Crime
Thailand attracts many tourists from all over the world with its exotic lifestyle, white sand beaches and oriental culture. However, as in any country, it has its own problems associated with crime.
The most common crime in Thailand is theft. Tourists often become victims of thieves.
Some of the more common forms of theft in Thailand are:
- Theft of bags and wallets on the streets and in public transport;
- Theft from hotel rooms and inns, especially if things are in a conspicuous place;
- Theft of money - when scammers are waiting for the victim at the currency exchange offices and after the exchange of power they try to take all the money;
- Fraud during currency exchange at street "changers" - when exchanging foreign currency for local "baht" you can slip counterfeit money;
- Thefts on the beaches when people leave their belongings unattended while swimming.
To avoid theft in Thailand, certain precautions should be taken, such as:
- Do not leave things unattended in public places or in hotel rooms;
- Carry bags and wallets on a cross strap over your shoulder or hide them under your clothes;
- Be careful when using ATMs and exchange offices;
- Do not leave your belongings unattended on the beaches, or hire the services of local "guards" to look after things.
Dangerous areas
In the southern part of Thailand, there are several provinces where there is ethnic conflict and where it is dangerous to travel. In particular, these are Yala, Narathiwat, Pattani and Songkhla, where more than 6,500 people, including foreigners, have been killed in recent years. The main methods of killing are shooting and explosions. Terrorists target government officials, religious and political leaders, churches, schools and other public places.
In addition, it is worth paying attention to the red light streets, where drugs are sold and there is a problem of sex tourism. Such areas are detrimental to the health and safety of tourists and are best avoided.
Danger on the beach
In the resorts of Phuket, in the south of Thailand, there are often not enough lifeguards, and those that are are not always fully qualified. If you see red flags on the beaches, then swimming is prohibited.
In particular, if you plan to swim on the west coast of Phuket between May and October, be extra careful. At this time, the waves can be more than 1 meter and the undercurrents can be strong. In addition, shark attacks are possible, which may accidentally be close to the shore.
Some types of jellyfish can also be dangerous to humans. They usually swim close to shore during the rainy season and their bites can be fatal. In order not to get into trouble on the beaches of Phuket, follow a few recommendations:
- Do not attempt to swim if you are intoxicated. In this state, the risk of drowning is much higher.
- Do not swim too far from the shore and do not go deep.
- If a strong wave is coming at you, it is better to dive under the water and wait until it passes.
- If you have been stung by a jellyfish, try treating the sting with vinegar. This can significantly reduce pain and prevent the development of possible complications.
- Never touch marine animals. Many types of reef animals are venomous and contact with them can be hazardous to health.
Also, don't forget about your safety off the beach. Failure to follow traffic rules can also be dangerous for tourists. Phuket has special traffic regulations and some drivers may drive very fast and not follow the rules. So if you are planning to rent a car or motorbike, be extra careful.
Health problems
When you travel to Thailand, you will get to know the local culture and traditions, including the local cuisine. Therefore, to avoid health problems, you need to take some precautions:
First, check with your doctor before traveling, especially if you have respiratory problems. The air in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is polluted, so if you suffer from allergies or asthma, you need to take action in advance.
Secondly, if you like street food, don't take it from the counter, where it can lie for a very long time. It is better to ask the seller to prepare a dish for you on the spot. This ensures that the food is fresh and hot.
Third, don't drink tap water, and don't use ice from unknown sources, as this can lead to stomach problems. Drink only bottled water.
Fourth, do not forget to wash your hands before eating and after walking. This will help to avoid various infections.
Fifth, if you are going to rural areas of Thailand where there are wild animals, be careful. In some regions, there may be a risk of contracting rabies. If you plan to visit these places, you are advised to get vaccinated against rabies.
Sixth, although malaria is not widespread in Thailand, remember to use mosquito spray, especially if you are planning a trip to forested areas.
Finally, before you travel to Thailand, don't forget to buy health insurance.
All of this can be helpful if you need medical attention in an emergency.
By following these simple precautions, you can keep yourself safe.
Fraud
In Thailand, many tourists fall prey to scammers who use various tricks to swindle money from unsuspecting people.
One of the most common scams is boat rentals. Some boat sellers rent their boats to tourists, and then when they return the boat, they find "damage" that the client allegedly caused during the voyage, and demand money for repairing the boat. Travelers should be careful and be sure to check the condition of the boat before renting, and it is better to take as many photos as possible during the acceptance.
You should also beware of fraud in the travel industry. Some tour operators charge a tour in advance and then refuse to run it or require additional payments for services that were already included in the tour price. It is better to look for tour operators by recommendations and check the reputation of companies before making a deal.
Some scammers try to sell fake jewelry to tourists, claiming that they can make big money from them if they sell them in their own country. This scheme is very common in Thailand and travelers should be careful to make sure they are buying real jewelry.
In addition, you should be careful on the Internet, where scammers try to convince tourists of their love, and then extort money from them. People should be careful when dating on online dating apps and never transfer money to someone.
Finally, many scammers pretend to be charities, collect money for the treatment of children or people in need, and then disappear.
