Your Safety in Thailand

Thailand is a very safe country in which to travel, even if you are traveling alone, provided you take sensible precautions. There have been a couple of well-publicised situations recently (2004/5) but these are very rare and usually only occur when the people involved do not make sensible judgements regarding their environment or the people they are involved with. DO NOT get involved in situations where there is a lot of alcohol being consumed or in “social” situations with policemen who are drinking. They have guns and are not the sensitive, new-age guys you’re used to at home.

Using or trading in drugs in Thailand carries the death penalty. Do not get involved in this scene.

Exercise the same precautions you would anywhere in the world, including your own country, as far as your personal security and belongings are concerned. Bring a few small padlocks with you and do not leave your money, travel documents or expensive camera equipment unprotected on the beach or in a boat while you go swimming or diving.

The telephone number for the Tourist Police in Bangkok is 02-678 6800, but in cases of common theft there's not much they can do. They will respond quite efficiently to more serious issues. The tourist industry is very important to the economy of Thailand and police have been instructed to be helpful wherever possible.

Medical facilities in Thailand are excellent. However, they tend to be centred around major cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Pattaya. The majority of injuries to tourists in Thailand occur as a result of motorcycle accidents. Traffic can be treacherous and road conditions difficult, even in the most exotic locations and, unless you are a confident and experienced rider, it can be dangerous. You are required to have a valid International Driver’s Licence.

There are also a number of excellent dental clinics in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya and other large towns, in case of an emergency which can't wait until you get home.

The free, 2007 Editions of the on-line Cambodia and Vietnam Travel Guides are now available in English. Other Travel Guides will be available in the near future.

In addition, Arikah now also features free, online encyclopedias in Dutch, English, German, French, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish.