Plugging it in in Thailand
 

I'm talking electronics here, not . . . never mind.

Going to BKK next week 1st time, thought I'd have to buy a converter.
Found out TODAY that almost every AC adapter made since . . . (what's today, Monday? Sunday, Saturday, Friday . . . ten years!) is universal, taking any voltage 100-240. So it's just about the actual plugs. I felt kinda stupid not knowing that.

At Fry's Electronics, the adapters available listed Thailand, Japan, and China as using the A plug, the 3- or 2- pronged US standard. But I just found an internet site that lists Thailand as "A, B" -- "B" being the two-pronged European plug. Do I need a "B" plug? My Ipod and HP laptop are the only electronics I'll need to charge, and they both have universal adapters.

I also need a plane power port. Cheapest one I saw was $40, looked kinda cheesy. Costco has a serious-looking backup battery thing by Kensington for $99 that includes a power port plug, but I wonder if I'll really ever use the battery capability. I have had my laptop die on me mid-DVD on planes before, so maybe it's a good idea.

Thoughts appreciated.

In my modest experience, plugs/outlets in Thailand more closely resemble those in the States (flat blade prongs on plugs) than the round type found in Europe. You may not find many outlets accepting 3-prong US style plugs (with grounding), so a 3 into 2 adaptor may be useful if your laptop adaptor has a 3-prong plug on it. Polarity plugs (where one blade is larger than the other) can sometimes be problematic, so you might consider filing the larger of the two blades down so that they both are the same size.

Probably more than you wish to know, but there is my 2 cents.

Yeah for the shape of the plug you will probably be just fine here. Hard to find 3 prong power outlets, so you'd need to buy something for that or just knock off the 3rd prong. 2 prong plugs where one prong is slightly wider than the other, you will need to buy something for that. Just stop by an Ace Hardware or a 99cent shop, these plugs should cost 99cents.

For power converters, buy them once you get to Thailand if you still need one. Just stop by a mall, or a big computer market.

cheers

Not at all. Thank you for pointing out yet another "obvious" point -- that I'll need to deal with 2-pronged outlets everywhere (my laptop converter has three). As for the polarity, is there any potential for damage? I've never fully understood how polarized plugs work. I always thought the large prong provided grounding similar to that of the third (round) plug.

You won't have any problems aside from fitting some plugs. The Westin has sockets that will fit both US and European style plugs at the same time, no problem.

Provided you don't plan on taking your laptop into the bathtub I don't forsee any issues with 2 prong vs 3 prong. The third prong is supposed to be tied directly to earth ground and also to the case of devices that might expose you to electrical shock. Since most power adapters are all plastic, you won't stand any risk.

Also if you are having trouble just call reception and ask them to send up a convertor.

Thailand uses round-pin plug that looks like this:

http://www.oneworld.com/destinations...ty.cfm?city1=7

I have found that in most hotels in Thailand the electrical outlets will accommodate both the round-pin plug and the U.S.-style flat blade plug.

The Kropla site is a great reference.