With its hanging, turquoise waters and picture-perfect local weather, it’s no surprise Thailand is among the many hottest vacationer locations in all of Southeast Asia.
The excellent news for would-be vacationers is that Thailand is taken into account protected. The nation is taken into account a Stage 1 vacation spot by the U.S. Division of State, which indicators that vacationers must apply regular precautions.
Meaning all vacationers ought to train warning and keep conscious of potential felony exercise throughout their go to to the Land of Smiles.
Keep diligent, particularly in crowds
Quite than violent assaults, vacationers usually tend to fall sufferer to any variety of non-violent crimes or scams.
Pickpocketing is frequent in Thailand’s city facilities. Though it may be tough to take action in congested areas, keep away from permitting locals to get shut sufficient to steal from you. Think about using a backpack with safety features to stash your pockets and valuables.
Criminals additionally like to focus on vacationers who’re getting cash at foreign money exchanges or ATMs, so be particularly diligent when doing so to keep away from being robbed.
Scams involving taxis and different modes of transportation, together with boats and ferries, usually contain overcharging. There are additionally incidences of excursions charging upfront after which not delivering, so make sure to solely e book with respected distributors.
If you happen to determine to participate within the city nightlife, don’t go alone. Bars are one other space the place crime is extra more likely to happen. Strangers could spike your drink after which steal money and different valuables.
Use excessive warning when visiting native bars and golf equipment and keep away from drawing consideration to your wealth by sporting costly watches or jewellery.
Violent crimes
Violent crime doesn’t happen at an alarming fee, however there are cases of theft, assault, rape and homicide. You possibly can reduce your possibilities of falling sufferer to a violent crime by avoiding sure areas.
Violent assaults, together with bombings, are almost definitely to happen in Bangkok and Phuket, with terrorists concentrating on lodges frequented by vacationers, in addition to locations of worship, monuments, colleges, buying malls, public transport, rallies, festivals and the U.S. embassy.
Whereas there have been no vital acts of terrorism since 2019, there are nonetheless minor occasions, significantly in Southern Thailand, which is greatest averted.
City areas additionally include red-light districts, which are likely to have the next fee of crimes involving medication, alcohol and intercourse. As with sure provinces, keep away from these areas solely to decrease the danger of ending up against the law sufferer.
To keep away from turning into a sufferer of violent crime, it’s greatest to avoid public gatherings and demonstrations. Monitor the media so that you keep conscious of any threats or incidences that happen and at all times report any suspicious-looking packages.
Associated: Is Bangkok Protected? Journey Advisory 2023
Different Security Issues
Crime isn’t the one security concern for vacationers in Thailand.
Whereas the nation’s gorgeous seashores are an enormous vacationer draw, not all seashores have sufficient lifeguards nor are the lifeguards at all times adequately educated. Different risks embrace jellyfish and riptides.The seashores at Phuket are recognized to be significantly dangerous.Â
Vacationers are additionally prone to food-borne diseases. Whereas road meals in cities like Bangkok could also be inviting, you by no means know the way lengthy the meals has been sitting out within the open.
Keep away from ingesting faucet water or utilizing ice cubes made with faucet water, and go for bottled water solely.
In case your respiratory system is in any respect compromised, make sure to verify along with your doctor earlier than touring to Bangkok, because the air there’s polluted.
Whereas journey to Thailand is mostly thought-about protected, it pays to take precautions and keep conscious of your environment always. Avoiding conditions that enhance the potential for crime or compromise your security will assist to make sure you take pleasure in your journey to this widespread vacationer vacation spot.
