Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [76]
Wi-fi, mostly free of charge, is becoming more and more ubiquitous around Bangkok and is available at more businesses and public hotspots than we have space to list here. For relatively authoritative lists of wi-fi hotspots in Bangkok, go to www.bkkpages.com (under ‘Bangkok Directory’) or www.stickmanbangkok.com.
Libraries
Although Bangkok’s libraries may not impress you with their stock, they make a peaceful escape from the heat and noise.
National Library (Map; 0 2281 5212; Th Samsen; admission free; 9am-6.30pm Mon-Fri, to 5pm Sat & Sun; river ferry Tha Thewet) A few foreign-language resources, but the library’s strength is in its astrological books and star charts, as well as recordings by the king and sacred palm-leaf writings and ancient maps.
Neilson Hays Library (Map; 0 2233 1731; www.neilsonhayslibrary.com; 195 Th Surawong; family membership 3300B; 9.30am-5pm Tue-Sun; Skytrain Surasak) The oldest English-language library in Thailand, with many children’s books and a decent selection of titles on Thailand.
Media
Daily newspapers are available at streetside newsagents. Monthly magazines are available in most bookstores.
Bangkok 101 (www.bangkok101.com) A monthly city primer with photo essays and reviews of sights, restaurants and entertainment.
Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.net) The leading English-language daily with Friday and weekend supplements covering city events.
BK Magazine (www.bkmagazine.com) Free weekly listings mag for the young and hip.
The Nation (www.nationmultimedia.com) English-language daily with a heavy focus on business.
Medical Services
Thanks to its high standard of hospital care, Bangkok is fast becoming a destination for medical tourists shopping for more affordable dental check-ups, elective surgery and cosmetic procedures. Pharmacists (chemists) throughout the city can diagnose and treat most minor ailments (Bangkok belly, sinus and skin infections etc). The following hospitals offer 24-hour emergency services, and the numbers below should be contacted if you need an ambulance or immediate medical attention. Most of these hospitals also have daily clinics with English-speaking staff.
Bangkok Christian Hospital (Map; 0 2235 1000-07; 124 Th Silom; Skytrain Sala Daeng, Metro Silom)
BNH (Map; 0 2686 2700; 9 Th Convent, off Th Silom; Skytrain Sala Daeng, Metro Silom)
Bumrungrad Hospital (Map; 0 2667 1000; 33 Soi Nana Neua/3, Th Sukhumvit; Skytrain Ploenchit)
Samitivej Hospital (Map;0 2711 8000; 133 Soi 49, Th Sukhumvit; Skytrain Phrom Phong)
St Louis Hospital (Map; 0 2675 9300; 215 Th Sathon Tai; Skytrain Surasak)
Rutnin Eye Hospital (Map; 0 2639 3399; 80/1 Soi Asoke/21, Th Sukhumvit; Skytrain Asoke, Metro Sukhumvit) Contact this hospital for urgent eye care.
Money
Regular bank hours in Bangkok are 10am to 4pm, and ATMs are common in all areas of the city. Many Thai banks also have currency-exchange bureaus; there are also exchange desks within the Skytrain stations and within eyeshot of most tourist areas. Go to 7-Eleven shops or other reputable places to break 1000B bills; don’t expect a vendor or taxi to be able to make change on a bill 500B or larger.
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THE INSIDE SCOOP
Several Bangkok residents, both local and foreign, have taken their experiences to the ‘small screen’ and maintain blogs and websites about living in Bangkok. Some of the more informative or entertaining include:
2Bangkok (www.2bangkok.com) News sleuth and history buff follows the city headlines from today and yesterday.
Absolutely Bangkok (www.absolutelybangkok.com) Bangkok news, views and links to several other good blogs and sites.
Austin Bush Food Blog (www.austinbushphotography.com/category/foodblog) Written by the author of this chapter, the blog focuses on food culture and eating in Bangkok and elsewhere.
Bangkok Jungle (www.bangkokjungle.com) A blog on the city’s live music scene.
Gnarly Kitty (www.gnarlykitty.blogspot.com) Written by a female native of Bangkok,