Preparing for your trip to Thailand is often the beginning of making a dream come true. : the call of heavenly beaches, the allure of majestic temples, a cuisine with unique flavors, and a legendary welcome. But as in any highly touristy country, there are a few things you should know to avoid getting ripped off or ruining your stay.
Thailand, as welcoming as it may be, is not immune to some well-established scams and tourist traps. Not to mention some of the reckless behavior we encounter all too often... Nothing dramatic, but it's better to be aware of the risks to travel with peace of mind.
So here's a rundown of common scams, behaviors to avoid, and some practical advice to ensure your trip to Thailand remains memorable and filled with good memories... and not a story to tell at the consulate.
1. Should we be worried? Is Thailand a safe country?
According to data from Global Peace IndexThailand ranks among the safest countries in Southeast Asia for travelers, including solo female travelers. Serious incidents involving tourists remain rare, and problems are most often related to petty theft or minor scams rather than violence.
By following a few basic precautions, the vast majority of problems can be easily avoided. Among these precautions, I would say to remain vigilant in party areas, as alcohol is often a trigger for fights, sometimes involving local security services.
▪️ And what about urban security?
Since I'm talking about security services, note that in large cities and tourist areas, you will always have the presence of uniformed personnel (traffic wardens, private security in malls, parking attendants, etc.). Their role is often to manage traffic, help passers-by, or monitor busy areas.
Even if they are not all authorized to intervene in crimes, their simple presence contributes to a rather reassuring atmosphere in public places.
For excursions and transportation, it's also best to choose your service providers carefully: a quick look at Google or TripAdvisor reviews can often help you avoid unpleasant surprises.
Thailand is a beautiful country, but like anywhere, it also has its drawbacks. It's best to be prepared and aware of these few negative aspects to develop the right reflexes and fully enjoy your stay while avoiding unpleasant surprises.
2. Most Common Scams (and How to Avoid Them)
As in many tourist destinations, certain scams have become real "classics" in Thailand. They're not insurmountable if you know about them in advance, but a few simple precautions can prevent a lot of unpleasantness.
Fortunately, with a little common sense and a few simple reflexes, most of these traps can be easily avoided. Here are the main scams to be aware of—and, more importantly, how not to fall for them:
▪️ The “all-inclusive” tuk-tuk at 20 baht
A driver offers to take you to several temples for next to nothing. The tuk-tuk often begins with a visit to a real local temple (with a standing Buddha) to make it seem believable, and the rest becomes a circuit including forced stops at jewelry stores, costume boutiques, or even travel agencies that offer services at inflated prices.
Tuk tuk waiting next to the Grand Palace.
Some drivers will explain that you just have to come in, with no obligation to buy, just to allow them to get a gas coupon.
▪️ Fake guides or fake agents around tourist sites
Around large temples like Wat Phra Kaew (Grand Palace) or Wat Pho in Bangkok, some people will approach you, often in impeccable English, asking where you are going.
They present themselves as undercover police officers, retired teachers, or official guides. Appearing trustworthy, they claim the site is closed for a ceremony (often a "Buddha Day")—which is obviously false—and offer an "alternative tour," even helping you by stopping and "negotiating" a tuk-tuk for you (often with a combo of the famous 20 baht tour).
▪️ Gemstone shops or “magic” cutters
This scam is often linked to the previous two. You're taken to a supposedly ultra-reputable boutique to find the "deal of the century" on jewelry or a custom-made suit. Except the prices are inflated, and the quality is often poor.
▪️ Scooter or jet ski rental
THE classic in Thailand. You rent a scooter or a jet ski, it's a blast, everything's fine... until you bring it back. Then, you're accused of damaging something that's already damaged, and you're asked to pay an exorbitant price for repairs.
Jet ski rental in Phuket.
▪️ Problems with bank cards
Although relatively rare, some ATMs in tourist areas can be tampered with (risk of card cloning). More common: sometimes a card is simply swallowed by the ATM (without a scam in this case).
3. Potential dangers: what can (sometimes) cause problems
Even if everything goes well in most cases, some situations can quickly turn into a nightmare if you're careless or underestimate certain risks. Here are some things you need to know to avoid ruining your trip:
▪️ Respect bathing flags on beaches
In Thailand, especially during the rainy season, some beaches display red flags indicating that swimming is prohibited. Unfortunately, many tourists ignore them, thinking it's just a "suggestion" or simply decide that "it's vacation, a few waves won't stop me."
