Staying Safe in Thailand

1. Stay Visible:

It is important (especially if you are traveling alone) that you stay visible at all times. While finding that uninhabited beach may sound exciting, it has the potential to go wrong if you don’t have people to help you in case of an emergency.

2. Don’t Flash the Cash

Taking a wad of money out in public is asking for a mugging or pickpocket incidence (Which is rare compared to other countries, as is street crime). Be wary who sees your cash and try be discreet when you are paying for things.

3. Don’t Give Your Passport Away

Many bike/car rental places will ask you to leave your passport with them as insurance. Do not do it. This is the number one way that people lose or get their passports stolen. Rather walk away and find the next place offering trustworthy service.

4. Safety in Numbers

It helps to make friends with other travelers and you are less of a target in a group. That being said, do be cautious and don’t trust everyone you meet.

5. Personal Responsibility

Thailand’s islands are known for their full-moon parties and Bangkok for its nightlife, but it’s important to remember that you are in a foreign country where you can’t phone your best friend or your mum if you get too drunk somewhere and need picking up. Getting drunk and lost somewhere that you aren’t familiar with is a bad idea.

6. Spread Your Cash Options

You should always have a cash back up incase you have a problem like losing your bankcard.

7. Back Up Documents

Always have a printed spare of your important documents to rely on incase of an emergency, or if your get your originals stolen/damaged.

8. Think Before You Act

If you feel like there’s something weird about a situation, get yourself out of it. Think it’s a good idea to go on moonlit stroll on a dark beach? Probably not. And don’t walk home from pubs and bars alone at night.

9. be careful when driving

Driving in Thailand gives you freedom, but please be careful, respect the rules of the road and get yourself a license. If you are going to drive a motorbike, make sure you learn to ride first.

Thailand is an incredible country, and an absolute pleasure to backpack and travel through, even if you are alone. I very rarely ever feel like I am unsafe, or that something with the potential to turn nasty will ever happen. But it has become clear that there are some serious problems that you can encounter while traveling here; as there are in any other country in the world. Sometimes crime and emergencies are unavoidable, but it is also important to remember that common sense goes a long way, and ultimately, you are accountable for yourself as a traveler and it is up to you to make responsible decisions.