Emergency Contacts for Foreign Business Owners

Tomorrow is the official start of the Songkran holidays. While we hope for a peaceful break, being a responsible director means being prepared for the unexpected. Keep these numbers in your contact list.

 

The Essentials

• Tourist Police: 1155 (English speaking, very helpful for foreigners in any crisis).
• General Emergency: 191 (Standard police line).
• Medical Emergency: 1669 (The national ambulance service).
• Fire Department: 199

 

Business-Specific Setup

• Your Accountant/Lawyer: Do you have their Line ID? Email will be slow this week; Line is the primary way to reach professional contacts in Thailand for urgent matters.
• Your Building Security: Most office towers in Bangkok have 24/7 security desks. Get the direct mobile number of the head of security for your building.
• Electricity (MEA/PEA): 1130 / 1129 (For reporting power outages or electrical hazards).

 

Before You Leave the Office

• Run payroll and any urgent government filings early—banks and agencies run on holiday schedules all week.
• Back up key documents—passports, work permits, company affidavits, lease agreements—to secure cloud storage.
• Leave one responsible person with authority (and your lawyer's contact) in case a decision cannot wait for your return.
• Confirm that alarm codes, keys, and access cards are accounted for with whoever is covering.

 

The 'Golden Rule' of Emergencies

If an issue arises involving local authorities, stay calm and respectful. In Thailand, a "Face-Saving" and polite approach will resolve an emergency ten times faster than raising your voice.

 

If Something Does Go Wrong

Handle first, escalate second: for any medical or safety event, call the emergency line before anyone else. For anything involving the authorities—your premises, your staff, or an accident—speak to your lawyer before making statements or signing anything, and photograph or note everything while it is fresh. A calm written record made on the day is worth far more than a perfect recollection a week later.

 

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