang Mai
387 Witchayanond Road
Chiang Mai 50300
Thailand
Telephone: +(66) (53) 107-777, 053-107-777 (within Thailand)
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(66) 81-881-1878, 081-881-1878 (within Thailand)
Fax: +(66) (53) 252-633, 053-252-633 (within Thailand)
Email: acschn@state.gov

Review the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Thailand for information on U.S.-Thailand relations.

Visit the Royal Thai Embassy website for the most current visa information.

• U.S. citizen tourists entering Thailand for fewer than 60 days do not require a visa but pre-arrival online registration is required. We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your arrival in Thailand to avoid possible denied entry.
• Thai immigration officials or airline staff may ask for your onward/return ticket or financial ability to remain in Thailand.
• Business travelers, U.S. government employees travelling on official business, teachers, retirees, and those planning to stay longer than 60 days should check with the Royal Thai Embassy about visa requirements.
• If you overstay your visa, you will be fined. Depending on the length of overstay, you may also be arrested, detained, deported at your own expense, and banned from re-entering Thailand.

We strongly recommend you always carry a digital or physical copy of your U.S. passport identification page and current Thai visa while in Thailand to help avoid detention by the Thai immigration police.

Thailand’s entry/exit information is subject to change without notice. For the most current information, please see The Royal Thai Police Immigration Bureau.

You can find detailed information on vaccinations and other health precautions on the CDC website. 

HIV/AIDS Restrictions: Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Thailand. Please verify this information with the Royal Thai Embassy before you travel.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

If a protest or demonstration is expected to pass near the U.S. Embassy or Consulate facilities, the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok’s website, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) sites and the U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai’s website, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) sites post information about local events that may affect Consulate functions. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security and safety messages.

Far Southern Thailand: Periodic violence between Thai security services and armed insurgents occurs in Thailand’s 3 southernmost provinces—Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat. Seventeen districts in these provinces remain under a declared state of emergency due to ongoing violent conflict. There is a collateral risk of violence for U.S. citizens in Thailand’s southernmost provinces due to low intensity conflict. The main dangers for U.S. citizens in these southernmost provinces are from improvised explosive devices and small arms.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these provinces as U.S government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these provinces.

Crime:

• Crimes of opportunity, such as pick-pocketing, bag-snatching, and burglary, occur in Thailand.
• Violent crimes against foreigners are relatively rare. However, murders, rapes, and assaults against foreigners do occur.
• Sexually motivated violence is most likely to occur after time spent at bars, clubs, and parties, on beaches, or in remote/isolated areas. Sexual assault victims should make a police report in the jurisdiction where the crime occurred. You may also want to contact the Embassy and hire a local attorney.
• When traveling alone, exercise caution, stay near other travelers, and ensure friends or family know how to contact you.
• Taxi and “tuk-tuk” drivers may attempt to charge excessive fares or refuse passengers. You should either request the driver use the meter or agree on the fare beforehand.
• At the airport use only public transportation from the airport’s official pick-up area, cars from the limousine counters, rail links (where applicable), or a car from your hotel.
• Rental scams occur in Thailand. Many rental motorbike, jet ski, and car companies will hold your passport until you pay for real or fictitious damages. Do not use your passport as collateral.
• Exorbitant bar tab scams occur in Thailand. Some bars and entertainment venues will charge exorbitant prices for drinks or unadvertised cover charges and threaten violence if you don’t pay.
• Other scams involving gems, city tours, entertainment venues, and credit cards are common, especially in tourist areas.
• Self-purported visa brokers will offer to take passports on “visa runs” to neighboring countries to “stamp out/stamp in” travelers to reset their 60-day visa-free travel or offer to obtain a visa for U.S. citizens in ways that do not conform to Thai law. We do not recommend handing your passport over to unknown individuals.

Scams: Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Thailand. Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages for information. 

Be careful when using dating apps or online dating websites while abroad. Scammers may target U.S. citizens. Tell your friends and family where you are, meet in a popular public place, and avoid consuming suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs. 

Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Tips to avoid scammers:

• Look for red flags like their location is far away, their profile was recently created or seems to be too good to be true, the pace of the relationship is moving too quickly, or they ask for money.
• Set up a phone call/video chat in the initial stages.
• Do a reverse image search on the profile picture.
• If they ask for help, you should refer to them to the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate so we can work with local authorities to assist.
• If you believe you have been scammed, report the incident to local law enforcement right away and stop all communications with the scammer.

Technology Usage Abroad: Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and physical damage anywhere in the world. Best practices prior to traveling abroad are keeping all software (operating system and apps) updated and use virtual private network (VPN) and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications if possible. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi.

GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety consideration.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. Report crimes to the local police by calling 191 or the Tourist Police at 1155 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +66 (0) 2-205-4049 or Consulate at +(66) (53) 107-777. Local officials are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.

