Is Thailand a safe country, especially for tourists? Overall, Thailand is a safe country to visit and explore, and has long been a popular destination with international travelers. As a matter of fact, Thailand is the most visited country in Southeast Asia, attracting nearly 40 million international visitors in 2019.
Popular tourist destinations like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, and the islands off the coast are generally safe for tourists. The presence of police officers and security personnel can be seen in many popular tourist areas. In addition, Thailand has a special police force known as the Tourist Police.
Healthcare for tourists in Thailand is easily accessible and of exceptional quality. Numerous healthcare facilities in Thailand adhere to international standards, making the country a sought-after destination for medical tourism. It attracts thousands of patients from all corners of the globe.
While Thailand is generally considered a safe country to travel to, exercise caution and take necessary precautions, just as you would in your home country. To enhance your safety during your visit to the country, here are valuable information and practical tips that can prove beneficial.
Table of Contents
- Crime in Thailand
- Driving in Thailand
- Staying Healthy
- Medical Emergencies
- Eating Street Food
- Buddhist Monks Etiquette
- Respecting Local Culture
- Having Travel Insurance
- Local Emergency Contact
- Identification Tips
Crime in Thailand
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Thailand is one of the safest countries to travel, even for the solo traveler. With strict laws and severe penalties, Thailand has a low level of crime compared to many countries. Cases of violent crimes against tourists are extremely rare. Though a safe country to visit, this doesn't mean there's no crime.
Pickpocketing does occur. The most likely places are in crowded areas and popular tourist spots. So keep an eye on your belongings and keep them secured. Avoid displaying expensive items like jewelry and large amounts of cash. You may want to consider using a money belt to keep your cash safe from pickpockets.
Scams are the most prevalent petty crime affecting tourists in the country. Falling victim to one often occurs when individuals let their guard down or are enticed by offers that are too good to be true. Here are some common scams.
Gem Scams: An individual approaches you, claiming to offer great deals on gems or jewelry. They are low-quality or fakes. It's best to purchase gemstones from reputable dealers.
Bogus Tour Operators: Be cautious of "tour operators" who approach you on the street and offer seemingly great deals. Always book with a reputable tour operator or booking sites like Get Your Guide and Viator.
Grand Palace Scam: Outside major attractions like the Grand Palace in Bangkok, scammers may tell you the site is closed and offer to take you to another attraction. The Grand Palace opens daily, so ignore such offers.
Tuk-Tuk Scams: Some tuk-tuk drivers may try to overcharge tourists by taking longer routes. They may also say an attraction is closed and offer to take you to another place, where they receive a commission.
Jet Ski Scams: When renting a jet ski, carefully inspect it before renting. Unscrupulous operators may accuse you of damaging the equipment after you've used it and demand high repair fees.
Street Vendor Overcharging: Some street or market vendors may try to charge higher prices to tourists than the locals. Shop around and always confirm the price before purchasing.
Fake Immigration Offices: In tourist areas, there have been reports of fake immigration offices offering visa services. Use the official government immigration offices for visa-related matters.
Making negative comments about the Thai king and the royal family is a crime in the country. And this also includes intentionally tearing the Thai bank, which has an image of the king. The penalty is a long prison sentence. So be smart with what you say and act to avoid getting into trouble.
Don't break the local laws! It applies to tourists as well. Overstaying in Thailand than permitted on your passport could see you in for a few weeks in an overcrowded detention facility. Illegal drugs carry severe penalties, from long jail sentences to the death penalty. Theft carries large fines and long jail time before you're deported.
Driving in Thailand
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If you plan to drive a car or ride a motorbike in Thailand, consider this: the country has one of the world's highest rates of traffic-related deaths. To add further, the leading cause of death for tourists in Thailand is motorbike accidents. Road accidents are also the main reason for sending tourists to the hospital than any other causes.
Thai driving habits may differ from what you're accustomed to. In the cities, traffic can be congested and chaotic. Motorists may not adhere to traffic rules. Motorcycle and scooter riders may weave in and out of traffic. In rural areas and islands, roads are generally narrower, not to mention the occasional potholes.
Road conditions and the traffic situation in Thailand may not prepare you even if you're an experienced motorcycle rider. It's common to find tourists riding without a motorcycle license, not wearing their helmets, and riding with an anything-goes attitude. Helmets are mandatory for both motorcycle riders and pillion passengers.
If you plan to hire a car or motorbike, ensure you have a valid driver's license and only drive if you're confident and competent. Ensure you have the necessary insurance coverage. Driving in Thailand is on the left side of the road, and the steering wheel is on the right side of the car. Seat belts are mandatory for all in the car.
Staying Healthy
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Taking care of your health while traveling is all about making the most of your trip. It enables you to immerse in the destination and have an enjoyable experience. Although there are no guarantees that you won't fall ill, you can minimize the risk if you take care of your health.
Drinking Tap Water
Unless you're high in the mountains, Thailand’s tropical climate is hot and humid. So drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. You might be wondering whether tap water is safe to drink. Well, the answer is yes and no. The water is certified safe in Bangkok but the quality varies across the country and there's no real way to know.
The best advice is to avoid drinking tap water. Drink filtered or bottled water instead. Even in Bangkok, where the water is certified safe to drink, nearly 90 percent of the people surveyed said they don't drink tap water.
Bottled water is everywhere and inexpensive unless you purchase a brand with a fancy name. Most eateries use ice cubes made at the factories. They use purified water and are safe to use. The cubes are usually round with a hole in the middle.
