Challenges of Finding Addresses in Thailand with Google Maps

October 4, 2024 - Reading time: 7 minutes
Updated: October 8, 2025

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 explains why these inaccuracies happen and how professional services can help. We also look at how Apple Maps compares.

The Inaccuracy of Thai Road Names on Google Maps

One reason Google Maps struggles in Thailand is inconsistency in road and soi names. The names shown on Google often do not match local usage or street signs. This is common in urban areas like Pattaya where roads may have multiple names. For example, Soi Chaiyapoon is also known as Soi Pothole, while the street sign reads “Soi Chalermphrakiat 25”.

“Pattaya Second Road” appears on Google Maps as “Saisong Road” which is simply the Thai name for second road.

In rural areas it is worse. Road names, numbers, and house numbers are often incorrect or missing. Many village and road names are misspelled, outdated, or absent from Google’s database. You may get close, but pinpointing the exact property is hard without local knowledge or exact coordinates.

The Role of GPS Coordinates

Google is usually reliable with GPS coordinates. Business listings often have accurate pins that lead you to the door. Without a link or known coordinates, though, searching by street or village name alone can be slow and unreliable, especially in rural zones with sparse map data.

How do Courier and Delivery Drivers Find Addresses?

Couriers in Thailand almost always require phone numbers for both sender and recipient. If the address is inside a condo, apartment, or muban (gated community), navigation apps might work. If not, the driver will call the recipient for live directions. Without a recipient phone number, many couriers will refuse the parcel.

How Can I Find a Thai Property using Google Maps?

If Google Maps sends you to the wrong location, you may need to search manually. Use Street View to check house number sequences, read road signs, and cross reference with nearby business listings.

This can take hours, particularly in rural areas. In most cases, sending an agent to the area to ask locals for directions is faster and more accurate than relying purely on Google data.

Address Verification by Bangkok Private Investigators

Private investigators in Thailand can locate hard to find addresses through on the ground checks. We visit the area, interview locals, read signage, track house numbers, and confirm the exact spot.

Once located, we document the property with photographs and provide accurate GPS coordinates so you can navigate back to the same location with confidence.

How much does address verification cost? Pricing depends on the location and the details you provide. For a quote, send the full address and any context you have.

Is Apple Maps Better in Thailand?

Sometimes Apple Maps has fresher satellite images or alternate names that help. However, it faces similar issues with incorrect or inconsistent road and village names. It can provide another angle, but it does not replace local verification. In our experience, many addresses are faster to confirm in person than by browsing map tools.

Why Professional Services Are Essential

Without exact coordinates or directions, digital maps can be frustrating. Name discrepancies and sparse rural data make precise navigation difficult. Professional address checks solve this by combining local enquiries, direct observation, and documentation.

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