A to Z of safety in Thailand (T to Z)
Transport
Motorcycles: a ride on a motorcycle can be fun but is also relatively dangerous as Thai drivers usually drive recklessly. Those who are unfamiliar with riding rented bikes often fall off on steep island roads, sometimes with fatal consequences. Taking motorcycle taxis anywhere other than down quiet lanes isn’t recommended. They’re great for beating traffic in Bangkok, but hair-raising. Ill-aware pedestrians also frequently get hit, but most traffic in the cities moves at a steady pace.
Boats: getting on and off taxi boats on Bangkok canals can be tricky as the boats occasionally speed off even before the last person gets on. Even the locals find it hard to hop on and off. Most piers are old and get packed during rush hours. There have been some recent tragedies with overloaded boats sinking during crowded exoduses from some islands, like Koh Pha Ngan.
Buses: getting on and off the bus also requires special skills. Many city buses in Bangkok do not stop completely and tend to have no consideration for passengers. It is advisable to get on and off with a big group of people and make sure you look carefully to the left and right when you step down from the bus. The bus drivers frequently stop the bus in the middle of the road so the passengers have to cross one lane first to get to the pavement.
Taxis: as a woman, taking a taxi on your own late at night can occasionally be dangerous. There have been cases where taxi drivers take tourists to deserted areas and rob them. A more common risk is that the taxi driver will not activate their meter and overcharge you. Claiming to call the police can scare them into reducing their overpriced fare.
Terrorism: Thailand has long followed a non-patisan international stance and has largely avoided the polarisation of recent world politics. It has a sizeable Muslim population in the far south which has come under severe pressure in recent years from extremists pushing for self determination. This has resulted in almost daily terrorist attacks on civilians in the provinces of Satun, Yala and Narathiwat. Very few western tourists ever visit these areas (although Malaysian weekenders have traditionally come across the border), and all foreigners are advised to stay clear of these provinces now. Apart from some isolated bombings in Bangkok on New Year’s Eve 2006/7, this issue remains localised and is of little threat to tourists. The coup of 2006 and political fallout has not resulted in any instability in national security across the country.
Tropical and sexually transmitted diseases: covered in more detail in our health section, malaria (only in certain areas), dengue fever and STDs/HIV are threats to take precautions against.
Tsunamis: although the tragic tsunami of 2004 was consider a one-off, the threat remains real due to the Andaman fault line off the Java coast, and small tremors and earthquakes continue to occur. An evacuation and warning system is now in place, and there have been several rehearsals. The surest sign of a wave arriving is the sudden and unnatural receding of the sea.
Violence: characteristically, Thai people are harmonious and peace-loving. Most of the time, they can’t be bothered to pick a fight as they have the habit of letting things go. Worst case scenarios only happen if you insult certain etiquette. Angry or jilted lovers can also be destructive.
Wheeling and dealing: getting involved with any sort of scheme with a local is not a good idea. There is an underbelly of ruthlessly dishonest mafia types who act with impunity if they have the right contacts. It’s not so much the risk of losing money, but more of losing your life. Law enforcement in Thailand is easily manipulated by influential people and the cost of a life is low. Despite being a relatively safe environment, there are plenty of hit jobs, unsolved murders, setups and unjust incidences. If you’re a tourist with genuine tourist intentions, you won’t even notice this underworld.
White water rafting: periodically claims lives, particularly on the Mae Tang River in Chiang Mai. It’s an exciting river that can become deadly after heavy rains or flash floods which leave the narrow valley clogged with debris. Unfit and poor swimmers should avoid this activity, and the least safe time to go rafting is in August and September. Check the safety record and qualifications of the company you go with (agents sell on commission so don’t rely on their word).
Women alone: it’s genuinely safe for women to travel around by themselves in Thailand. However, there are situations where women get verbally harassed, sexually assaulted, or raped. If you are woman who travels alone, make sure to keep your wits and be on guard wherever you go. Even though Thailand is quite safe for women travelling alone, do not wander around on your own at night, even on the beaches, nor befriend strangers too quickly, even if they appear helpful and friendly
