Phuket Directories

Book Stores

Phuket Used Book
Tel. +66(0) 76 282117
7 Chao Fa Road, Muang, Phuket 83000
Raan Nai Inn
Tel. +66(0) 76 213409
304-306 Phuket Road, Muang, Phuket 83000
Seng Ho Co., Ltd.
Tel. +66(0) 76 211396
2/14-16 Montri Road, Muang, Phuket 83000
The Books
Tel. +66(0) 76 211115
53-55 Phuket Road, Muang, Phuket 83000
Thung Auksorn Book Store
Tel. +66(0) 76 210560
32/1-2 Thungka Road, Muang, Phuket 83000

Hair
Angel Hair
Tel. +66(0) 81 3267431
Senses Health & Beauty Clinique
Tel. +66 (0) 76 271 373-4, +66 (0) 76 271 372

Svenson Hair Center
Tel. +66(0) 76 221674
2nd Floor, Room 209 A, Central Festival Phuket, Phuket 83000

Nail Care

Angel Hair
Tel. +66(0) 81 3267431
Park Nail Art Phuket
Tel. +66 (0) 76 248095, +66 (0) 81 7972286

Phuket Nail Art
Tel. +66 (0) 76 255408, Fax. +66 (0) 76 524054
Senses Health & Beauty Clinique
Tel. +66 (0) 76 271 373-4, +66 (0) 76 271 372
Dental Clinics

Bangkok Phuket Hospital, Dental Center
Tel. +66(0) 76 254425, Fax. +66(0) 76 254430
Children Family Dental Clinic
Tel. +66 (0) 76 210 069, Fax. +66 (0) 76 210 068
Dent Central Clinic
Tel. +66 (0) 76 249779-81
Phuket Cosmetic Dental Clinic
Tel. +66 (0) 76 236 823, Fax. +66 (0) 76 236 824
Phuket Family Dental Clinic
Tel. +66 (0) 76 246094, +66 (0) 76 221364, Fax. +66 (0) 76 221918
Sea Smile Dental Clinic
Tel. 076 340 066, 076 340 238, Fax. 076 340 259Int’l Call : +662 664 2711
Advanced Dental Center
Tel. +66(0) 76 345600, +66(0) 76 345606, Fax. +66(0) 76 345605
Dental Sea Clinic
Tel. +66 (0) 76 296682, +66 (0) 87 2775014, Fax. +66 (0) 76 296682
Hospital

Bangkok Phuket Hospital
Tel. +66(0) 76 254425, Fax. +66(0) 76 254430
Mission Hospital Phuket

(Emergency call +66(0) 76 237227)
Tel. +66(0) 76 237220-5, Fax. +66(0) 76 211907, +66(0) 76 212149
4/1 Thepkrasattri Road Muang Phuket 83000
Phuket International Hospital

(Emergency call +66(0) 76 210935)
Tel. +66(0) 76 249400, Fax. +66(0) 76 210936
44 Chalermprakiat Ror 9 Road Muang Phuket 83000
Phuket Ruampaet Hospital

(Emergency call +66(0) 76 217965)
Tel. +66(0) 76 217964, +66(0) 76 212950, Fax. +66(0) 76 216179
340 Phuket Road Muang Phuket 83000
Wachira Hospital
Tel. +66(0) 76 211114, +66(0) 76 217294, Fax. +66(0) 76 217184
Yaowarat Road Muang Phuket 83000

Patong Hospital

(Emergency call +66(0) 76 340444)
Tel. +66(0) 76 344225, +66(0) 76 342633-4
Sawatdirak Road Patong Phuket 83150

Phuket Safety

Phuket is a remarkably safe city by day or night. Friendly police officers patrol frequently. To ensure that your stay is pleasant and hassle free, please pay attention to the following points:
-Keep your money, valuables and travel documents in a safe place, like the hotel room safe.

-Attend to your belongings especially when you are in a crowded place.

-Beware of people making dubious offers and those who may try to distract you and take away your belongings.

-Be wary of people offering gambling or investment opportunities.

Emergencies

Emergency numbers

In emergency situations, you can contact

The tourist police 1155,

Ambulance service 076 254 425, 076 210 935, 076 212 297,

Fire department 076 211 111

and other emergency services by calling 191.

