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Telephone Directory Enquiry tel: 1113 or 1133 (TOT)
Thai Yellow Pages site: www.yellowpages.co.th/en
Useful Telephone Numbers
Emergency Calls
| ( 24 hrs )
| 191 (police)
199 (fire)
1699 (tourist police)
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Helicopter Emergency Service
|
| 1719
Operated by Bangkok-Phuket hospital
(lands at Centara Seaview Resort,
Nang Thong, Khao Lak)
www.bangkokhelicopter.co.th
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Diving Emergency Service
(SSS Recompression Chamber Network)
(Global Hyperbaric Medicine)
| 24 hrs
| Tel + 66 (0) 81 081 9444
24 hrs but operates from
Phuket from May to
September
http://www.sssnetwork.com
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| Police stations |
Khao Lak |
(076) 420558 |
| | Khuk Khak | (076) 420519 |
| Takuapa
| (076) 421116
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Phang Nga provincial police
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(076) 412075 |
Muang police
(Phang Nga)
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(076) 412073 |
Takua Thung general district hospital (Khok Kloi town)
(around the corner from Khok Kloi police staion near the main traffic lights and route 4 and Soi Tambon 3 town junction)
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Route 4 traffic light junction
central Khok Kloi, Phang Nga |
(076) 581 395
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General hospital
(Phang Nga town)
|
436 Phet Kasem road, T. Thai Chang, Mueang Phang Nga 82000 |
(076) 412032, 411616-9
Phang Nga hospital website
Phang Nga hospital website
Phang Nga Provincial Public Health Office website
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General hospital
(Thai Muang town )
|
Rongphayaban Hospital
166 Phet Kasem Road, Thai Muang town |
076 571505 (Mon-Fri)
Thai Muang Public Health Dept
076 571 492
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| Takuapa General Hospital | 39/2 Moo 1, Phetkasem Road, T. Bang Naisri
Takuapa town |
(076) 442443, 431488
(076) 431513-6
(076) 421080
Takuapa hospital website
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Clinic Dr. Chusak
KhaoLak | 10/1 Moo 7
Petchkasem Road
Ban La On
| (076) 485738
081 737 6098
081 968 9702
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Clinic Dr. Sumet
KhaoLak | Petchkasem Road
Bang Niang
| 086 946 7638
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Clinic Dr. Seree
KhaoLak | (towards the beach)
Ban La On
| (076) 420149
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Inter Clinic
KhaoLak | (entrance road to Bang Niang beach)
Bang Niang
| (076) 486551
087 628 3577
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Dental Home
Khao Lak
| 28/34 Moo 7
Kukkak
Takuapa
www.khaolakdentalhome.com
| 089 588 8558
(076) 485 895
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Dental Clinic
KhaoLak
| 5/55 Moo 7
Petchkasem Road
(opposite The Sands resort in Nang Thong)
| (076) 485858 |
Bumrungrad
Hospital (BH)
Bangkok | 33 Sukhumvit 3
Soi Nana Nua
Wattana Bangkok 10110 | (02) 6671000 |
( The Bumrungrad Hospital is truly internationally acclaimed )
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Useful Telephone Numbers in Phuket
| Police |
|
191
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| Tourist Police |
|
1699 and 1155 |
| |
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(076) 214368 |
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(076) 219878
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| Ambulance |
|
(076) 254425 |
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(076) 210935
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| Medical Emergency |
|
1719
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Bangkok-Phuket
Hospital
|
2/1 Hongyot Utis Road
Phuket Town (24hrs) |
1719
(076) 254421-4
info@phukethospital.com
www.phukethospital.com
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Phuket International
Hospital |
Bypass road
next to Big C supermarket
44 Chalermprakiat Ror 9 Rd
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(076) 249400
(076) 210936
info@phuket-inter-hospital.co.th
www.phuket-inter-hospital.co.th
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| Mission Hospital |
4/1 Thepkasattri Road
Phuket Town
(Sun-Thu 08:30-16:00)
(Fri 08:00-12:00)
|
(076) 212386
(076) 212149
(076) 237220-5
(076) 211907
pkah@phuket.ksc.co.th
www.missionhospitalphuket.com
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| Wachira Hospital |
Yaowarat Rd
Phuket City"
(Daily 08:30-16:00)
(24 hours Emergencies) |
(076) 211114
(076) 211155
(076) 212150
vachirapkt@hotmail.com
www.vachiraphuket.go.th
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| Patong hospital |
Soi Sainamyen
Patong Beach