Local police are reluctant to become involved in domestic issues. You may call the Social Help Center hotline by dialing 1300 from any Thai phone.

Review our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Tourism: The tourism industry is not well regulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. Dangerous areas/activities are not always labeled properly. Staff may not be trained or certified by the host government or recognized authorities. If you get injured, you will likely only find appropriate medical treatment in or near major cities. First responders cannot reach areas outside major cities to provide urgent medical care. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. Review our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you break local laws, even if you don't know it, you can be kicked out of the area, arrested, or put in prison. If you want to start a business or work in a job that needs special permits or licenses, you should get information from the local authorities before you start.

Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, review our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website. 

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. Review our webpage for further information.

Conditions at the Bangkok Immigration Detention Center (IDC): Conditions in immigration detention centers (IDCs), where authorities detain foreign nationals who violate immigration laws, remain poor and most are overcrowded. IDCs, administered by the Thai Immigration Bureau, which reports to the Royal Thai Police (RTP), are not subject to many of the regulations that govern the regular prison system. U.S. citizen detainees often complain of stark unhealthy living conditions and significant overcrowding. Personal security is poor. In addition, the IDC facilities throughout Thailand can only provide very basic health care. Deportations are self-funded, and it may take up to 2 weeks for Thai authorities to process a case before deportation. Detainees must have funds to purchase a phone card and do not have access to the internet. Prior approval and a security escort are required to visit a Western Union or an ATM machine.

• Please see the Department of State’s Report on Human Rights Practices for Thailand for further information.

Lèse majesté (Royal Insult): Making a critical or defamatory comment about the royal family is punishable by a prison sentence of up to 15 years per offense. As an example, purposely tearing Thai bank notes, which carry an image of the King, may be considered a lèse majesté offense.

Prostitution is illegal in Thailand. Serious consequences include criminal conviction and imprisonment, particularly for child prostitution. 

Personal use of even non-lethal military equipment, such as protective vests and night vision scopes, is prohibited.

Illegal drugs carry severe penalties. Expect long jail sentences under harsh conditions, heavy fines, or even execution for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs. Please visit the Royal Thai Government’s Office of the Narcotics Control Board for more information. Also please note that some prescription medication from the United States is not legal to possess under Thai law. Please see “Medication for Personal Use” in the Health Section.

Shoplifting can result in large fines and lengthy detention followed by deportation.

Defamation Laws: Thailand has strict laws concerning publicly “defaming” or ‘damaging’ the reputation of a person or business, which can include leaving a negative review on a public website, punishable with civil and/or criminal penalties.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries. They may be illegal according to local laws.  Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.  You may be subject to fines and/or have to give up counterfeit and pirated goods if you bring them back to the United States.  Review the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers: Review the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports

International Volunteers: Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGB Travelers: There are no known legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGB events in Thailand. However, LGB groups report that in the case of sexual crimes, police tend to downplay sexual abuse claims from LGB victims.

See our LGB Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Thailand prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is sporadically enforced.

Sidewalks and street crossings are not suitable for travelers with mobility issues. Newly constructed buildings, facilities, and transportation equipment should be accessible by law for persons with mobility issues. However, enforcement of these provisions is not uniform.

Rental, repair, and replacement parts for mobility aids, medical equipment medical devices and service providers are available in Bangkok and other major cities but are rare outside major metropolitan areas.

Review our Travelers with Disabilities page.  

Students: Review our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips for U.S. students.

Women Travelers: Victims of sexual assault or domestic violence may find that Thai authorities do not handle such cases with as much sensitivity or consideration for privacy as they would expect in the United States.

Review our travel tips for Women Travelers.

For emergency services in Thailand, dial 1669 for Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

Ambulance services are:

• Not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas except in Bangkok and other major cities.
• Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

Review our Health Abroad page for more information.

• Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Traveler Advice for Thailand. 
• Review all sub-sections. These include Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip.
• We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health page. CDC Traveler Advice provides advice on medical considerations including:
  • Reasons for Travel (for example: Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel)
  • Travelers with Special Considerations (for example: Allergies, Long-Term Travelers and Expatriates)
  • General Tips (for example: Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines)

Medical treatment is generally adequate in Thailand’s urban areas. In Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya, good facilities exist for routine, long-term, and emergency health care. Basic medical care is available in rural areas and on islands, but English-speaking providers are rare.

