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Thailand
- Travelers to Thailand predominantly face risks stemming from petty and opportunistic crime in crowded markets and tourist sites. Road-safety is also a concern due to elevated rates of traffic accidents.
- Violence during protests is uncommon, though there remains a risk of potential unrest at political demonstrations; travelers should bypass all gatherings, particularly in Bangkok.
- Travel to southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla should be avoided due to notable terrorism risks.
Risk Factors
- Political demonstrations can occur and escalate quickly, particularly in Bangkok. Visitors should avoid all protests and large gatherings as they have the potential to turn violent.
- Southern provinces near the border with Malaysia (Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla) experience periodic violence and are subject to martial law. Travel to these areas is generally advised against due to security concerns.
- Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is common in tourist areas. Bangkok’s markets, such as Chatuchak Weekend Market, have a higher incidence of petty criminality; crime risks are also elevated along the Khao San Road.
- There is an elevated risk of petty criminality near Patong Beach in Phuket, including along Thawewong Road and Bangla Street. Travelers should keep belongings close at hand and avoid isolated areas at night.
- Violent crimes against foreigners are rare, but caution is still advised, especially when traveling alone or at night.
- Exercise caution when visiting entertainment venues; criminals have targeted foreign nationals by offering spiked food or drinks. Scopolamine and other date rape drugs have been used to commit robbery and sexual assault.
- Road travel can be challenging in Thailand due to poor road conditions and disregard for traffic laws. Accidents are common, and driving at night is particularly dangerous.
- Thailand has a high rate of road fatalities, especially involving motorcycles. Always wear a helmet and avoid motorcycle taxis.
- In Bangkok, the MRT, the Bangkok Skytrain (BTS) and the Suvarnabhumi Airport Link are of high quality and considered safe for foreign travelers.
- Licensed taxi drivers are required to display a yellow placard on the dashboard, which often includes their name in Latin script along with their photograph. Do not accept unsolicited rides from unofficial drivers.
- Grab is reliable and the most widely used ride-hailing app in Thailand, offering services in all major cities, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya.
- There is potential for civil unrest linked to political developments. Most protests occur in Bangkok; flashpoints include the Democracy Monument, the Government House, Lumpini Park, the Victory Monument and Ratchaprasong Intersection.
- The security forces can use forceful measures, such as tear gas, to disperse protesters; avoid any areas with ongoing protests or disturbances.
- While generally safe from terrorism, Thailand has experienced sporadic attacks, particularly in Bangkok. However, most attacks outside of the southern provinces are motivated by inducing panic rather than generating casualties.
- The risk of terrorism is significantly higher in the southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla, where a low-level militant insurgency is ongoing.
- Thailand is prone to seasonal flooding and occasional earthquakes. The rainy season runs from May to October and can cause flash floods in low-lying areas. Monitor local developments and follow the advice of local authorities during natural disaster warnings.