TRAVELLING SAFELY
THAILAND IS NOT A DANGEROUS PLACE BUT IT IS SMART TO KNOW WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN SOMETHING BAD DOES GO WRONG...
Scams
Some Thai people are so friendly that visitors are often lulled into a false sense of security resulting in making them very vulnerable to scams of all kinds. Beware of scams especially in Bangkok, where the people are exceptionally good at frauds that trick travellers into thinking they've just got a bargain on something that is not really what it is.
The number one suggestion to not get into this sort of trouble is to disregard all offers of free shopping and sightseeing help from strangers.
Theft
Wherever you travel, always remember to keep the most important things of yours (passports, money, credit cards etc.) near you or knowing exactly where it is. Always take care when leaving valuables in hotels and ensure that your hotel room is always locked. When travelling and moving out and about, always double check you have everything with you and keep and eye on your bag or pockets when riding public transport. If using a credit card when shopping, never let the shop vendor take your card out of your sight. To avoid losing money, use a credit card that is not directly linked to your bank account at home so that the operator doesn't have access to immediate funds.
Phones
The easiest and safest phone option in Thailand is to get a mobile phone equipped with a local SIM card. Thailand is on the GSM network and their mobile phone providers include AIS, DTAC, and True Move. You can always buy a mobile phone at one of the shopping centres or phone stores in Thailand or you can use an imported phone that isn't SIM locked. SIM and refill cards can be bought from any 7-Eleven in the country.
Drug Possession
As in many other countries, it is illegal to buy, sell or possess drugs such as heroin, opium, marijuana, mushrooms, phethamines and hallucinogenic in Thailand. There are severe punishments for possessing and trafficking for foreigners. Posession of drugs can lead to a least a year in prison. Drug smuggling carries high penalties.
Some Thai people are so friendly that visitors are often lulled into a false sense of security resulting in making them very vulnerable to scams of all kinds. Beware of scams especially in Bangkok, where the people are exceptionally good at frauds that trick travellers into thinking they've just got a bargain on something that is not really what it is.
The number one suggestion to not get into this sort of trouble is to disregard all offers of free shopping and sightseeing help from strangers.
Theft
Wherever you travel, always remember to keep the most important things of yours (passports, money, credit cards etc.) near you or knowing exactly where it is. Always take care when leaving valuables in hotels and ensure that your hotel room is always locked. When travelling and moving out and about, always double check you have everything with you and keep and eye on your bag or pockets when riding public transport. If using a credit card when shopping, never let the shop vendor take your card out of your sight. To avoid losing money, use a credit card that is not directly linked to your bank account at home so that the operator doesn't have access to immediate funds.
Phones
The easiest and safest phone option in Thailand is to get a mobile phone equipped with a local SIM card. Thailand is on the GSM network and their mobile phone providers include AIS, DTAC, and True Move. You can always buy a mobile phone at one of the shopping centres or phone stores in Thailand or you can use an imported phone that isn't SIM locked. SIM and refill cards can be bought from any 7-Eleven in the country.
Drug Possession
As in many other countries, it is illegal to buy, sell or possess drugs such as heroin, opium, marijuana, mushrooms, phethamines and hallucinogenic in Thailand. There are severe punishments for possessing and trafficking for foreigners. Posession of drugs can lead to a least a year in prison. Drug smuggling carries high penalties.