Unlike drinking, most Thais and even tourists have no health issues using tap water for washing, bathing, and even brushing their teeth. If you prefer to be on the side of caution when brushing your teeth, use bottled water.
Protect Against Insects
Mosquitoes, which are most active at night, can be very irritating when they buzz around your ears and give you an itchy bite. They also carry diseases like malaria and dengue fever. Where there are mosquitoes around, use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and sleep under a mosquito net to reduce the risk.
Protect Against the Sun
Thailand's proximity to the equator means unrelenting tropical sun. Sunburn can be painful, and UV radiation can cause long-term skin damage. To protect yourself, limit staying outdoors when the sun is at its peak. Wear long sleeves and wide-brimmed hats to shield you from the sun. Using sunscreen lotion is also a good idea.
Healthcare and Medical Emergencies
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Thailand has a well-developed medical infrastructure of public and private hospitals and clinics. Major cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket are renowned for their advanced medical facilities. It's also worth noting that many healthcare professionals, particularly in the major tourist areas, are fluent in English.
In case of a medical emergency, dial 1669 for an ambulance. Most hospitals have emergency departments that operate 24/7. Bring copies of your medical records, prescriptions, and other health-related documents when traveling to Thailand. You may need them when seeking medical attention.
Medical treatment at a private medical facility in Thailand is more pocket-friendly than many Western countries. Expenses for medical procedures, consultations, and medications are significantly lower. But it's important to note that a serious medical emergency could put a strain on your finances. It's highly recommended that you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Don't be Scared of Street Food
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Street food is part of the Thai culinary culture and an affordable way to experience local flavors. But street food in any country, there's always the risk of food-borne illness. The risk is minimal as long as you're selective about where you eat. Prioritize vendors that pay attention to cleanliness.
Look for street food vendors that are busy with both locals and tourists. This is often a sign of good quality, and the foods are safe to eat. Stalls that maintain a clean appearance are generally safer options. If the food stall doesn't look or smell right, skip it and find another.
Drink bottled beverages if you're concerned about the water quality to avoid unwanted health issues. Most street food vendors use commercially produced ice made from purified water. If you're in doubt, order the drink without ice.
Thai cuisine can be very spicy and some dishes use hot chilies in the ingredients. If you're not used to hot or spicy food, ask for a milder version. If you've dietary restrictions, ask about the ingredients used in a dish. Be aware that some Thai dishes contain allergens likes peanuts and shellfish.
Buddhist Monk Etiquette
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The relationship between Buddhist monks and women in Thailand are governed by rules and norms deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions. The rules help the monks maintain their vows of celibacy, avoid worldly distractions, and uphold the principles of modesty and discipline.
Women should make every effort to make way for monks on the streets. They should give them room so they do not have to make contact, including eye contact. Monks are not allowed to touch or be touched by women, and this includes offering anything to a monk with the hand.
Respect Local Culture and Customs
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Thai culture places a high value on respect and politeness. Respecting local customs and traditions is not only a matter of courtesy, but also avoids unnecessary conflicts or misunderstandings.
Never Touch the Head - The head is considered the holiest part of the body. So never touch or pat a Thai on the head.
Avoid Pointing With Your Feet: The feet are the dirtiest part of the body. Using the feet to point at people or objects is considered very rude.
Don't Point With Your Fingers: It's considered rude to point with your finger at a person or object. In a polite manner, use your entire hand.
Dress Appropriately: When visiting temples and religious sites, dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees.
Remove Your Shoes: Remove your shoes not only before entering a temple or religious site but also before entering a Thai home.
Avoid Public Display of Affection: Avoid public displays like hugging and kissing, especially in rural areas.
Be Mindful When Taking Photos: Always ask for permission before taking someone's photo, especially when it comes to monks.
Don't Forget to Smile: Smiling can get you further in the "Land of Smiles." It's part of the culture, and you become more accepting of the locals.
Language and Etiquette: Learning a few basic Thai words and local etiquette can go a long with your interaction with the locals.
Have Travel Insurance
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Thailand has an excellent medical infrastructure, but expenses for a medical emergency can be significant. Having travel insurance ensures that you're financially protected in case of a medical emergency or accident. It can cover the costs of hospitalization, doctor's fees, medication, and even medical evacuation.
Additionally, travel insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable deposits and pre-paid expenses if your trip gets canceled or delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. This could be situations like severe weather, injury, and family emergency.
Before buying an insurance plan, assess your travel needs. Choose a plan that provides adequate coverage according to your requirements. Things to look for include medical expenses, trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical evacuation, baggage loss or delay, and personal liability.
Local Emergency Contacts
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191 is the number to the main call center for all emergencies, including the police, ambulance service, and fire department. While the number is not specific to tourists, they can assist you in various emergencies.
If the operator doesn't speak English and it's a police-related matter, then call the Tourist Police at 1155. Most operators or officers handling the call speak English. Some may even speak other foreign languages.
Calling 1669 will connect you to the public ambulance service. It usually takes 10-20 minutes for the ambulance to arrive in the cities but longer in the rural areas, depending on your location.
In Bangkok, the number for the private ambulance service is 1719 or 1724. It'll cost you more but you'll get to the hospital quickly. A sound advice is to have travel insurance that includes medical emergencies.
Identification Tips
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Your passport is the most accepted identification. You'll need it when checking in at a hotel, dealing with the police, and the immigration office. You may also need it when seeking treatment at a hospital and renting a vehicle.
It's a good idea to carry a photocopy or digital copy of your passport's main page and page with the visa stamp or entry permit into the country. You can keep your passport in your hotel's safe. If you're asked to show identification, you can present a copy.