Lost passport

If you lose your passport, make a 'lost report' at the nearest police station (call Tourist Police 1155). Then contact your consulate to have your passport replaced.

Lost or stolen wallet

If your wallet or valuables are lost or stolen, please notify your hotel immediately and report to The tourist police. Keep a separate record of your credit card number(s) and report the loss to your card issuer(s) as quickly as possible. Most issuers have toll-free numbers and 24-hour service to deal with such emergencies.

VAT Refund for Tourists

To encourage tourists to shop in Thailand a VAT refund for tourists scheme was introduced for tourists to be able to claim back the VAT paid on certain items. “Visitors entering the Kingdom on tourist visa are entitled to refunds of the 7% value added tax (VAT) paid on goods purchased at shops, department stores and other retail outlets displaying VAT Refund for Tourists signs, where tax refund application forms are available. Prior to airport departure, visitors must present a completed VAT refund form, plus passport information and purchase receipts, to a customs officer. Certain luxury goods, such as jewelry, gold ornaments, watch, glasses, or pen, must be shown to an excise official at the VAT refund office at the departure lounge after passport control. Refunds may be in bank draft form or credited to a credit card.”

Who can claim a VAT refund?
- is not a Thai national
-is not an airline crew member departing Thailand on duty.
-departs Thailand from an international airport.
-purchases goods from stores displaying a "VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS" sign.
-present the goods and submit the VAT Refund Application for Tourist form(P.P10) and original tax invoices to the Customs officers immediately before check-in for departure from Thailand.
How to claim a VAT refund?
-VAT refund only applies to goods taken out of Thailand with the traveller within 60 days from the date of purchase.
-Goods must be purchased from stores displaying the "VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS" sign.
-Goods must be at least 5,000 baht including VAT and must be purchased from each supplier at the amount of at least 2,000 baht per day. -On the purchasing day, present your passport and ask the sales assistant at the store to complete the VAT Refund Application for Tourists form (P.P.10) and attach the original tax invoices to the form. Each application form (P.P.10) must show a value of goods of 2,000 baht or more.
-Before departure, present your goods and VAT Refund Application for Tourists form (P.P.10) to Customs officers for inspection before check-in.
-Luxury goods, such as jewelry, gold ornaments, watch, glasses, or pen, must once more be inspected by the Revenue officers at the VAT refund office at the departure lounge after passport control.
-You can either present your claim to the Revenue officers at the VAT Refund Counter or mail it back to the Revenue Department of Thailand or drop it into the box in front of the VAT Refund office.
How will the Refund be paid?
You can choose to receive your refund
-Refund amount not exceeding 30,000 baht, will be made in cash (Thai baht) or by bank draft or credit to your credit card account.
-Refund amount exceeding 30,000 baht, will be made by bank draft or credit to your credit card account.
The Following Fees apply to refund requests.
-For cash refund, a fee of 100 Baht.
-For bank draft refund, a fee of 100 Baht plus draft issuing fee at the rate charged by banks and postage fees.
-For credit into credit card account refund, a fee of 100 Baht plus money transfer fee at the rate charges by banks and postage fees.
The reasons why requests are disapproved.
-You carry a diplomatic passport and reside in Thailand.
-You are an airline crew member departing Thailand on duty.
-Goods were not taken out of Thailand within 60 days from the date of purchase.
-You did not depart Thailand by air carrier from an international airport.
-The name or the passport number on the original tax invoice attached to the VAT Refund Application for Tourist form (P.P. 10) is not yours.
-Value of goods purchased is less than 2,000 baht per day per store.
-VAT Refund Application for Tourist form (P.P. 10) was not prepared on the date of purchase.
-Total value of the goods claimed for refund is less than 5,000 baht.
-Original tax invoices were not attached to the VAT Refund Application for Tourist form (P.P. 10).
-You did not carry the goods out of Thailand on the day of your departure.
-Goods were not purchased from participating shops in the VAT refund for tourist’s scheme.
-The quantity of goods shown in the VAT Refund Application for Tourist form (P.P. 10) is less than that shown in the original tax invoice.
-Goods were taken out of Thailand without being inspected by Customs officers or by Revenue officers.
-Luxury goods were taken out of Thailand without being checked by the Revenue officers.
-Some of the tax invoices attached to the VAT Refund Application for Tourist form (P.P. 10) were issued from a different store that mentioned on the form.
Important
Your documents need to be inspected and approved prior to checking in. This is done at the VAT Refund Office in the departure hall. Your refund is then processed in the departure lounge of the airport. For this reason you must have your purchases in your hand luggage.
Further information can be found on the Revenue Department's website: http://www.rd.go.th/vrt/engindex.html

