Thailand

Thailandhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailandThailandhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/is-thailand-safeTheft, scams, traffic accidents, and sickness are the four main concerns regarding Thailand crime and safety. 2026-03-30T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/is-thailand-safehttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Thailand can be both very safe, and very dangerous for tourists. It all depends on their actions and attitude. During my ten years living in Thailand, I learned that tourists who are careful and respectful of local people and laws will find it a peaceful nation.</p> <p>In contrast, trouble will find those who treat Thailand like a lawless fantasyland. Such behaviour upsets the locals, and leaves tourists open to being scammed, robbed, arrested, or injured by an assault or road accident.</p> <h2>Why Thailand is considered a safe destination</h2> <p>Thailand’s rule of law is not strong. However, it relies so heavily on tourism that it has a giant <a href="http://www.touristpolice.go.th">Tourist Police Bureau</a> (about 1,700 English-speaking staff) whose job it is to provide foreigners with protection and justice.</p> <p>This is a key reason that Thailand safety for tourists is robust, and it has a low rate of street crime against tourists: criminals know that targeting foreigners will be treated more seriously. This bureau is part of Thailand’s strong tourism infrastructure, which includes:</p> <ul> <li>Well-connected international airports.</li> <li>A massive range of accommodation.</li> <li>Huge variety of restaurants and bars.</li> <li>Cheap taxis, trains and buses.</li> <li>English language signage and English speaking staff in abundance.</li> </ul> <h2>Common Safety Concerns in Thailand</h2> <p>Theft, scams, traffic accidents, and sickness are the four main concerns regarding Thailand crime and safety.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Petty theft</strong> – Your phone, camera or bag may disappear if you leave it unattended in a public space. Thai thieves mostly target those who are intoxicated, as they can’t give police reliable information, or descriptions of their attacker.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Scams</strong> – Most scams occur in Thailand’s busiest tourist areas, and involve no violence, just the loss of a small amount of money. Easily the most widespread are taxi scams. Taxis that wait outside big hotels, popular attractions, and nightlife areas often refuse to use a meter, and instead quote an inflated flat. Ignore them and flag down a taxi driving past or order a car via the reliable <a href="https://www.grab.com/th/">Grab app</a>.</li> <li><strong>Traffic accidents</strong> – Thailand’s roads are the <a href="https://www.who.int/thailand/health-topics/road-safety">single biggest threat to tourists</a>. It has the second-highest road deaths per capita of any country, and ranks first for motorbike deaths, according to a 2019 study. So avoid long trips in minivans or buses, which may have unreliable drivers. And be wary when using zebra crossings, because many local motorists speed straight through them. Lastly, don’t hire a motorbike, even if you’re a veteran rider.</li> <li><strong>Heat and dehydration</strong> – Thailand’s combination of high heat (frequently 90F or higher) and extreme humidity (frequently 75% or higher) can quickly cause dehydration or heat exhaustion, <a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/thailand">especially for tourists</a> from cold climates. Aim to drink at least three litres of water per day, and avoid prolonged, direct sunlight between 10am and 3pm.</li> </ul> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/thailand/thailand-safety-one.jpeg" alt="A city in Thailand" /><figcaption>Photo credit: Ronan O’Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2>Is Thailand Safe for Tourists Right Now?</h2> <p>For readers wondering – is Thailand safe for tourists right now – the answer is absolutely. If, of course, you are cautious and respectful, as detailed above.</p> <ul> <li><strong>General stability</strong><strong> - </strong>Thai politics can be unpredictable. In the past century, Thailand has had at least a dozen successful military coups, when its army seized control of Government. The most recent was in 2014, which I witnessed while living in Bangkok, where many protestors were killed or injured.</li> <li><strong>Protests and what to know</strong> - According to <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Thailand.html">official government travel advisories</a>, Thailand is generally safe for visitors, though travelers should stay aware of occasional political tensions and demonstrations, which can arise quickly but rarely affect tourists who avoid protest areas.</li> <li><strong>Seasonal considerations</strong> – Avoid Thailand from March to May, when it’s at its hottest, and during the June to September monsoon season. Come instead during winter in December or January, when heat and humidity are much lower.</li> </ul> <h2>City and Region Safety Breakdown</h2> <h3>Is Bangkok Safe for Tourists?</h3> <p>In 10 years living in Bangkok on-off I never experienced an assault, theft or robbery. The foreigners I knew who did were either flouting local laws, or made themselves easy targets by getting drunk in public. Here’s three safety safety issues to consider:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Public transport</strong> – Motorcycle taxis will save you time, by weaving through Bangkok’s traffic, but they’re extremely dangerous. Otherwise, Bangkok’s skytrain and underground are very safe.</li> <li><strong>Pickpocketing</strong> – Pickpocketing is fairly rare in Bangkok. High risk locations are on public transport and nightlife areas.</li> <li><strong>Nightlife areas</strong> – Bangkok’s thieves and scammers target intoxicated foreigners in nightlife areas. So stay in groups, mind your valuables, and don’t get wasted.</li> </ul> <h3>Is Phuket Safe?</h3> <p>As opposed to Bangkok, Phuket has wider issues with safety during the day, due to a higher concentration of scammers and thieves. Here’s three safety issues to consider:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Beach safety</strong><strong> - </strong>Phuket has dozens of ocean drownings each year. Travelers must be wary of undertows, which can pull them out into deep water, and also of jetskis and speed boats, which roar through swimming areas.</li> <li><strong>Jet skis & water activities</strong><strong> - </strong>Renting a jet ski in Phuket is risky. Because it commonly involves a scam, where tourists are intimidated into paying huge sums for supposed damage to the jetski.</li> <li><strong>Scooter accidents –</strong> Tourists with no, or minimal scooter experience are crazy to learn this skill while navigating Thailand’s deadly roads. Yet many still try.</li> </ul> <h3>Safety in Chiang Mai & Northern Thailand</h3> <p>Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand are not just quieter than Phuket and Bangkok, but also slightly safer. Here’s three safety issues to consider:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Safety in temple areas</strong><strong> – </strong>Some popular temples in Northern Thailand are built on mountainsides or inside caves, requiring tourists to ascend slippery paths, or climb steep staircases. Like Chiang Mai’s <a href="https://www.tourismthailand.org/Articles/plan-your-trip-thai-etiquette">Wat Phra That Doi Suthep</a>.</li> <li><strong>Motorbike safety</strong><strong> - </strong>Northern Thailand’s mountainside roads are wonderfully scenic but also deadly. They’re so narrow and winding that hurrying drivers commonly do blind overtaking, creating a serious safety risk.</li> <li><strong>Burning season</strong><strong> - </strong>Avoid Chiang Mai from mid-February to early-April, when it’s <a href="https://www.iqair.com/thailand/chiang-mai">air quality is horrendous</a> due to local farmers burning their land to regenerate it.</li> </ul> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/thailand/thailand-safety-two.jpeg" alt="A woman on a swing between two palm trees on a picturesque Thailand beach" /><figcaption>Photo credit: Ronan O’Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2>Common scams in Thailand (and how to avoid them)</h2> <p>Thailand is infamous for tourist scams, which can be easily avoided by following this advice…</p> <ul> <li><strong>Jetski and motorcycle scams</strong> - When tourists return these vehicles after renting, the vendor may point at damage you supposedly caused and demand hefty payment. So either avoid renting, or take many photos of the vehicle before you rent it.</li> <li><strong>Gem scams</strong> – Quite simply, do not buy expensive jewellery in Thailand unless you are a jewellery expert. There are so many jewellery scams that I can’t list them all here.</li> <li><strong>Tuk-tuk scams</strong> – Tuk-tuk drivers may offer you a city tour at an extremely low price. Do not accept. Because they’ll likely ferry you around to uninteresting shops, who compensate them for delivering potential customers.</li> </ul> <h2>Is Thailand safe for solo travelers and women</h2> <p>Thailand is one of Asia’s safest countries for both solo and female travelers, especially those who follow this advice.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Cultural awareness tips</strong> – Do not dress in skimpy or shabby clothes when visiting temples or museums. Do not wear shoes inside people’s homes. And avoid arguing, raising your voice, or showing public displays of affection in public.</li> <li><strong>Night safety best practices</strong> – Avoid getting heavily intoxicated, always stay with your friends, don’t leave your drink unattended due to the risk of drink spiking.</li> </ul> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/thailand/thailand-safety-three.jpeg" alt="A Thailand beach with people sitting on tables" /><figcaption>Photo credit: Ronan O’Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2>Health, Medical Care and Emergencies in Thailand</h2> <p>Thailand travel advice isn’t complete without considering how to respond when you’re injured or in trouble.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Hospitals and clinics</strong> - Thailand’s main tourist destinations have excellent private hospitals with English speaking staff. But they’re expensive, especially if you need a week or longer of care.</li> <li><strong>Emergency numbers</strong> – The 24/7 Thai Tourist Police phone number is 1155. Also save the phone number of your home country’s embassy in Thailand.</li> <li><strong>Travel insurance importance</strong> – A week in a Thai private hospital could cost you up to $10,000. A solid reason why you may want to consider <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-insurance/destinations/thailand">travel insurance from a trusted provider</a>.</li> </ul>Ronan O'Connell 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/watch-motorbikes-in-thailandWant to ride a motorbike in Thailand? If you're an inexperienced or unlicensed rider, you'll be in for a shock after watching this.2018-06-04T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/watch-motorbikes-in-thailandhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p> <script src="//fast.wistia.com/embed/medias/zhw3ri15lc.jsonp"></script> <script src="//fast.wistia.com/assets/external/E-v1.js"></script> </p> <div class="wistia_responsive_padding" style="padding: 56.25% 0 0 0; position: relative;"> <div class="wistia_responsive_wrapper" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; width: 100%;"> <div class="wistia_embed wistia_async_zhw3ri15lc videoFoam=true" style="height: 100%; width: 100%;"> </div> </div> </div> <p></p> <p><span>Are you thinking of getting on a motorbike during your trip to Thailand? <a href="/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/riding-motorbikes-in-thailand-what-are-the-rules">Do you need to have a license before you hit the streets?