Road risk

The road network is generally in good condition. However, the road accident rate is one of the highest in the world. In 2013, 20,000 people died in road accidents. Compliance with speed limits is highly recommended and extreme caution is advised, especially when driving at night. The use of two-wheelers is particularly dangerous (in Thailand, 75% of fatal accidents occur on two-wheelers.) Helmets are rarely up to standard.

Foreigners wishing to drive in Thailand must hold an international driving license.
Resident foreigners must hold a Thai driving license; failing this, the insurance company will refuse to take into account the costs of an accident.

Delinquency

The main cases affecting foreigners in Thailand concern robberies (with or without violence), burglaries (especially in cheap hotels), night attacks and some serious attacks on people. Sexual delinquency is present and can affect minors. It is therefore important to adopt a responsible attitude and to exercise caution.

It is also advisable to pay special attention to beverages and dishes served in certain neighborhoods (especially in cheap hotels), which may contain sleeping pills.

Sale of precious or semi-precious stones at excessive prices: some guides, even foreigners, offer to make “good deals” by buying jewels. These are authentic but sold at prices two to three times higher than those of the market. This scam can not be prosecuted because the selling price is considered by Thai law as freely accepted by the buyer.

Rental of jet-skis and scooters: large sums can be claimed by the renter, even in case of superficial damage (do not leave your passport to the renter and be in possession of an international or Thai driving license ).

Bank card scams: These are reported mainly in Pattaya and Phuket. When withdrawing from a cash dispenser, it is advisable to exercise the usual caution.

The most frequently reported thefts take place on the night bus line between Surat Thani and Bangkok (in both directions). Thefts (of passports and money, in particular) concern both the baggage in the hold and the effects of the passengers during their sleep. Bag-snatching flights by a motorcycle rider and his rear passenger occur regularly, particularly in Bangkok.

Natural risks

Tidal wave: Since the 2004 tsunami, the Thai authorities have put in place special signs in areas at risk (blue signs), indicating the routes to take to reach the shelters and the assembly points.

Seismic activity: earthquakes that can be greater than 6 on the Richter scale are regularly recorded.

Monsoon: During periods of heavy monsoon (April to November), travelers are strongly advised to inquire about the climatic conditions and the state of the roads in the regions they cross or in which they intend to visit, in order to avoid to be in flooded areas, contacting:
• 1784 (ask for a translator in English) from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Control;
• 1155 (telephone of the “Tourist Police”).
Speleology is not recommended during the rainy season, even when amateurs are accompanied by guides.

Landslides may occur near some of the waterfalls visited by tourists.