The 66 country code belongs to Thailand. Whether you're calling Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or anywhere else in Thailand, the +66 prefix connects you to the country's 72 million residents.
Quick Answer: The country code +66 is for Thailand. Mobile numbers have 9 digits after +66 (starting with 6, 8, or 9). Landlines have 8 digits after +66. A Bangkok landline looks like
+66 2 234 5678and a mobile like+66 81 234 5678.
How to Call Thailand: Quick Reference
The dialing format for Thailand depends on where you're calling from. The most important thing to remember: drop the leading 0 that Thai numbers use domestically.
| Calling From | Dialing Format |
|---|---|
| US/Canada Mobile | +66 [number without leading 0] |
| US/Canada Landline | 011-66-[number without leading 0] |
| United Kingdom (UK) | 00-66-[number without leading 0] |
| Australia | 0011-66-[number without leading 0] |
| Japan | 010-66-[number without leading 0] |
| Germany | 00-66-[number without leading 0] |
Thailand is a popular destination for expats, retirees, and tourists. Hundreds of thousands of Americans, Europeans, and Japanese nationals live in Thailand, and millions more visit each year.
Understanding Thai Phone Numbers
Thai phone numbers use a trunk prefix system. Domestically, all numbers start with 0. When calling internationally with +66, you drop that leading 0.
Mobile Numbers
Thai mobile numbers follow a consistent format:
- Domestic format: 0XX-XXX-XXXX (10 digits starting with 0).
- International format: +66 followed by 9 digits (drop the 0).
- Starting Digits: After the 0, mobile numbers start with 6, 8, or 9. Common prefixes include 06, 08, and 09.
- Example: Domestic 081-234-5678 becomes
+66 81 234 5678internationally.
Landline Numbers (Fixed Line)
Thai landlines use area codes, and the total length after +66 is 8 digits:
- Bangkok: Area code 2 + 7-digit local number = 8 digits after +66. Domestic: 02-XXX-XXXX.
- Provinces: 2-digit area code + 6-digit local number = 8 digits after +66. Domestic: 0XX-XXX-XXX.
- Trunk Prefix: Always drop the leading 0 when dialing internationally.
Thailand Area Codes Reference Table
Bangkok uses the single-digit area code 2. All other areas use 2-digit codes. Here are the area codes for major Thai cities and regions:
| City/Region | Area Code | International Format |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | 2 | +66 2 XXX XXXX |
| Chiang Mai | 53 | +66 53 XXX XXX |
| Phuket | 76 | +66 76 XXX XXX |
| Pattaya | 38 | +66 38 XXX XXX |
| Chiang Rai | 53 | +66 53 XXX XXX |
| Khon Kaen | 43 | +66 43 XXX XXX |
| Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima) | 44 | +66 44 XXX XXX |
| Hat Yai | 74 | +66 74 XXX XXX |
| Udon Thani | 42 | +66 42 XXX XXX |
| Surat Thani | 77 | +66 77 XXX XXX |
Note: Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai share area code 53. Some resort areas like Koh Samui use the Surat Thani area code (77). Bangkok is the only city with a single-digit area code.
Mobile vs. Landline: How to Tell the Difference
You can tell whether a +66 number is mobile or landline by the digit after the country code:
- Starts with 6, 8, or 9: A mobile number (9 digits after +66).
- Starts with 2: A Bangkok landline (8 digits after +66).
- Starts with 3, 4, 5, or 7: A provincial landline (8 digits after +66).
This matters because calling rates to Thai mobile and landline numbers often differ.
