Save Phuket’s important emergency numbers before you need them. In a real emergency, give your location clearly, name the beach, road, hotel or landmark if you know it, and ask a Thai-speaking staff member or bystander to help with the call when language is making things slower.
The four numbers most visitors should save
- 191 — general police emergency.
- 1155 — Tourist Police, the visitor-focused police service.
- 1669 — national emergency medical service / ambulance.
- 199 — fire and rescue.
Thailand’s government and Tourist Police were still publishing these core numbers in 2025–26. For an immediate threat to life or safety, use the relevant emergency service rather than messaging a hotel or travel agent and waiting for a reply.
Tourist Police: 1155
The Tourist Police are particularly useful for foreign visitors dealing with scams, theft, disputes, lost property, communication problems or uncertainty about which police service to contact. The national hotline is 1155. Keep screenshots, receipts, vehicle registration details and other evidence if you are reporting a dispute.
Medical emergency: 1669
Call 1669 for an emergency ambulance. Give the clearest location possible and describe the problem briefly. If the casualty is on a beach, island, trail or boat, tell the operator that access is difficult so the response can be coordinated appropriately.
For serious but non-immediate medical problems, your insurer’s assistance line can help identify an appropriate hospital and explain payment or guarantee-of-payment procedures. Do not delay urgent care while waiting for insurance approval.
Fire and rescue: 199
Use 199 for fire emergencies. Leave a burning building, raise the alarm and follow staff or emergency-service instructions. Do not return for luggage or electronics.
Water emergencies
Phuket’s biggest visitor risks include surf, currents and boating incidents. Alert lifeguards immediately if they are present and call emergency services for a serious incident. Thailand’s government also lists 1196 for water emergencies. Give the beach or marine location as precisely as possible.
Immigration: 1178
The Immigration Bureau hotline is 1178. Use it for immigration-service questions rather than a police emergency. Visa rules are sensitive to individual circumstances, so keep copies of your passport identity page, entry information and any extension documents.
Tourism information: 1672
The Tourism Authority of Thailand contact number is 1672. This is useful for general tourism information, not as a substitute for police, ambulance or fire services in an emergency.
Phuket Airport and airline problems
For a flight, baggage or airline problem, contact your airline first. Airports of Thailand’s passenger contact centre is 1722. For a lost passport or immigration issue, separate the problem: the airline handles the booking, immigration handles border status, and your embassy or consulate handles emergency travel documents.
Lost or stolen passport
Report theft to police, then contact your embassy or consulate for replacement or emergency-document instructions. Keep a secure digital copy of your passport identity page and travel insurance policy. Your embassy cannot normally replace money, cancel a hotel bill or make a local offence disappear, but it can explain consular options.
Road crash or rental dispute
For injuries, call 1669; for police assistance, call 191 or Tourist Police 1155. Photograph the scene only if it is safe, record vehicle registrations and insurer details, and do not sign a document you do not understand. Contact your travel insurer promptly when medical treatment or a significant claim may follow.
Scams, threats and nightlife incidents
Move to a safe public place, avoid escalating an argument and contact Tourist Police on 1155 for visitor-specific help. If there is immediate violence or a weapon, use 191. Keep your hotel address saved in Thai and English so you can show a driver or officer where you are staying.
Natural hazards and severe weather
During dangerous weather, follow Thai authorities, hotel management and local evacuation instructions. Avoid flooded roads, rough-sea boat trips and closed beaches. If authorities close a route or attraction, do not treat the closure as optional because an online map still shows the road.
What to keep on your phone
- Passport identity-page copy.
- Travel-insurance policy and assistance number.
- Hotel name, address and phone number in English and Thai if available.
- Emergency contact at home.
- Allergy, medication and important medical information.
- Airline booking and embassy/consulate contact details.
Before calling, know where you are
Location is often the most useful information you can provide. Drop a pin in your map app, note the nearest business or beach access, and use a hotel receptionist, tour guide or Thai-speaking bystander to relay details if necessary. On remote beaches or islands, mention that the casualty may require marine or off-road access.
Related Phuket safety guides
Read Health & Safety in Phuket for medical preparation, Common Scams for prevention, and Renting a Scooter or Car before driving.