</a></span></p> <p><span>Well, if you are an inexperienced or unlicensed rider, you could be in for a shock or two after watching this video.<br /><br /></span></p>World Nomads 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/riding-motorbikes-in-thailand-what-are-the-rulesShould you ride a motorbike in Thailand? What are the risks? Find out all the essential information before you rent two wheels.2025-09-10T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/riding-motorbikes-in-thailand-what-are-the-ruleshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Each year, thousands of tourists hire motorcycles in Thailand. But before you join them, you need to know the following tips about insurance, helmets (including new rule enforcement as of mid-2025), road rules and scams, gleaned from my decade living on and off in Thailand. <br /><br />If you choose to ride, consider <a href="/travel-insurance/destinations/thailand"><span class="s2">travel insurance</span></a> and be sure to comply with its requirements, such as riding with a helmet and being appropriately licensed to ride in your home country at your destination.</p> <p><strong><a href="/explore/guides/thailand-itinerary">Traveling to Thailand soon? Download our free 14 day itinerary to discover the best of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, the Golden Triangle, and more.</a></strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="#do-i-need-a-license-to-ride-a-motorbike-in-thailand">Reconsider whether you need to ride a motorbike in Thailand</a></li> <li><a href="#do-i-need-travel-insurance-to-ride-a-motorbike-in-thailand">Forget headlights, don’t ride at night</a></li> <li><a href="#am-i-covered-if-i-injure-myself-on-a-motorbike">Zebra crossings are dangerous</a></li> <li><a href="#dont-be-an-idiot-when-you-ride">Find a safe helmet</a></li> <li><a href="#podcast"> Never hand over your passport</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="do-i-need-a-license-to-ride-a-motorbike-in-thailand">Reconsider riding a motorbike in Thailand</h2> <p>Before I even impart any advice on how to ride in Thailand, I’d ask you to reconsider motorcycling in Thailand. It is perhaps the most dangerous nation on the planet for motorcyclists. Thailand has one of the highest road death rates in Southeast Asia, with the <a href="https://thephuketexpress.com/2025/05/29/thailand-plans-to-start-major-motorbike-helmet-law-enforcement-blitz-from-june-1st/">World Health Organization (WHO) reporting a rate of 32.7 deaths per 100,000 people</a>, or about three deaths every two minutes. Motorcycles, a primary mode of transport for many Thais, are involved in 77-84% of crashes, with head injuries being the leading cause of fatalities. </p> <p>This does not surprise me given my experiences across many years of living and driving in Thailand. Its roads are clogged and chaotic. Motorists constantly disobey road rules, to the extent that it appears there are no rules. Cars speed wildly and swerve erratically. Trucks are similarly unpredictable. Motorcyclists are perhaps the most kamikaze of all, often weaving in between lanes without a helmet and seemingly no fear.</p> <p>Even veteran motorcyclists face grave danger on Thai roads because no amount of skill can protect you from crazy motorists. Yet many tourists hire bikes despite having little to no motorcycling experience. That includes me. I made this error as a cocky young man and long ago vowed never again to motorcycle in the Land of Smiles.</p> <h2 id="do-i-need-travel-insurance-to-ride-a-motorbike-in-thailand">Don’t ride at night</h2> <p>The first time it happened, I was in shock. By the dozenth occasion, I realized why so many motorcyclists die on Thai roads. What I’m referring to, is being behind the wheel of a car in Thailand, at night, and having a motorcycle ride towards me in the wrong direction and with no headlights.</p> <p>This is an extraordinarily dangerous, yet common occurrence on Thai roads. Rather than taking the longer, legal route to their destination, some Thai motorcyclists prefer shortcuts, and will happily ride against the flow of traffic to save a minute or two.</p> <p>Many more ride in the evening without their headlights on, making it near-impossible to see them until they’re directly in front of you. This is just one reason I avoid driving at night in Thailand, wherever possible. Another is that, according to Thai media, drunk driving is a plague, and it stands to reason this will be at its most common after dark.</p> <h2 id="am-i-covered-if-i-injure-myself-on-a-motorbike">Zebra crossings are dangerous</h2> <p>In Thailand, zebra crossings mean exactly the same thing they do in Western countries – they signify a location where motorists are meant to give way to pedestrians. The problem is many Thai motorists ignore this safety measure, especially motorcyclists.</p> <p><a href="/explore/southeast-asia/thailand/insiders-guide-to-bangkok">While living in Bangkok</a>, dozens of times I’ve carefully walked across a zebra crossing, only for a motorbike to fly through the middle of a line of stopped cars and nearly hit me. Even when walking with my baby boy in a pram this was a regular problem.</p> <p>In 2022, this issue became national news when a Bangkok doctor died after she was hit by a motorcyclist who sped through a zebra crossing. Just because other motorcyclists ignore zebra crossings in Thailand, do not follow their lead when you’re riding. Be extra cautious whenever approaching one of these crossings.</p> <h2 id="dont-be-an-idiot-when-you-ride">Wear a safe helmet</h2> <p>Now you know Thailand is the world’s deadliest country for motorcyclists, you should be fixated on finding the safest possible helmet – because the risk of an accident is high and the businesses that hire motorbikes tend to offer cheap helmets.</p> <p>Some of the motorbike helmets you’ll see in Thailand are barely more robust than an empty yogurt tub. When you collect your bike, don’t expect it to come with the kind of high-end, heavily reinforced helmets that are common in the West. That is what you desperately need. But you may well have to buy one of these yourself, or at the very least shop around at different rental agencies until you find one.<br /><br />In mid-2025, <a href="https://thephuketexpress.com/2025/05/29/thailand-plans-to-start-major-motorbike-helmet-law-enforcement-blitz-from-june-1st/">Thai police launched a crackdown on helmet usage</a>, fining riders and passengers for not using one. This includes visitors and locals alike. The results are still out if this will work, but it certainly helps the cause. </p> <h2>Never hand over your passport</h2> <p>This lesson I learned from an anxious experience. The first time I rode a motorbike in Thailand the rental company demanded I give them my passport as collateral. Rather naively, I complied. When I returned the motorbike, the staff member on shift pointed at scratches on its side and accused me of causing the damage and demanded I pay for it.</p> <p>I denied responsibility and said I would not cough up any more money. Then he reminded me that he held my passport. Panic set in as I believed I was about to be scammed. Luckily, a more senior staff member arrived, recognized that the damage was pre-existing, returned my vital legal document, and sent me on my way.</p> <p>But many, many other people in my situation are not so lucky. Possessing a tourist’s passport is the preferred form of leverage for Thai rental agencies that aim to scam foreigners, asking for big money to repair supposedly tainted bikes.</p> <p>It should be noted that most of these businesses are trustworthy. However, there are enough dodgy operators that you should never part ways with your passport. Instead, offer them a photocopy of this document. If they say that’s insufficient, simply move on to another rental company.</p>iStock/Leonardo Patrizi 0640235758 iStock Motorbike traffic in Bangkok

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/women-s-safety-in-thailandThailand is generally very safe for women traveling alone, but you should always be aware of your surroundings. 2023-05-02T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/women-s-safety-in-thailandhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p><a href="/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand">Thailand</a> is a hugely popular destination for female travelers, who are widely treated with respect in this friendly Buddhist-majority nation. But during my 10 years living on-off in Thailand, I’ve learned there’s still a range of safety issues female tourists must consider, from scams to bag snatching and drink spiking.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#safety">How to stay safe in taxis</a></li> <li><a href="#drive-by-bag-snatching-in-thailand">Look out for pickpocketing and bag snatching</a></li> <li><a href="#are-thai-streets-safe-for-women">Drink spiking is a significant risk</a></li> <li><a href="#what-to-wear-in-thailand">Be wary of other tourists</a></li> <li><a href="#do-women-get-harrassed-in-thailand">How to protect yourself against scams</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="safety">How to stay safe in taxis</h2> <p>In recent years, Thai media reported multiple cases of women being abducted and <a href="/travel-insurance/whats-covered/assault">assaulted</a> by taxi drivers. While this, is not a widespread problem in Thailand, there are several ways for female travelers to protect themselves when using taxis.</p> <p>Firstly, it is highly recommended to use a taxi app such as Grab, which is the dominant such company in Thailand. This is convenient, cheap and safe. You can book your ride in advance, the fare is fixed, and your driver’s personal details are recorded on the app, which makes them unlikely to commit a crime, knowing how easily they’ll be identified. </p> <p>Sometimes using Grab is not possible, such as at many Thai airports, where the company has largely been muscled out by traditional taxi companies. When in a regular taxi that you hail on the street, or catch at an airport, use your phone to take a photo of the driver’s ID, which will be on the left side of the dashboard.</p> <p>This simple act will not only give you a record of their details, but it also will make the driver wary of you. It should be noted that the vast majority of Thai taxi drivers are honest, amiable people who pose no threat. It doesn’t hurt to be careful though.</p> <h2 id="drive-by-bag-snatching-in-thailand">Look out for pickpocketing and bag snatching</h2> <p>Violent robberies of tourists are rare in Thailand. What you need to be most mindful of is pickpocketing and bag snatching. The latter is a bigger threat to female travelers, who are more likely to be carrying a bag slung over one shoulder (such as a handbag), which is much easier to steal than a backpack.</p> <p>Bag snatchers in Thailand typically operate on scooters. If a woman is walking by the road’s edge, particularly in a quiet area, these criminals ride up close, grab their bag and speed away. This is far less common in busy areas, where the criminal’s chance of being caught is far greater. The simplest tactic to protect yourself is to carry your bag on whichever shoulder faces away from the street. This way the snatcher will not be able to reach your bag while still sitting on their bike.