|
(076) 344225
(076) 340617
(emergencies) (076) 340444
patonghospital@hotmail.com
www.patonghospital.com
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Thalang Government Hospital
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Thepkrasattri Rd
Thalang
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(076) 311111
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3D Imaging Center (Dental)
( using Sirona Galileo )
|
3-5 Chana Road, A. Mueang,
Phuket Town
|
(076) 212766
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| Dr Thiti Clinic |
1 Visit Road
Rawai
(near Chalong Circle)
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(076) 381781
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| Dr Niran's Clinic |
5/12 Moo 8 Chaofa Rd,
Phuket 83100
(opposite Esso Chalong)
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(076) 283002-8
dr_niran@hotmail.com
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| Bangkok International Clinic |
Canal Village
Laguna Phuket
|
(076) 325442
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Phuket Tourist Rescue Centre
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Chalong |
(076) 383907 - 9
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| Immigration |
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(076) 212108 |
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(076) 221905
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| Customs |
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(076) 211105
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| Harbour master |
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(076) 391174
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Diving Chambers
(Recompression)
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Hyperbaric Services
Patong |
(076) 342518 |
Diving Chambers
(Recompression)
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Vachira Hospital
Phuket City |
(076) 211114 |
Diving Chambers
(Recompression)
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Bangkok Phuket Hospital
Phuket City |
(076) 254421 |
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Medical and Dental Clinics
You may need to consider that under Thai law, the general clinics are not usually allowed to offer a complete full range of anesthetic
procedures. Only a true hospital can offer a general anaesthetic (GA). But sometimes it is possible to register with a clinic in such a way that the work is done at the hospital.
For example if you suffer from dental anxiety or common dental phoebia, the dental clinics will only be able to offer the standard local injection.
They will not be able to offer the full range of sedation - for this you need to visit a true hospital (probably in Bangkok or Phuket Town).
For example, Bangkok Hospital / Bangkok Hospital Dental Center ( Soi 47, New Petchburi Road , Bangkok 10310 - tel: 02 310 3000) charges 20,000 baht for the first hour for IV sedation.
For a GA, a medical is required within 7 days prior to the work - ie. ecg, chest xray, blood test, blood pressure on a treadmill, and sometimes a urine test etc.
You will probably need to stay in the hospital for one night due to possible drowsiness, and in any case you may be on a drip after a GA.
That is not to say that the quality of the clinic's work is inferior.
It is merely an issue for some people's personal preference for specialised anesthetic and sedation needs.
But usually there are three hospital sedation options:
- a 2mg diazepham tablet
- nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
- general anaesthetic
A natural alternative for sleeping and anxiety is Lavender Oil (French pure essential Oil 10ml Therapeutic Grade)
In a small bottle but it goes a long way. Inhale the aroma or rub one or two drops only in your hands or shoulders.
But the nitrous oxide sedation gas actually works - sleepy but still awake.
No need to worry about headphones or earplugs. And of course they should take an xray before and after.
As a solution to bad breath and bad oral bacteria some people recommend a mouthwash of pure coconut oil (extra virgin certified organic and cold pressed)
before breakfast. How is Organic Virgin Coconut Oil different to Refined Coconut Oil?
These two types of coconut oil are actually quite different, and it is important to know the exact differences before choosing one over the other.
Depending on what you’re using the oil for, you’ll usually find that one will fit your purposes much better than the other.
According to the Coconut Research Center, coconut oil kills the viruses that cause measles, SARS, influenza, herpes, hepatitis, and other sombre health issues.
It also kills bacteria that cause urinary tract infections, ulcers, pneumonia, throat infections, and gonorrhoea.
