The Bangkok Tourist Bureau has offices at major junctions throughout the city. Call them with any questions at tel. 02225-7612; or visit www.bangkoktourist.com. They provide basic information services, maps, brochures, and recommendations. Their main office is at 17/1 Phra Arthit Rd., just under the Phra Pinklao bridge near Khao San, but they also operate out of the airports and in various kiosks around the city: opposite the Grand Palace, in front of MBK shopping mall, at River City mall, and along Sukhumvit. All offices are open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 4:30pm.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT; www.tourismthailand.org) offers general information regarding travel in Bangkok and upcountry, and has a useful hotline (tel. 1672) reachable from anywhere in the kingdom; it's open daily 8am to 8pm. Ironically, TAT's offices are not always conveniently located for foreigners who don't read Thai. It has a kiosk at Suvarnabhumi International Airport's arrival floor, open daily 8am to 10pm, but their main office is off the beaten track at 1600 New Phetchaburi Rd., Makkasan, Ratchathewi (tel. 02250-5500).
Useful Publications -- TAT produces an enormous number of glossy tourist brochures on destinations, including Bangkok; but beware, many may be outdated. Bangkok's free magazines, available in hotel lobbies, are more current. Look for Where or Thaiways, with maps, tips, and facts covering Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Bangkok Dining & Entertainment specializes mostly in restaurant reviews and nightlife. BK Magazine is a fun, free weekly with info on the capital's events (available at any Starbucks). English-language daily newspapers Bangkok Post and The Nation have sections devoted to Bangkok must-sees.
