Is Thailand Safe To Travel?

Published On : 04 Sep 2024

Tourism is one of the main industries in Thailand, and the country receives more than 35 million tourists annually. With its recourseful beaches, tasteful cuisines, colorful culture and welcoming people it is a great travel destination. However, there are some violent events in the recent past that have been publicized in the media and therefore some visitors are concerned whether Thailand is safe for tourism. Here is a brief idea on the existing safety environment in Thailand for any traveler.

Crime and Safety Risks

Quoting from the Crime in Thailand Foreigners ‘Experience’ survey conducted by the Tourism and Sports Ministry, petty crimes like pick pocketing and bag snatching are probably the most prevalent crimes that the foreign tourists in Thailand encounter. I understand that violent crime is not very common but it has occurred once in a while. It is also important to note that being a tourist attraction centre the country is well endowed with con artists who target tourists. Therefore tourists should be cautious just like they would be in any other place in the world.

All the same, many millions of people visit different regions of Thailand every year and nothing happens to them. Many tourists visit Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya but the crime rate against foreigners in other locations is relatively very low. Measures such as not walking alone late at night, not displaying valuables in public are very effective in avoiding bad incidences.

Political Protests

The last 15 years in Thailand has seen political instability and massive protests mostly in the capital city Bangkok. These protests have sometimes turned violent. They have not had a direct impact on tourist areas although some tourists have been trapped in the periphery. In general, it will be safer not to attend any protests, demonstrations, marches, or political meetings in Bangkok or any other city.

However, as we have seen in the current political situation, the chances of protests erupting again in Thailand’s future cannot be ruled out entirely. Thus, reading regional media is helpful when visiting and even more so if one plans to stay more than a few days. In case of political protests, they should best avoid the area of protest, transport and adhere to the general guidelines.

Terrorism and Insurgency Risk

On average, the risk of terrorism in Thailand is considered to be moderate. However, Thailand fights some domestic terrorism, mainly in the southern provinces of the country, such as Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat. This low-grade insurgency does not impact regions beyond the deep south most of the time.

The insurgents specifically target the expatriate population and Thai security forces. In terms of the southern insurgency, the likelihood of getting involved as a foreign tourist is incredibly small. But people should not travel here and they should not make any unnecessary visit to this area if they do not have a guide.

Scams Targeting Tourists

However, there is one significant moderate safety threat in Thailand as fraudsters and swindlers are very active in the country and often target overseas visitors in order to get their quick bucks from them. Some common scams reported include:Some common scams reported include:

Tuk Tuk drivers or even other reckless taxis who take new comers to overpriced shops, charging a huge fare, and becoming so aggressive if asked or bargaining their exaggerated initial offer.
Jet ski rental stores, which attempt to overcharge renter with unreasonable amounts when they bring back the jet ski back with minor damages such as scratches.
Selling of fake train or bus tickets to the travelers by fraudsters, encountering issues while on the move or when seeking your refund.
Policemen pretending to be tourist police to extort money or a fine for alleged infringements.

Of course there are perils but most stories of tourists being swindled stem from a failure to appreciate the vast difference in income and traditions between themselves and the people of the place they are visiting. They are however very cautious and thus should not let the fear to hide the great hospitality, friendliness of the Thai people that they are famous for.

No Drugs and Alcohol Issues

Thailand has extremely strict laws against possessing, using or transporting any form of illicit substances. While amounts that would be classified as personal use in Western countries may be punished by severe penalties including death penalty for drug offenses in Thailand. These strict drug laws do not differentiate between locals and foreign visitors.

It is also indirectly involved in cases of injuries or other related crimes against some tourists who may develop some sort of irrational behavior due to excessive drinking. Conflicts, aggressive driving, thefts and attacks are normally carried out by tourists who have been under the influence of alcohol. However, when dancing or out for partying or clubbing at night in risky areas, do not completely lower your guard.

Health and Safety Risks

As for the health threats, Thailand is not very dangerous, though it is prudent to follow some basic rules – do not consume any food that has been cooked previously, do not drink tap water, wear boots in the rainy season, and so on. He pointed out that communicable diseases are not much of a problem here except for migrants arriving from neighboring countries.

Small potholes like flooded streets during the rainy season can hide open manholes and pose dangers such as people falling into them or getting an electric shock. There are tropical diseases that are spread by mosquitoes, for instance, the Dengue fever but they are rare to affect many of the current tourists who apply repellents and sleep in good hotels.

Traffic safety is an important issue as Thailand is among the leading countries in terms of traffic mortality rates. The following are the major risks; reckless driving, no helmet usage on motor bike, traffic rules & regulation infringement, and poor safety measures on public transport. Those who use roads as a means of transport should be very careful.

In conclusion, Thailand is the ‘Land of Smiles’ and not the ‘Land of Struggles’. Thus, this South East Asian wonder land still offers a safe haven for millions of tourists to spend their dream vacation. Just like in any other place, it is always advisable to practice good sense by being attentive to existing situations and environments, not engaging in dangerous activities or areas, and avoiding trouble. Contrary to this, most trips to Thailand actually occur without any issue when people book intelligently and do not relinquish responsibility to the culture completely. Have a great trip but as you go around be careful!