</p> <p>By contrast, pickpocketing is most abundant in crowded areas, particularly tourist hotspots like downtown Bangkok and Chiang Mai, or nightlife areas in <a href="/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/phuket-in-thailand-is-it-safe">Phuket</a>, Koh Samui and Pattaya. To combat this I always wear pants or shorts with zipped pockets. Women can also guard against pickpockets by holding their handbags in front of them. And do not carry your passport outside your hotel, as this is your most difficult-to-replace item.</p> <h2 id="are-thai-streets-safe-for-women">Drink spiking is a significant risk</h2> <p>Male and female tourists have been targeted by drink spiking in Thailand, as widely documented by the country’s media. In some cases, the criminal’s aim was sexual assault, in others it was robbery. </p> <p>This is a particular risk to female solo travelers, who are viewed as vulnerable. So, if you’re heading out alone to a bar in Thailand, never leave your drink out of your sight. </p> <p>While we’re on the topic of drinks, a more widespread threat to you than drink spiking is becoming ill from tap water. As a rule in Southeast Asia, never drink water served to you in a glass unless you see it poured from a sealed bottle of mineral water. I made this mistake in Kuala Lumpur once and was horrendously sick for three days.</p> <p>Another time, in Koh Samui, I became very ill after drinking multiple soft drinks at a basic beach bar. I’m near-certain the ice blocks in them were the culprit. Because some small Thai venues such as this try to save money by making their own ice cubes from filtered water. The problem is that, unless these filters are cleaned regularly, the water, or the ice made from them, will not be safe for consumption.</p> <h2 id="what-to-wear-in-thailand">Be wary of other tourists</h2> <p>As a foreigner in a country where your native English is not widely spoken, it’s natural to gravitate toward other Westerners. Just know that, from my experience living in <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/thailand/5-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-going-to-thailand">Thailand</a>, this country has a high number of shady tourists and ex-pats, males in particular.</p> <p>Thailand has long been stereotyped as a hedonistic, anything-goes travel destination, which is why it attracts dodgy types. So don’t let your guard down when approached by a Western guy anywhere in Thailand, especially in <a href="/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/thailand-nightlife">nightlife areas</a>. That doesn’t mean you should avoid them or be afraid of them. Just be wary, as you would back home.</p> <h2 id="do-women-get-harrassed-in-thailand">How to protect yourself against scams</h2> <p>Don’t worry, Thailand isn’t brimming with scammers, as some hyperbolic online reports suggest. But there’s enough around that you need to be cautious. I know, because I’ve been duped in Thailand multiple times, although thankfully all were low-level scams that only cost me time or a small amount of money.</p> <p>Granted, this is only anecdotal, but from my many conversations with fellow travelers in Thailand, it seems scammers are more likely to target females. Perhaps because most scammers are male and feel they can more easily intimidate a female tourist if things go awry.</p> <p>Here are a few tips about common scams, based on my own experiences. Firstly, if a local with good English randomly approaches you outside a major tourist attraction, there’s a decent chance they’re a scammer. Politely decline their help or invitations. Secondly, do not hire a motorbike or jet ski. The companies that rent them are infamous for scamming tourists, claiming that you damaged their vehicle and demanding big sums of money. Lastly, if a taxi or tuk-tuk suggests they take you to a gem or jewelry shop, just say no. That’s a scam in the waiting.</p>iStock/structuresxx 0495927778 iStock Woman standing in Bangkok, Thailand

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/thailand-for-lgbtqi-travellersThailand is one of the most tolerant countries in Southeast Asia, and has a thriving LGBTQ+ scene. But are there limits to what's acceptable?2021-08-12T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/thailand-for-lgbtqi-travellershttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#transgender">Transgender people in Thailand</a></li> <li><a href="#acceptance">Gay and lesbian acceptance in Thailand</a></li> <li><a href="#affection">Public displays of affection</a></li> <li><a href="#general">General safety for LGBTQ+ Travelers?</a></li> </ul> <p>Thailand is one of Asia’s most LGBTQ+-friendly nations. It’s close to approving same-sex civil partnerships, has a thriving transgender community, boasts hospital services tailored to <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/lgbtq-travel-safety-tips">LGBTQ+</a> patients, and big Thai companies even offer medical leave for gender reassignment surgery. But that doesn’t mean Thailand’s necessarily an LGBTQ+ travel utopia. Thailand still has a complicated relationship with those communities that’s important to understand before you visit.</p> <h2 id="transgender">Transgender people in Thailand</h2> <p>Very few countries are as welcoming to transgender people as Thailand. It has one of the world’s largest transgender communities, is the biggest destination for gender reassignment surgery on the planet and is a hugely popular tourism destination for transgender people.</p> <p>Thailand has been so open to transgender people that many transmen and transwomen from across Southeast Asia leave their home countries, where their sexuality is not accepted, and take up residence in Thailand. Thailand is particularly well known for its many transwomen, known locally as “kathoey”.</p> <p>Whereas in many countries transgender people are marginalized – pushed to the fringes of society – in Thailand they are very much part of the mainstream. On any given day in a big Thai city, such as Bangkok, tourists will likely encounter many transgender people working in offices, hotels, restaurants, and shops. Thousands of people attend Thailand’s annual Miss International Queen, the world’s largest transgender beauty competition.</p> <p>However, transgender residents in Thailand still face more obstacles and injustices than cisgender people and are sometimes discriminated against in education, recruitment, and in the workplace. It’s also claimed that some transgender people are paid less and offered fewer benefits than their cisgender colleagues.</p> <p>For transgender tourists, however, Thailand is justifiably a prime destination. In the big cities, and popular tourist resort towns, transgender travelers are commonplace and it is very rare for transgender tourists to face harassment or abuse.</p> <h2 id="acceptance">Gay and lesbian acceptance in Thailand</h2> <p>Thailand is becoming more hospitable for gay and lesbian people. The Thai Government has approved a same-sex civil partnership bill to increase the legal rights of gay and lesbian couples, and Bangkok’s top private hospital, Bumrungrad, opened a clinic specifically for LGBTQ+ patients in 2021. Well-known Thai communications giant, DTAC, announced many new benefits for <span>LGBTQ+</span> employees in June 2021, including marital leave and family health packages for same-sex couples in civil partnerships.</p> <p>Homophobia still exists, of course, as it does in every country, but it is rare in Thailand, and becoming less common as young Thai people are reared in a nation that’s increasingly inclusive of gay and lesbian people.</p> <p>The widespread warmth in Thailand towards the gay and lesbian community was highlighted in April 2021 after a Thai gay couple received death threats from Indonesian internet users for posting photos of their wedding. That prompted a flood of online support and affection for this couple from Thai netizens, as well as Thai media reports defending them.</p> <p>This explains why Thailand has become a hugely popular tourist destination for gay and lesbian travelers in the last 20 years. As well as acceptance, the country has a lively LGBTQ+ social scene with every major Thai city and beach resort home to many gay and lesbian venues. Bangkok’s Silom district, which teems with gay bars and nightclubs, is widely considered the largest gay entertainment area in Asia.</p> <h2 id="affection">Public displays of affection</h2> <p>In general, all public displays of affection are much rarer in Thailand than in most Western countries. While Thai couples of all sexual orientations will commonly hug or hold hands in public, anything more intimate than that is unusual. Thais are naturally quite private and reserved and tend to keep their strongest emotions – from affection to anger – for the privacy of their homes. Visitors are advised to follow suit and leave the canoodling for the hotel room.</p> <h2 id="general">General safety for LGBTQ+ Travelers?</h2> <p>LGBTQ+ travelers to Thailand should take the same precautions they would in any other country. Hate crimes or discrimination against LGBTQ+ visitors are very rare, however, as in many other countries, social viewpoints are less liberal outside of the main cities, and people in rural Thailand are less accustomed to seeing same-sex couples.</p> <p>From a safety perspective, LGBTQ+ visitors in Thailand should consider the same issues as all other travelers. Scams, drink spiking, petty theft and <a href="/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/riding-motorbikes-in-thailand-what-are-the-rules">road accidents</a> are the four biggest threats to all tourists in Thailand. Where possible, it is best to book day tours, watersport activities, or long taxi trips through the concierge of your hotel, to minimize the risk of being caught up in one of the many scams that target tourists in Thailand.</p> <p>Drink spiking isn’t rampant in Thailand, but it’s common enough in its busy tourist precincts that you should try to always keep your drink in your hand. Also, keep a close eye on your possessions as petty thieves in Thailand often focus on foreigners.</p> <p>When it comes to road safety, Thailand has the world’s second-highest rate of road fatalities, and the worst rate of motorcycle fatalities – unless you’re an experienced rider, don’t hire a motorbike. Finally, if you are confronted by a Thai police officer, be polite and show them a photocopy of your passport, which you should always carry with you.</p>Getty Images/aluxum 1519087080 Getty Images Crowd walking on Yaowarat Road Chinatown, Bangkok

