Postal Services in Udon Thani
Generally speaking, the postal service in Thailand is good but there are some very real differences that you, as a ferang, need to be aware of if you are sending or receiving items by mail services, especially if it is to be on a regular basis.
Thai Post
Thai Post seems to be efficient but as with all walks of life in Udon Thani, the standard of English is as poor for postal staff as it is everyone else in the region. Written English seems to every bit problematic and if you are sending mail inside Thailand and you write the address in English, there is a high chance it will not be delivered. The safest option is to use the EMS service. While a little more costly, it is not at all expensive.
Unlike the UK where every house has a slot in the front door for letters and small packets to be passed through by the postman or woman, I have never seen a house in Thailand that has the same. Instead, every home has a letter box next to the entrance to the property where such items are delivered. There are two problems with this...
1. You never know when anything has been delivered
2. When heavy rains fall in windy conditions, any mail inside the postbox gets soaked.
If you are having larger items or EMS post delivered the "postie" will bring it to your address, remain sitting on his motorbike and "toot" his horn to try and get your attention. This is not exactly a foolproof method of delivery as you may not always hear them, unless you are expecting a delivery and are specifically listening out for it. If you are lucky enough to hear it is then up to you to go outside and collect it. Under no circumstances will they get off the motorbike - or so it seems.
There are five post offices in Udon Thani, each one is outlined below.
Unlike the UK where every house has a slot in the front door for letters and small packets to be passed through by the postman or woman, I have never seen a house in Thailand that has the same. Instead, every home has a letter box next to the entrance to the property where such items are delivered. There are two problems with this...
1. You never know when anything has been delivered
2. When heavy rains fall in windy conditions, any mail inside the postbox gets soaked.
If you are having larger items or EMS post delivered the "postie" will bring it to your address, remain sitting on his motorbike and "toot" his horn to try and get your attention. This is not exactly a foolproof method of delivery as you may not always hear them, unless you are expecting a delivery and are specifically listening out for it. If you are lucky enough to hear it is then up to you to go outside and collect it. Under no circumstances will they get off the motorbike - or so it seems.
There are five post offices in Udon Thani, each one is outlined below.
UD Town Post Office
Geo-Cords - 17.402062, 102.804571
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The UDT Town post office is very small to the rear of the Tesco supermarket and could be easily missed as you walk past it. As it only has two service counters it does tend to get far too busy, especially on Saturday morning.
There is lots of parking places in and around UD Town but at peak times it can be hard to find a space and it can be a case of driving round in circles until you eventually find and empty slot. |
Pho Si Post Office
Geo-Cords - 17.395091, 102.812169
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Pho Si post office is found on the Nattayo Road (Route 22) which runs from the centre of Udon Thani to the ring road in the east. Songthaew Bus No 2 passes the post office and Songthaew Bus No 15 also runs in this direction though it heads in left Nong Bua several hundred metres from the post office.
This post office is not normally very busy and there are a few of the employees that can speak some reasonable English, or at least seem willing to try. There is a small car park at the front of the building, capable of holding 7 cars Opening times Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:00 |
Udon Thani Post Office
Geo-Cords - 17.416768, 102.788026
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The Udon Thani Post Office is the largest of the four and by far the busiest. It is also the main mail sorting office and where you can collect registered or EMS if they can not deliver for whatever reason. It is located on the Wattananuwong Road which runs from the rear of the Central Plaza shopping complex to Nong Prajak. Songthaew Bus No's 7 and 14 can be taken from the rear of Central Plaza which both take you to the post office.
English does not appear to be spoken very much, but some of the younger girls like to try one or two words if they feel a little more confident. Do not expect any kind of conversation though. There is a large cap park here but is often full and finding a parking space may take a little time. Opening times Monday to Friday 08:00 - 17:00 Saturday 08:00 - 12:00 (midday) |
Si Suk Post Office
Geo-Cords - 17.403498, 102.789931
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Si Suk Post Office is a short distance west of the Monument roundabout and Rajabhat University. It is typically not too busy here but midday to 14:00 often sees a dramatic rise in the numbers of people using the service.
The one really big bonus of the Si Suk post office is that it is the only one that is open after 17:00, with extended opening until 19:00. Songthaew Bus No 9 which passes the Bus Station in the city centre passes the post office. Opening times Monday to Friday 08:00 - 19:00 |
Prachak Camp Post Office
Courier Services
There are a number of the big-named Courier companies in Thailand; DHL and TNT are two that I am aware of but I never use them unless there is no other option as the cost is far higher than the equally reliable alternative services mentioned below. If you are receiving a package from outside Thailand, it will pass through Thai customs and subject to import duty and VAT (20% + 7%). On top of that cost, you will almost certainly be charged further VAT of 7% on the shipping cost. You have been warned!
Alternative Services
If you are looking to send or receive larger items inside Thailand there are a few alternatives that are very cost effective and subsequently well used by the local Thai people.
Transport Companies
There is something my wife refers to as Transport Companies, which to me are the same as any other courier services with a few small differences.
1. In many cases they will not deliver to your address, instead you are expected to visit their warehouse to collect.
2. If you are sending a parcel using this method, again in many cases you are expected to visit their warehouse to despatch it.
3. In some cases the sender does not pay for the service "up front", instead the collector pays before the package is handed over.
Every large town and city has a number of such companies available and with the help of a Thai who can communicate with you, you can soon learn what companies are close to you and how they operate.
Transport Companies
There is something my wife refers to as Transport Companies, which to me are the same as any other courier services with a few small differences.
1. In many cases they will not deliver to your address, instead you are expected to visit their warehouse to collect.
2. If you are sending a parcel using this method, again in many cases you are expected to visit their warehouse to despatch it.
3. In some cases the sender does not pay for the service "up front", instead the collector pays before the package is handed over.
Every large town and city has a number of such companies available and with the help of a Thai who can communicate with you, you can soon learn what companies are close to you and how they operate.