Dialing Examples
Here are practical examples for calling different types of Thai numbers from various locations:
Example 1: Calling a Bangkok Landline from the US
- Thai Number (domestic): 02-234-5678
- From a US Mobile:
+66 2 234 5678 - From a US Landline:
011 66 2 234 5678
Example 2: Calling a Thai Mobile from the US
- Thai Number (domestic): 081-234-5678
- From a US Mobile:
+66 81 234 5678 - From a US Landline:
011 66 81 234 5678
Example 3: Calling a Chiang Mai Landline from the UK
- Thai Number (domestic): 053-234-567
- From the UK:
00 66 53 234 567
Example 4: Calling from Australia
- Thai Number (domestic): Any mobile (e.g., 092-876-5432)
- From Australia:
0011 66 92 876 5432
Best Times to Call Thailand
Thailand operates on Indochina Time (ICT), which is UTC+7 year-round. Thailand does not observe daylight saving time.
Here's how Thailand's time relates to other major time zones:
| Your Location | Time Difference | Call Thailand 9 AM - 6 PM |
|---|---|---|
| US East Coast (EST) | Thailand is 12 hours ahead | 9 PM - 6 AM EST (night before) |
| US East Coast (EDT) | Thailand is 11 hours ahead | 10 PM - 7 AM EDT (night before) |
| US West Coast (PST) | Thailand is 15 hours ahead | 6 PM - 3 AM PST (night before) |
| UK (GMT) | Thailand is 7 hours ahead | 2 AM - 11 AM GMT |
| Australia (AEDT) | Thailand is 4 hours behind | 1 PM - 10 PM AEDT |
Tip: The large time difference with the US means you'll likely need to call in the evening or early morning from the US to reach someone during Thai business hours. Australia and other Asian countries have much more convenient overlaps.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A simple error can prevent your call from connecting. Here are the most common mistakes when dialing the 66 country code:
- Keeping the leading 0: The most common mistake. Thai numbers start with 0 domestically, but you must drop it when dialing +66. Dial +66 81 (not +66 081).
- Confusing country codes: Don't mix up +66 (Thailand) with +65 (Singapore), +62 (Indonesia), or +63 (Philippines).
- Wrong digit count: After +66, mobile numbers are 9 digits and landlines are 8 digits. If you have a different count, check whether you accidentally included or excluded the trunk prefix.
- Time zone miscalculation: Thailand is 12 hours ahead of US Eastern Time. An afternoon call from New York reaches Bangkok at 2-3 AM.
Cheapest Ways to Call +66 Numbers
International calls to Thailand don't have to be expensive. While traditional carriers can charge $1-$5 per minute, better options exist:
- VoIP Services: Services like CallSky.io offer competitive per-minute rates to Thailand. Check our international calling rates.
- Messaging Apps: LINE is the dominant messaging app in Thailand (not WhatsApp). Most Thais use LINE for free voice and video calls over data.
- International Calling Plans: Some carriers include Thailand in their international bundles. Check our guide to the best apps for WiFi calling.
If you're calling someone in Thailand, it's worth knowing that LINE is the preferred app there, used by over 50 million Thais. WhatsApp is less common.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What country has the +66 country code?
The +66 country code is for Thailand. Any call from a number starting with +66 originates from Thailand.
How many digits is a Thai phone number?
Thai mobile numbers have 9 digits after +66 (or 10 digits domestically with the leading 0). Landlines have 8 digits after +66: Bangkok uses area code 2 + 7 local digits, provinces use 2-digit area codes + 6 local digits.
What is the area code for Bangkok?
The area code for Bangkok is 2. For international calls, dial +66 2 followed by the 7-digit local number.
What is the area code for Chiang Mai?
The area code for Chiang Mai is 53. Internationally, dial +66 53 followed by the 6-digit local number.
How do I call Thailand from the USA?
From a mobile phone, dial +66 followed by the Thai number without the leading 0. From a landline, dial the US exit code 011, then 66, then the number without the leading 0.
What time should I call Thailand from the US?
Thailand is on UTC+7 year-round, 12 hours ahead of US Eastern Time (EST). To reach Thai business hours (9 AM-6 PM), call between 9 PM and 6 AM EST.
Is +66 Thailand or Singapore?
+66 is the country code for Thailand. The country code for Singapore is +65.
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