Phuket Office Hours, Thai Calendar

Business Hours
Normal office hours in Phuket are 8.30am – 3.30pm on weekdays. Major Banks are open 8.30am - 3:30pm on weekdays. They are normally closed on Saturdays and Sundays and bank holidays. Emergency and essential services are not affected. The vast majority of shops are open every day throughout the year, some only closing during the public holidays. Generally, opening hours are 10am-7pm. However, many stores in busy retail areas open until 10pm or even later, particularly on weekends. While some bars and clubs in Phuket keep going through the night.
The Thai Calendar
Years are numbered according to the Buddhist Era (BE) which commenced 543 years before the Christian era. Thailand national holidays are linked to religious or agricultural traditions.
Loy Kratong Day(November)
Not a national holiday, but an evening when Thais pay respect to the goddess of the waters by floating candlelit offerings on any and all waterways around the kingdom.
King's Birthday (5 December) National Holiday
His Majesty the King's birthday is celebrated throughout the country and also serves as the nation's Fathers Day.
Constitution Day (10 December) National Holiday
December 10th celebrates the date in 1932 when the country was granted its first constitution.
New Years Eve (31 December) National Holiday
The day before the western New Year day is always a national holiday.
New Year's Day (1 January) National Holiday
The beginning of the western New Year is a national holiday in Thaland, one of three "new year" holidays celebrated every year.
Chinese New Year (February)
The beginning of the Chinese lunar year is celebrated in the Chinatowns of every city throughout Thailand. Some businesses close for the day, but it is not a national holiday.
Makha Bucha (February) National Holiday
Makha Bucha celebrates the Buddha's first sermon in to his disciples.
Chakri Day (6 April) National Holiday
Chakri Day commeorates the founding of the current dynasty, Rama I.
Songkran Day (13 April) National Holiday
Songkran is the traditional Thai new year, generally celebrated as a water festival.
Labor Day (1 May) National Holiday
International Labor Day is celebrated as a national holiday.
Coronation Day (5 May) National Holiday
Celebrates the day in 1949 when the current king was crowned.
Visakha Bucha (May) National Holiday
The holiest Buddhist holiday celebrates the birth, enlightenment and entry into nirvana of the Buddha.
Queen's Birthday (12 August) National Holiday
Her Majesty the Queen's birthday is a national holiday, also serving as the country's Mothers Day as well.
Buddhist Lent (August) National Holiday
This day marks the beginning of the Buddhist 'lent' period, a time when monks are supposed to retreat to their temples while new life springs forth.
Chulalongkorn Day (23 October) National Holiday
Celebrates the birthday of one of Thailand's most revered kings.