Moreover, MCTs found in coconut oil improves the cognitive abilities of Alzheimer's patients as it is an excellent source of ketone (associated with improving memory).
Some press reports suggest that pure coconut oil is a cost effective solution for the covid coronavirus.
Speaking of oils, health food people often recommend natural organic cold pressed pumpkin seed oil for prostate problems and natural pure black seed oil ( nigella sativa ) for a whole range of issues.
One of the best dental 3d imaging centers is DDS Dental Clinic 2 in Phuket Town.
( Chana Chareon Road near the Metropole hotel and Robinsons department store - tel: 076 212766 )
It uses the latest Sirona Galileo CT dental Scan.
It gives accurate undistorted one-to-one images and so enhances treatment planning and diagnostics.
It is also very useful for implants - when you move the mouse over the bone it gives the bone density.
The cost is 8,000 baht. You will be given a CD containing the data for your mouth and the Galileo viewing software, which you can thus look at on your own laptop.
Note that the Bangkok Hospital in Phuket uses a subcontractor for its meal and food service. You need to request your meals a long time in advance. The food service closes at
8.00pm sharp - not even a sandwich is available after this time. The food is nothing to write home about, and is a weak point of the hospital.
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Making telephone calls
Use the red phone booths for making calls within the same province only; they accept 1 Baht coins. Blue booths (5 and 10 Baht coins) and green (card) booths can be used for calls anywhere within Thailand.
Oversea calls can be made from the telephone office. Hotels and agencies will make a surcharge.
The international dialing code from Thailand is 001.
Cheaper international rates can be obtained using 008 instead.
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Climate
Thailand's climate is governed by a tropical monsoon pattern, which produces two seasons in Southern Thailand and three seasons in the other regions of Thailand.
Accordingly in KhaoLak, there is a "dry" season from November to May, (as a result of the N.E. monsoon). This period starts with slightly cooler temperatures, followed by higher temperatures from March to May.
By the end of June the "wet" season officially begins, with the onset of the S.W. monsoon. However the actual week or month depends on the monsoons in any given year.
In KhaoLak temperatures are warm throughout the year, with only slight variations in highs and lows.
The most popular time to visit is from November through to March, when the temperature and humidity are slightly
lower. At this time there is a comfortable cooler breeze, with generally clear blue skies and very calm seas. Temperatures typically reach 32C and drop to 24C at night.
The hottest months are April and May with temperatures ranging from 27C upto 36C.
There can be short heavy thundery showers, which actually provide a welcome relief from the temperature and humidity.
June, July and early August are slightly less hot ( 24C to 33C ) with generally fine weather and plenty of sunshine between brief heavy downpours.
By the end of August, through to October inclusive, the wet monsoon sets in more noticeably, but, even then, there are still long sunny intervals between the heavy showers.
September is the wettest month. Beaches are slightly windswept and less picturesque looking,
and some water-based activities are restricted (eg. visits to the Surin and Similan islands). Nonetheless, KhaoLak is very enjoyable at any time of the year with a wide range of attractions and excursions.
And of course the low season brings with it some bargain prices.
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Shopping
Bargaining is the norm when shopping at markets, small stalls and shops or from street vendors. Depending on your skills, you can expect to pay around 10-40% less than the original asking price.
But a larger retail outlet will sell only fixed price merchandise.
Also please refer to some of the items offered for sale by small local community groups
in our community section page.
Besides a few street markets there is ample shopping available in several stores along Petchkasem Road, KhaoLak.
There are a number of superb items to be had, from handicrafts to jewelry, silks, and clothes and tailoring. Many of the crafts originate from other regions of the country. The low prices will weaken whatever sales resistance you may possess!
The following is a selection:
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Thai Silk
This iridescent cloth has achieved world fame, and for good reason. It can be cut into scarves, ties, pillow slips as well as outstandingly beautiful dresses. It is also sold in lengths.
Clothes
There is a very wide range of summer evening wear and beach clothes at very reasonable prices. You could
arrive with the barest wardrobe and find everything you need right here. Many beautiful and artistic, good quality cotton, T-shirts make excellent gifts.
