The jungle-draped, temple-packed Southeast Asian nation of Thailand attracts almost 40 million guests per 12 months, some wanting to embark on the famed Banana Pancake backpacker path, others out there for a non secular awakening or a life-changing bowl of massaman curry. Regardless of many years of turbulent politics, vacationers stay secure in the primary vacationer hubs of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pai, and the ever-boozy islands. In fact, there are a lot of less-trodden options, too, which might be simply as secure to go to. Vacationers want solely to maintain a watch out for scams, petty theft, and the inherent threat of driving on Thailand’s notoriously chaotic roads.
Journey Advisories
The U.S. Division of State has issued a Stage 1 Journey Advisory for Thailand, that means vacationers ought to “train regular precautions.” Some elements of the nation, nevertheless, such because the southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla, are beneath a Stage 3 (“rethink journey”) as a result of “periodic violence directed principally at Thai authorities pursuits.” The U.S. authorities has restricted potential to offer emergency providers to Individuals in these areas1.
The Facilities of Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) has additionally issued Stage 1 Journey Well being Discover for Thailand resulting from COVID-19. The nation’s borders stay closed to overseas nationals with few exceptions1.
Is Thailand dangerous?
For probably the most half, Thailand isn’t dangerous. Hundreds of thousands of vacationers of all ages and ranges of journey expertise flood the nation 12 months after 12 months to witness its grand waterfalls and ornate temples, mingle with the hill tribes on guided excursions, and feast on pad thai and avenue meals. The persons are pleasant and the infrastructure in most locations is accommodating to vacationers. Nevertheless, there are some scams to concentrate on. In accordance with the U.S. Embassy and Consulate, widespread scams embody tuk-tuk and bus “sightseeing excursions,” scooter rental scams (claiming the rental has been broken and demanding extra money upon its return), and the “mistaken change” scam2. Educate your self on the widespread scams and be accustomed to the trade charges earlier than you go.
A higher concern is the hazard of driving in Thailand. A 2018 World Well being Group (WHO) report confirmed that almost 23,000 folks die in site visitors accidents yearly on this country3. That is greater than two folks per hour. And the benefit of renting motorbikes with zero expertise places vacationers at a excessive threat. At all times be taught to trip a motorcycle correctly earlier than trying to drive one and be extraordinarily cautious of driving on the again of another person’s. Vet corporations effectively earlier than reserving bus journeys as a result of there are a lot of security issues there, too.
Most vacationers ought to get vaccinated for Hepatitis A and typhoid earlier than going to Thailand. Many will even need to take prescription malaria medicine earlier than, throughout, and after their journey. Dengue fever, one other mosquito-borne an infection, is an epidemic in all city and rural areas, so cowl up as a lot as doable to keep away from bites.
Is Thailand Protected for Solo Vacationers?
Thailand is completely secure for solo journey. Even once you’re by your self, you may by no means be too removed from different vacationers. Hostels are nice alternatives to socialize and there are greater than a thousand of them squeezed into this nation, smaller than the state of Texas. Touring solo, you may nonetheless be confronted with the identical threat as any group—you are no extra more likely to catch malaria or get into a motorcycle accident when by your self, however it’s possible you’ll be extra susceptible to scamming and pickpocketing, so be further cautious. If you happen to do go off the crushed vacationer path in Thailand, achieve this with a bunch or a licensed information.
Is Thailand Protected for Feminine Vacationers?
Likewise, ladies are not any extra more likely to catch a mosquito-born sickness or get into a motorcycle accident than males in Thailand. And regardless that sexual assault is widespread—a reported one in 5 Thais have skilled it—vacationers usually are not the first goal of male consideration. Feminine vacationers usually tend to be hit on or harassed by fellow vacationers than locals, so be further vigilant on nights out.
Security Ideas for LGBTQ+ Vacationers
Thailand has a thriving LGBTQ+ scene, particularly in Bangkok, the place a lot of the nightlife facilities round Thai trans ladies. The city areas are extra accepting than rural areas in terms of homosexuality, however for probably the most half, Thais are exceedingly welcoming and accepting. The one main security concern is that Thailand has one of many highest HIV/AIDS an infection charges on this planet, so vacationers ought to follow secure intercourse.
Security Ideas for BIPOC Vacationers
There have been experiences of discrimination on the idea of pores and skin shade in Thailand, however racism hardly ever results in violence. There’s a widespread cultural obsession with gentle pores and skin right here as a result of darker complexions have traditionally been related to rural poverty and dealing within the fields. You will see pores and skin whitening lotions in each drugstore and Caucasian faces on magnificence commercials all through the nation. That being mentioned, BIPOC vacationers for probably the most half stay secure.
Security Ideas for Vacationers
U.S. residents ought to register their journeys with the Division of State’s STEP program. That approach, the native embassy will know you’re in Thailand and you may obtain updates on any rising political issues.Don’t get caught in probably harmful conditions, like public protests and enormous gatherings that might flip violent.
It is a corrupt nation and law enforcement officials will typically get in on the scams by concentrating on vacationers for steep, paid-on-the-spot “fines.” Although it is common, bribery is against the law all through Thailand.
All leisure medication are unlawful. Regardless of simple availability in some locations, getting caught might lead to steep fines and jail time. A handful of vacationers overdose every year in the course of the widespread Full Moon Events (and different events) held on the island of Koh Phangan.
As with anyplace on this planet, drink druggings are an issue right here, perpetuated by the bucket drinks continuously served on the islands. Cocktails combined in plastic buckets are sometimes shared, giving folks the chance to drug a number of folks directly. In nightlife-oriented locations comparable to Haad Rin, buckets will be purchased from shacks on the seaside and avenue. Stick to purchasing drinks from established bars for just a little extra accountability.
Smoke and haze are an annual downside in Northern Thailand. Deliberately set fires create choking smoke and air pollution. The issue persists from late February till the wet season beings in Might. If you happen to endure from bronchial asthma, examine air high quality earlier than touring to Chiang Mai, Pai, and different areas in the course of the “burning season.”
Some ATMs are fitted with hidden card-skimming units that seize credentials. Keep on with utilizing well-lit ATMs or these hooked up to financial institution branches.
Pickpocketing happens, significantly in tourist-oriented locations comparable to Khao San Street. Don’t stroll round with costly smartphones or cameras on present. Keep away from placing your telephone on the desk when consuming and carry luggage throughout your physique as a substitute of on one shoulder. Typically thieves on motorbikes will snatch telephones or luggage then velocity away.
Theft is an actual downside on night time buses. A sleeping bag liner is a good, light-weight funding for preserving valuables shut and inaccessible to others whilst you’re sleeping.