Change in the way the UK provides assistance to British Nationals in Chiang Mai
From 16 May the UK is changing the way that it provides consular assistance to British nationals in Chiang Mai and the surrounding area.
![Consular Section](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a61b457ed915d0afc4652df/s300_visa-consular-sign.jpg)
From 16 May British nationals who find themselves in need of assistance in Northern Thailand, for example because they have been hospitalised, arrested, or been the victim of crime, should contact the Consular Section of the Embassy in Bangkok +66 (0) 2305 8333. The Embassy in Bangkok will provide consular advice and assistance, working with our Honorary Consul in Chiang Mai as necessary. The office in Chiang Mai will close from 16 May.
This change follows on from the centralisation of notarial and documentary services into the Embassy in Bangkok on 2 February. Many of those services can be provided by post, without the need for British nationals to visit the Embassy. The Notarial team in Bangkok provide a same day service by appointment for those transactions that require attendance in person. Information about the range of notarial services we provide and how to make an appointment can be found here.
These new arrangements will enable us to reinforce the consular team at the British Embassy in Bangkok to provide a more efficient notarial and documentary service, and consistent, high quality assistance to vulnerable British nationals who need our help when they get into difficulty.
The Consul in Bangkok, Michael Hancock has said:
This new way of operating in Northern Thailand will make the most efficient use of our resources, and offer an effective service to our most vulnerable customers via our experienced consular team in Bangkok, supported by our Honorary Consul in Chiang Mai. This is consistent with how we support British nationals elsewhere in Thailand.
What to do in an emergency
British nationals needing assistance should phone the British Embassy in Bangkok on +66 (0)2 305 8333 and follow the instructions to speak to a consular officer who will assist you. If you have an emergency out of working hours you will be directed to our 24 hour emergency line to speak to a member of our consular staff.
Further details explaining what we can and cannot do for British nationals can be found here.