Personal Security in Thailand

Thailand is a fairly safe country, and simple health and safety precautions keep the vast majority of travelers out of trouble. For instance, ignore hustlers, keep away from troubled border areas, take care of valuables, and avoid staying or eating in unsanitary conditions. The infrastructure of emergency services for both health and crime is efficient throughout Bangkok and provincial capitals. As a rule of thumb, the more remote the area, the higher the health risk and less support available in the event of any mishap. The main hospitals in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, the main resorts, and other large cities have modern equipment and well trained doctors, many of whom speak some English.

In an Emergency
There are no national emergency telephone lines, and operators do not speak English. For English-speaking help, call the Tourist Assistance Center, which will contact the appropriate service for you. Lines are open from 8am to midnight, after which you will have to rely on English-speaking hotel staff. During office hours, TAT may also be able to help. The Metropolitan Mobile Police cover general emergencies in Bangkok. All Bangkok’s hospitals have 24-hour accident and emergency departments.

General Precautions
Despite its size, Bangkok is relatively safe. Crime and violence do exist in the city, but the vast majority of travelers remain untouched by it. Usually discretion and sobriety are the best means of avoiding problems. Be on your guard at tourist sights, and at bus and train stations, which are rife with hustlers and pickpockets. Do not flash large amounts of cash or leave your luggage unattended. If you are leaving valuables in a hotel safe, make sure to get a receipt, and do not let credit cards out of your sight when paying for shopping.

The drugging, then robbing, of tourists on long-distance trains and buses has occurred, so politely decline food or drink from strangers. Thailand is an excellent place to buy gems, but do not be tempted into buying large quantities to sell back at home unless you are familiar with the market and its pitfalls. Extra care is necessary in remote areas of the country, or in poorer parts of cities at night, or if traveling alone.

Drugs
Thai law prohibits the sale or purchase of opium, heroin, or marijuana. Charges for possession, smuggling, or dealing can lead to a 2-15 year jail sentence or, in extreme cases, the death sentence. Border areas in the north attract drug runners. Be wary of strangers in these areas, and do not leave baggage unattended, or offer to check in a “friendly” stranger’s suitcase at airports.

Danger Spots
Border areas are sometimes precarious places. Changing political conditions, tribal skirmishes, and the haziness of border lines have made some areas of Thailand dangerous. Khmer Rouge insurgents are sometimes a threat along the Cambodian border, as are land mines and booby-traps.

There are frequent clashes on the Burmese border, and it is best to avoid traveling alone along remote roads in the region. In some parts of the Deep South, the militant Malay-Muslim group, PULO (Pattani United Liberation Organization) can present danger. Again, common sense should prevail and it is wise to stay away from the most remote border areas.

Women Travelers
Female travelers are unlikely to be harassed in Thailand. Bangkok itself is not dangerous for women; hotels are safe, and taxis are readily available. If traveling alone it is a good idea to keep in touch with someone in Bangkok and let them know where you are going and for how long. Note that Thais perceive lone travelers as people to be pitied, and may offer to accompany you without any ulterior motive.

Tourist Police
There are tourist police stations in the main tourist cities. Tourist police officers all speak some English and are attached to TAT offices. Set up in 1982 to deal with tourist-related crime, they are happy to help with anything from credit card scams to ludicrous bar surcharges. They are also helpful in emergencies, and can act as an English-speaking liaison. The Bangkok branch of the tourist police is located in front of southwest entrance to Lumphini Park. The Tourist Assistance Center is also helpful in emergencies, and is experienced in dealing with complaints such as fraudulent business charges.

Legal Assistance
Some insurance policies cover legal costs, for example, after an accident. If involved in an accident when driving a rental car, it may be wiser to go to the nearest telephone and call the tourist police or the Tourist Assistance Center than remain at the scene. In Thailand there are no legal bodies specifically representing foreigners.

In and emergency, contact your embassy. At night there is an answering service, giving the number of the duty officer. If you are not insured for legal proceedings, then you should contact your nearest consulate for advice.