Travelling to Thailand on holiday? Read our travel advice

28 July 2016 - RPS Partnership

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We keep up to date by tavelling to the far flung places of the world and here in this interesting blog, Andy Williams of RPS Partnership gives us his thoughts on his last working trip to Thailand. It makes interesting reading.

"A popular holiday destination for many", Andy tells us.

Thailand’s beautifully white beaches, tropical climate and unique nightlife accommodates nearly 25 million holiday makers every year according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

However, there have been widespread reports of crime against westerners, police corruption and political unrest in recent years which has resulted in a reduction in the amount of tourists who travel to Thailand each year.

The brutal deaths of British nationals David Miller and Hannah Witheridge on September 2014 in Koh Tao made headlines across the world. The subsequent controversy over an allegedly flawed investigation by the local authorities cast a dark shadow over this popular tourist destination.

The Foreign Office (the British Foreign Ministry - FCO) declares all but a small region in the south near the Malaysian border safe to visit which I fully support and the majority of travellers pass without incident, but there have been reported incidents of crime against westerners including robbery, date rapes, sexual assault and fraud.

So just how safe is it to travel to Thailand and what advice would I give to anyone planning to visit there? Andy gives us his thoughts....

Situational awareness, situational awareness, situational awareness!

I am a huge advocate of this and just as you should be mindful of your surroundings in any environment, particularly one that is unfamiliar to you, the same should be applied when working or travelling in Thailand. Whether you are an experienced traveler or a first time traveller, you should take your personal security seriously.

The following information aims to outline some key personal safety guidelines that should be implemented during your stay. If followed this advice will reduce the likelihood of you or a companion becoming a victim of criminality or any other safety issues. Just like anywhere else in the world, complacency and poor planning account for most personal safety related incidents.

Cultural differences

Around 95% of Thais are Buddhists and this belief system deeply influences their culture and behaviors. The most sacred part of the body is the head and patting or touching the head of a Thai should always be avoided. It is also considered disrespectful to point the soles of your feet towards any sacred image, particularly of the Buddha or the King.

Don’t forget to smile! Thais tend to smile far more than the average westerner and it will go a long way!

An integral part of Thai etiquette is the wai. This is done by placing your palms together at nose level and bowing your head slightly. It denotes respect and is a gesture that you will encounter almost immediately upon arrival in Thailand.

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, and the royal family, particularly the King, is honored throughout the country. Always stand when the King’s anthem is played. Be mindful that anyone convicted of insulting the king or any member of the royal family can face up to 15 years in prison on each count.

Taxis

Where possible plan any transport arrangements well ahead of time. Taxis parked outside hotels or tourist attractions are generally much pricier. There is no problem in flagging down a passing taxi but always adhere to the following safety principles.

Ensure that you clearly negotiate the fare before you get inside and make sure that you have a very rough idea where is it you are going and how long it takes to get there (google maps, local knowledge, recent visitors or tourist maps are all useful tools).

Try and avoid unnecessary conversations with the driver. Nearly all taxi drivers are men. Women who like to dress-up in an overtly sexual manner should be aware that unfortunately this may be misinterpreted.

In circumstances where you need to catch a taxi home late at night by yourself, the following advice is offered. Be mindful of your profile and where appropriate dress modestly. If necessary, carry a shawl or scarf that can be thrown on if you are going to catch a taxi. Speak confidently and firmly and if you are asked lots of questions, just pretend that you don’t understand.

Where possible always travel with friends or at the very least make sure that your movements are known by someone that you trust.

Touts

Almost everywhere you go in Thailand someone will be trying to sell you something. This could be anything from designer clothing, a suite, a massage, tickets to see a show and just about everything in between. This is to be expected and almost all of the time is harmless but do not trust randomly helpful strangers who approach you in the street, regardless of their nationality.

Thais can be very accommodating people but would not generally approach strangers in the street and offer unsolicited advice or assistance. A polite but firm “No thank” is all that is required.

Documentation

It is a requirement by Thai law that visitors at all times must be in possession of identification. This should be presented if requested by any Police Officer or other legitimate local authority.

Passports are a highly valuable commodity in Thailand and it is not always safe or practical to carry your physical passport on you at all times. Make several colour scanned copies of your passport as well as the stamped arrivals page and have them laminated. Carry these copies with you in a ruck sack or grab bag. These will assist in establishing your identity and immigration status when you don’t have your physical passport on you.

Scooter / vehicle hire

If you intend on hiring a scooter or a vehicle use a rental company that is known or recommended and never hand over your passport. If the rental company is unwilling to accept a photocopy, move on and try someone else. Remember that your passport is the single most important document that you have while in Thailand.

Personal Belongings

There have been reported isolated incidents of bag snatchers on motorbikes. Keep your belongings as close to you as possible, ideally strung around you in a zipped up bag and clutched firmly to your side when walking through crowed areas. If you are using a rucksack, consider wearing it in front of you instead of on your back.

Although uncommon, take the usual precautions against pickpockets in crowded area with purses, wallets and loose cash. Avoid displaying your cash in public and be discreet when opening your wallet/purse to pay for something. Splitting up your money can be a good idea and it is suggested that only carrying a small amount cash on your person and carry credit cards and any other cash in a money belt or in a more discreet pocket.

Always be mindful of your body language, gestures and profile and how that may be interpreted. Elude from displaying expensive jewelry or better still, leave it at home. This will reduce the probability of you becoming a victim of criminality.

Orientation

Finally, carry a map (hide it when walking along the street), have a rough idea of where you are at all times and have a method of communication.

Most western style cafes have Wi-Fi, alternatively you can pick up a local Thai sim card for about £2 at any 7/11 convenience store.

Input some essential numbers onto the speed dial list in the unlikely event of an emergency situation. These may include the Tourist police which is 1155, a trusted taxi company, the hotel where you are staying and your home country’s Embassy and consular assistance number.

Thais are generally some of the nicest people you that will ever meet but as with most places there are people out there who will exploit any weakness that you show. These fundamental security habits and practices will enhance rather than detract from your travel experience and help you embrace all that this amazing country has to offer!

Contact us on [email protected] for more information and advice as well as training to travel to the region.