Challenges of Finding Addresses in Thailand with Google Maps
October 4, 2024 - Reading time: 8 minutes
Updated October 8, 2024
Finding specific addresses or properties in Thailand using Google Maps can be a notoriously difficult task. Despite the widespread use of this popular navigation tool, discrepancies in road and soi (small street) names often lead to confusion, especially for those unfamiliar with the local geography. This article delves into the reasons behind these inaccuracies and explores how professional services, such as private investigators in Bangkok, can assist in overcoming these challenges. We will also consider the effectiveness of alternative tools like Apple Maps.
The Inaccuracy of Thai Road Names on Google Maps
One of the primary reasons Google Maps struggles with accuracy in Thailand is the inconsistency in road and soi names. Often, the names displayed on Google Maps do not match the names known locally or used on street signs. This is especially true in urban areas like Pattaya, where roads frequently have more than one name. For instance, Soi Chaiyapoon is also known as Soi Pothole, but on the street you will find a signpost which reads 'Soi Chalermphrakiat 25'.
'Pattaya Second Road' appears on Google Maps as 'Saisong Road', which is Thai for 'second road'.
In rural areas, the problem is exacerbated. Road names or numbers and house numbers are often incorrect or not recorded by Google Maps in Thailand. Many village and road names are either misspelled, outdated, or completely absent from Google’s database. This makes it nearly impossible to easily locate an address without additional information such as GPS coordinates. Google Maps may guide users to the general vicinity, but pinpointing the exact location often remains elusive without existing local knowledge of the area.
The Role of GPS Coordinates
While Google Maps may falter with road names, it typically excels with GPS coordinates. Businesses listed on Google Maps generally have accurate GPS locations, which can guide users directly to the establishment. However, without a pre-existing link or coordinates, finding a specific address based solely on the provided street or village name can be challenging.
The situation is particularly problematic in rural areas where road names are less likely to be recorded accurately. Villages and minor roads often lack sufficient detail on digital maps, leading to further complications for those relying on Google Maps to locate a specific property.
How do Courier/Delivery Drivers Find Addresses?
If you send a parcel through a courier in Thailand, then you will find that the courier company will usually request a phone number for both the sender and the recipient... If the address is located within a condominium/apartment building, or within a muban (gated community), then the driver might be able to locate the address using Google Maps or other GPS software - if not, then the driver will need to call the recipient in order to ask for directions to the address.
If you do not have the recipient's phone number then you may find that most courier companies will refuse to accept the parcel.
How Can I Find a Thai Property using Google Maps?
If you type an address into Google Maps but find that it takes you to an incorrect property or area, then it may be the case that you need to manually search for it. This can be done using Google Street View to inspect house number sequences, check road signs and cross-reference addresses against local businesses listings.
The process of trawling through Google Maps to locate a property in this way can be very tedious, especially in rural areas - you may find yourself looking at incorrect areas on the map for literally hours. In most cases we find that it is easier to locate addresses by physically sending an agent to the area in order to interview locals and ask for directions; this will usually guide us to the correct locale when relying purely on Google Maps data could send you on a wild goose chase.
Address Verification by Bangkok Private Investigators
Given these challenges, private investigators in Thailand offer valuable services for locating hard-to-find addresses. Our professionals conduct thorough address checks by physically visiting the area, interviewing locals, and studying road signs and house number sequences. This on-the-ground investigation allows us to accurately locate properties.
Once an address is located, we can document the property with photographs and gather all necessary details (such as GPS coordinates for it) to ensure the location is correctly identified.
How much does address verification cost? Our fee for this service depends on the specific location and the details provided by the client - if you would like a quote, then please send us the exact address along with any relevant details (such as why you are trying to locate it).
Is Apple Maps Better in Thailand?
Some users might wonder if Apple Maps offers a better alternative for navigating Thailand. In certain instances, Apple Maps can provide more recent satellite imagery or alternative road names, which might be helpful when researching an address.
However, similar to Google Maps, Apple Maps often encounters the same issues with incorrect or inconsistent road and village names. Therefore, while it might occasionally offer different insights, it generally suffers from the same limitations as Google Maps. In our experience, many addresses are quicker to locate on-the-ground physically, rather than browsing tools like Apple Maps or Google Street View from a computer screen.
Why Professional Services Are Essential
For anyone trying to locate a specific address in Thailand without the exact coordinates or directions, relying solely on digital maps can be frustrating and ineffective. The discrepancies in road names and the lack of detailed information in rural areas make it difficult to trust these tools for precise navigation. This is where professional services come in.
Bangkok Private Investigators offer a solution by providing a comprehensive address check service. We gather detailed information through local inquiries and direct observation, ensuring the location is accurately identified and documented. This service is especially valuable for businesses, legal matters, or personal reasons where precise location information is crucial.
Getting a Free Quote
Bangkok private investigators provide a free quote for all their work, making it easy for potential clients to understand the costs involved before committing to the service. If you need assistance locating an address in Thailand, whether in an urban area like Bangkok or Pattaya or a remote village, getting in touch with a professional can save time and ensure accuracy.
In conclusion, while Google Maps and Apple Maps offer significant conveniences, their limitations in Thailand, especially regarding road and village names, can hinder accurate navigation. For precise address location, particularly in rural areas, the expertise of Bangkok Private Investigators is invaluable. Our comprehensive approach and local knowledge provide the reliability that digital maps currently lack. Feel free to get in touch with us for a free quote, including the Thai address that you would like to locate along with any relevant details.
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