Phuket Communications

Phuket Telephone
Telecommunications in Phuket are efficient and sophisticated. Hotels usually make a charge. International Direct Dial (IDD) service to most countries and regions of the world is available at most of the hotels in Phuket.
Phuket Mobile / Cell phone
Using your mobile phone in Phuket is convenient as most of the wireless systems used around the world ( GSM 900, PCS 1800 ) operate in Phuket.
Mobile operators in Phuket also have roaming agreements with most overseas operators, enabling visitors to use their own mobile phone when they come to Phuket. Before leaving home check with your network provider to make sure they have a roaming service to the various destinations you will be visiting, and be sure to check pricing.
Phuket Internet Connection
Wi-Fi service is available in Phuket International Airport. You can also access the Internet for free at many coffee shops. Most hotels have broadband Internet access.
Phuket Postal Service
Postage service in Phuket is efficient and reliable. Post offices are conveniently located around the city.
Kathu Post Office
30/12 Moo 1 Tambol Kathu, Muang, Phuket 83120 Tel. +66(0) 76 327430
Karon Post Office
89/11-13 Tambol Karon, Muang, Phuket 83100 Tel. +66(0) 76 223691
Koh Keaw Post Office
25 Moo 1 Thepkrasattri Road, Tambol Kohkeaw, Muang, Phuket 83002 Tel. +66(0) 76 212430
Thalang Post Office
355 Moo 1 Thepkrasattri Road, Tambol Thepkrasattri, Thalang, Phuket 83110 Tel. +66(0) 76 381393
Taweewong Post Office
98-100 Taweewong Road, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83151 Tel. +66(0) 76 345782
Phuket Airport Post Office
Phuket International Airport Thalang-Naiyang Road, Moo 4, Tambol Maikhao, Muang, Phuket 83111
Tel. +66(0) 76 311186
Patong Post Office
41/1 Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee Road, Tambol Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Tel. +66(0) 76 321009
Phuket Post Office
158 Montree Road, Tambol Taladyai, Muang, Phuket 83000 Tel. +66(0) 76 443081
Rasada Post Office
34/10-11 Bangkok Road, Tambol Taladnue, Muang, Phuket 83001 Tel. +66(0) 76 211020, +66(0) 76 216951
Rawai Post Office
4/2 Moo 5 Wiset Road, Tambol Rawai, Muang, Phuket 83101 Tel. +66(0) 76 330937
Rates and services
Airmail letters are charged 17 Baht to Europe and Australia and 19 Baht to USA. Postcards are charged 12 Baht
Post offices are open from Monday – Friday from 08.30 to 16.30, On Saturdays from 09.00 to 12.00.
Urgent and important mail can be posted by EMS. This service is faster and safer but also more expensive. The private courier DHL is also available on the island.

Phuket Money

Currency
The legal tender is the Thai Baht (TH฿), which is linked to the US dollar at a rate of about 34 THB to 1 USD, although exchange rates may fluctuate slightly.
Banknotes (issued by the government)
฿20 – Green
฿50 - Blue
฿100 - Red
฿500 - Purple
฿1000 - Gray
Coins (issued by the government)
Satang 25 - in bronze, circular, smaller
Satang 50 - in bronze, circular
฿1 - in silver, circular, thinner
฿5 - in silver, circular, thicker
฿10 - in bronze and silver, circular The Thailand Elite Card

The Thailand Elite Card, a privileged VIP card, designed to give huge privileges to wealthy foreign tourists visiting Thailand, is struggling to stay alive.
Members subscribing for the Elite Card are not anywhere near the 100,000 members projected by the Thailand Privilege Card Co Ltd for this date. Thailand Privilege Card Co Ltd has so far sold only 400 Elite Cards, a very far cry from the Thai government's ambitious target of 1 million cards it hoped to sell to well-heeled Thailand visitors.
The executives of the Thailand Privilege Card company are now planning road-shows to Europe, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei and the Middle East to promote the Thailand Elite card as the he company must increase its membership by at least 99,600 members by the end of this year, which will not be an easy task to achieve.
One of the main promotion features of the VIP card and part of the Thai government's efforts to attract "Premium Visitors" to Thailand, is a claim that owing a Privilege Card, gives foreigners the right to buy and possess property and land in Thailand for residential purposes, but the exact legal status of such ownership is still very uncertain as it violates completely the current land ownership legislation in Thailand.
The Elite Card company says that the Thailand Privilege Card is the world's first "Country Privilege Membership Card" offered on the market and offers a large array of incentives for its members, such as free first-class Thai Airways travel and VIP treatment upon arrival in Thailand plus a special 5-year, multiple-entry visa.
The card also provides free access to a 24-hour multi-language call centre, which keeps Elite Members informed about golf, massage and health services, as well as different discounts offered by hotels and restaurants all over the Kingdom.
There are 3-types of Elite Card available:
An individual card costing 1 million Baht (US$ 25,650) with transferable lifetime membership for one person.
An individual card for foreigners living in Thailand priced at 2 million Baht (US$ 51,300).
A corporate card costing 2 million (US$ 51,300) with a 30-year membership for two people.
Money Exchange
You can exchange your currency for Thai Baht at authorized money exchangers. At Phuket International Airport, currency exchange counters are conveniently open from early morning to late at night. There are 24-hour automated teller machines. The exchange rate fluctuates daily depending on the money market.

