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PERSONAL SAFETY
&
WELL-BEING
Is Thailand Safe?
In 2008, Thailand welcomed a total of 14.5 million international
visitors, of which 60 per cent were repeat visitors. The overwhelming
majority of these trips were safe and without incident.
However, foreign governments do urge their citizens to take
responsibility for their own personal security while travelling
overseas and use the same common sense and sound judgement when abroad
as they would at home.
According to the US Department of State, the crime threat in Bangkok
remains lower than that in many American cities and violent crimes
against foreigners are relatively rare.
However, as is the case elsewhere around the world, there are incidents
of crimes of opportunity such as pick pocketing, purse snatching and
burglary. There are occasional reports of passports, wallets and other
valuables having been stolen, usually by thieves who cut into purses or
bags with a razor and remove items surreptitiously. Travellers are
advised to be cautious in areas where such incidents are more likely to
occur. These include walking in crowded markets, tourist sites and bus
or train stations, market places and festivals. It is also best to
avoid isolated neighbourhoods, short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly lit
streets.
In secluded beach destinations and remote islands, independent
travellers should exercise caution. Indeed, they are advised to avoid
all secluded areas and stay in the vicinity of other travellers
whenever possible.
We would like all visitors to have a pleasant and comfortable stay in
our magnificent kingdom and therefore urge everyone to adopt
precautionary measures to ensure a trouble-free holiday.
POLITICAL PROTESTS
AND
DEMONSTRATIONS
As is the
case in most democratic countries, the right to freedom of expression
and peaceful assembly are fundamental rights of the Thai people. And
like those in other democracies, there are those in Thailand who oppose
the government and sometimes choose to express their views by staging
protests and taking to the streets.
Political protests tend to be peaceful in nature and are generally
limited to a designated area. In other areas of Bangkok and the rest of
Thailand, life continues as usual.
In the event of an escalation of political tension, retail and tourism
operators act responsibly. If a protest situation in a nearby area
steadily escalates and could potentially pose a threat to the safety
and well-being of their visitors, customers or guests, tourist
attractions, shopping malls, retail and service establishments in the
immediate area will be closed.
Visitors are advised to monitor local media for announcements of
possible demonstrations and avoid the areas where demonstrations might
occur.
Is Thailand safe to
visit
now?
There has
been a healthy debate on travel and tourism blogs concerning whether
Thailand is a safe place to visit following recent political
demonstrations and some unrest occurring in Bangkok. Arthur Frommer,
travel writer, author and consumer advocate writes in his post on
About.com/Go Thailand, “the tourist has always travelled
safely in this land of gentle Buddhist people. I would continue to
recommend travel there…
“The talk here in Thailand among expats that have lived here
for years is that there have been decades of this, it isn't a recent
development… The problems are political and not related to
foreigners at all.”
Source:
http://gothailand.about.com/b/2008/10/24/is-thailand-safe-to-visit-now.htm
AVIATION SAFETY
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the
Government of Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in
compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
aviation safety standards for oversight of Thailand’s air
carrier operations.
AIRPORT TAXIS*
When
arriving at Bangkok’s airport, travellers should use only
taxis from the airport’s official taxi stand, cars from the
airport limousine counters or airport buses. All major hotels in
Bangkok can also arrange to have a car and driver meet incoming
flights. It is uncommon for Thai taxis to pick up additional
passengers. Travellers should be wary of drivers seeking to do so, and
should never enter a cab that has someone besides the driver in it.
They should always ensure the taxi metre is used, and be aware that
there is a 50 baht supplement of the journey into any part of the city
from the airport. Any expressway charges that are incurred are also to
the passenger’s account.
Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), the operator of
Suvarnabhumi Airport
(Bangkok International Airport), has launched a crackdown on illegal
taxi drivers and unlicensed guides starting from July 28, 2009 onwards.
The operation is being jointly conducted by AOT in conjunction with the
Land Transport Department and the Tourist Police Division.
Furthermore, Thailand's Prime Minister, Mr Abhisit Vejjajiva, recently
assigned Deputy Prime Minister Mr Suthep Thaugsuban, the Ministry of
Finance and the Ministry of Transport and Communications to jointly
conduct a thorough investigation of the series of complaints related to
recent allegations of various scams and shoplifting incidents at the
airport. During a seminar organized by the Federation of Thai Tourism
Associations (FETTA) on August 13th, 2009, Prime Minister Abhisit
Vejjajiva indicated that he would personally champion efforts to
promote closer inter-agency cooperation, improve various processes and
procedures involving multiple agencies and authorities, and ensure the
strict compliance and enforcement of legal measures.
