A to Z of safety in Thailand (G to S)
Gem and jewellery scams: these happens quite often in Bangkok and the north of Thailand, where tourists are duped into buying so-called cheap Burmese gems which turn out to be fake. By the time you find out, the shop is gone and so is your money. This has been going on for years, usually prompted by tuk-tuk drivers who act as ‘shopping agents’, and there seems to be an inexhaustible supply of naïve foreigners believing they might score something for nothing. They have only themselves to blame.
Go-go girls: not to be clichéd, but be careful when you come into association with some Thai girls. Of course, most are nice, sweet and well-mannered, but on the back of the prostitution trade and ‘wife hunting’ which Thailand is noted for, some can be very scheming. There are occasional cases where male tourists are drugged in the privacy of their own hotel room and find their money and valuable belongings taken. Usually, however, most unregistered guests will have to leave their ID at reception.
These stories are real and happen all the time. A sucker lands in the kingdom every day, marrying a girl weeks after he’s met her, buying a house in her name with his life savings and then discovering he’s been taken for a ride. Be very careful if you decide to befriend new lady friends as you can never know what their intentions are until you know them properly. Also remember, go-go girls are in it for the money and if you choose to play their game you’ll be up against pros who are brilliant at extorting extra tips out of naïve customers.
Hustlers and touts: these people operate in tourist areas. Most of the time, they just want to make more money by taking advantage of innocent tourists by offering special tours to jewellery shops or trying to sell overpriced souvenirs. If you are irritated by them, shaking your head and saying ‘mai ow krap/ka’ (meaning ‘no thanks’) should do the trick. They aren’t as persistent as in many other countries where the locals are poor relative to foreigners and mostly they are genuinely trying to earn some sort of commission rather than scam you outright. If you are in Bangkok around Silom area, the most annoying thing is touts offering sex shows, or prostitutes, but ignoring them usually works.
Hygiene: in addition to being a health issue, poor hygiene might place you in severe danger. Certainly you won’t have to worry about dysentery, but if you’re stomach is not used to the chilli and you experience heavy diahorrea and spend the next day in the hot sun, you can expect to end up in hospital with chronic dehydration. Eating at most touristy restaurants, you needn’t worry, but some foodstuff sold openly at markets might be spoilt (especially with coconut milk as an ingredient). Off the beaten track, toilets might be quite ‘challenging’ and you’ll be smart to wash your hands regularly.
Pick-pocketing and theft: there are not many pick-pocketing, theft, grab-and-runs or muggings in Thailand, as it’s a sure way for a Thai to lose face. However, reports of motorbike grab and runs are on the rise and you need to be careful if you are in busy tourist areas. Try to keep an eye, and safe hand, on your bags, although you needn’t wear a hidden money belt.
General theft isn’t a noted problem in Thailand, although less secure backpacker guesthouses do get targeted (sometimes by backpackers themselves). On the whole, if you absent-mindedly leave a bag behind in a restaurant, the chances are it will be there when you return. Locals are very good at being honest with possessions. Motorbikes are popular targets among youth gangs, so be sure to wheel lock a rented bike.
Rip tides: are an unpublicised threat that claim lives off the coast of Phuket every year. Watch out for the warning signs on beaches before swimming too far out.
Road safety: unfortunately, Thailand has a very high road death rate as residents usually drive recklessly. The typically relaxed Thai become conversely inconsiderate behind the wheel of a car. Road safety laws are flagrantly ignored by drivers and law enforcement is lax. If you are driving in Thailand, remain alert for sudden reckless rule infringements, and general chaotic use of roads such as motorcyclists driving against the flow of traffic in the parking lane. There are plenty of motorbikes in urban areas to watch out for, though the traffic flow isn’t too fast.
Also, be extra careful when crossing roads and streets. Some cars speed through red lights. There is also the risk of reckless overtaking and speeding on long-distance roads. Drunk driving (particularly around midnight) is a serious problem.
Sunstroke: is a common problem among Europeans who underestimate the strength of the sun in pursuit of a golden tan. This usually happens on their first couple of days here when they are simply not used to the heat. March through July is the hottest time, or between cloudy spells in the rainy season. During the Christmas period, the country is at its coolest but the farther south you go the more you are subject to year-round equatorial heat. Make liberal use of sun cream (widely available), and if you’ve been out exercising in the heat ask for some O’lyte re-hydration salts in any local shop. Pharmacists speak English if you have difficulty finding the right medication.
Taxis: see transportation.