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/phuket-in-thailand-is-it-safeIs Phuket, Thailand safe? Find out about scams, crime, airport cons and tourist police before you go on your Thai adventure.2021-07-13T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/phuket-in-thailand-is-it-safehttps://www.worldnomads.com<p><a href="/travel-insurance/destinations/thailand">Thailand</a>’s largest island, and most popular beach resort, Phuket is one of the busiest tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. This stunningly beautiful place can also be dangerous for travelers who aren’t cautious. Here are eight <a href="/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/thailand-crime">safety</a> tips for your holiday to Phuket, gleaned from my many trips to this paradise.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#forget-renting-a-motorbike">Forget renting a motorbike</a></li> <li><a href="#how-to-book-tours-safely">How to book tours safely</a></li> <li><a href="#water-sports">Water sports dangers</a></li> <li><a href="#Phuket-taxi-mafia">Dealing with Phuket's taxi mafia</a></li> <li><a href="#boat-trips">Boat trips can be deadly</a></li> <li><a href="#eat-safely">How to eat safely</a></li> <li><a href="#dangers-female">Dangers for female tourists</a></li> <li><a href="#other-scams">Other scams to watch out for in Phuket</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="forget-renting-a-motorbike">Forget renting a motorbike</h2> <p>Phuket’s roads are busy with tourists riding small <a href="/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/riding-motorbikes-in-thailand-what-are-the-rules">motorbikes</a> they’ve rented for as little as USD$8 per day – the cheapest way to get around the island, which has high taxi prices, triple those in most other parts of Thailand. But it’s confounding that so many foreigners who’ve never even sat on a motorbike back home think it’s safe for them to operate one in a country renowned for its horrific road safety.</p> <p>If you choose to ride consider <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/"><span class="s2">travel insurance</span></a> and be sure to comply with its requirements, such as riding with a helmet and being appropriately licensed to ride in your home country at your destination.</p> <p>Consider this: according to a 2019 <em>New York Times</em> report, <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/thailand/5-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-going-to-thailand">Thailand</a> has the world’s second-highest road deaths per capita. And for motorbike deaths, it ranks first. Even for experienced motorcyclists, Thailand’s dense, unpredictable traffic is very dangerous. So, if you’re a novice rider renting a motorbike on holiday in Phuket, you’re taking a giant risk with your health. </p> <h2 id="how-to-book-tours-safely">How to book tours safely</h2> <p>From the moment travelers get off the plane at Phuket airport, they’re inundated with offers for tours around the island. Tiger tours, jungle tours, temple tours, island tours, food tours, adventure sport tours, and on and on. Unfortunately, a significant number of the companies that sell these tours actively look to scam tourists.</p> <p>They charge upfront and then refuse to provide the tour, or later inflate the price, among other tactics. When booking through a tour business always choose one that has a high number of favorable online reviews on websites such as Google or Tripadvisor.<br /><br />Another way to minimize your risk of being scammed is to book all your tours through the activities desk at a large hotel, even if you’re not staying there. These more expensive hotels cannot afford to have irate guests in their lobby yelling about how they were scammed on a tour organized by the hotel. It’s too damaging to their reputation and to their core business, so these hotels pick honest tour providers and police them strongly. <br /><br />By comparison, the hundreds of tiny Phuket businesses that sell tours have much less to lose by upsetting one of their customers. Granted, you will pay more for a tour booked via a large hotel, but you’ll save on stress.</p> <h2 id="water-sports">Water sports dangers</h2> <p>The ocean around <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/thailand">Phuket</a> is so warm and translucent which is why many travelers are drawn to water activities such as jet skiing, paragliding, and banana boat riding. Unfortunately, these water sports have long been a magnet for Phuket’s scammers. <br /><br />I personally know three people scammed in the same way after renting a jet ski from a random vendor on a Phuket beach. When each of them returned to the sand, after their allotted rental time, the vendor pointed at the damage on the jet ski and demanded a huge amount of money in compensation. <br /><br />Before you rent any jet ski, paraglider or banana boat, these scammers hide dents or scrapes on the equipment under pieces of tape. Then peel off this tape when you return and claim it is fresh damage. If you argue, the vendors become aggressive. And complaining to the local police rarely helps, as these scammers dupe tourists on a daily basis and have systems in place for dealing with the fallout.<br /><br />The solution? Just like with tours of Phuket, book all your water sports via the activities desk at a large hotel. They will send you to a trustworthy vendor.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/thailand/phuket-jetski.jpg" /> <figcaption>Jet skiing in Phuket, Thailand. Photo credit: Getty Images / Bento Fotography</figcaption></figure>   <h2 id="Phuket-taxi-mafia">Dealing with Phuket's taxi mafia</h2> <p>From taxis and tuks-tuks to airport minibus shuttles, Phuket’s infamous “taxi mafia” has a grip on everything. This coalition of drivers ensures that fares on the island are wildly inflated compared with the rest of Thailand. When Grab (the local version of Uber) began in Phuket its staff were regularly harassed, threatened, and even assaulted by taxi drivers, who didn’t want their monopoly to end.</p> <p>Once again, the safest option is to organize all transport through your hotel, including airport transfers. The hotel will have its own drivers who are far less likely to rip you off.</p> <h2 id="boat-trips">Boat trips can be deadly</h2> <p>In 2018, nearly 50 foreigners died after two tourist boats sank during a storm off the coast of Phuket. While the scale of that tragedy was unprecedented, tourist boat accidents are very common in Thailand. That 2018 disaster made headlines worldwide and prompted Thai media to highlight major safety shortcomings on such vessels, which are often overcrowded and lack sufficient life vests or functional fire extinguishers. <br /><br />Such problems are more common on the cheapest boats, like low-cost ferries, onto as many passengers as possible are squeezed on by operators. The luxury versions of ferries and tourist boats are much safer options, as they’re not as crowded, have higher quality safety equipment, and better-trained crew.</p> <h2 id="eat-safely">How to eat safely</h2> <p>Many foreign travelers to Southeast Asia have their holidays spoiled by food poisoning. Hygiene standards and ingredients in Thailand can be very different from what Westerners are used to. While there’s no way to absolutely avoid getting an upset stomach, but you can certainly minimize the risk.</p> <p>Eating Thailand’s famously tasty and cheap street food is one of the joys of visiting Phuket. Stay safe by avoiding the stalls that have pre-cooked food sitting in trays. You can’t be sure how long those dishes have been sitting there accumulating bacteria. Instead, order a specific dish from the menu and have it cooked fresh, right in front of you.<br /><br />Washing your hands regularly, drinking water filter bottles, and avoiding ice in drinks might also help.</p> <h2 id="dangers-female">Dangers for female tourists</h2> <p>Phuket is quite a safe destination for <a href="/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/women-s-safety-in-thailand">female travelers</a>, who are unlikely harassed because of how they’re dressed and don’t have significant issues with violent street crime. The two biggest criminal threats to female tourists in Phuket are drink spiking and scams.<br /><br />While it is not particularly common, Thai media have reported incidents of sedatives being slipped into the drinks of female tourists at bars and nightclubs. So, it’s advisable to always keep your drink in your hand. Meanwhile, scammers in Phuket tend to choose victims they consider less likely to respond with anger or violence, and this makes female tourists a preferred target.</p> <h2 id="other-scams">Other scams to watch out for in Phuket</h2> <p>Always change money at your hotel or a bank to avoid the sleight-of-hand thefts that can occur at Phuket’s small currency exchange businesses.</p> <p>When visiting local temples or tourist attractions, be wary of anyone who approaches you before you enter claiming the venue is closed, that you’re dressed inappropriately, or that you need to pay them an entrance fee. These are often the opening gambits of a scammer who, it just so happens, tends to have excellent English.<br /><br />When looking for transport outside of a tourist attraction or busy hotel, it’s better to flag down a passing taxi than to hop into one that’s already waiting at this exit. Phuket’s most unscrupulous taxi drivers target such heavily-touristed locations and will wait there patiently until they get a passenger who agrees to their hugely inflated fares.</p> <p><br />Phuket has a Tourist Police force. A mixture of Thai and foreign nationals, these guys can be called in an emergency and are good to speak with if you have any questions about your safety or how to go about things whilst in Phuket.</p> <ul> <li>Phuket Tourist Police: Call 1155 or<span> </span><a href="http://www.phuket-tourist-police-volunteers.com" target="_blank">go here</a> for more information.</li> <li>Find out how to navigate a<span> </span><a target="_blank" title="Guide to bribery in Thailand" href="/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/police-what-you-need-to-know">bribery situation in Thailand</a>.</li> </ul>iStock.com/Nirad 0 iStock Phuket

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/a-travellers-guide-to-thailands-lawsA traveler's guide to laws in Thailand. Find out about drug laws, the legal drinking age, visa restrictions and more with these tips.2026-04-10T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/a-travellers-guide-to-thailands-lawshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Thailand has long attracted hedonistic travelers, but don’t make the mistake of thinking “anything goes” in the Land of Smiles. Behave with the same caution and respect you show back home and you’ll avoid trouble.</p> <p><strong><a href="/explore/guides/thailand-itinerary">Traveling to Thailand soon? Download our free 14 day itinerary to discover the best of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, the Golden Triangle, and more.</a></strong></p> <ul data-smoothscroll=""> <li><a href="#respect-the-thai-king">Respect the Thai King</a></li> <li><a href="#passport">Always carry your passport in Thailand</a></li> <li><a href="#illegal-drugs">Avoid illegal drugs in Thailand</a></li> <li><a href="#drinking">Thailand's legal drinking age is 20</a></li> <li><a href="#visa">Don't overstay your visa in Thailand</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="respect-the-thai-king">Respect the Thai royal family</h2> <p>In many Western countries, it’s normal for people to make fun of, or criticize national figureheads, even royalty. Thailand, however, has extremely strict laws called <em>lese-majeste</em>, under which people can receive long prison sentences for insulting its monarchy.</p> <p>Like the UK, Japan, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands, to name a few, Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. This means it has a Government, but its head of State is a royal figure. In Thailand’s case, that is King Maha Vajiralongkorn.</p> <p><em>Lese-majeste</em> complaints can be filed by anyone, against anyone, and are always investigated by the police.</p> <p>While it is rare for tourists to face <em>lese-majeste</em> charges, it can happen. So do not, in any circumstances, say anything negative about Thailand’s monarchy while you’re in the country. Also, do not write anything derogatory about the Thai Royal family online. It’s better to avoid mentioning them altogether.