Most visits to Thailand pass without trouble. Millions of people travel here every year, and the usual problems are small: overpriced tuk-tuk rides, a bad stomach, a sunburn. The serious risks are the ones people underestimate: road accidents, especially on motorbikes, strong sea currents and heat. This guide covers what to do in an emergency, the scams worth knowing, health basics and the legal traps. It is general information and not medical, legal or insurance advice. Rules and conditions change, so check the official sources listed here and your own government's travel advice.
Emergency numbers
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Police | 191 | General emergencies |
| Medical emergency and ambulance | 1669 | National emergency medical service |
| Tourist Police | 1155 | Tourist-focused help, with English support |
| Fire | 199 | Fire and rescue |
Save 1155 and your hotel's address in Thai on your phone. In an emergency, show a taxi or ambulance driver the Thai text. Also keep your insurer's 24-hour assistance number saved offline.
Large private hospitals in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui have international departments with English-speaking staff; small islands may only have a basic clinic, meaning serious cases are transferred to the mainland. That is one reason to make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation.
Common tourist scams
These are generic, well-known patterns, not a list of specific businesses.
| Scam | How it works | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| "The attraction is closed today" | A friendly stranger or tuk-tuk driver says a temple or palace is closed, and offers a "special tour" instead | Check the official opening hours yourself; ignore unsolicited advice near entrances |
| Tuk-tuk "bargain tours" | Extremely cheap fares that stop at gem, tailor or souvenir shops for commission | Agree a fixed price and a direct destination, or use a metered taxi or ride-hailing |
| Taxi meter refusal | Driver will not use the meter and quotes a high flat fare | Insist on the meter, get out and try another, or use Grab or Bolt |
| Gem and tailor shops | High-pressure sales of "investment" stones or suits | Do not buy gems as an investment; buy only from established vendors with clear returns |
| Jet-ski damage claims | Rental operators claim you damaged a jet-ski and demand a large payment | Avoid rental operators who hold your passport, and photograph the equipment before use |
| Motorbike rental damage | Shop claims old scratches are your fault and keeps your passport | Photograph the bike, never leave your passport as a deposit |
| Nightlife bar overcharging | Surprise bills, "show" fees or aggressive collectors after drinks are ordered | Check the menu price before ordering; do not follow touts into bars |
| Fake police or "customs" calls | Someone claims you must pay a fine | Real officials do not demand cash by phone; ask for details and contact the Tourist Police |
| Counterfeit cash change | Large notes returned with fake change | Check notes and change as you receive them |
Never hand over your passport as a deposit. Offer a photocopy or cash deposit instead. If a business insists, go elsewhere.
Other practical cautions
- ATM and card safety. Use ATMs inside banks or malls, and cover your PIN. Check your account for unexpected charges.
- Drink spiking. In nightlife areas, watch your drink, and do not leave it unattended. Avoid accepting drinks from strangers.
- Bag snatching. Motorbike thieves operate in some cities; carry bags on the side away from the road.
- Rental of vehicles. See getting around Thailand for licence and insurance cautions.
Road safety
Thailand has a high rate of road deaths, and motorbike riders are the most affected group. Rules of thumb:
- Do not ride a motorbike unless you are experienced and hold the right licence.
- Wear a proper helmet.
- Avoid riding at night, on wet roads or after drinking.
- In cars, use seat belts, including in the back.
- Be cautious as a pedestrian: cars do not always stop at crossings, and motorbikes may use pavements.
Sea safety
- Flags. Red means do not swim; yellow means caution. During the southwest monsoon (roughly May to October) west-facing Andaman beaches can have strong rip currents. See best time by region.
- Rip currents. If caught, swim parallel to the beach rather than against the current, and signal for help.
- Jellyfish. Some seasons have stinging jellyfish; local lifeguards may post warnings. Vinegar is commonly used at first aid stations, and serious stings need medical attention.
- Boat trips. Use operators that provide life jackets and check weather. Do not board an overloaded boat.
- Diving. Choose accredited schools and check insurance coverage for diving. See Koh Tao diving courses.
Health basics
Water and food
- Tap water is generally not considered safe to drink by visitors. Use sealed bottled water or filtered water, and note that ice in restaurants is usually made from purified water in commercial plants.
