Travel Safety in Thailand

The security risks in Thailand vary according to area and the profile of the traveller. Instances of bag snatching and pickpocketing are common in tourist areas, particularly in Phuket and Bangkok. Violent crime is far less common, but instances of sexual assault and anti-social violence do occasionally occur. Thailand is prone to periods of political instability. During these times, demonstrations are common, particularly in Bangkok. These can turn violent without warning.

Terrorism is a concern in Thailand. The risk is most acute in the southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla, where militants are fighting for a separatist state. Elsewhere in Thailand, terrorism is rare, though international extremist groups have previously attempted to target Israeli interests and some other sites. Periods of political tensions have also seen an uptick in acts of terrorism primarily in Bangkok.

Conflict is an ongoing concern in Thailand’s southern provinces, where clashes between security forces and militants occur relatively frequently. Territorial disputes also leads to occasional outbreaks of conflict between Thai forces and those of Cambodia and Myanmar in border areas. There is no major risk of kidnapping affecting foreign travellers in most of the country.

The standard of medical health care varies; private facilities in major cities are of a good standard whereas public hospitals and those facilities located in rural areas are likely to be of a adequate-to-poor standard.