Bangkok is a popular travel destination with a well-established tourist infrastructure. As a matter of fact, the city is one of the most visited in the world, attracting visitors from the four corners of the globe. Bangkok boasts a diversity of attractions, captivating a broad spectrum of visitors to the city.
This urban sprawl is home to 11 million people and certainly not in the way of a western city. On first impression, Bangkok appears bustling and chaotic, which might be intimidating for a new visitor. Many movies from the West often portray Bangkok as raw and shady to add misconceptions about the city.
If you've dreamed of visiting Bangkok but don't know much about Thailand, you may wonder whether the city is safe for tourists. This comprehensive guide is crafted to provide you with the information you need to know. It includes the most important things to consider and advice. Without further ado, here's the guide.
Table of Contents
- Is Bangkok Safe for Tourists?
- Is Bangkok Safe for Solo Travelers?
- Is Bangkok Safe for Female Tourists?
- Is Bangkok Safe Traveling With Kids?
- Is Transportation Safe in Bangkok?
- Common Crimes Affecting Tourists
- Beware of Scams Targeting Tourists
- Political Tensions and Terrorism
- Don't Do These Things in Thailand
Is Bangkok Safe for Tourists?
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| Bangkok | Marc Baronnet |
Bangkok is generally safe for tourists. If it wasn't safe, Bangkok wouldn't be among the most visited cities in the world. A study by Mastercard (Global Destination Cities Index) revealed Bangkok attracted nearly 23 million international visitors in 2018, making it the most visited city in the world.
Compared to many major cities, Bangkok has a relatively low crime rate, especially when it comes to violent crimes like mugging, robbery, and homicide. According to data from Numbeo, the crime index for Bangkok is lower than other popular travel destinations like New York City, Miami, London, and Paris.
However, like in any large city, petty crimes such as pickpocketing can happen, usually occurring in crowded places. Unfortunately, some tourists may encounter scams, especially in popular tourist areas. For the millions of tourists visiting Bangkok each year, the majority of the visits are problem-free.
Tourism is an important part of Bangkok's economy, and authorities make great efforts to keep crime in the city low. Besides the regular police, the city has a dedicated Tourist Police force, specially trained to assist tourists. They speak English and can provide help, information, and assistance in case of any issues.
While Bangkok is considered safe, it's important to use common-sense precautions. As with any travel destination, be aware of your surroundings, secure your valuables, and follow local laws and customs. Being vigilant and taking precautions will contribute to a safe and enjoyable experience in Bangkok.
Is Bangkok Safe for Solo Travelers?
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Yes, Bangkok is a safe destination for solo travelers. It's common to find solo travelers in the city, including backpackers. In fact, many solo travelers on their first trip to Thailand or Southeast Asia start with Bangkok. It's a great city for solo travelers, and most do not encounter any issues.
If this is your first visit to Thailand, this sprawling metropolis may seem so intense that it feels intimidating. Bangkok is safe, and many solo travelers have visited the city more than once. As long as you take common-sense precautions regarding your safety, you should be fine traveling around Bangkok.
Locals are generally friendly and helpful, but exercise caution when a stranger approaches you. Decline overly friendly strangers making an offer. It could be a scam. There are areas of the city popular with tourists for partying. Unwanted incidents often happen when there's too much to drink, so avoid risky behavior.
Thais are generally respectful and honorable people. Traveling solo, like backpacking and on long trips, you'll often meet with other travelers. If an issue arises, it's usually with other travelers than the locals. So don't immediately trust travelers you just met, and keep a watchful eye on your belongings.
Is Bangkok Safe for Female Tourists?
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Bangkok is generally considered safe for female tourists. Millions of women visit the city yearly without encountering significant issues, including those traveling solo. But like any destination, female travelers shouldn't put themselves in a vulnerable position. All it needs is to follow the basic rules of precaution.
Thailand is relatively tolerant of different clothing styles, especially in tourist areas. Though Bangkok may seem cosmopolitan with a live-and-let-live attitude, Thais are typically modest with dressing. It's a good idea for women to dress modestly, especially when visiting a temple or invited to a Thai home.