</p> <p>There will also probably be times during your trip to Thailand that you’ll need to stand to attention as a mark of respect to the nation and, by extension, to its royal family. In urban areas, at 8am and 6pm every day, you’ll hear loudspeakers playing the Thai national anthem. Follow the lead of locals, stop whatever you’re doing, and stand still and silent until the song finishes.</p> <p>Another version of this occurs before movies at Thai cinemas. Just before the film begins a video is shown celebrating the Thai Royal family, during which the audience will stand quietly. Do as they do to avoid causing offense and potentially landing yourself in trouble.</p> <h2 id="illegal-drugs">Avoid illegal drugs in Thailand</h2> <p>It can be a life-altering mistake to ignore Thailand’s stringent drug laws. You could face long imprisonment if found in possession of cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, LSD, opium, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, ketamine or magic mushrooms (among others).</p> <p>And don’t be fooled by worldwide headlines about Thailand legalizing cannabis in early 2022 – smoking marijuana can still land you in a Thai jail. As of 2026, only medical marijuana is legal and you cannot smoke it in public. Many marijuana shops closed down and strict regulations are back in enforcement. <br /><br />If a foreigner gets caught smoking illegal marijuana, deportation or time behind bars is a real possibility.</p> <h2 id="drinking">Thailand's legal drinking age is 20</h2> <p>In Europe, the legal drinking age ranges from as young as 16 up to 18 years old, while in Australia, New Zealand and parts of Canada it is 18. In Thailand, you have to be 20 years old to legally buy alcohol. This may surprise some readers, as many teenage tourists drink alcohol while partying in Thailand.</p> <p>No matter what other tourists tell you about the leniency regarding underage tourists and alcohol, Thai law is Thai law. And Thai police have publicly stated they’re cracking down on underage drinking more than ever since the pandemic. If you look young, you may want to carry your ID on you when in bars, just in case.</p> <p><em>Planning a trip to Thailand? Find out <a href="/travel-insurance">how travel insurance can cover</a> lost or stolen baggage, sudden illness, or other travel mishaps.</em></p> <h2 id="visa">Don't overstay your visa in Thailand</h2> <p>Especially for backpackers slowly traveling around Asia, the desire to remain in Thailand for several months can be strong. And the same way you may hear it’s easy to get away with smoking weed, underage drinking, or not carrying any evidence of your passport, fellow travelers may convince you that <a href="/travel-wiser/practical/what-is-a-travel-visa">overstaying your Thai visa</a> isn’t a big deal. “You’ll just get a small fine,” they may say.</p> <p>To an extent, they’re right. If you remain in Thailand beyond the date permitted on your visa <a href="https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/thai-visas-americans/#:~:text=Visa%20Overstays&text=In%20order%20to%20depart%20Thailand,office%2C%20or%20other%20departure%20point.">you’ll be fined 500 baht (USD $15) for each day you have overstayed</a> up to a maximum of 20,000 baht ($600). I have met travelers who preferred to pay that maximum fine rather than face the hassle of renewing their visa.</p> <p>That is a big mistake for two reasons. Firstly, if you are caught by the police while wandering around Thailand overstaying your visa (as opposed to at the airport as you depart), you can potentially face more serious penalties, including a ban from re-entering Thailand for a period of time. Thai police have been known to conduct sweeps of areas where budget travelers stay, looking for offenders, so it's more likely than you might think.</p> <p>Secondly, if you overstay your Thai visa by between 90 days and one year, you face a one-year ban from re-entering Thailand and will find it more difficult to get Thai visas in the future. The penalties also increase for overstays of more than one year.<br /><br /></p> <h2 id="passport">Always carry your passport in Thailand</h2> <p>Thai authorities recommend tourists and foreign ex-pats carry their passports with them at all times while in Thailand. If you are comfortable doing that, then go ahead. Many tourists, however, are justifiably worried that constantly having their single most important document on their person greatly heightens <a href="/travel-insurance/whats-covered/stolen-passports">the risk of it being lost or stolen</a>.</p> <p>I won’t advise against something that is law. Just make sure, at a minimum, you carry a clear, printed photocopy of your passport photo page, your Thai VISA page, and of your Thai entry stamp. Also, keep photos of these pages in your phone. It is very rare for tourists to be asked by Thai police to show their passports. But if this does occur, then at least producing a photocopy and phone photo of your passport will help greatly.<br /><br />Beyond just staying on the right side of the law, there are a number of other things you can do to keep safe in Thailand. You can read more about them <a href="/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/is-thailand-safe">here</a>.</p>iStock/tobiasjo 0 iStock

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/patong-in-thailand-is-it-safeIs it safe to go to Patong? Here's what to know about scams, recreational drugs, motorbike safety, and navigating Patong's nightlife.2024-01-23T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/patong-in-thailand-is-it-safehttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Thailand’s busiest beach resort area, Patong bulges with bars, restaurants, and markets which cater to foreigners. As I learned during a decade living on-off in Thailand, this city on <a href="/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/phuket-in-thailand-is-it-safe">Phuket Island</a> also has many dangers for unwary visitors, from jet-ski scams to deadly roads and unclear laws around recreational drugs. Here are some tips for staying safe.</p> <p><strong><a href="/explore/guides/thailand-itinerary">Traveling to Thailand soon? Download our free 14 day itinerary to discover the best of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, the Golden Triangle, and more.</a></strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="#scams">Scams are rife in Patong</a></li> <li><a href="#weed">The legality of cannabis in Patong is uncertain</a></li> <li><a href="#motorbikes">Unless you ride motorbikes back home, don’t do it in Patong</a></li> <li><a href="#trouble">Patong nightlife: how to avoid trouble</a></li> <li><a href="#trans">Be respectful of transgender staff</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="scams">Scams are rife in Patong</h2> <p>Southeast Asia is infamous for tourist scams and, from my experience across dozens of trips in this region, Patong may be the epicenter of this scourge. Only Kuta in Bali, and Thai capital <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/thailand/insiders-guide-to-bangkok">Bangkok</a> can compete with Patong for density and variety of tourist scams.</p> <p>Some have fairly low stakes, such as the many Patong taxis that will refuse to use a meter and then quote you an exorbitant fare once your journey is finished. Or the bars and nightclubs which, when you order drinks, will show you one menu with low prices, and then when you later settle your bill will present you with a different menu with far higher prices. Not to mention the money changers who count your money in front of you then use sleight of hand to steal bills.</p> <p>Other common scams can be much more serious. Motorcycle and jet ski rentals routinely place plaster over damage on vehicles they give to tourists. When you return it, they sneakily remove the plaster, claim you caused that damage, ask for a massive fee to fix it, and if you argue, call a local police officer with whom they have a cosy relationship. That will end badly.</p> <h2 id="weed">The legality of cannabis in Patong is uncertain</h2> <p>After long being famously harsh on drugs, Thailand shocked the world in 2022 when it legalized recreational cannabis use. By 2024 there were literally thousands of cannabis dispensaries across Thailand selling high-grade cannabis products.</p> <p>When I was in Patong in 2023, it seemed like every 10th store had a cannabis leaf sign. This could convince tourists that marijuana use is fully legal and that they can smoke wherever they want. That is not the case. In fact, under Thailand’s cannabis laws, police can legally raid most dispensaries and charge its owners and anyone inside.</p> <p>Such incidents are rare. But the Thai laws only legalized cannabis with less than 0.2% THC (the psychoactive substance in cannabis) and recreational cannabis sold in Thai dispensaries is normally at least 10 times stronger than that, and therefore technically illegal. So, bear in mind that, while cannabis is freely sold everywhere in Patong, it is not as safe to possess as in Amsterdam, Canada, and many US states.</p> <p><em>Note: In early January 2024, the Thai government proposed new legislation that would outlaw cannabis except for medical and health-related purposes. Be aware that there may soon be a ban on recreational cannabis use.</em></p> <h2 id="motorbikes">Unless you ride motorbikes back home, don’t do it in Patong</h2> <p>I’ll never forget the moment my friend nearly died due to a motorbike mishap near Patong years back. While waiting to cross a road, he accidentally accelerated, his moped lurched forward onto the road, and he was narrowly missed by a truck.</p> <p>That was the first time he’d ever used a motorbike. It has always shocked me how many tourists in Thailand will hire a moped, and head off into deadly, chaotic traffic, despite having zero experience of riding one of these two-wheeled vehicles.</p> <p>Thailand has the highest rate of motorcycle deaths in the entire world, according to a 2019 report by the <em>New York Times</em>. It also placed second overall for road deaths. Having driven Thai roads for hundreds of hours myself, I’ve seen some terrifying things. Unfortunately, many Thai drivers and motorcyclists are extremely unsafe. Patong is even worse because of the addition of swarms of inexperienced foreign motorcyclists.</p> <p>Honestly, even if you’re a hugely-experienced motorcyclist, I’d still advise against riding in Thailand. No amount of skill will save you when you round a corner to find a car driving straight at you in the wrong lane. And such things occur regularly in Thailand.</p> <h2 id="trouble">Patong nightlife: how to avoid trouble</h2> <p>Be very careful of the company you keep. This is sound advice for life in general, but is even more relevant when traveling in Thailand, especially should you plan to delve into the nightlife of somewhere like Patong. If you are hanging out in a bar with someone who is overly drunk, acting aggressively, being vulgar, or in possession of illegal drugs, very easily you can become collateral damage.</p> <p>Countless times, on a night out in Thailand, I’ve seen innocent tourists get assaulted by security staff or even <a href="/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/police-what-you-need-to-know">arrested by police</a> because of the poor behavior of one of their friends. Of course, this can happen back home too. Except that, in your own country, you may be able to talk your way out of trouble, by apologizing on behalf of your friend and explaining you weren’t involved in their transgressions.</p> <p>But that is a far more difficult task in Patong, for two reasons. Firstly, most security staff and police speak minimal English so, once a situation gets heated, your pleas and explanations will mean nothing to them, quite literally. Secondly, Patong is so awash with intoxicated, rowdy, and disrespectful tourists that most security and police understandably have limited patience. So, as well as behaving yourself in Patong, be very wary of who you hang around.