What can possibly go wrong in Thailand? Well, if you’re careful and sensible Thailand is a perfectly safe country to visit. But hey, we’re not always careful and sensible. Sometimes, accidents, mishaps, and misadventures just happen right out of the blue.
Motorcycle Muggings
This has been very prevalent in Pattaya for a few years now, and you read more about how motorcycle-riding thugs snatch valuables from their prey in this article on how to stay safe in Pattaya.
Mosquitoes
While you should not be alarmed by the threat posed by mosquitoes in Thailand, the fact is mosquitoes are ever-present, and so is the risk of contracting a mosquito-borne disease. Malaria is usually only a threat in some border regions of Thailand, but Dengue fever is present throughout Thailand. The risk of contracting Dengue fever during a short-term vacation is minimal, but you should still take precautions such as covering up and using mosquito repellant.
Motorcycle Taxi Ride
Thailand’s motorcycle taxis are convenient and cheap; they also supply you with a cheap, ill-fitting crash helmet, and like yourself, the taxi driver is wearing negligible protective gear. If you do have an accident, the chances are you will be seriously hurt; by all means, use motorcycle taxis, but use a safer alternative when possible.
Motorcycle Hire
If you’re a competent rider and ride sensibly, you should have no issues hiring a motorcycle in Thailand. The danger of hiring a motorcycle in Thailand is it’s just so easy. Practically anyone can do it, with or without a license and regardless of experience. An inflated ego and a powerful bike have been the death of many a tourist in Thailand.
Ferries and Speedboats
There have been numerous ferry and speedboat incidents in Thailand, mainly due to poorly maintained boats, poor seamanship, and negligible safety standards.
Songkran Insanity
Songkran is a water festival on a scale not seen anywhere else in the world, it’s a time for merriment, and unfortunately it can be a time for over exuberance. Read the Songkran Survivors Guide before partaking in the festivities or traveling during the festival period.
Fireworks
Be very wary during Loy Krathong, Chinese New Year, and the Christian New Year’s Eve celebrations. Besides beautiful fireworks displays, there are some questionable acts, such as setting off giant firecrackers in the street, holding onto lit fireworks, and throwing fireworks.
Mini Van
I’m not going to tar all minivan drivers with the same brush, but most of them only drive at one speed, as fast as they can. I’m not saying they are unsafe, but they could be safer.
Jet Ski Scams
Pattaya, Phuket, and Koh Samui have all previously been plagued with jet ski scams; you can find more information by performing a Google search for “Thailand jet ski scams.” I wouldn’t include jet ski scams on this page if they were merely petty scams, but they are not petty scams. Thailand’s jet ski scams involve huge amounts of money, and very often they involve threats of violence. Do your homework before hiring a jet ski anywhere in Thailand.
Drugs in Your Drink
This really does happen in Thailand, and the most likely place this will happen is in your room or apartment with a girl you just picked up from a bar. She slips off to the kitchen to pour the drinks, hands you the spiked drink and waits for you to slip away into unconsciousness before emptying your wallet and slipping away into the night. You can avoid this by pouring the drinks yourself or keeping your money and valuables well hidden.
Confrontation
Thais are not exceptionally confrontational, but if you find yourself in a confrontational situation, you should try and diffuse the situation by walking away. If the situation was to escalate you might find yourself hopelessly outnumbered.
Falling Coconuts
Coconuts grow way up high in the branches of coconut trees; coconut trees grow from coconuts that have fallen to the ground; that’s the coconut tree’s cycle of life. If you happen to be standing, sitting, or sunbathing underneath a coconut tree at the point in its life cycle that involves a very large nut falling to the ground, well that could be the end of your life’s cycle. Don’t ponder underneath a coconut tree, they have to come down sometime.
Wet Tiles
Tiles and wood are the standard floor coverings in Thailand, Tiles are commonly used in bathrooms, living rooms, patios, and driveways. One very important thing you must remember about tiles is they are slippery when wet. Not only are they slippery, they are also a very hard painful surface to land on. Avoid running on wet tiles in Thailand; it’s easy to presume they are non-slip, but you should presume they are not.
Snakes
Certainly not an everyday threat in Thailand, and chances are you will not have an encounter with a snake but snakes are something you should bear in mind before you go stomping through the undergrowth. There are a few species of deadly snakes in Thailand, most notably the King Cobra.
Dangerous Bugs
Giant hornets, giant venomous centipedes, wasps, and scorpions are abundant in Thailand. Some of these bugs are dangerous and can inflict a nasty wound, which might require hospital treatment, but mostly, they keep themselves to themselves.
Rape
Cases of rape seem to be on the rise in Thailand, there have been many cases reported by solo female travelers.
Food Poisoning
Most cases of food poisoning are caused by bacteria, parasites, and viruses, according to Healthline.com https://www.healthline.com/health/food-poisoning. Food hygiene standards in Thailand might not be the same standard as your home country. You should only drink bottled water, and if you are going to sample Thailand’s famous street food you should make sure it is freshly cooked.
Beach Hazards
Most people come to Thailand for a beach holiday, hence they spend a lot of time on the beach, but the beautiful pristine water of Thailand’s beaches is not always as safe as it might seem. Read more about Thailand’s rip currents and make yourself aware of the warning signs.
In the case of jellyfish stings it’s a good idea to keep the telephone number of a local hospital handy and do some prior research on the current correct procedure for the treatment of jellyfish stings.
Stray Dogs
Stray dogs have long been an issue throughout Thailand, mostly they are harmless but they often form large packs and become territorial. If you feel threatened by a dog or a pack of dogs, you should carry a stick or pretend to pick something from the ground and throw it at them.
Thailand is still a safe country to visit, I’m not scaremongering, but every item on this page is a danger or risk to your health, which you should be aware of. By simply being more aware of the potential dangers and hazards of visiting Thailand you are much more likely to avoid them.