FOOD SAFETY
Thailand is
one of the world’s largest exporters of fresh and processed
foods to markets such as the US, the European Union, the Middle East,
Japan, Australia and other countries where exporters are required to
meet very strict standards of food safety. This is excellent news for
Thailand’s food and beverage, tourism and hospitality
industry sectors. Chefs and cooks throughout the country have quick and
convenient access to some of the freshest and best ingredients with
which to prepare the vast range of culinary delights that have made
Thailand a hub of cosmopolitan cuisine.
Food served in F&B outlets in hotels, resorts, restaurants and
food courts in shopping malls and plazas generally meet internationally
recognized health and hygiene standards. Opt for well-established
restaurants frequented by the locals. The overall presentation and
ambience of a restaurant generally offer visible clues as to their
general outlook on food safety.
Ice cubes and shaved ice served in hotel F&B outlets and
restaurants in resorts, food courts in shopping malls and plazas are
generally safe for consumption.
Tap water should not be assumed to be safe for drinking and should be
boiled before drinking. Bottled water is widely sold.
Visitors wishing to experience the real ‘taste of
Thailand’ — and who want to savour its myriad
culture and flavours the way locals do — are advised to be
selective in their choice of food vendors. Always look for clues that
may be an indicator of the food safety standards being observed. For
example, does a stall have access to clean running water for washing up?
As a general guideline, it is safe to consume dishes that are
freshly-prepared and cooked, either by boiling or frying. Meat and
poultry should be well cooked and served hot. Avoid uncooked, under
cooked or lightly grilled freshwater fish and seafood. This includes
shellfish such as mussels, oysters, clams, crabs and shrimp. Also avoid
consuming fish, seafood or meat with any kind of adverse odour.
WOMEN TRAVELLERS
The total
number of women visitors to Thailand is on the increase. The ratio of
male to female visitors to Thailand is now 65:35. Thailand welcomed
over 14 million visitors in 2007. Of these, 5 million were women
travellers and approximately 60 per cent have visited once or more
before. Thailand is also home to a large number of female expatriate
residents.
Women travellers are urged to use the same common sense travelling
overseas that they would at home. This includes avoiding isolated
neighbourhoods, short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly lit streets; avoid
travelling alone at night; and also refrain from doing things that they
would typically not do when back home. Women travellers are advised to
dress appropriately when in public so they don’t attract
unwanted attention to themselves, and to refrain from sun-bathing in
the nude or topless so as to not place themselves in a high risk
situation.
Is
Thailand more dangerous for women?
Both the
Foreign Office and Lonely Planet warn women to be vigilant when
travelling alone in Thailand following incidents of drinks being
spiked, sexual assault and pick pocketing.
The Koh Samui Tourism Association is more specific in its advice for
female visitors: "Women especially should not accept an invitation from
a stranger to walk on the beach at night, no matter how attractive he
or she may be."
Source: Times Online — January 3, 2006
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/news/article784546.ece
Travel Safety Tips For Women Travellers
http://www.kevincoffee.com/women_safety/travel_safety_tips_for_women.htm
TOURISM SAFETY
Locations
targeted for special attention include remote areas such as secluded
beaches and other natural attractions that are popular with tourists
who come in search of solitude, peace and tranquility. These include
upland areas, waterfalls and caves.
Measures Designed to Increase Tourist Safety at all Tourist Attractions
Throughout Thailand Increased numbers of lifeguards, beach
guards and trained volunteers deployed at all beach destinations along
with more frequent patrols, especially along secluded beaches that are
so popular with foreigners. Lifeguards and volunteers are working in
conjunction with provincial authorities, the Tourist Police and
regional police. The installation of additional closed-circuit
television (CCTV) in some locations is also being considered.
Development of a detailed inventory of tourism attractions and sites
situated in secluded areas to facilitate monitoring
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOTS) recently completed a
comprehensive list of tourist attractions and sites in all of
Thailand’s 76 provinces, including Phuket. This initiative is
being expanded to add a detailed inventory of tourist attractions
situated in remote areas. Security measures at these secluded
destinations and sites will also be beefed up. Top priority was being
given to the survey of secluded areas that are known to tourists,
especially Fully Independent Travellers (FITs) who are not part of a
tour group.
To ensure safety for all tourists across
the board and all year round, the MOTS also worked with the Tourism
Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Tourist Police to survey sites
promoted for adventure travel activities such as abseiling, rock
climbing, spelunking (potholing), jungle trekking and diving.
Distributing whistles to women travellers to enable them to attract
attention in emergency situations
The MOTS distributed whistles to the Tourist Police, TAT and provincial
authorities to be used by women travellers to attract attention should
they find themselves in a high risk situation in which their personal
safety is threatened. The whistles are available upon request.
