Safety in Thailand

Renowned for its idyllic beaches and friendly inhabitants, Thailand may seem like paradise. The good news is that it can be – provided expats take note of the country’s most prominent safety concerns and proceed with the necessary precautions.

The safety shortcomings in Thailand primarily result from underfunded infrastructure, political instability and the high level of poverty. The primary safety concerns for expats living in Thailand are listed below, with advice on the best precautions to take.

Terrorism in Thailand

Thailand is viewed as a moderately safe destination for foreigners. The main concern for expats has been the unstable political situation in the years since the military seized control of the government. Martial law and curfews have since been lifted from almost all areas of the country.

There is a high risk of terrorism in the far south of Thailand. The southern provinces on the border between Thailand and Malaysia have been the site of extreme separatist violence in the past. Foreign governments have advised against all but the most essential travel to these potentially unsafe areas.

Following sporadic bombings in previous years, there is the possibility of terrorism in larger cities and certain tourist areas. The severity of these attacks has varied dramatically. The general advice given by foreign embassies about this issue is to avoid crowded and tourist areas during high-risk terrorist alerts and to keep a low profile wherever possible.

General safety in Thailand

Crime rates in Thailand are usually quite low compared to other international destinations, and violent crimes against foreigners are rare. That said, crimes of opportunity can happen, and it’s wise to take some precautions ahead of time.

To avoid falling victim to pickpockets, expats should keep a close eye on their purses and bags in crowded places. In Bangkok and other urban centres, foreigners should be wary of being targeted by thieves who ride as passengers on a motorcycle and grab victims’ bags as they pass. If this does happen, expats are advised not to resist.

These thieves have been known to drag victims alongside the motorbike until the bag comes off, or to use a knife to detach the bag quickly. Any mugging or pickpocketing incidents of this sort should be reported to the police as soon as possible.

Road safety in Thailand

No matter where an expat ends up living, whether in a small town or the heart of Bangkok, road safety in Thailand will be a primary concern. Thailand is one of the world’s most dangerous countries for road accidents.

The low level of road safety is arguably best explained by chaotic driving and traffic conditions. There is also a severe lack of awareness regarding drink-driving. Where possible, expats should always use pedestrian overpasses to cross roads.

They should also watch out for motorcycles using pedestrian walkways to avoid the traffic jams in Bangkok. Expats intent on driving in Thailand are advised to drive defensively and to obey traffic laws, even if no one else seems to be doing so.

Scams in Thailand

Expats who have just landed in Thailand often fall prey to scams – and most expats in the country have experienced at least one. The good news is that, in most cases, they involve a relatively minor sum of money. New arrivals usually wise up after a few weeks in town and never fall victim again.

Taxi drivers occasionally try to overcharge foreign passengers. If this happens, expats should ask them to put on the meter or settle on a flat rate for the trip. Any pricing negotiations should be done before getting into the taxi.