Safety in Thailand - Is Thailand Safe for Tourists?

Thailand is considered a safe destination for tourists. Violent crimes against tourists are relatively rare, and the majority of visits are trouble-free. However, like any other country, travelers should remain vigilant and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Common Risks and Warnings

• Petty Theft and Pickpocketing: While violent crime is low in Thailand, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, public transportation, and tourist hotspots. To mitigate this risk, keep your belongings secure, use anti-theft bags, and be cautious in crowded places.
• Transport Risks: Traffic in some Thai cities, particularly Bangkok, can be chaotic, and road safety standards may differ from what you're accustomed to. Be cautious when crossing streets and consider the risks before renting a motorcycle.
• Monkeys: In some tourist areas, particularly Lopburi, monkeys can be aggressive and may snatch items from tourists. Exercise caution and avoid feeding them.
• Scams: Thailand is not immune to common tourist scams, including overpriced tuk-tuk rides, gem scams, and fake tour operators. Always negotiate prices in advance, confirm details, and be wary of offers that seem too good to be true.
• Water Safety: While Thailand offers beautiful beaches and water activities, be cautious about strong currents and obey local safety guidelines. Always check the quality of the water before swimming.

Common Tourist Scams in Thailand

• Tuk-Tuk Scams: Tuk-tuk drivers may overcharge tourists or take them to shops where they receive a commission for sales. Negotiate fares in advance or opt for metered taxis.
• Gem Scams: Travelers are lured to gem shops where they are pressured to buy overpriced gems. Stick to reputable dealers and do your research.
• Jet Ski Rental Scams: Some rental operators falsely claim damage to jet skis and demand exorbitant repair fees. Document the condition of the equipment before renting.
• Closed Attractions Scam: Scammers may tell you that a popular attraction or temple is closed and offer an alternative tour. Verify the information independently.

Women's Safety in Thailand

While the safety in Thailand for women is overall very good, one can never be careful enough when traveling to foreign lands.

• Do not compromise with where you stay, even if it means paying a little extra. Get a place with proper accommodations and facilities.
• The streets of Thailand are usually well-lit and crowded with people all the time, but still, there exist areas that are quite shady. Bad things can happen, so stay away from such places.
• Women are not allowed to touch the monks in Thailand, so if you have any offerings to make, set them on the ground or let a man give them to him.
• The police are quite vigilant and will favor the visitor, so if you face any inconvenience from anybody, directly go to a place station or call one of the emergency numbers mentioned above.

Safety Tips for Tourists in Thailand

• Always be on alert while traveling around in Thailand, though violent tourist crimes are rare, we still recommend being cautious. Especially in the cities of Phuket, Pattaya and Bangkok, where crimes are the highest.
• When at parties, beware of drink or food spiking, which means, the addition of addictive substances into your food or drinks. Always try to stick with your travelling friends or comrades.
• Beware of the sexual harassment practices which are quite prevalent in particular places in Thailand, especially the “Full Moon Party” on the island of Phangan, which also happens to be a very famous tourist attraction.
• Always stay connected with your family members regarding your location and whereabouts, so they can be of help in anything goes down south.
  Terrorism is another major factor one must keep in mind, since the far south regions of the country have been frequently made a target to small bombings and such, places like Yala, Pattani and Songkhla should be avoided if possible
• Keep in mind the Lese Majeste. It is a law which makes it illegal to defame, insult, threaten or defile any image of the Thai Royal family or their currency, the Thai Baht (THB).
• If you overstay your visa duration, you will be detained at the immigration centre, charged an overstay fine and sent back to your country.
• There are no casinos in Thailand, and any kind of gambling is illegal, so beware.
• Carry your ID at all time. Do not leave your passport as security with some rental company, never do that.
• Under Thai law, you can be arrested if you are driving a car without wearing a shirt.
• Though temporary medical plans are provided, it is better and highly recommended to purchase the comprehensive travel medical insurance. 

Health Standards in Thailand

1. Infectious Diseases: The major infectious diseases in Thailand include bacterial Diarrhea, hepatitis, dengue fever, malaria, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, and leptospirosis. So, if you get a chance, get some shots before traveling.
2. Water and Sanitation: This won’t be a problem because over 99% of the population has access to improved water sources and sanitation facilities. The public toilets are sufficing in their performance as well.
3. Food Safety: When it comes to food safety, scares in Thailand are quite common since there is a lot of microbial contamination of street foods left out to face the pollution and dust of the city. Thailand also grows its vegetables and fruits, in particular, mango, using fertilizers, which are banned by the European Union for being 100 times more dangerous than the accepted level. So always make sure you eat at a hygienic place with appropriate certification.
4. Pollution: We have to face the fact that Thailand is one of the most polluted countries in the world. People often go to work wearing air masks, and the government had to launch anti-pollution drones in Bangkok as a measure to control pollution. Chiang Mai is one of the least polluted cities. So keep this aspect in mind as well when you choose which part of Thailand you wish to go. 

Drinking and Smoking Laws

The Thai government is quite stringent when it comes to these two aspects. The minimum drinking age is 20, and since establishments get raided quite often, bar owners make sure that this limit is enforced. Also, drinking is illegal in temples, pharmacies, public offices, petrol stations, educational institutes, and public parks.
If found illegally consuming alcohol, imprisonment of 6 months and/or a fine of THB 10,000 is applicable.

As far as smoking goes, it is strictly banned on 24 beaches of the country, including Phuket and Pattaya. Smoking is also prohibited in zoos, exercise spaces, amusement parks, outdoor spaces for sports, and children’s playgrounds. Electric cigarettes have also been banned since 2014. The fine for smoking is THB 100,000, a year in prison, or both. 

Drug Laws in Thailand

This point cannot be emphasized enough, as the punishment for carrying any sort of illegal drugs or consuming some, for a matter of fact, will result in imprisonment and heavy fines, and possession or use of certain Class 1 drugs can also result in the death penalty. Marijuana was recently decriminalized in Thailand with exceptions of public use and age limit. So stay safe, and do not affiliate with any illegal drugs when in Thailand.

Littering in Thailand

Littering has been banned from the 24 popular beaches of Thailand and is punishable with a fine of THB 100,000 or a year in jail. Littering the sidewalks can also result in a fine of THB 2,000.

LGTBQ Travellers Safety in Thailand

Thailand is a Buddhist society, so they are quite “tolerant” of LGBT practices. But the tolerance doesn’t turn into acceptance, sadly. The country is gay-friendly but to a limit. The urban areas have a tolerance for the LGBT community and also have many gay-friendly hotels, nightclubs, and resorts. The LGBT people should have no trouble opening up about their preferences in such urban areas. But when you move out of these areas, it is better to keep your sexuality a bit discreet so as to avoid unwanted attention.