How safe it is, which schemes to avoid and what to remember about motorbikes, the sea and the Tourist Police 1155.

Thailand is generally safe for tourists, but a few typical situations deserve attention.

Common scams

  • “The temple is closed today” — a tuk-tuk driver takes you to a jewelry or tailor shop instead. Check the information yourself.
  • Renting a bike or jet ski: take photos and videos of the vehicle before the ride — otherwise you may be billed for “scratches”.
  • The “broken” taxi meter is a classic scheme: the driver agrees to use the meter, and a couple of minutes later says it is not working and names a fixed price 3–5 times above the real one. Sometimes you also meet meters that run unnaturally fast — compare the readings with the trip time. The most reliable protection is to call a car through an app (Grab, Bolt), where the price is fixed in advance, rather than hailing a taxi on the street near tourist spots.
  • Bill swapping at payment — you hand over a large bill, and the seller or driver discreetly swaps it for a smaller one and claims that is what you gave. Count the sum out loud in plain view and do not let the bill out of your sight until the payment is complete.

What to remember

  • Roads: the main risk is motorbikes. Only with a helmet, a license and insurance; beginners are better off not getting behind the wheel.
  • The sea: in the rainy season there are rip currents — watch for red flags.
  • The Tourist Police has a short number, 1155 (in English).

More risks

  • Alcohol: cheap “bucket” cocktails and dubious bars sometimes serve a substitute — do not take draft drinks of unknown quality.
  • Monkeys near temples (Lopburi, some beaches) snatch food, glasses and phones — do not tease them or feed them by hand.

Emergency numbers

1155 is the Tourist Police (in English), 191 the police, 1669 the ambulance.