Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Not The Nation
(
www.notthenation.com
)
Thailand's answer to
The Onion
.
MEDICAL SERVICES
Thanks to its high standard of hospital care, Bangkok is fast becoming a destination for
medical tourists shopping for more affordable dental check-ups, elective surgery and cos-
metic procedures. Pharmacists (chemists) throughout the city can diagnose and treat most
minor ailments (Bangkok belly, sinus and skin infections etc).
The following hospitals offer 24-hour emergency services, and the numbers below
should be contacted if you need an ambulance or immediate medical attention. Most of
these hospitals also have daily clinics with English-speaking staff.
Bangkok Christian Hospital
(
0 2235 1000;
www.bangkokchristianhospital.org
;
124 Th Silom;
Si Lom exit 2,
Sala Daeng exit 1)
BNH
(
0 2686 2700;
www.bnhhospital.com
;
9 Th Convent;
Si Lom exit 2,
Sala Daeng exit 2)
Bumrungrad International Hospital
(
0 2667 1000;
www.bumrungrad.com
;
33 Soi 3, Th Sukhumvit;
Phloen
Chit exit 3)
Samitivej Hospital
(
0 2711 8000;
www.samitivejhospitals.com
;
133 Soi 49, Th Sukhumvit;
Phrom Phong exit
3 & taxi)
St Louis Hospital
(
0 2210 9999;
www.saintlouis.or.th
;
215 Th Sathon Tai;
Surasak exit)
MONEY
Regular bank hours in Bangkok are generally 8.30am to 3.30pm, although branches in
busy areas and shopping malls are open later. ATMs are common in all areas of the city.
Many Thai banks also have currency-exchange bureaus; there are also exchange desks
within eyeshot of most tourist areas. Go to 7-Eleven shops or other reputable places to
break 1000B bills; don't expect a vendor or taxi to be able to change a bill 500B or larger.
POST
Main Post Office
(Communications Authority of Thailand, CAT; 0 2233 1050; Th Charoen Krung; 8am-8pm
Mon-Fri, to 1pm Sat & Sun; Tha Oriental)
Near Soi 35, Th Charoen Krung, services include
poste restante and packaging within the main building. Branch post offices throughout the
city also offer poste restante and parcel services.
TOILETS
Public toilets in Bangkok are few and far between and your best bet is to head for a shop-
ping centre, fast-food restaurant, or our favourite, a luxury hotel (just waltz in as if you're
staying there). Shopping centres might charge 2B to 5B for a visit; some newer shopping
