Tourist Safety
Thailand is one of the friendliest and safest travel destinations
in the world. Your personal safety is taken well care of
in Phuket and the tourist police demonstrates polite and
competent attitude all around.
By traveling with confidence, being aware and showing the
proper caution, you will surely enjoy your stay.
Still, there are some things travelers should watch out
for:
Pickpockets are more likely to be found in tourist areas,
on buses, at festivals, and at boat harbors, so keep an
eye on your valuables. Bring only what you have to, and
leave all else at home or in your hotel safe (for which
you should make sure to obtain an authentic receipt).
Credit card fraud is not uncommon in Thailand, so be cautious
with your cards, even those left in your hotel room (as
hotel clerks have been known to be dishonest), and allow
them to be used only at reliable places of business.
Visitors have also been robbed after a stranger who has
befriended them slips them a sleeping drug in their food
or beverage. Do not accept food or drink from someone you
do not know, and be wary of strangers who offer tours of
the city or private boat cruises in Bangkok. If you do go
on a tour or trek, try to do so with a reputable company.
Penalties for drug possession and dealing in Thailand are
harsh, and little distinction is made between the various
drugs (e.g. between marijuana and heroin), so you would
do well to stay from all of them.
Taking the correct safety precautions will reduce your
chances of encountering difficulties while in Thailand.
Travel tip
Thailand is a very safe country to visit, but it is always
wise take take some precautions to ensure you have a trouble
free holiday.
- Make sure your room is locked and bolted at night.
- Always leave valuables, airline tickets and passports
in the hotel safety deposit box.
- If you are approached on the street by someone offering
special discounts at shops it's probably a scam - don't
go!
- When traveling by train or bus don't leave valuables
in you baggage, and be cautious of strangers offering
food or drink.
- If you hire a vehicle read the terms carefully, and
make sure you get proper insurance cover, otherwise you
may have to pay for any damage or repairs.
- Wear reasonable clothing if you ride a motorcycle.
A minor spill when wearing shorts can ruin your holiday.
- Driving standards in Thailand leave a lot to be desired
so take extra care.
- If you hire a water scooter or jet ski wear a life
jacket and keep away from areas where people are swimming.
Thailand has a special tourist police force which was founded
to assist visitors. The officers are multilingual and will
deal with theft, accidents and disputes.