The Department of State, U.S. embassies and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on types of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

·        The Department of State strongly recommends supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Medicine for personal use: Up to a 30-day supply may be brought into the country with you. . Do not mail medicine to Thailand without first confirming it will be allowed into the country.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. Check with Thailand Customs and the Thailand Food and Drug Administration to ensure the medication is legal in Thailand.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization Travel Advice Page
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Traveler’s Health page

Air Quality: The air quality in Thailand varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons, but seasonal smog is a problem. In recent years the air quality in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Lampang, Nan, and Samut Sakhon have exceeded Thai and U.S. government daily standards for fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) for a portion of the year. In Chiang Mai and other northern provinces, annual agricultural burning, approximately February through late April, and forest fires cause days with unhealthy to hazardous air quality based on the U.S. index. In Bangkok environs, airborne dust and auto pollutants are prevalent in the cooler, dry period (December-February). Anyone who travels where pollution levels are high is at risk. People at the greatest risk from air pollution exposure include:

• Infants, children, and teens
• People over 65 years of age
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
• People with heart disease or diabetes
• People who work or are active outdoors

For Bangkok and Chiang Mai, U.S. Mission Thailand is reporting the U.S. EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI) calculated from PM2.5 data captured by monitors owned and maintained by the Royal Thai Government. The information and advice on health protection measures to take is available

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations overseas.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast, which uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a three-day forecast of expected air quality in Thailand. 
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page. 
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow. 
• For general health information, visit the “Your Health Abroad” page.

Doctors and Hospitals: The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Health facilities in general:

• Adequate health facilities are available in Bangkok and other major cities but health care in rural areas and on islands may be below U.S. standards.
• Hospitals and doctors require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always available.
• Medical staff at public hospitals may speak little or no English.
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery:

• Medical tourism is a fast-growing industry. If you want healthcare in another country, you need to know that their medical systems are different from the United States. They don't follow the same rules. Before you travel for medical reasons, talk to your doctor.
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Medical Tourism website for information on Medical Tourism. Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Thailand.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.
• Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Thailand.
• Although Thailand has many elective/cosmetic surgery facilities that are on par with those found in the United States, the quality of care varies widely. If you plan to undergo surgery in Thailand, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available and professionals are accredited and qualified.

Pharmaceuticals:

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration have rules for bringing medication back to the United States. Medication bought abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back. The medication must be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. Visit the websites of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration for more information.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy:

• If you are considering traveling to Thailand to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page.
• Surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in Thailand, subject to complex local regulation. For additional information, visit the Government of Thailand’s website for information on foreigner surrogacy.

Water Quality and Food Safety:

• In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

Road Conditions and Safety:

• Traffic accidents are common in Thailand. According to the World Health Organization, Thailand had one of the world’s highest traffic-related fatality rates. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and other major cities can have heavy traffic.
• Reckless driving: Speeding, reckless passing, and failure to obey other traffic laws are common in Thailand. Traffic moves on the left. Some drivers move illegally against the traffic. Scooters and motorbikes commonly drive on the sidewalks during rush hour and other periods of heavy traffic. Commercial drivers commonly consume alcohol, amphetamines, and other stimulants.
• Accidents involving motorcycles can be deadly. Riders may incur serious injuries when not wearing helmets or proper clothing and footwear. In 2024, multiple U.S. citizens died in traffic accidents involving riders of 2- and 3-wheeled vehicles in Thailand. Use of motorcycle helmets is mandatory, but this law is sporadically enforced. 
• Use a pedestrian bridge to cross the road where one is available, including in front of the U.S. Embassy on Wireless Road and on Sukhumvit Road, where many pedestrians have been killed and several U.S. citizens seriously injured. Look carefully in both directions before crossing streets, even when using a marked crosswalk. 
• If you have a traffic accident, you should contact your insurance company for guidance in dealing with the other party and the police.
• Emergency vehicles: Congested roads and a scarcity of ambulances can make it difficult for accident victims to receive timely medical attention

Traffic Laws:

• Driving under influence is punishable by law. If you are found to be intoxicated, you could be jailed for a minimum of two years and subject to a fine.
• Bribes are illegal. If you are found guilty, you could be imprisoned up to five years, face severe fines, or both.
• The following violations are also subject to a fine: 
  • Lack of ID.
  • Not obeying traffic laws and traffic signals.
  • Driving slowly in regular lanes of traffic.

Public Transportation:

• Mass transit: In Bangkok, the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) elevated "Skytrain," “Airport Rail Link” mass transit, and the underground Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) systems are reliable, inexpensive, air conditioned, and often faster than Bangkok traffic.
• Bus system: Bangkok also has an extensive bus system, but buses can be overcrowded and are often driven with little or no regard for passenger safety.
• For hire vehicles: Cities outside of Bangkok typically have only rudimentary public transportation and usually do not have metered taxis. In many cases, motorcycle taxis, tuk-tuks, bicycle-powered rickshaws, and pick-up trucks will be the only options available for travelers without their own transport.
• Smartphone-based for-hire vehicle service exists in Bangkok and other large cities. Those affiliated with registered taxis, such as Grab Taxi, Line Taxi, and All Thai Taxi are legal, but their affiliated car services are under legal review.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority does not meet international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA’s website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime Travel: Mariners and passengers planning travel to Thailand should check for U.S. Maritime advisories and alerts.  Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard Homeport website, and the NGA Navigational Warnings website.”