USA FavouritesPersonal Safety Tips in Thailand
As a general rule, to maintain personal safety, don’t let your guard down, anticipate and avoid confrontation, appear calm and confident and be aware of your surroundings.
A big problem with many people on holiday, as they are intent on having fun, is the intake of alcohol, which, if drunk to excess, can make you more aggressive and fuel tension, especially in hot places where you are likely to become dehydrated. Know your limit and stay in control. Always keep an eye on your drinks while you’re out, just in case someone tries to "spike" them.
It is not sensible to drink in excess or even to drink to the levels you are used to at home as remember you are in a tropical climate and Thailand does have strict rules and laws about disorderly behaviour. It is NOT acceptable to lose self control and in particular you must understand that you are in a foreign country.
If anyone is harassing you, let your holiday rep or the local police know immediately. In main cities and tourist areas there are special ‘Tourist Police’ on patrol and located in tourist police stations which are better equipped to deal with your problem and can normally speak in English as they have Western Volunteers who work with the police.
You may decide to invite someone back to your hotel room and you should be aware that the most common crime is theft. Never let anyone into your hotel room or apartment unless you know them well and you're sure you can trust them. Always lock away your personal possessions such as passport, traveller’s cheques, purse or wallet, credit cards and excess cash in your hotel safe either in your room or preferably in the reception security boxes.
Don't wear expensive looking jewellery or carry too much money with you when you're out and about. With regard to money, just take what you need, allowing enough to get you back, just in case you get lost. Never, ever hitch a ride. Travel is cheap in Thailand and Taxis are everywhere and easy to find unlike in the UK. Make sure when you ask a Taxi that they have the meter switched on, fares start from only 35Baht which is a meagre [50p/70€/.97cents$] and most rides rarely go beyond 100baht [£1.40/2.03€/$2.50].
Travel insurance should be your starting point BEFORE you leave your home country. It's never been more important to have good insurance, with medical cover that includes repatriation if necessary. Don’t leave home without travel insurance, as there are many, many people who have faced enormous bills & family and friends back home have had to raise thousands of pounds to pay for treatment for a serious illness or after a serious accident. In Thailand, you have to pay for treatment up front, and claim the money back from the travel insurance company upon your return home, so ensure you have the means to do this.
When out walking, appearing confident is one of the best ways of staying safe Confident people are less likely to be mugged or assaulted, so when you're walking alone try to look alert and walk tall. It's also important to let other people know where you're going and when you expect to get back, and if you change your plans remember to let them know. Carry a mobile phone and a personal attack alarm with you, and have useful numbers programmed into the phone.
Having these with you should make you feel more confident, which will hopefully show. Stick to busy, well-lit areas and avoid underpasses or shortcuts unless the lighting is good and you're confident they're safe. If you can, avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar territory. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that are easy to move in. Carry your bag slung across your body with any zips or openings on the inside. Walk facing oncoming traffic.
If you have to walk in the same direction as traffic and a car stops, turn around and walk the other way so the car cannot follow you. Finally, if you think you're being followed on foot, cross a road and keep walking. If you still think you're being followed make for somewhere busy and well lit, and don't be afraid to ask for help.
A Good Tip
Remember, be safe not sorry and don’t take chances. Keep alert and
you hopefully will enjoy a holiday without your personal safety being compromised.
As a general rule, to maintain personal safety, don’t let your guard down,
anticipate and avoid confrontation, appear calm and confident and be aware
of your surroundings.