The whistle, which is worn around the neck, also serves as a reminder
to the wearer of the need to exercise caution and be alert in
unfamiliar surroundings. In the case of a women traveller who finds
herself in a high risk situation, it is hoped that the sound of the
whistle will act as a deterrent, causing the potential attacker to
hesitate and flee.
This sends out a clear message that the Thai tourism industry does not
wish to see violence — whether it is against tourists, women
or children, whether foreign or Thai.
[The whistle is not the ultimate or total solution. However, it
provides the wearer with a measure of added protection in the sense
that it might distract or deter a potential assailant. First and
foremost, travellers must be mindful of safety at all times, and be
very careful not to place themselves in risky or life-threatening
situations.
Safety tips for
women travellers
The MOTS
has been working with provincial authorities to distribute information
leaflets on safety tips to guesthouses and various other forms of
accommodation that are popular choices with the ever increasing number
of FITs who generally rely on recommendations from guide books to find
their preferred accommodation. The MOTS is also working on the
development of a self-help information service whereby visitors or
tourists will be able to access vital information themselves.
SAFETY IN NATIONAL
PARKS
Conditions
during tropical monsoon rains can make travel within national parks
difficult and hazardous. Weather conditions can change very quickly.
Fog and low clouds tend to hang low over the landscape. Cliffs may
collapse under their own weight when the soil underlying the sandstone
cap is eroded by heavy rain. Heavy rains can also cause landslides and
flash floods in the streams which flow down the mountain slope.
For safety reasons, specific areas within affected land and marine
national parks are closed from now until the end of the southwest
monsoon season. This also provides a much-needed break from tourism
activity and allows the natural environment, flora and fauna to revive
and regenerate.
A comprehensive listing of these areas is published by the National
Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department on its web site. For
the latest update on national parks closed for the rainy season, please
visit
www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/close_np.asp?lg=2
Web site: www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/nationalpark.asp?lg=2
MEDICAL TOURISM
Thailand's
impressive track record in health and wellness and on the medical
frontier has frequently won international acclaim, particularly in
areas like cardiac surgery and post-operative care, cosmetic and
reconstructive surgery, dentistry, and pharmacology, to name a few. In
2009, Thailand is projecting a total of two million international
patients from all over the world coming to Thailand for treatment.
Useful Travel Tips
offered
by the US Department of State
TRAVEL AROUND THE
CITY OF
BANGKOK*
Most
foreign visitors to Bangkok choose to travel around the city using the
fast and convenient BTS “Skytrain” elevated mass
transit system or the underground Metro system, which operate daily
from 6 a.m. to midnight.
Cities elsewhere in Thailand typically have only rudimentary public
transportation, and usually do not have metered taxis. In many cases,
motorcycle taxis, tuk-tuks, bicycle-powered rickshaws, and pick-up
trucks will be the only options available for travellers without their
own transport.
The use of motorcycle helmets is mandatory, although this law is seldom
enforced.
SAFETY ON PUBLIC
TRANSPORTATION*
Taxis
Only take taxis clearly identified with official markings.
Beware of unmarked cabs.
Foreign visitors may encounter taxi
drivers and others who tout gem stores or entertainment venues. These
touts receive kickbacks or commissions that drive up the prices of the
goods or services. Travellers should not accept tours or other offers
from them.
Do not hesitate to ask to be let out of
a taxi immediately if the driver is acting suspiciously or driving
erratically.
Trains*
Well-organized,
systematic robbery of passengers on trains along popular tourists
routes is a problem. It is more common at night and especially on
overnight trains. If you see your way being blocked by a stranger and
another person is very close to you from behind, move away. This can
happen in the corridor of the train or on the platform or station.
Do not accept food or drink from strangers. Criminals have been known
to drug food or drink offered to passengers. Criminals may also spray
sleeping gas in train compartments. Where possible, lock your
compartment. If it cannot be locked securely, take turns sleeping in
shifts with your travelling companions. If that is not possible, stay
awake. If you must sleep unprotected, tie down your luggage and secure
your valuables to the extent possible.
Do not be afraid to alert authorities if you feel threatened in any
way. Extra police are often assigned to ride trains on routes where
crime is a serious problem.
Buses
The same
type of criminal activity found on trains can be found on public buses
on popular tourist routes. For example, tourists have been drugged and
robbed while sleeping on buses or in bus stations.
Tuk Tuks*
Reports of
serious crimes involving taxis or “tuk-tuks”
(three-wheeled taxis) are also relatively rare, although attempts to
charge excessive fares occur regularly.
Boat Safety*
Boat safety
has become an increasing concern in Thailand. Ferries and speedboats
used to transport tourists and local nationals to and from the many
islands off the Thai mainland are often overcrowded and carry
insufficient safety equipment. Avoid travel on overcrowded boats, and
ensure that proper safety equipment (including life preservers) is
available before boarding any boat or ferry.
