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Dialling

Landlines have eight digits and mobile phones nine, with the first number either being an eight or a nine.

To Call Internationally from Thailand

When calling internationally using the standard 001 prefix, calls will be made through the Communications Authority of Thailand (known as Cat Telecom). Call centre: 1322

When dialling 008 or 007 before the country code, a discounted call charge is applied, although call quality is variable.

The prefix 007 is a little more expensive, however this is reflected in the better quality of the line.

To Call Thailand Internationally

Thailand's country code is +66.

Calling within Thailand

The largest cities have different area codes:

• Bangkok: 2
• Chiang Mai: 52, 53
• Chonburi: 33, 38
• Hat Yai: 74
• Lampang: 54
• Nakhon Ratchasima: 44
• Nonthanburi: 2
• Samut Prakan: 2
• Udon Thani: 42

Telephone Providers in Thailand

There are three main telephone line providers in Bangkok:

• TOT Call centre: 1100
• TT&T Call centre: 1103
• True Call centre: 02 900 9000

The companies all provide English-speaking customer service officers who should be able to help with most questions or problems.

Many shopping centres have outlets for True, TT&T and TOT.

Expats who wish to connect a new line or re-connect an existing one should visit the chosen company office with the following documentation:

• Passport
• Valid visa
• A copy of work permit (if applicable) or Certificate of Residence issued by Thai Immigration or Letter of residence from the Embassy certified and translated into Thai

If you rent a property, a letter from the landlord and a copy of your House Registration Document is also usually needed. It is therefore often easier to ask your landlord to arrange a telephone connection.

Rates for Telephone Service in Thailand

Bills are paid monthly, either at the local telecom office, at a 7-11/Family Mart, by direct debit, by Internet or telephone banking, at the bank, cheque by post, credit card, direct debit, ATM transfer or at the Post Office.

Only certain banks and credit cards will be accepted by individual telecoms providers so it is best to check with the company.

Public Phones in Thailand

There are two types of public phones available in Thailand:

Yellow Lenso Payphone - If you need to make an international call, you will need to find a bright yellow Lenso payphone. This can be found on the street, in most shopping malls and at the two airports. A prepaid card (see below) is usually required, although some will accept a credit card.

Silver Payphone - The phones for making local and domestic calls are usually silver and accept coins. Local calls (within the same area code) cost 1 baht a minute. They are found on the street and in most BTS stations.

Prepaid Cards

Prepaid cards are available in various denominations from most convenience stalls, post offices and guest houses.

Generally the same steps apply to any calling card:

• Dial the access number
• Enter your PIN number
• Enter the number you wish to dial

Skype, Google and other ways to connect

The great thing about being an expat today is that there are so many other ways of keeping in touch with loved ones back home for free: email, Facetime, Skype, whatsapp, google chat, Twitter and Instagram - the possibilities are endless!

Many expats choose to write an expat blog about their new life. Not only is it a great record/diary of the experience, but it's another way to keep friends and family updated and connect with other people abroad.

Read the EasyExpat article, Expats Connect: Skype & Other Services, for other ways to connect with friends and family.