</p> <h2 id="trans">Be respectful of transgender staff</h2> <p>On any evening in downtown Patong, tourists will likely encounter groups of beautifully dressed transgender women whose job is either to attract customers into clubs, or to pose for photos for a fee. Wearing sparkly outfits and elaborate headdresses, many of these trans women are also towering in height due to wearing the loftiest of high heels.</p> <p>This is all by design – their livelihood relies on standing out in a crowd – and it makes them a magnet for tourists. As I have seen many times, these trans women are friendly and accommodating to anyone who approaches them in a cordial manner. They’re typically happy to chat or take photos.</p> <p>However, I’ve also witnessed the ugly side of such interactions. When tourists insult these trans women, either by mocking them, refusing to pay for photos, or touching them inappropriately, it can trigger violence. YouTube brims with footage of drunken foreigners disrespecting these trans women and then receiving some forceful, physical justice.</p>istock/zorazhuang 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/latest-thailand-travel-warnings-alertsWhat are the important issues affecting travelers visiting Thailand? Read the latest travel warnings and alerts you need to know.2021-07-15T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/latest-thailand-travel-warnings-alertshttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>Travel alert for Southern Thailand - 2019</h2> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <p>On Tuesday 5 November, 15 people were killed by gunmen in one of the worst attacks <a href="/explore/guides/thailand-safety-guide" target="_blank" title="Download our free guide to staying safe in Thailand">Thailand</a> has seen in years.</p> <p>This serves as a reminder to all travelers that the region bordering Malaysia in Thailand's south is listed as "Do Not Travel" by many government travel advisories. This includes Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla.</p> <p>Violence in this region is not new – thousands have been killed in southern Thailand since a separatist insurgency gripped the region in 2004.</p> <p>If you are planning on entering Thailand via one of its land borders, <a href="/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/thailand-transport-safety-here-s-everything-you-should-know#borders" target="_blank" title="Border crossings in Thailand">read our tips here on which crossings are safe, and which borders should be avoided</a>.</p> <h2>Tropical storm Pabuk - January 2019</h2> <p>Koh Samui Airport and other airports in southern Thailand are open however there may still be delays, so check with your airline prior to travel. Ferry services between the mainland and Koh Samui have resumed. The ferry service between Pattaya and Hua Hin has also resumed.</p> <p>Thailand is preparing for Tropical Storm Pabuk as it makes its way westward into the Gulf of Thailand, where it's due to make landfall on Wednesday 3rd January in southern parts of the country and continue to cause damage until the 5th January. <span>Popular tourist spots such as Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Krabi, Koh Lanta, Koh Tao and other islands will be impacted, with a high risk of heavy rain and coastal flooding. </span></p> <p>The storm has already produced torrential rains and flooding in Vietnam and Cambodia. Meteorologists are continually monitoring the storm system as there are concerns it could gather strength in the Gulf and evolve into a cyclone.</p> <p>Numerous beaches have been closed in the areas to be impacted by the storm system (often marked with a red flag). Follow all local warnings and signage regarding beach closures and do not swim.</p> <p>Authorities have issued warnings to the public and all hotels, resorts and tour operators. Ferry services from the mainland to the islands and inter-island have been canceled. The ferry service between Pattaya and Hua Hin has been suspended until further notice due to high winds and rough conditions in the Gulf of Thailand.</p> <p>Several airlines have canceled flights to/from Koh Samui and flights are also affected flying to/from Phuket and other airports in southern Thailand. Travelers are advised to check with their airline prior to departure.</p> <p>Please check with authorities for more information, follow any official warnings and listen to local news reports to monitor the situation. </p> <h2>Martial law</h2> <p>Travelers are reminded that a military junta is in charge of Thailand and martial law may be re-imposed in tourist areas at short notice. Martial law allows the authorities to make laws by decree, and to detain, arrest or deport people without reference to the judicial system. These powers are often given to local commanders – basically, the local police or army chief can make it up as he sees fit. Decrees made in one area may not apply elsewhere.</p> <h2>Death of the Thai King - October 2017</h2> <p>Travelers to Thailand are warned that circumstances had changed in the country following the death of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on October 13th, 2016. The 88-year-old monarch was much loved and widely respected in Thailand, it's advised to show respect and sympathy to the Thai people. A year-long period of mourning has recently ended with a five-day funeral ceremony finishing on October 30th.</p> </div> </div> </div> <p><em>Before you buy a travel insurance policy, check your government travel warnings and health advice – there may be no travel insurance cover for locations with a government travel ban or health advice against travel.</em></p>Getty Images/cofotoisme 1524475959 Getty Images Grand palace with traffic lights at dusk in Thailand

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/police-what-you-need-to-knowAre the Thai police reliable and approachable? Can you bribe your way out of anything? Read these tips for staying on the right side of law enforcement.2021-08-09T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/police-what-you-need-to-knowhttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2 id="tips">Quick tips for dealing with police in Thailand</h2> <ul> <li>Do not argue with Thai police. This is not your homeland; things work differently here.</li> <li>Always carry a photocopy of your passport with you to use as ID.</li> <li>Try to get a witness to your interaction with a Thai police officer, to back up your version of events.</li> <li>Save the phone number of your country’s Thai-based embassy in your phone. If you’re being treated unfairly by a police officer, immediately call your embassy.</li> <li>Be especially wary of police who approach you at night on the street near one of Thailand’s touristy entertainment precincts. These locations are where travelers most commonly run into unscrupulous officers.</li> <li>If you’re driving a vehicle in Thailand, carry an international driver’s permit or, at the very least, your driver’s license from back home.</li> </ul> <p><strong><a href="/explore/guides/thailand-itinerary">Traveling to Thailand soon? Download our free 14 day itinerary to discover the best of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, the Golden Triangle, and more.</a></strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="#types"> Types of Thai police </a></li> <li><a href="#bribery"> Avoid bribery </a></li> <li><a href="#fake"> Watch out for fake police </a></li> <li><a href="#calm"> No matter what, stay calm </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="types">Types of Thai police</h2> <p><strong>Community Police</strong> – <span>I’m using</span> this description to broadly refer to the uniformed officers a tourist will encounter on the roads and in the public spaces of Thailand. They are not detectives tasked with executing detailed investigations, but everyday officers whose job is to react to high-volume crimes and maintain order.</p> <p><strong>Tourist Police</strong> – Thailand’s main tourist destinations, such as <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/thailand/insiders-guide-to-bangkok">Bangkok</a>, <a href="/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/phuket-in-thailand-is-it-safe">Phuket</a>, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai, have special police units dedicated to helping foreign travelers. Made up of Thai officers and ex-pat volunteers, they speak English and wear vests that, in large print, identify them as “Tourist Police”. By calling the phone number 1155, a foreigner can request the presence of the tourist police. These officers specialize in arbitrating arguments between tourists and Thai people, which can be related to theft, scams, road accidents, or financial disputes. If you become a victim of a serious crime, visit the nearest police station. For lower-stakes matters, call the tourist police phone line.</p> <p><strong>Immigration Police</strong> – these are the officers you’ll be faced with if you overstay your welcome in Thailand. Tourists from most countries get a 30-day VISA-free entry upon arrival in Thailand. If you remain in the country beyond that, without applying for a Visa extension, you’ll have to explain yourself to the immigration police when you finally attempt to leave Thailand. They will automatically fine you US $15 for each day you’ve overstayed, up to a maximum of US $600.</p> <h2 id="bribery">Avoid bribery</h2> <p>Thai police famously supplement their modest salaries with what is known locally as “tea money”. This refers mostly to small bribes paid by Thai citizens caught for traffic crimes such as speeding or riding a motorbike without a helmet, both of which are rife on Thai roads. Instead of paying an official fine or getting a criminal charge, the motorist is let off after handing over a few hundred baht (US $5 to $20) which slides straight into the police officer’s pocket.</p> <p>Many Western tourists follow suit when confronted by a Thai police officer. But it is not advisable to bribe Thai police, especially as a tourist with a shallow understanding of how this nation works. Just because Thai people do it does not mean you should, or even that you can successfully.</p> <p>In attempting to bribe a Thai police officer, you may well land yourself deeper in trouble. Beyond potentially offending the officer, you could also be charged with attempted bribery. Instead, if you do commit a crime in Thailand, act just as you would back home. Pay the fine and toe the line.</p> <h2 id="fake">Watch out for fake police</h2> <p>As one of the most-visited countries, Thailand is a magnet for scammers looking to target foreign travelers, especially in tourist-soaked destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. These criminals have endless strategies for squeezing money out of tourists and one of those is to pose as a Thai police officer.</p> <p>In July 2021, the Thai Government released a warning to foreigners about an increase in reports of scammers impersonating immigration police. This announcement followed media reports of fake immigration police raiding condos in Bangkok and demanding to see the Visas of foreign residents.</p> <p>The Government revealed that these fake police had also been harassing expats in the street, shaking down foreign business owners, and confronting tourists in bars and nightclubs. As part of their announcement, the Government offered helpful advice for any foreigner approached by someone claiming to be a Thai police officer.</p> <p>You should immediately ask that person for their Thai police identity card, which must list their name, rank, and the station at which they’re based. If that person refuses to show you this card, or their police ID looks fake, report this incident to the nearest police station.</p> <h2 id="calm">No matter what, stay calm</h2> <p>Thailand is known as the “Land of Smiles” due to the sunny disposition of its people. But that isn’t because Thais are joyful and always relaxed – it’s partly because, in traditional Thai culture, it is frowned upon to openly show anger in public.</p> <p>Thai people have no problem venting their frustration in private, or for a passionate cause such as a political protest. But becoming livid in public during an exchange with another person is seen as a sign of weakness, and results in a loss of face. This is particularly important to remember when dealing with an authority figure, such as a police officer.</p> <p>Back home you may be free to remonstrate with a policeman if you feel you’re in the right. In Thailand, however, it is best to always maintain a monk-like level of calm and politeness when dealing with an officer. Such courtesy may well get you out of trouble.</p>Getty Images Vacharapong Wongsalab / EyeEm 01318593041 Getty Images