NATURAL DANGERS*
Strong seasonal undercurrents at popular beach resorts pose a sometimes
fatal threat to surfers and swimmers. During the monsoon season from
May through October, drowning is the leading cause of death for
tourists. Some, but not all, beaches have warning flags to indicate the
degree of risk (red flag: sea condition dangerous for swimming; yellow
flag: sea condition rough, swim with caution; green flag: sea condition
stable).
BARS AND
ENTERTAINMENT
VENUES*
Although
most bars and entertainment venues operate honestly, some, especially
in tourist areas, at times try to charge exorbitant amounts for drinks
or unadvertised cover charges, and threaten violence if the charges are
not paid. If victimized in this fashion, travellers should not attempt
to resolve the problem themselves, but should instead pay the price
demanded and then seek out a nearby Tourist Police officer for help in
getting restitution. (If no officer is nearby, the Tourist Police may
be contacted toll-free by dialing 1155.)
There have been occasional reports of scopolamine drugging perpetrated
by prostitutes or unscrupulous bar workers for the purpose of robbery.
(Scopolamine is a powerful sedative.) Tourists have also been
victimized by drugged food and drink, usually offered by a friendly
stranger, sometimes posing as a fellow traveller on an overnight bus or
train.
In addition, casual acquaintances met in a bar or on the street may
pose a threat.
Travellers are advised to avoid leaving drinks or food unattended, and
should avoid going alone to unfamiliar venues.
Some trekking tour companies, particularly in Northern Thailand, have
been known to make drugs available to trekkers. Travellers should not
accept drugs of any kind, as the drugs may be altered or harmful, and
the use or sale of narcotic drugs is illegal in Thailand.
ILLEGAL DRUGS*
Penalties
for possession or use of, or trafficking in, illegal drugs in Thailand
are severe and convicted offenders can expect long prison sentences
under harsh conditions, and often heavy fines as well. Thailand also
has a death penalty for serious drug offences.
SCAMS*
Scams
involving gems, city tours, entertainment venues and credit cards are
common, especially in areas heavily visited by tourists. Credit cards
should be used only in reputable, established businesses, and the
amount charged should be checked for accuracy.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) receives over a thousand
complaints each year from visitors who have been cheated on gem
purchases. Gem scams usually follow a predictable pattern. Someone
approaches a tourist outside of a well-known tourist attraction such as
the Grand Palace or the Jim Thompson House and says that the attraction
is closed. The friendly stranger quickly gains the tourist’s
confidence, and suggests a visit to a temple that is supposedly open
only one day per year; the stranger then mentions in passing that a
special once-a-year government-sponsored gem sale is going on, and
directs the tourist to a waiting tuk-tuk. At the temple, another
stranger — sometimes a foreigner — engages the
tourist in conversation and, by seeming coincidence, also mentions the
“special” gem sale. The tourist agrees to go look
at the gem shop, and is soon convinced to buy thousands of dollars
worth of jewels that can supposedly be sold in the U.S. for a 100%
profit. When the tourist actually has the goods appraised, they turn
out to be of minimal value, and the shop’s money-back
guarantee is not honoured. No matter what a tout may say, no jewellery
stores are owned, operated, or sponsored by the Thai Government or by
the Thai royal family.
A traveller who has fallen victim to a gem scam should contact the
local branch of the Tourist Police, or call their country-wide
toll-free number: 1155.
INFORMATION FOR
VICTIMS OF
CRIME
The loss or
theft abroad of a passport should be reported immediately to the local
police and the nearest embassy or consulate.
If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to
reporting to local police, please contact your embassy or consulate for
assistance. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, help you find
appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain
how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and
prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local
authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local
criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in
Thailand is 191.
TREKKING IN BORDER
AREAS*
Tourists
should obtain information from Thai authorities about whether official
border crossing points are open, and should cross into neighbouring
countries only at designated crossing points. Licensed guides can help
ensure that trekkers do not cross inadvertently into a neighbouring
country.
SAFETY IN YOUR HOTEL*
Keep your hotel door locked at all times. Meet visitors in
the lobby.
Do not leave money and other valuables
in your hotel room while you are out.
Use the hotel safe.
If you are out late at night, let
someone know when you expect to return.
TOURIST ASSISTANCE
Contact information:
TAT TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
http://www.tatnews.org/others/1812.asp
TOURIST ASSISTANCE CENTER
HOTLINE
Please call 1155
or (0) 2134 4079
E-mail: thai_tac@hotmail.com
Related Links
A Safe Trip Abroad, US Department of State
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html
Staying Safe and Healthy Abroad
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/staying-safe/
* Source of
information:
Thailand Country Specific Information issued by the US Department of
State
http://www.tatnews.org
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