Dangers to be aware of when travelling in Thailand

Tips for safe travel in Thailand, the country is known to be safe for tourists, but you should be aware of the dangers that exist.

Thailand is considered the safest country in Southeast Asia for travellers.

There is a history of social unrest and violent conflict in some parts of the country, but crime in tourist areas is rare.

If you take the usual safety precautions (stay alert, keep an eye on your belongings, etc.), you have nothing to fear.

Provinces to avoid

The 4 dangerous provinces in southern Thailand

According to the US State Department, the areas to be avoided in Thailand at this time are the provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla.

These provinces cover the southern tip of Thailand and are currently the scene of conflict by Islamic terrorist groups.

The biggest danger in Thailand: the road

Photo: chiangraitimes.com

The main danger for foreign travellers is Thailand's roads, which are ranked among the most dangerous in the world.

See : Why are Thailand's roads among the deadliest in the world?

This is why it is not advisable to rent a scooter if you do not have good road experience, left-hand drive and good insurance.

You should also be aware that the insurance company will refuse to pay if you do not have an international or Thai licence.

Without one of these two licences, it is illegal to drive in Thailand.

And the main good hospitals in the country charge double for foreigners, so if you're not covered by your insurance, the second big problem you'll face after an accident is a huge bill that you'll struggle to pay back.

This is the dark side of the country, with no mercy for those who have accidents and which means that many unfortunate tourists are forced to appeal for donations after a major accident in order to pay their hospital bills.

Beware of petty theft

Petty theft, such as pickpocketing, is a concern for travellers around the world, but it is particularly rare in Thai cities.

However, there are more and more cases of assault and theft of valuables in the resort town of Pattaya.

See : Transsexuals continue to assault tourists in Pattaya, Thailand

You should keep your most important possessions (passport, electronic devices, etc.) in a safe place and carry only what you need for day-to-day use.

A secure money belt can be a great option for keeping your money and phone.

Danger for women travelling alone

Thailand is an ideal destination for women travelling alone.

It is without doubt the best destination in South East Asia for a solo traveller.

But this does not mean that there are no assaults, although they are very rare, there are always cases, see :

Swiss woman's killer in Phuket charged with attempted rape

German celebrity attacked and robbed on Thai beach

As a single woman, you are unfortunately more likely to be harassed or assaulted than a man, so it is important to know how to keep yourself and your property safe.

Electronic cigarettes are banned in Thailand

Photo: lindsayfox

It should be noted that electronic cigarettes are illegal in the country.

It seems that the police are currently leaving vapers alone, as arrests have tarnished the country's tourist image.

See : E-cigarette banned in Thailand: French woman ends up in jail

But despite testimonies from tourists who have vaped without a problem, you still risk a hefty fine or jail sentence if you are caught with your e-cig in the country.

See : Electronic cigarettes still illegal in Thailand in 2022

Credit card and ATM fraud

Device to steal credit card data. Photo: El Paso Times

Be careful when using your debit or credit card.

Use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business.

Avoid unusual looking ATMs, cover the keyboard with one hand when entering your code.

Check your account statement for unauthorised transactions.

See: 2 foreigners arrested for ATM fraud in Thailand

We strongly advise you to register with an online bank such as WiseThis is a great way to change your euros into baht at the best rate and has many security features such as the ability to freeze your credit card when you are not using it.

See : Manage money easily when travelling with the Wise multi-currency account

Food and drink containing drugs

Never leave your food or drink unattended, and never leave it with strangers.

Beware of snacks, drinks or cigarettes offered by new acquaintances.

These products may contain drugs and put you at risk of being robbed or sexually assaulted.

See : Drugs in glass: Australian woman speaks out after Thailand trip

Protect yourself from dangerous animals

90 % of snakes found in Bangkok are boas. Photo: Boa constrictor

The most dangerous being the mosquito, remember to wear loose clothing early in the morning and at sunset, and use repellent when in an infested area.

When you are out in the countryside, you may come across snakes, scorpions or scolopendra, we advise you to read this article to know how to react in case of an encounter with dangerous animals:

Dangerous animals to know in Thailand

You may also be confronted with aggressive dogs.

See : Pack of aggressive dogs in Thailand, how to react?

See also :

Health in Thailand, tips for safe travel

Thailand is now more dangerous according to a survey