Showing respect between the sexes is ingrained in Thai culture, and female tourists should feel safe visiting the city. Though it can happen, sexual harassment towards women, including tourists is rare. Women, whether local or tourists are unlikely to encounter hisses or jeers from Thai men. It's frowned upon in Thai society.
If a place feels uncomfortable, remove yourself from the area. Avoid risky behavior like getting drunk, which could put you in danger. If traveling alone, female-only dorms are available in many hostels. Besides, staying in a hostel, you can join other travelers if you feel uneasy going around the city alone.
Is Bangkok Safe Traveling With Kids?
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Bangkok is safe for traveling with young children, though the city may look disordered. You may have heard about the city's partying nightlife, but it's confined to a few specific areas. In perspective, Bangkok is a friendly destination for families with no shortage of attractions for a memorable experience.
Though Bangkok is a safe city, traveling with young children does have its challenges, especially if you're traveling with kids for the first time. By keeping a watchful eye and taking appropriate precautions, your children should be safe. Overall, there's nothing to overly concern yourself about Bangkok.
Take extra caution when crossing the streets with young children. Bangkok is known for its heavy traffic and vehicles changing lanes. Be observant of the road before crossing. In busy areas of the city, there are pedestrian bridges and underpasses which you should use to cross safely. Don't put your children at risk.
Staying in Bangkok, opt for hotels or accommodations that are children-friendly. Look for those with amenities such as pools, cots on requests, and connecting rooms. The best places to stay for families include the Sukhumvit, Silom, and Siam neighborhoods, where you'll find a range of accommodations.
Is Transportation Safe in Bangkok?
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Bangkok is a vast urban landscape, and you need transportation to get to many of the destinations in the city. Luckily, there are many ways for getting around Bangkok, including the city's public transport systems, taxis, and tuk-tuks. They are absolutely safe for travel but always exercise caution.
The city's public transport networks include the BTS and MRT metro trains, public buses, and riverboats. Be aware of pickpockets, especially during peak hours when packed with commuters. Though the possibility of becoming a victim is slim, it doesn't mean you can let your guard down.
Taxis are safe, offering an affordable and comfortable way of getting around the city. Though taxis here use the meter for calculating the fare, some drivers might refuse to use the meter, insisting on charging an expensive fixed fare. There's no need to negotiate. You can walk away for another taxi.
If hiring a taxi is too much of a hassle, try the Grab e-hailing service. It's similar to Uber, and you can download an English version of the app to your mobile device. Key in your destination, select your vehicle, and you can see the fare upfront. You don't have to worry about being scammed.
Motorcycle taxis are a common sight and can get you to your destination faster. The drivers exhibit sheer navigating skills, weaving in and out of heavy traffic that larger vehicles can't do. The risks of riding a two-wheeler are higher than cars and the leading cause of traffic accidents and deaths in Bangkok.
Crimes Affecting Tourists in Bangkok
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There's no need to be overly afraid of crime in Bangkok. The city does have its fair share of crime, like many major cities across the globe. However, the level of crime is lower compared to New York City, Miami, London, and Paris. Furthermore, violent crimes against tourists are rare in Bangkok.
According to Wikipedia, the most common complaint received by Bangkok's Metropolitan Police Bureau was housebreaking, followed by motorcycle theft. Tourists are unlikely to encounter these. Most crimes experienced by tourists are non-confrontational, namely pickpocketing and bag snatching.
Pickpocketing typically occurs in crowded places such as public transportation, markets, and busy tourist spots. Avoid becoming a victim by keeping an eye on your belongings and valuable items such as cash secure using a money belt or pouch. Also, avoid becoming an easy prey by getting intoxicated.
Muggings are rare in Bangkok, but there are instances of bag snatching, especially thieves on motorcycles. Thieves target unsuspecting victims carrying bags over their shoulders, which are easy to snatch. The best advice is to securely hold your bag on your front, not by your side.
Following the same logic, keep things you don't want to lose, like your bags and mobile device, close to you. Never keep valuable items, including credit cards and cash, in your luggage. Also, never leave them unattended in the hotel room. And avoid exposing large amounts of cash in public.
