The international dialing prefix +66 is the Country Calling Code for Thailand.
Thailand’s telephone system uses a national numbering plan that generally results in a 10-digit phone number for mobile phones and a 9-digit national number for landlines. When placing an international call to Thailand, you must always omit the leading zero (0) that is typically used for domestic calls within Thailand and replace it with the +66 country code.
This article provides the essential details for placing calls to Thailand, including the updated number structure and crucial scam warnings.
+66 Country Code: Location and Key Facts
The +66 code serves the entire nation of Thailand, located in Southeast Asia.
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Thailand (Southeast Asia) |
| Capital City | Bangkok |
| Time Zone | Indochina Time (ICT) / UTC+7 |
| National Number Length | 9–10 Digits (after the +66 code) |
| Time Difference | Typically 12 hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time (EST) |
Thailand Phone Number Structure
Thai phone numbers consist of 9 or 10 digits, which include the area code (for landlines) or a prefix (for mobiles) and the subscriber number.
- Mobile Phone Numbers: Are 10 digits long (e.g., 08X XXX XXXX).
- Landline Numbers (Bangkok): Are 9 digits long (e.g., 02 XXX XXXX).
How to Dial a +66 Number Internationally (Key Rule: Drop the 0)
To successfully call any mobile or landline number in Thailand from another country, you must remember to drop the local leading zero and use the international prefix.
Example: Calling a Bangkok Landline
| Step | Action | Example |
| 1. Dial Exit Code | Your country’s international access code (e.g., 011 for US/Canada). Use + on a mobile. | 011 or + |
| 2. Dial Country Code | The Thailand Country Code. | 66 |
| 3. Dial Area/Mobile Prefix | The required code without the leading zero (e.g., 2 for Bangkok, 81 for an AIS mobile). | 2 |
| 4. Dial Subscriber Number | The remaining local number. | XXX XXXX |
| Full Dialing Sequence (Mobile): | +66 2 XXX XXXX |
Major Thailand City and Mobile Prefixes (Without the leading 0)
| City / Mobile Network | International Prefix (After +66) | Local Format Example (Starts with 0) |
| Bangkok (Landline) | 2 | 02 XXX XXXX |
| Chiang Mai / Northern | 53 | 053 XXX XXX |
| Phuket / Southern | 76 | 076 XXX XXX |
| Mobile (AIS, True, DTAC) | 6, 8, or 9 + other digits | 08X XXX XXXX |
Safety Warning: Calls from +66
Due to widespread call center scams in Thailand and neighboring regions, Thai authorities have issued warnings regarding unexpected calls from the +66 country code.
Scams to Be Aware Of
- Call Center Scams: Fraudsters impersonate authorities (like the police, Thai Customs, or banks) and use a VOIP-generated +66 They claim the recipient is involved in money laundering or has an overdue fine and demand payment or personal banking information.
- Investment Fraud: Scammers often contact victims via social media or messaging apps and route voice calls through +66 numbers to solicit fraudulent investments.
Actionable Safety Steps
- Be Skeptical of Authority: Thai police or government agencies will never initiate contact with you via an unsolicited call demanding money or personal details.
- Do Not Answer: If you do not recognize the number and are not expecting a call from Thailand, do not answer.
- Report the Call: If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be Thai police or government, hang up immediately and report the incident to the Tourist Police Hotline (1155).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the time difference between the US and Thailand?
Thailand operates on UTC+7 and does not observe Daylight Saving Time. This means Thailand is typically 12 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) or 15 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).
Is Country Code 66 a valid US area code?
No. The sequence 66 is not a valid three-digit area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).
How do I text a Thai mobile number internationally?
To send a text message, use the same international format as calling: +66 followed by the full 9-digit mobile number (e.g., +66 81 XXX XXXX). Ensure your plan includes international texting rates.
Conclusion
The +66 country code belongs exclusively to Thailand. When dialing internationally, the most critical rule is to omit the leading domestic zero (0) and follow the full sequence: Exit Code + 66 + Area/Mobile Prefix + Subscriber Number. Due to the prevalence of call center fraud in the region, always exercise extreme caution with unsolicited calls.