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/health-hygiene-in-thailandThere's more than a few ways to fall ill in Thailand. Find out how to avoid getting sick with these health and hygiene tips. 2022-04-19T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/health-hygiene-in-thailandhttps://www.worldnomads.com<div> <p>While there are many viruses and illnesses that can beset a traveler in Thailand, easily the most common way to become ill is by consuming unsanitary food or drinks. Getting an upset stomach is almost a given for many tourists to Thailand, but if you follow certain rules you’ll minimize your chances of becoming significantly ill.</p> </div> <ul> <li><a href="#food">Choose your food carefully in Thailand</a></li> <li><a href="#spice">Food is spicier in Thailand</a></li> <li><a href="#ice">Avoid ice and filtered water in Thailand</a></li> <li><a href="#hospital">Choosing a hospital in Thailand</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="food">Choose your food carefully in Thailand</h2> <p>The number one way to get food poisoning in Thailand is by eating something that isn’t fresh. Obviously, you can’t know how fresh the ingredients are in a dish being cooked for you. What you can control, however, is when that dish is cooked.</p> <p>The safest option is to avoid pre-prepared foods in favor of those cooked to order and then served steaming hot. Throughout Thailand, it’s common to see restaurants that sell dishes prepared in bulk and kept simmering in pots.  While many tourists eat from such venues with no problem, if you have a sensitive stomach they’re best avoided.</p> <p>If you have a really troublesome belly, then avoid meat and seafood (which easily carry bacteria) and go vegetarian. Thai food is so flavorful that its dishes still taste amazing even without any protein. Just tell the waitress or street food vendor “<em>Mangswirati kap</em>”, which means “vegetarian, please”, and they’ll prepare any Thai dish you choose sans meat or seafood.</p> <p>I avoid seafood unless I’m in a Thai destination reasonably close to the coast. Otherwise, I could be eating fish or shrimp that spent a long time being transported to my landlocked location, perhaps in storage conditions that aren’t ideal.</p> <h2 id="spice">Food is spicier in Thailand</h2> <p>Thai food served in Western countries is typically very mild compared to that served in Thailand, as my Bangkok born-and-raised wife complains whenever we try her home cuisine in Europe or Australia. You can’t fathom how hot Thai food actually is until you eat there. It is, without a doubt, the spiciest national cuisine I’ve encountered while visiting 60-plus countries.</p> <p>Even now, after dozens of visits to Thailand, I still often get a sore stomach from excessive chili consumption rather than food poisoning. This is due to capsaicin, the compound in chilis that stimulate pain fibers, which is pleasant and enhances flavors at the right levels. At exaggerated levels, though, it can trigger diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain.</p> <p>That’s why tourists to Thailand need to be wary when ordering from restaurants which, unless you instruct the staff otherwise, may make you blazing dishes catered to local tastes. Certain Thai dishes are particularly volcanic. <em>Som Tam</em> (papaya salad) has singed my mouth and stomach many a time. As has Tom Yum, the sour soup made with shrimp or chicken.</p> <p>If you do eat Thai food that’s too spicy for you, and get a sore stomach, then water or milk might help, but they won’t solve your problem. The most potent treatment is taking a calcium carbonate antacid, such as Gaviscon or Tums, which can be bought at most Thai pharmacies.</p> <p>Not all Thai dishes are spicy, however. Some are relatively mild and served with chili on the side, which allows the diner to then make the dish as hot as they prefer. This includes many noodle soups, of which there are dozens of varieties. It also goes for a lot of dry noodle dishes, like Kway Teow (broad noodles with stir fried meat and vegetables), and the traveler favorite Pad Thai.</p> <h2 id="ice">Avoid ice and filtered water in Thailand</h2> <p>Across dozens of trips throughout Asia, drinks (or ice) have caused me to get gastro as often as food. Clearly, drinking tap water in Thailand is to be avoided. I also steer clear of filtered tap water. The latter is commonly drunk by Thai people, who either fit a filter to their taps at home, or buy filtered water from dispensers found in public spaces.  </p> <p>I can’t claim to know how often such filters are cleaned or changed. But what I can say is that on most of the few occasions I’ve drunk filtered water in Thailand, I’ve become ill. A couple of those times I got mildly sick, but twice I was very unwell for several days. That’s why I don’t drink <a href="/travel-safety/bottled-vs-filtered-water">water</a> served to me in a glass, only from an unopened bottle.</p> <p>Ice can also pose a risk. Most ice in Thailand, is made in factories from sanitary water and is safe to consume. Normally, this ice is in the shape of a large cylindrical cube, with a gap through the middle. If you are served solid chunks of ice, which look like they’ve been made in trays, I’d push it aside.</p> <p>Should you get a sick stomach from drinks, ice or food then go to a pharmacy and ask to speak to the pharmacist. Most of these medical professionals speak English very well and will explain whether you need only pain killers and anti-diarrhea medication, or if your case is serious enough to warrant a course of antibiotics.</p> <h2 id="hospital">Choosing a hospital in Thailand</h2> <p>Thailand's public hospitals will treat tourists if they have sufficient travel insurance. But these facilities are often overcrowded and of a lower standard than public hospitals in most Western countries. Thailand does, however, boast many world-class private hospitals, which can be found in major tourist destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya and Chiang Mai. The accommodation and service at these facilities outstrips most public hospitals in the West.</p> <p>Private hospitals are, of course, a business and some of these facilities in Thailand have a bad reputation for squeezing every last baht out of patients. I won’t list those unscrupulous hospitals here, as Thailand has strict defamation laws, but a quick Google search will enlighten you. Regardless of what hospital you settle on, before you commit to a treatment, appointment, or stay at a public or private hospital in Thailand, get a written quote confirming the total price.</p> <p>If you are foolish enough not to have <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-insurance">travel insurance</a>, and you get ill or injured in Thailand, you could land yourself in a big mess. Because public hospitals are unlikely to accept you, and if you require ongoing care private hospitals can be expensive. So get insured.</p>iStock.com/aluxum 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/thailand-nightlifeThailand's nightlife is legendary, but it's not always safe or kind to travelers. Find out how to avoid trouble with these tips.2024-02-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/thailand-nightlifehttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Thailand’s nightlife is world-renowned, with visitors flocking from around the globe to revel at its beach bars, rooftop pubs, and thumping nightclubs. But partying here comes with risks, some of which will be new to foreigners, from scams to bucket drinks and hot-headed bouncers. Informed by my 20-plus trips to this beautiful country, here are six tips for staying safe on a night out in Thailand.</p> <p><strong><a href="/explore/guides/thailand-itinerary">Traveling to Thailand soon? Download our free 14 day itinerary to discover the best of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, the Golden Triangle, and more.</a></strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="#bouncers">Thai bouncers do not mess around</a></li> <li><a href="#bucket">Beware of the bucket drinks</a></li> <li><a href="#boats">Thai boat parties can be dangerous</a></li> <li><a href="#theft">Pickpockets are an issue in nightlife zones</a></li> <li><a href="#spiking">How to protect against drink spiking</a></li> <li><a href="#scams">Beware bar tab scams</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="bouncers">Thai bouncers do not mess around</h2> <p>While completing university I worked as a bouncer at bars and nightclubs in my Australian home city of Perth. It was astonishing how many drunken Aussies, and tourists, would insult me and my colleagues, or challenge us to fist fights. We just laughed at them, wary of the legal trouble that could beset us if we engaged physically.</p> <p>I’ve witnessed similar aggression towards bouncers throughout Europe and the US. But try that in Thailand and you’ll quickly be met with punches and kicks. Thai bouncers rarely get prosecuted for assault unless they severely injure someone, or the victim is a wealthy, well-connected local.</p> <p>Many are trained in kickboxing, and will happily pummel a disrespectful tourist. A minority of them, meanwhile, actively look for reasons to wallop foreigners. So, if security approaches you at a Thai bar or club, be polite and follow their instructions, even if they’re being totally unreasonable.</p> <h2 id="bucket">Beware of the bucket drinks</h2> <p>Bucket drinks have long been popular with tourists to Thailand, especially budget-minded backpackers. Their appeal is obvious – for as little as USD $7, tourists can get a plastic bucket filled with about five standard drinks worth of whiskey, mixed with soda or energy drinks.</p> <p>Bucket drinks are sold in backpacker-focused nightlife areas, such as Khao San Road, <a href="/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/patong-in-thailand-is-it-safe">Patong</a>, Koh Samui, and Koh Pha Ngan, as well as at the many <a href="/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/full-moon-mayhem-surviving-the-party">Full Moon parties</a> hosted across Thailand. Typically, these buckets contain ice, an unopened soda, and an unopened, 200ml bottle of local whiskey.