Scams Targeting Tourists in Bangkok
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Unfortunately, scams are the most common issue affecting tourists, more so than pickpockets and snatch thieves. So always be on the lookout for scams, especially in the popular tourist spots. Scammers target and approach gullible tourists. They are the easiest prey for scammers since they are easy to convince.
Use your good sense to avoid being tricked. Scammers are non-confrontational and will try to convince you into a deal or offer. There's no need to strike up a conversation and no need for a confrontation. The best thing to do is to ignore them or say a firm "no thank you" and walk away.
Decline any suggestion if a tuk-tuk or taxi driver tries to convince you to go to another destination, saying the destination you chose is closed or there's a better place. Often, it's a shop or attraction where the drivers receive a commission, leading to potential overcharges on your purchases or entrance fees.
Gems scams are well-known in Bangkok, and there are variations. A store may offer to sell quantities of gems at wholesale prices, which you can sell for a handsome profit, later to find out they are worthless. If a tuk-tuk or taxi driver suggests taking you to such stores, decline the offer.
Another scam is when a stranger offers you something, such as seeds to feed the birds, puts a bracelet on your risk, or a good luck charm blessed by a monk. Later, they'll demand payment from you. If you refuse and try to return the item, you'll be pestered to pay. Never accept the "gift" in the first place and walk away.
Not all scammers are locals. Some are foreigners trying to fund their travels. They often prey on people who look like them, especially those who speak the same language. They use sympathy, telling a sad story such as they lost their money and have no funds to return home.
Political Tensions and Terrorism
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Violent political protests against the government have occurred in Bangkok in the past. In 1973, 1976, and 1992, uprisings were suppressed by the military, turning violent and causing many deaths. The last political demonstration against the government ending in violence was in 2010.
Thailand's political situation remains dynamic. There are occasional protests, but today are generally peaceful, relatively small, and usually localized in a small part of the city. There's no need to be concerned, and most tourists in Bangkok are unlikely to encounter any issues related to political protests, if any.
While generally peaceful, stay informed and exercise caution. Check the news outlets and government websites that can provide timely information. If there are known protest sites, avoid the locations even if they are peaceful. Keep a low profile and avoid engaging in political discussions.
Though Bangkok faced some security concerns in the past, terrorism isn't considered widespread. There were a series of bombings on New Year's Eve in 2006 and 2007. In 2015, a bomb went off at the Erawan Shrine and another near the Sathorn Pier the following day. These are rare incidents and uncommon in Bangkok.
Terrorism is a minor concern and shouldn't change your travel plans. The risk of a terrorist attack during your trip to Bangkok is slim. The risk of you encountering an attack is even smaller. While there's no need for excessive concern, stay vigilant to suspicious packages, bags, and people.
Don't Do These Things in Thailand
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Thai people are generally known for their friendliness and hospitality towards foreign tourists. The culture in Thailand is deeply rooted in respect and tolerance. Though Thais are warm and welcoming, be mindful of local norms and practices, which may be different from your country.
The Thai monarchy is highly revered. Avoid making negative comments about the royal family, especially the king. Lèse-majesté is a serious crime according to the Thai Criminal Code. If you are caught insulting, defaming, or threatening the Thai monarchy, you could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison!
Thailand has strict laws on drugs. Police may raid nightclubs frequented by foreigners and young Thais suspected for using drugs. You could face from six months to three years in prison if tested positive for drugs. For large amounts considered to be trafficking, you could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty!
Thais are friendly and peace-loving people. Public displays of anger or frustration are not appreciated. It could be interpreted in the Thai mindset as a sign of aggression that might escalate into a physical confrontation. Stay calm and composed as a Thai would do. The best advice is to handle disagreements calmly and respectfully.
More of a cultural consideration than a safety concern, never touch or pat a Thai on the head since it's the holiest part of the body. It's rude to point at a person or object with your feet since it's the dirtiest part of the body. It's also rude to point with your finger at a person or object, so politely use your entire hand.