ATM
Automated teller machines (ATMs) can be found almost everywhere.
Traveller's Cheques & Credit Cards
Traveller's cheques are accepted by leading banks and hotels. International credit cards such as American Express, VISA, Diners Club and MasterCard are also widely acceptable at hotels, retail shops and restaurants. Such premises usually display stickers of accepted cards at their entrance.

Phuket TAT, Tourist Police, Consulates, Immigration

Phuket Tourist Information
TAT Call Centre: 1672, Tourism Authority of Thailand , Phuket Office Tel: +66 076-211-036, 076-217-138,076-212-213 Fax: +66 076-213-582
E-mail: tatphket@tat.or.th
Web site: www.tourismthailand.org/phuket
The Phuket tourist office (8.30am-4.30pm) is on Phuket Rd. There is much information for tourist: maps, information brochures, a list of the standard songthaew fares out to the various beaches and also the recommended charter costs for a vehicle.
Phuket Tourist Police
100/31-32 Chalermphakeat R.9 Road, T.Rassada, A.Muang Phuket, 83000 Thailand Phone: (66) 076.254.693, 076.225.361, 076.355.015 Call Centre: 1699
E-mail: phukettouristpol@phuketpolice.com
Phuket Foreign Consulates
The Consulate of Finland

A.T. Corporation Ltd., 93-93/1-9, Phuket Road, Phuket 83000. Tel: +66 (0) 7621 1322, +66 (0) 7621 4433, +66 (0) 7621 5585.

The Consulate of French
P.O. Box 260 Phuket 83000. Tel: +66 (0) 7639 1152. Email address: chody@phuket.ksc.co.th
The Consulate of Sweden

c/o Pearl Village Hotel, Nai Yang Beach. Tel: +66 (0) 7638 0000.Email address: phuket@Foreign.Ministry.se
The Consulate of Danish
156/11 Pang-nga Road, Tambon Taladyai, A. Muang, Phuket 83000. Tel: +66 (0) 7622 1159/60. For emergency outside office hours call: +66 (0) 6518 5246.Email address: phuket@umgate.dk
The Consulate of Norwegian
Pearl Hotel 42, Montri Road, Amphur Muang Phuket 83000.Tel: +66 (0) 7623 0130. Email address cg.phuket@mfa.no
The Consulate of Germany

100/425 Chalermprakiat R. 9 Road, Rassada / Phuket Town), 83000.Tel: (0066 76) 354119. Email: dirk@junkseilon.com
Phuket Immigration Office
482 Phuket Road, A.Muang , Phuket, 83000 Thailand
Phone: (66) 076.221.905, Phone & Fax: (66) 076.212.108
Patong Beach Branch: (66) 076.340.477
The Phuket Immigration provides services for tourists and business people as follows:
1. Extension of stay for tourists:
1.1 One 2 inch photo (passport size);
1.2 Photocopy of passport showing the photo page, visa page and most recent Immgration entry stamp;
2. Extension of stay for stay for business, retirement, support of Thai spouse, etc.:
2.1 Two 2 inch photos (passport size);
2.2 Photocopy of passport showing the photo page and most recent Immigration entry stamp for a Non-Immigrant Visa;
2.3 For a list of other documents that are required for each category, please inquire at Phuket Immgration;
3. All foreign nationals staying in thailand for more than 90 consecutive days must report to the nearest Immigration Office every 90days together with evidence of their place of stay (Household Registration Document "Tabien Baan", lease agreement, etc.). For localities whice do not have an Immigration office, such report must be submitted to the nearest Police Station.
4. The services under items 1-3 above are also available at the Patong Immigration Office directly across from The Andaman Plaza along the Patong beachfront road.
5. Tourists and passengers arriving to Phuket by boats of various categories can process entry procedures for themselves and their vessels at:
5 .1 Phuket Deep Sea Port: for international passenger, cargo and fishing vessels;
5 .2 Vassel Control Center, Chalong Bay: for persons arriving by yacht or small sailing craft. This is a One-Stop Service Center for tourists, passengers and crew;
6. Proprietors, owners, lessors or persons in possession or in charge of place of residence including managers of hotel, guest house, apartments and all categories of residence who receive foreign nationals that have been permitted to enter Thailand temporarily or who hold a Certificate of Residence must report all foreign nationals to the nearest Immagrtaion Office within 24 hours of their arrival. For localties which do not have an Immgration Office, such report must be submitted to the neaest Polish Station.