Bangkok (Thailand) – March 26, 2015 – The Thai government has established a new hotline (1111) for complaints from foreigners in Thailand. This complements the existing Tourist Police hotline (1155). Foreigners are asked to call 1155 in emergencies. The Tourist Police hotline, which is available 24/7, is for tourists and foreign residents of Thailand. Interpreters are available for all emergency calls. If urgent cases fall outside the hotline's jurisdiction, they will be referred to the appropriate government authorities.

For non-urgent matters, foreigners are advised to call 1111. This 24/7 hotline is staffed with representatives from all 20 ministries to ensure the prompt handling of all complaints from foreigners in Thailand. The hotline then forwards the complaints to the relevant government agencies, state-owned enterprises, and non-governmental organizations.

The government plans to extend the remit of the 1111 center to Thai embassies in ASEAN countries.

This step is part of the government's tireless efforts to review all security measures and standards and to offer immediate assistance to foreigners who need help during their stay in Thailand.

Mr. Sugree Sithivanich, Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said: “The call centers are part of a series of measures recently launched by the Thai government to enhance the travel experience of visitors to the Kingdom and underline our commitment to hospitality.”

Contact information: International Public Relations Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand, 1600 New Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchathevi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand, Tel.: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48, Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419, E-mail: [email protected], Website: www.TATnews.org