Accident in Phuket: What to Do, Step by Step
A scooter or car accident is stressful, and what you do in the first hour matters later for your insurance claim. Here is who to call, what to photograph and which papers to keep.
Emergency Numbers in Thailand
Save these in your phone before your next ride.
| 1669 | Ambulance and medical emergency |
| 191 | Police |
| 1155 | Tourist Police (English-speaking) |
| 199 | Fire |
What to Do After an Accident
Get Safe
Switch off the engine, turn on the hazard lights and get out of traffic if you can. Then check who is hurt.
Call for Help
Call 1669 if anyone is injured. For the police call 191, or the Tourist Police on 1155 if you need English.
Take Photos Before Anything Moves
The position of the vehicles, both number plates, the damage, skid marks and the road around you. Photos taken now are hard to argue with later.
Exchange Details
Names, phone numbers, plate numbers and insurance details of everyone involved. A photo of the other driver's license and ID card saves writing.
Get a Police Report
Most insurers want one before they pay. Ask for it at the scene or at the police station responsible for the area. Do not sign anything you cannot read.
Inform Your Insurer and the Rental Shop
Call your insurer as soon as you can. If the vehicle is rented, tell the shop straight away and check what your rental contract says about damage.
Keep Every Paper
Medical reports, hospital bills, receipts, the police report and your photos. Your claim depends on them.
Hospitals in Phuket
Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town is the main government hospital. Bangkok Hospital Phuket and Siriroj International Hospital are large private hospitals. Private hospitals may ask for a deposit or a payment guarantee from your insurer before treatment, so keep your policy number and your insurer's emergency line at hand.
Why Your License Decides the Insurance Claim
Every Thai-registered vehicle must carry compulsory insurance (Por Ror Bor), which covers basic medical costs for injured people up to a limit. Anything above that comes from your own travel or health insurance.
Many travel insurers refuse claims when the rider had no valid license for that vehicle class. Riding a scooter with only a car license is the most common case. Read more in our guide to scooter rental, insurance and police checkpoints.
If Someone Is Badly Hurt
After a serious accident the police investigate, and the drivers involved may be asked to stay until the case is clear. Contact your embassy or consulate and get a lawyer. This page is general information, not legal advice, and we do not handle accident cases.
Questions After an Accident
Call 1669 if anyone is hurt. For the police call 191, or 1155 for the Tourist Police, who speak English.
Usually yes. Most insurers ask for a police report before they pay a claim, so ask for one at the scene or at the police station responsible for the area.
Often not. Many travel insurers exclude accidents where the rider had no valid license for that vehicle class, for example riding a scooter with only a car license. Check your policy before you ride.
Do not sign anything you cannot read. Ask for a translation or call the Tourist Police on 1155 for help with English.
Get the Right License First
With a valid Thai license for your vehicle class, your insurer has no license-related reason to refuse a claim. We take you to DLT Krabi on your first visit, and you collect the card on your second visit.