- Street food is a highlight of the trip. Choose busy stalls with high turnover and food cooked in front of you.
- Wash or sanitise your hands before eating. Carry oral rehydration salts for stomach upsets, and seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
Heat and sun
Heat and humidity are strong, especially March to May. Drink water, use sunscreen, wear a hat, and take a midday break. Heat exhaustion and dehydration are common reasons for visits to clinics.
Mosquito-borne illness
Dengue is present in Thailand, and the risk is higher in the rainy season. Use repellent, wear long sleeves at dusk and choose accommodation with screens or air conditioning. Check the Department of Disease Control and your national health authority for current advisories.
Air quality
In northern Thailand, smoke from burning can seriously affect air quality, generally in the dry months before the rains. Check air-quality indices and consider a mask rated for fine particles if you have breathing conditions. See Chiang Mai for local planning.
Vaccinations and medical advice
Do not rely on a travel blog for vaccination advice. Check the official guidance from your own country's health authority (for example, the travel health pages of your national public health agency) and speak to a doctor or travel clinic several weeks before departure. The Thai Ministry of Public Health and Department of Disease Control publish information about outbreaks and entry health requirements. Requirements can change, for instance around yellow fever certificates for travellers arriving from certain countries, so check the current list.
Medications
Bring a supply of your regular medication in original packaging with a doctor's letter, and check whether it is controlled in Thailand. Some common prescription painkillers, sedatives and ADHD drugs are restricted. E-cigarettes and vaping devices are prohibited. See entry requirements.
Travel insurance
Treat insurance as essential. Look for:
- Emergency medical cover with a high limit and evacuation or repatriation.
- Explicit coverage for activities you plan: motorbike riding (often with licence conditions), diving, trekking.
- 24-hour assistance numbers.
- Trip interruption and cancellation cover, especially in monsoon months.
Private hospitals commonly ask for a guarantee of payment or a deposit before treatment. Keep your policy number and the insurer's contact available offline. Do not compare policies by price alone; read exclusions.
Laws and behaviour to know
- Monarchy. Criticism or insults of the royal family are a serious criminal offence (lese-majeste, Section 112 of the Criminal Code). See temple etiquette.
- Drugs. Penalties for possession and trafficking can be severe. Cannabis rules have changed over the past few years, and being cautious is wise.
- Alcohol. Sales are restricted at certain hours and on certain days, including some religious holidays.
- Smoking. Banned on many beaches, in parks and in enclosed public spaces, with fines.
- Littering and marine parks. Fines apply, and touching coral or feeding wildlife may be prohibited.
- Carry ID. Keep a copy of your passport and the entry stamp; police may ask for identification.
If something goes wrong
- Medical emergency: call 1669, or go to the nearest hospital, and contact your insurer.
- Theft or scam: report to the nearest police station or Tourist Police on 1155, and obtain a report for insurance claims.
- Lost passport: report to the police, then contact your embassy or consulate.
- Overstay or visa problems: contact the Immigration Bureau; see entry requirements.
See the Thailand hub for destination-specific guidance.
FAQ
Is Thailand safe for tourists?
Most visitors travel without serious incident. The most significant risks are road accidents, sea conditions, heat and scams. Take normal precautions and get insurance.
Is it safe to drink the tap water?
Visitors are generally advised to drink bottled or filtered water instead of tap water. Ice in restaurants is commonly made from purified water, but if in doubt, ask.
What number do I call for the Tourist Police?
- The line provides tourist-focused help, with English-speaking operators. For general police use 191 and for an ambulance 1669.
Do I need vaccinations for Thailand?
Requirements depend on your health history and where you are coming from. Check the official advice from your own country's health authority and see a doctor or travel clinic before you travel. The Thai Department of Disease Control also publishes current health notices.
Is solo travel safe, including for women?
Many solo travellers, including women, travel in Thailand without trouble. Use the usual precautions: choose well-reviewed accommodation, be careful with drinks, avoid isolated areas at night and share your plans.
Are motorbike rentals covered by travel insurance?
Often only if you hold a valid licence for the vehicle category in Thailand and the policy does not exclude it. Read your policy before riding.
Official sources and further reading
Prices, schedules and entry rules change. Figures here are approximate as of 2026; always confirm on the official or operator page before you book. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