However, rip currents and waves, particularly in Phuket, can be extremely dangerous, even for strong swimmers. As a result, several drownings occur each year that could have been avoided.
▪️ Careless selfies and fatal falls
Every year, serious, even fatal, accidents are reported due to carelessness in the pursuit of "spectacular" selfies. A sadly well-known example: the Na Muang waterfall in Koh Samui, where several tourists (including some French tourists) lost their lives after slipping near the edge.
Na Muang Waterfall in Ko Samui.
Furthermore, the trails in Thailand are not always as well marked as in Europe, and some areas are downright dangerous, especially after rain.
▪️ Chaotic traffic and road accidents
Driving in Thailand is tempting (cheap scooters, scenic roads, etc.) and easily accessible, but traffic is often chaotic, especially in cities or touristy areas. Road accidents are one of the leading causes of serious injuries for tourists.
Every year, inexperienced people take to the road "because everyone else does" and make a terrible mistake, sometimes with dramatic consequences. Driving is no small matter, especially in a country whose customs you're unfamiliar with. To learn more, I invite you to read my dedicated article.
Crossing the street is also a daily challenge. Thais still struggle with the principle of pedestrian priority, and even on a well-marked crossing, you must be careful. Never assume that someone will stop to let you cross. a recent accident involved a couple and their child, hit by their car.
▪️ Adulterated alcohol and drugs
Evenings on the beach or in bars are often memorable, but beware of the alcohol served in some unscrupulous establishments, especially in buckets of cheap liquor. Rare cases of adulterated alcohol (such as methanol) have been reported, with dramatic consequences. Be particularly wary of cocktails involving rum if you consume them outside of established bars.
Nothing beats a good Chang / Singha / Leo
As for drugs: in Thailand, their use is very severely punished, and it's clearly not a playground. And even if we see a profusion of cannabis shops everywhere since its partial legalization, we must remain vigilant: consumption remains strictly regulated, and it's not at all open bar as some might believe. Many products sold do not necessarily respect the standards, and smoking in public or for recreational purposes is still prohibited.
▪️ Encounters with local wildlife
Thailand is home to fascinating wildlife... but sometimes a little intrusive. Mosquitoes are the first enemy to fear (I'll talk about them again below), even if I find that we don't have as many here depending on the season compared to some evenings in France.
Then there are the snakes, which are actually quite rare to see on a daily basis, and otherwise, the jellyfish on the coasts. The most dangerous animal in Thailand is the centipede (a type of millipede).
Although encounters are rare and random, if you do come across wild elephants, obviously do not approach them. Also avoid close contact with monkeys, which can be unpredictable and aggressive. Note that rabies is present in Thailand, so any bite or even a scratch (regardless of the animal) is best followed by a hospital consultation.
4. Health and travel insurance
Traveling to Thailand also means thinking about your health a little, to avoid minor mishaps ruining your stay.
Here are the key points to keep in mind:
▪️ Medical care: very good but expensive
In Thailand, especially in major cities and tourist areas, private hospitals offer very high-quality care, often far superior to what one might expect.
Institutions such as Bangkok Hospital, Bumrungrad International Hospital, or Samitivej in Bangkok or Phuket are renowned throughout Asia for their level of service and state-of-the-art facilities.
The downside is that the prices are high, and if there is a serious problem, the bill can quickly mount up.
Public hospitals are much cheaper, but often overcrowded, with long waiting times and sometimes limited English language skills—which can complicate care for travelers.
The advice therefore remains simple. : it is better to be covered by good travel insurance to be able to receive treatment in good conditions without breaking the bank.
(I will explain below why this is really a point that should not be neglected.)
▪️ Heatstroke and dehydration
The Thai climate, especially during the hot season (March to May), can be unsettling. Between the sweltering heat and humidity, it's easy to feel unwell, especially if you forget to stay hydrated regularly.
The reflex: Drink plenty of water (small bottles are available everywhere, but a water bottle is also a good idea to avoid consuming too much plastic). Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest hours.
While vacation often means tanning, the Thai climate isn't conducive to prolonged exposure. The UV index is generally very high, and the sun can be really strong.
Need sunscreen? Don't panic: you'll easily find it at pharmacies or any 7-Eleven.
▪️ The famous “turista”
A classic of tropical travel: poor food hygiene or unsafe water can quickly leave you bedridden for two or three days.
But you should know that many cases of "turista" actually come from:
- A sudden change in diet (spicier, fattier, different dishes),
- Change in intestinal flora by exposure to new local bacteria (even without real infection)
- And of course, sometimes real bacteria or viruses are present in food that isn't fresh enough.
