What you need to Power up all your
Electrical Appliances in Thailand

Thai Workers on the Power Lines

This Thailand Electricity supplement is essentially to supply you with a very real perception as to the extraordinary and most peculiar power cable orientation that is all too commonplace throughout the whole of the country.

It could arguably be the first thing you notice when arriving in any city or resort. It inescapably took my breath away in an entirely unexpected way. As I stood in amazement and fascination, I wondered if there are any underground electrical power lines here.

These seemingly precarious power lines are exposed to many elements, not only above the ground on durable concrete poles but on many low-lying buildings and even protruding from narrow pavements on crowded streets.

You need to be well aware that during the rainy season between July and October, torrential rains are to be expected and this may cause some concern but somehow no injuries occur.

Happy Chappy working on the Wire

You may ask yourself how this is possible that this system seems to work well in Thailand. I would advise that you keep your distance from any suspicious looking cables you may come across during your stay. Maintenance of electricity supply must surely be a complete nightmare and just how municipal workers know what needs to be repaired, is anyone’s guess.

An accident insurance policy, medical benefits and a fat salary must surely be a prerequisite for a job of this nature. Thinking of climbing the corporate ladder? The happy chappy in the photo did.

Cable Power Orientation

Power Cables, Plugs and Adapters

Electricity in Thailand is supplied at 220 volts AC of 50 cycles and is available throughout the whole country with the exception of a few remote rural villages and some basic beach bungalows on less populated islands. The electricity here is supplied by generators or in some cases, solar power.

Current may be rationed to evenings only on isolated islands. Power failures are increasingly rare in many of these remote areas, but not unheard of, so it’s best to keep a flashlight handy. 

Most of the wall receptacles in which to plug your electric razor or hair dryer will accommodate both flat-prong-plugs such as those in America and Japan and round prong plugs much like that of Europe, Africa and the rest of Asia. However, you may find new office buildings and condominiums offer a third prong adapter.

This is the result of more effective forms of earthing or grounding for protection against equipment damage. If you are concerned about the safety of your laptop, it may be advisable to purchase a power surge cable. You can buy cables and plugs at any department store or electrical outlet.

Should you be taking your mobile phone, camera charger, laptop or any other electrical appliance, you may wish to bring along a set of travel-plug-adapters, but on most, if not every occasion, you’ll probably find this won’t be necessary.

Two-Prong-Plugs used in Thailand