Voltage and plug types come from TAT, the Bangkok utility MEA and the Thai plug standard TIS 166-2549, checked on 27 October 2026. The international plug letters (Type A, C, F, G, I) are the common travel names; the Thai standard itself describes pin shapes, not letters.
Thailand plugs and voltage at a glance
| What | Thailand | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 220 V; single-phase household supply 220-230 V | TAT; MEA |
| Frequency | 50 Hz | MEA |
| Plugs that fit | Type C and Type F (European round pins) | TAT |
| Also fits | flat two-pin plugs (US Type A) in round-flat sockets | TIS 166-2549, figure 4 |
| Socket rating | up to 250 V and 16 A | TIS 166-2549 |
Do you need an adapter: by country
| Your plugs | Fits a Thai socket | Voltage | What to bring |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU, Russia, most of Europe (Type C, F) | yes, per TAT | fine for European devices | nothing; a multi-socket strip is handy |
| UK, Ireland, Malaysia, Singapore (Type G) | no | fine | UK-to-European or universal adapter |
| US, Canada (Type A, B) | flat two-pin: in round-flat sockets; a third earth pin may not fit | 220 V: check the label | universal adapter; converter only for 110-120 V devices |
| Australia, New Zealand (Type I) | no | fine | Australian-to-European or universal adapter |
“Fits” refers to the socket shape. Hotels and older buildings may have different sockets on the wall, so a universal adapter is the safe choice if you are not sure.
What the Thai standard says
The Thai Industrial Standard TIS 166-2549 covers plugs and sockets for homes rated up to 250 V and 16 A. Its foreword explains the design: the standard switched to round pins in line with the IEC 250 V system (IEC 60906-1), kept an earth pin that suits older two-pole sockets with an earth, and added a combined “round-flat” socket so that flat-pin plugs, still in wide use, keep working. The standard says this combined socket may be withdrawn later.
The standard’s figures show three socket and plug shapes:
- a plug with two round pins and an earth pin, for appliances that need earthing
- a plug with two round pins and no earth
- a socket with an earth contact for round pins, and the same socket in a round-flat version
The Standards Control Division of TISI confirmed in January 2021 that the standard has been in force since 11 November 2020 and that all manufacturers must follow it.
Will my device work on 220 V
Look at the INPUT line on the charger or the device label:
- 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz. Works in Thailand with only a plug adapter. This is typical for phone, tablet, laptop and camera chargers
- 220-240 V. Works in Thailand (European, British and Australian appliances)
- 110-120 V only. Needs a step-down voltage converter, or it will burn out. Typical for US hair dryers, curling irons and some shavers
A plug adapter changes the shape only, not the voltage.
Before you fly
- Pack one universal adapter per person, plus a small extension strip if you travel with several devices
- Power banks go in cabin baggage only, two at most, up to 100 Wh: see what you can take on a plane
- Set up mobile data before you land with a Thai tourist SIM or eSIM, and fill in the arrival card
FAQ
Do I need a plug adapter for Thailand?
It depends on where your plugs come from. European two-round-pin plugs (Type C and F) fit Thai sockets, according to TAT. US flat-pin plugs fit the combined round-flat sockets the Thai standard allows. UK three-pin (Type G) and Australian (Type I) plugs do not match any socket in the Thai standard, so bring an adapter.
What voltage is used in Thailand?
220 V according to TAT, at 50 Hz. The Bangkok utility MEA describes single-phase household supply as 220-230 V. Chargers for phones, laptops and cameras are usually rated 100-240 V and work as they are; check the INPUT line on the charger.
Can I use a UK plug in Thailand?
Not directly. The Thai standard TIS 166-2549 describes sockets for round pins and a combined socket for round and flat pins; the UK's three rectangular pins fit neither. A simple travel adapter from UK to European or universal plugs is enough, because the voltage is close to the UK's.
Can I use American appliances in Thailand?
The plug usually fits a combined round-flat socket, but the voltage is 220 V. A charger marked 100-240 V is fine. A hair dryer, kettle or shaver rated only 110-120 V will be damaged without a step-down converter, so buy a dual-voltage model or leave it at home.
Do Thai sockets have an earth?
The current standard, TIS 166-2549, describes a two-pole socket with an earthing contact and a plug with an earth pin for appliances that need one. Older buildings may still have older sockets, which is why the standard kept a compatible earth pin.
Sources
- TAT Newsroom. Visitor information: General Tourism Information (electricity 220 V, Type C and Type F)
- Metropolitan Electricity Authority. 1-phase or 3-phase supply: which one your home needs (14 January 2025, in Thai)
- Metropolitan Electricity Authority. Purchase of 3-phase 4-wire 50 Hz distribution transformers (21 September 2023, in Thai)
- Thai Industrial Standards Institute. TIS 166-2549: plugs and socket-outlets with rated voltage not exceeding 250 V (Ministry of Industry notification No. 3487, 2006, in Thai)
- Thai Industrial Standards Institute. TIS 166-2549, unofficial English translation
- Thai Industrial Standards Institute, Standards Control Division. Q&A: TIS 166-2549 in force since 11 November 2020 (14 January 2021, in Thai)
Found an error or outdated fact? Tell the editors, we will fix it and update the check date.