From France, we often hear advice like avoiding raw vegetables or brushing your teeth with bottled water. In reality, hygiene conditions in Thailand are generally good, whether in the city or the countryside.
No need to be paranoid : Drinking tap water is still not recommended, but it's fine for brushing your teeth. Use your common sense when choosing where to eat—after all, Thai street food is world-renowned for a reason!
When it comes to drinks, another misconception: the ice cubes served in Thailand are industrially produced using potable water and pose no particular problem. So, there's no need to deprive yourself of a cold drink at 35°C!
▪️ Vaccines and mosquitoes
There are no mandatory vaccinations for entry to Thailand if you are coming from Europe, but some vaccinations are recommended if you plan to travel for a long time or to remote areas (hepatitis A, typhoid, and rabies may be useful for explorers).
As for mosquitoes, the main risk remains dengue fever in certain regions; malaria is very rare and limited to remote areas where travelers almost never go.
▪️Travel insurance: not an option
Many travelers leave thinking that "it will be fine"... until the day they have to pay several hundred or thousands of euros for treatment or hospitalization.
Serious travel insurance isn't just a red tape: it's what can make the difference between a manageable incident and a financial disaster.
The reflex: Travel with travel insurance that covers medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation, even for a short stay.
FYI, I personally recommend two insurance companies that are suitable for traveling to Thailand: ACS (a safe, reliable, and well-known value) and, more recently, Heymondo, which offers very practical and flexible plans at competitive rates. You can also get a 5% discount by using the affiliate link below.
If it can help you, I put the links to these two solutions here:
→ ACS Travel Insurance
→ Heymondo Insurance (with 5% discount)
(It doesn't cost you anything extra, but by using these links, you're giving me a little boost to continue sharing lots of useful information about Thailand. Thanks in advance!)
5. Practical tips for peaceful travel
Traveling in Thailand, like anywhere else, is mostly a matter of common sense and good habits to avoid any hassle. With these few tips, you can enjoy the country with peace of mind and keep only good memories!
Here are some simple tips:
▪️ Keep a copy of your important documents
A photocopy or digital copy of your passport can be a lifesaver in case of loss or theft. A small backup on your phone or in the cloud costs nothing and can save you a lot of stress.
Ready for take off?
▪️ Be discreet with your valuables
Thailand is considered safe, but in touristy or crowded areas, it's best to avoid displaying valuables unnecessarily (such as the latest smartphone or flashy jewelry). This limits the risk of petty theft, as is the case everywhere else in the world.
▪️ Trust your instincts
Unsavory places are rare in Thailand, even at a late hour. But if a situation or place seems suspicious, even without a rational reason, listen to your gut. When traveling, instinct is often your best friend.
▪️ Be careful with alcohol and substances
We've already mentioned it, but an evening that gets out of hand is often the starting point for real problems: accidents, thefts, assaults, etc. Stay in control of your actions, especially in very festive places.
6. In case of a problem: who to contact?
Even if everything generally goes well, it's best to know who to contact if something goes wrong on site. Here are some useful contacts to know:
▪️ The tourist police
Thailand takes the safety of its visitors seriously, with a dedicated tourist police force for foreigners. They speak English (and even French, via volunteer interpreters) and are trained to assist travelers. Their role is to assist in cases of theft, scams, accidents, or any other issues involving tourists.
▪️ Embassy or consulate
In the event of passport loss, serious accident, or legal problems, your embassy or consulate is your primary point of contact. Although their assistance is generally limited, they can help you obtain temporary documents, contact your family, or arrange repatriation if necessary.
Exterior of the French Embassy in Bangkok.
▪️ Medical assistance
If you have travel insurance (and you should!), your first step in the event of a health problem or accident is to contact them. They will guide you through the procedures to follow, and often, they will cover the costs directly from the hospital.
▪️ Local Facebook Groups
It may seem surprising, but in certain practical cases (local information, logistical emergency, rapid recommendations
s), Facebook groups for expats or travelers in Thailand are a great help.
There are active groups in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui… where asking a question can get you an answer in minutes.
To conclude: With a little common sense and by following a few basic guidelines, you can avoid the vast majority of problems. The idea is not to deprive yourself or live in fear, but simply to be attentive when necessary.
daniel
Scooter rental: motorcycle license required, otherwise, in the event of an accident, not covered by insurance!
Roman
Yes, an important reminder indeed, which I mention in my article on driving linked in this post.