Visitor Guide

Thailand overview:

Welcome to Thailand and the Asia Regional Management Unit for CARE USA. There are no known direct threats to CARE staff, visitors, or operations in Thailand at present. However, the safety & security situation is not without challenges, particularly as a consequence of a range of political issues and at times a fragile political context that has reemerged as a result of recent elections. While the security environment varies across the country, the staff and visitors are exposed to low-level criminality which is prevalent in tourist hotspots or inadvertently caught up in protest activity disorder due to political activity. Please take the time to read this information carefully for your knowledge. click here to download in PDF.

Conflict and Terrorism:

There is a low threat of international terrorism in Thailand. Although Thailand has not experienced attacks by such terrorist groups since 2012. Transnational terrorism is a potential risk, particularly in the south of Thailand in Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla southern provinces.

Crime:

In general, Thailand has a noted rate of violent crime, including murder and gun-related violence, this said, ARMU has not reported a staff safety or security incident in the past 10 years. Most criminal activity against foreigners is limited to non-confrontational street crimes such as pickpocketing, tourist scams, and credit card fraud. Criminality is often related to tourism hot spots and sex industry locations.

Infrastructure:

Thailand has good infrastructure. Mobile phone coverage is excellent, and Wi-Fi is widely available. Medical facilities are of a high standard in Bangkok. Taxis are widely available, but only official ones with a working meter are approved. Water is recommended from sealed bottles. Street food is generally excellent but can bring challenges to those with weak stomachs.

Kidnapping:

There is a low threat of kidnapping in Thailand, except in the southern provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, Pattani, and Songkhla. The kidnapping of foreign nationals outside of organized crime is very rare and stems from financially motivated criminals which is short-lived. Detention by the security forces or police is a higher possibility for foreigners.

Natural Hazards:

While typhoons are unlikely, heavy rain and flooding do occur during the monsoons, including in Bangkok which can make movement in the city challenging. Earthquakes are possible in the northwest. Bangkok suffers from winter air pollution and smog.

Politics & Social Stability:

The political situation in Thailand is currently uncertain. The recent general election may bring a period of protest and instability across the country. Criticism of the of Royal Family is against the law and is regularly enforced, anyone showing disrespect may be arrested.

Gender & Diversity:

Thailand is traditionally patriarchal and religiously conservative. However, same-sex relationships are legal, and sexual orientation and gender considerations are built into discrimination legislation. Gender reassignment surgery is common.

Access :

Visas for international visitors are straightforward to obtain. While Thailand's COVID-19 entry restrictions are light and continue to ease. All visitors should remain alert that entry requirements could change quickly for entry into the country

Travel information:

Before traveling forward, the confirmed flight itinerary, via email, to care@tripsync.worldaware.com. Consider downloading their app for travel advice. For local travel, the metro system is good. Sukhumvit MRT and the Asoke Metro are the closest stations to the office and local hotels. In Bangkok and at the airport, official yellow and green/red taxis can be used. Overcharging is common against foreigners. Ask if the fare will be metered or agree on a price with the driver. It is common for toll charges to be additional to the fare.

Cultural Information:

While Thai culture is very accommodating to foreign visitors, it is a traditionally conservative culture. It is not appropriate to wear swimwear away from the pool or beach. To visit some attractions such as temples or the Grand Palace, sleeves covering the shoulders and long pants/skirts are required. While locals will put up with a great deal in terms of attire and behavior from foreigners, sensitivity in dress and presentation is important, especially in business areas around Bangkok. Culturally, it is highly inappropriate to shame anyone, including with bad language or shouting. It is not appropriate to touch the top of someone’s head.

It is important to understand the position and the importance of the monarchy in Thai society. Criticism of the King or members of the Royal Family is against the law. Anyone showing disrespect can be arrested and charged with lese majeste. Foreigners have been charged and imprisoned with such offenses in the past. If the monarchy is raised in conversation, change the subject or withdraw from the conversation. It is customary to play the national anthem at specific times of the day (0800 and 1800) in public places and at major events, including films. Thais and visitors alike are expected to stand up and remain still for the duration of the song. Follow the example of people around you, if everyone else is standing, follow suit.

Seeking help:

The English-speaking Tourist Police patrol areas that are frequented by foreigners and are generally friendly and helpful. It is not uncommon for police to seek bribes, especially traffic police, who will attempt to supplement their wages by fining drivers for minor traffic violations. If at any point you will find yourself in difficulty, are uncomfortable, feel insecure, or are having negative interactions with the police, please contact the ARSM Ed Stokes on +66 85 484 9686 or ARMU Office Manager Nueng on +66 81 750 2454 as soon as possible. Other key numbers are Fire: 199 / Tourist police: 1155 / Emergency police: 191 / Ambulance: 1554

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