</p> <p>These versions are far less risky than pre-mixed buckets, where tourists buy a ready-to-drink concoction. In this case, they can’t know exactly what is in their bucket. Even the traditional buckets, with unopened whiskey and soda, are dangerous due to the very low quality of the spirit alcohol.</p> <p>Not to mention the potential that the ice used in them is not clean. One of the worst cases of gastro I ever suffered was due to drinking a cocktail with ice at a beach bar in Koh Samui. The solution is to spend a little bit more money to buy bottled drinks from behind the bar.</p> <h2 id="boats">Thai boat parties can be dangerous</h2> <p>It sounds heavenly – an evening of drinking and dancing on board a vessel as it scythes along the coast of Thailand. Such booze cruises are advertised in every major Thai beach resort area. Many of them are safe and joyous. Others have the potential for disaster.</p> <p>In general, travelers need to be extremely cautious about boat rides in Thailand, where every week the news reports deaths due to vessels capsized or sinking. Late in 2023 I read one Thai news report that revealed there had been five deadly boat accidents in just one week, most of which involved tourists.</p> <p>This spate of catastrophes was blamed on boat tour companies ignoring storm warnings issued by Thai authorities. At other times, tourist boats have sunk due to overcrowding and poor vessel maintenance. Often those same boats didn’t have the life jackets or emergency provisions required in the event of an accident.</p> <p>Thailand simply doesn’t monitor vessel safety anywhere near as closely as Western countries do, which means the risk of being in a boating accident is far higher here than in your home country. So, be sure to book any boat tours, or booze cruises, via a large, five-star hotel. These properties have so much at stake, in terms of reputation, that they are heavily motivated to provide their guests with the safest available boat tours, and sunset cruises.</p> <h2 id="theft">Pickpockets are an issue in nightlife zones</h2> <p>While pickpockets are not a major problem in Thailand, you’re most likely to encounter them in a nightlife precinct popular with tourists. Such as Nana and Khao San Road in <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/thailand/insiders-guide-to-bangkok">Bangkok</a>, Patong in <a href="/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/phuket-in-thailand-is-it-safe">Phuket</a>, Beach Road in Pattaya, Chaweng in Koh Samui, and the Old City area of Chiang Mai.</p> <p>That’s because excessive alcohol consumption makes people dopey. Pickpockets know a drunk victim is less likely to notice someone following them closely, or the physical sensation of a hand slipping into their pocket or bag. They target tourist party zones because foreign travelers are more likely to be carrying significant amounts of cash than locals, many of whom use bank cards and phone apps to make all their purchases.</p> <p>The solution is simple: wear clothes with zipper pockets. While traveling to 60-plus countries over the last decade, I’ve exclusively worn such shorts and pants, which make it greatly harder for a pickpocket to fleece you. Drinking in moderation is the other obvious strategy.</p> <p><em>Planning a trip to Thailand? Find out <a href="/travel-insurance">how travel insurance can cover</a> lost or stolen baggage, sudden illness, or other travel mishaps.</em></p> <h2 id="spiking">How to protect against drink spiking</h2> <p>Similar to pickpocketing, drink spiking is not hugely common in Thailand. But it happens enough, especially to female tourists, that you need to take precautions. Firstly, keep your drink in your hand at all times, with the exception of asking a trusted friend to hold it.</p> <p>Secondly, some drugs used for spiking can create a slightly bitter or salty taste. So if your drink tastes strange, put it down. Thirdly, if you feel a sudden onset of drowsiness or dizziness, immediately find a friend and ask them to look after you.</p> <p>Lastly, remember that it’s much more difficult to protect yourself against being drugged if you become drunk. When intoxicated, you are more likely to forget to keep hold of your drink, less likely to notice someone spiking your drink, and your inebriated behavior will draw the attention of drink spikers, who look for easy targets.</p> <h2 id="scams">Beware bar tab scams</h2> <p>It sounds obvious, but do not order drinks at a bar or club which doesn’t have prices listed on the wall or have a menu available. In Thailand’s rowdiest nightlife areas, like Patong and Nana, some bars will avoid listing prices to scam customers who are foolish enough to make an order before they see a menu.</p> <p>They prey on drunk tourists who assume every venue in Thailand is cheap compared to back home. Then, when you ask for your final bill, it will be ridiculously high. If you protest, aggressive bouncers will step in. In this case, the best option is to stay calm, negotiate a lower bill, and leave the venue quietly, having learned a lesson.</p>Getty Images /Алексей Облов 01247803055 Getty Images Crowds and neon signs in a busy nighltife area of Pattaya, Thailand.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/full-moon-mayhem-surviving-the-partyBeware of buckets, flaming ropes and theft of your valuables. Find out everything you need to know before you go to Thailand's Full Moon Party. 2019-08-14T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/full-moon-mayhem-surviving-the-partyhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>A few young travelers (up to 20,000) gather every month on a beach on a remote Thai island (Koh Pha-Ngan) and dance the night away in front of a strip of bars and clubs pumping out dance music, while getting wasted on weed, <em>Yaba</em>, mushrooms, XTC or bucket drinks until the sun comes up. The Full Moon Party. Hundreds of thousands of participants over the past 25 years think it’s the best party they’ve ever been to, making it an essential stop on the gap year/banana pancake/backpacker trail. But things can go awry if you aren't careful.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#crime-gangs">Crime gangs</a></li> <li><a href="#bucket-drinks">Bucket drinks</a></li> <li><a href="#skip-the-burning-rope">Skip the burning rope</a></li> <li><a href="#theft-of-valuables-and-cash">Theft of valuables and cash</a></li> <li><a href="#party-transport">Party transport</a></li> <li><a href="#party-rules">Party rules</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="crime-gangs">Crime gangs</h2> <p>There is a serious criminal element present, and it’s not uncommon for people’s hotel/hostel rooms to be ransacked while they’re at an all-night party. Management is suitably shocked and alarmed about it, but it keeps happening month after month at some accommodations. </p> <p>Drug gangs operate at the party and often they can be in cahoots with corrupt police. You buy some cheap weed, get “arrested”, pay 150,000 baht to avoid prosecution, and the same bag of weed is sold to the next sucker.</p> <p><em>Yaba</em> (amphetamines) and XTC are highly illegal in <a href="/travel-insurance/destinations/thailand">Thailand</a>. Buying them from a stranger at the party exposes you to a shakedown, or if the police are genuine, a nasty journey through the <a href="/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/a-travellers-guide-to-thailands-laws">Thai legal system</a>.</p> <h2 id="bucket-drinks">Bucket drinks</h2> <p>If you stick to the legal stuff – alcohol – it’s very easy to overdo it because the drinks come in buckets!</p> <p>It’s literally a bucket (like the ones kids take to the beach) filled with ice, M150 (a Thai version of Red Bull which is heavy on the ephedrine), a can of soda, a 300 ml bottle of liquor and 3 or 4 straws. Total cost: 200 baht/$US6 (and that’s expensive for Thailand). Because they’re cheap the tendency is to buy too many of them. If you’re sharing, it can be hard to keep track of just how much alcohol you’ve had.</p> \ <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Travel-Safety/Thailand/bucket%20drinks%20-%20Thailand.jpg" alt=">Bucket drinks for sale in Koh Pha-Ngan, Thailand." /><figcaption>Bucket drinks for sale in Haad Rin, Koh Pha-Ngan. Photo credit: iStock.com/Joel Carillet</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="skip-the-burning-rope">Skip the burning rope</h2> <p>If you decide to party hard regardless, fair enough, we’re here for a good time. Unfortunately, lots of people leave the party early having had a bad time.</p> <p>The day after the party you’ll see people with bandaged hands, legs and feet. They’ve either cut themselves on broken glass that litters the beach (tip: wear closed-in shoes – not flip flops), or they’ve had an encounter with the flaming skipping rope or limbo stick. The idea is to get as many people as possible jumping the rope, and spin it so fast the flames go out. It doesn’t always work out and injuries from a kerosene-soaked flaming rope can be pretty nasty.</p> <h2 id="theft-of-valuables-and-cash">Theft of valuables and cash</h2> <p>Lots of people want to capture this great party in pictures or video and there are thousands of clips on YouTube. But hang on tight to your phone or camera as valuable electronics have a habit of “disappearing”. Gang members come for the party, follow drunk revellers around and wait for an opportunity to take phones or cameras.</p> <p>Only take enough cash for the evening and it’s a good idea to take a photocopy of your passport details just in case you need ID. But leave the valuable and important stuff locked up back at the hotel (and ask them for a receipt when they put it in their safe).</p> <h2 id="party-transport">Party transport</h2> <p>Plan your escape carefully.</p> <h3>Scooter accidents</h3> <p>Don’t take your moped. Even if you think you're okay to ride, others might not be. There are plenty of taxis operating all night.</p> <p>Speaking of mopeds and motorscooters, <a href="/travel-safety/southeast-asia/thailand/riding-motorbikes-in-thailand-what-are-the-rules" title="Licensed to thrill" target="_blank">do you need a license to ride in Thailand</a> and what happens if you don't have one?</p> <h3>Overcrowded boats</h3> <p>If you’ve caught a speedboat to the island for the day and want to get back to Koh Samui, take it easy. Stephen Ryder from <a href="http://www.ensureasia.com/" target="_blank">ensureasia.com</a> (he deals with ex-pats living in Thailand) says the speedboats don't have a great safety record, and the crew has often been drinking as hard as the party-goers.</p> <p>Sometimes after a really busy party, there’s a rush of people who have peaked too early and have had enough by about 3 or 4 in the morning. You can get scores of people all vying for the half dozen places on each boat that arrives. The boats get rushed when they beach, so the next time they hang back a little. After a while, you have a mob of drunk, desperate people wading/swimming out to boats. The skippers get worried they’ll be swamped as people clamber aboard, so they grab a few passengers and push the rest back into the water then roar off with throttles wide open. </p> <p>It might be better to wait for the first scheduled ferry service at 7am. </p> <h2 id="party-rules">Party rules</h2> <p>Always take care of each other. Just because this is a beach party a long way from home it doesn’t mean you should let your guard down.</p> <p>Most people walk away from the<span> Full Moon Party</span> having had a thoroughly good time, if they skip the skipping rope, drink responsibly and leave valuables at home. Follow these rules and you’ll be around to come back to the best beach party in the world again and again.</p>iStock/ViewApart 0464471318 iStock Firestarter performing amazing fire show with sparkles