Tailoring
Khaolak has several highly qualified tailoring shops. Have an excellent quality suit made at a fraction of the price back home, and in a fraction of the time.
Purses
Southern Thailanders weave a fine grass (Yan lipea) into beautiful purses. This is an old art which has been revived by Queen Sirikit to bring prosperity to village women.
Batik
The South is a major batik center. Both ready-made clothes and lengths are available.
Leather
The hides of a wide range of animals (including snakes, frogs, lizards, crocodiles, armadillos, cows and even chickens) are used to make shoes, belts, wallets, bags and attache cases.
Nang Thalung (Puppets)
These bright coloured shadow puppets are made from buffalo hide and are produced locally.
They make excellent wall decorations.
Umbrellas and Fans
There are some lovely umbrellas and painted fans made from silk or Sa paper from tree bark, mainly from Chiang Mai.
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Gold
For Thais, gold is not just an important precious metal, but is considered an ordinary article of merchandise with social kudos, as a guarantee for financial liquidity and at the same time as personal security in times of need.
In Thailand there is a unique unit of measurement for weight, called "Baht" (ie the same name as the currency).
One "Baht" weighs 15.16 grams.
Thai gold is 96.5% pure (equivalent to 23 carat); the remaining 3.5 per cent consists of alloy metals
added to make the gold harder and more solid for processing, as well as more robust in day-to-day use.
International standards apply to gold and they are followed in Thailand. All gold items are of course hallmarked.
Gold jewellery is (or should be) sold almost exclusively on the basis of weight. Only small sums (approx. 150 - 250 baht) are added to the gold price to cover the cost of labour. (Compare this to some countries where the work of a skillful goldsmith has a price all of its own).
One exception might be Bangkok International Airport, where the prices seem very inflated.
Gold with a level of purity less than 23 carat is considered inferior and Thais regard 10, 14 or 18 carat gold as utterly worthless; in Thailand such gold is never accepted as security.
All reputable gold shops will have the price of one Baht weight clearly advertised (eg. 14,000 baht per Baht). The price should be the same in all shops for the current day.
Such shops will have on display rows
of 1 Baht, 2 Baht, 3 Baht and 5 Baht necklaces, and 0.5 or 1 Baht rings for example.
There are some spectacular and intricate designs, and as already stated the labour should only be a few hundred baht.
Metal art objects
Bronze dieties, animal and abstract figures are cast and clad in gleaming brass skins.
Bronze is also crafted into cutlery sets.
Gold and silver are pounded into jewellery items, boxes and other decorative items.
Lacquerware
Items include wooden figurines, ornate containers and trays and other items. The usual varieties are either in gleaming gold and black, or in matte red with black or green details.
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Gems and Jewellery
Thailand has a huge jewellery industry and is the world's largest coloured gem cutting centre. Prices are relatively low. There are some
fantastic designs and the labour is cheap.
Pewter
Pewterware is an amalgam of lead and tin. Thailand is the world's third largest exporter of tin and a good deal of the metal still comes from nearby Ko Phuket. Plates, steins and other items can be found.
Pearls
You may come across pearls for sale. Again, nearby Ko Phuket produces international standard natural, cultured, teardrop and artificial pearls. The latter are made from glued pearl dust to form a globule
Baskets
Wicker and grasses are made into tissue boxes, storage boxes, mats and other practical household items.
Wood
Antiques are in short supply but there are various copies (sold as copies not originals). Images of animals, gods, precocious children and betelnut boxes in a variety of finishes are quite popular. For the most varied range of wooden furniture, one really needs to visit Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand.
All wooden items have remarkable craftmanship.
Home decor items
Artificial flowers and fruits made of paper and fabric are almost indistinguishable from fresh varieties. Burmese kalaga wall hangings (stuffed with cotton to create a bas-relief effect) depicting kings, mythical animals and gods
are also to be found. Paper mache products excellent gifts and home decor items.
Ceramics
These range from jade green glazed celadon pottery to earthenware, stoneware, and (Chinese) blue and white items. These originate from Northern Thailand.
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