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Fast Facts

American Express -- There is no specific agent that handles American Express services in Thailand anymore, but there is an American Express office at 388 Pahonyothin Rd. in Bangkok. You can reach the office at tel. 02273-5296 during business hours (Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm) or call their customer service hotline (tel. 02273-5544) with any problems or questions.

Banks -- Many international banks have offices in Bangkok, including Bank of America, next door to the Nai Lert Park Hotel at 2/2 Wireless Rd. (tel. 02251-6333); Chase Manhattan Bank, Bubhajit Building, Sathorn Nua Road (tel. 02234-5992); Citibank, 82 Sathorn Nua Road (tel. 02232-2484); National Australia Bank, 90 Sathorn Rd. (tel. 02236-6016); and Standard Chartered Bank, 90 Sathorn Nua Rd. (tel. 02724-6326). However, even if your bank has a branch in Thailand, your home account is considered foreign here; conducting personal banking will require special arrangements before leaving home.

Bookstores -- You'll find a number of bookstores offering a wide variety of English-language books. The two chains with the best choice are Asia Books and Kinokuniya. Asia Books is a local chain that specializes in regional titles and some overseas publishers -- depending on the outlet. Its main branch is at 221 Sukhumvit Rd. between Sois 15 and 17 (tel. 02252-7277). Outlets with large inventory are at the following locations: The Emporium on Sukhumvit at Soi 22, Silom Discovery Center, on the 4th floor, Siam Paragon, on level 2, and Thaniya Plaza, off Silom Road.

The eclectic Kinokuniya has three stores in Bangkok, at The Emporium on Sukhumvit Road Soi 22, at Siam Paragon, and on the 6th floor of the Isetan department store at Central World Plaza (tel. 02255-9834). You'll also find a good selection of English language paperbacks at Bookazine, located in a variety of places, including Patpong on the 1st floor at CP Tower, 313 Silom Rd. (tel. 02231-0016); in Ploenchit on the 3rd floor at Amarin Plaza 494-502 Ploenchit Rd. (tel. 02256-9304); and Siam Square, 286 Siam Square opposite Siam Center, Rama I Road (tel. 02619-1015).