Safe and Respectful Visit to Thailand: Everything You Need to Know

Dr. Theodore (Professor Bear) 8 min read

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Staying safe while traveling in Thailand is the top priority of every tourist. And it is equally important to obey the law and respect cultural norms by appropriately behaving wherever you go. 

Upon checking things, I discovered little to no information answered to the question, "Are there behavioral restrictions in Thailand for foreigners?" Well, yes! Although it is hard to believe, Thailand indeed has some "behaviors," especially for travelers regarding safety. 

So, if you're hoping to spend a memorable holiday in Thailand, it will be essential to know how to travel to Thailand safely while behaving correctly.

Safety First When Visiting Thailand

• Safety Precautions with COVID-19 

• Good Behaviors Related to Thai Culture

• Stay Away from Drugs

• Stay Away from Political Demonstrations

• Alert on Safety when Doing Transport and Travel Operations

• Away from Illegal Activities 

To help guide your next Thailand adventure tour, I have discovered some of the best safety travel tips and tricks. It's no secret that Thailand is full of exciting activities and experiences to behold, and it's time to learn everything you need to know about how to travel safely while behaving properly in Thailand.

In addition, today, I also bring you some of the most incredible things you've ever thought about in Thailand. So, here we brought some unique behavioral restrictions for the travel safety of foreigners. These beautiful things will make you want to visit it at least once in your lifetime. We hope to clean up some crazy things and share some special things in Thailand to make your tour memorable.

If we think about how to behave in Thailand well for our safety, we will never get an idea at first. For example, before compiling the article, we searched for the idea but could not find any. Thailand is a fantastic country with a rich culture and many curious tales. Therefore, we must explore essential travel tips that may make you wonder. At the end of this article, you may be able to know so many hidden facts about Thailand.

Behavior Restrictions for Foreigner's Safety in Thailand

Thailand is a world-famous tourist destination, which tempts with its natural beauty and exciting culture. In addition, there are so many whispering tales that have a hint of wonderful Thailand. Beautiful seaside, relaxed atmosphere, comfortable climate, centuries-old history, and art are skillful ways to attract foreigners to Thailand. Also, in Thailand, there are a lot of behaviors that reflect Buddhist values. Many temples have different guidelines for foreigners, and those restrictions may be lifted because of their rigid beliefs.

Let's discuss a few examples. In Thailand, they never put bags on the floor, and you should remove your shoes when entering homes, some stores, and temples. Bags are not to be put on the floor because of the high value Thais place on education. Specific spaces require you to remove your shoes as a sign of cleanliness and respect. Another essential thing to be aware of is touching one's feet and someone else's head. This comes from the Buddhist belief that the head is the sacred part of a person's body. The feet are the lowest and, therefore, the dirtiest part of a person's body. If we explain the fact through a story, in 2016 in Wat Doi Suthep, the most famous temple in Chiang Mai, a Chinese tourist was suspected of kicking a temple bell. This sacred object should not be with one's feet.

One should modestly dress when visiting Thai religious sites. Thailand is mainly conservative with Buddhist and Muslim values, so please dress and act respectfully. Protect and respect the values of Thais. Be on your guard during nighttime against pickpockets and bag snatchers, especially from thieves on motorbikes or when traveling in open transport. Take care when traveling in unfamiliar areas, and avoid walking through less-traveled areas alone, especially at night. The most important thing is to save the environment. Just enjoy your trip and don't do any harm to the places.

Driving Safely When in Thailand

You should be careful if you drive, especially with private vehicles like motorbikes in Thailand. It is very entertaining to drive a vehicle, and on the other hand, road conditions might be poor in some areas, and Thailand has reported one of the highest accident rates in the world. So, you may need to follow these tips and tricks to ensure your driving safety.

• You will need a Thai driver's license to drive in Thailand.

• Make sure you have the appropriate insurance.

• It is against the law to drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

• Be alert on your speed level.

🧑‍🎓 Quick Trivia!

Thailand has strict penalties for lawbreakers, even those under 18, that could include juvenile or adult prison detention.

Hiring a Vehicle Safely in Thailand

If you rent a motorbike or hire any vehicle, you must not surrender your passport as a form of security. If you allow your passport to be photocopied, keep it in sight. Check that you have the correct insurance, and remember to read the small print of the vehicle hire contract.

Using Taxis Safely in Thailand

If you arrive from an air travel, it is advisable to use a licensed taxi from the official taxi stand at the airport. Unlicensed vehicles with black and white number plates are not properly insured to carry passengers.

Safety in Thailand Full Moon Parties

The world-famous Full Moon Party is one of the biggest festivals in Thailand, with a lot of drinking, dancing, music, and intimate scenes. As it is a long night, you will experience utterly different entertainment in Thailand. Follow these tips and tricks to receive the best experience at full moon parties in Thailand.

• Don't drink so much.

• Buy your buckets from an official bar.

• Don't do drugs.

• Be aware of the surroundings.

•  Don't take anything to the party that you care about.

• Stay out of the water.

Safe Swimming in Thailand

It would be best if you took proper care when swimming in coastal areas in Thailand. Please follow the instructions of the beach lifeguards. Rather than fantastic beauty on Thai beaches,  poisonous jellyfish have been reported off Koh Phangan, Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta, and Koh Phi Phi. Please remember that jellyfish can swim close to the shore, and swimmers must be careful during the rainy season. 

Safety When Entering Thailand

Travel to Thailand requires a valid passport for at least 6 months. Be aware that some travelers who tried to enter the country on an invalid passport have been refused entry to Thailand. It is advisable to take some photocopies of your passport with you. But by law, you must always carry your passport with you.

Limitations on Alcohol and Tobacco

There are strict limits on the number of alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and tobacco you may bring into Thailand. Tourists can be detained and fined heavily for attempting to bring cigarettes into Thailand over the official limit. Please be aware of the importation limits.

Royal Thai Police confiscate these items, and in case of conviction, you could face a heavy fine or be sent to prison for up to 10 years. The sale or supply of these prohibited items is also banned by law, and if found guilty, you could face a heavy fine or up to 5 years of imprisonment.

No to Illegal Drugs in Thailand

The distribution and consumption of illegal drugs in Thailand is strictly prohibited. Possessing even what some may regard as small quantities often leads to imprisonment. The Thai authorities often use spot checks in and around tourist areas such as bars, restaurants, and discos to avoid this kind of illegal thing within the country. These spot checks may include searches of bags, purses, and pockets. 

A Must to Behave and Speak Safely

Making critical or defamatory comments about the King or the Royal Family is a criminal offense in Thailand. People have been imprisoned under this law for doing so. Be very careful of your speech in public.

Safety for Health

COVID-19 remains a risk in Thailand, although the emergency has been lifted. Restrictions were in place to reduce the transmission of the virus. So, it is recommended to follow the SOPs all the time.

Do's and Don'ts While in Thailand

• You will be arrested for carrying medicine bought at a Thai pharmacy without a prescription. So, get medical advice before buying medicine.
  
  
• Use insect repellent to prevent insect-borne diseases. Malaria, Zika virus, dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, and filariasis are some dangerous mosquito-borne diseases.
  
  
• Medical tourism is expected. Avoid discount and uncertified medical establishments, as their standards can be poor. 
  
  
• Penalties for drug offenses are severe. So, avoid drugs.
  
  
• Commercial surrogacy is illegal. 
  
  
• E-cigarettes, e-baraku, vaporizers, and refills are illegal in Thailand.
  
  
• Smoking is strictly prohibited on some beaches. 
  
  
• Travel without carrying identification documents is illegal.
  
  
• Penalties for breaking the law apply to anyone under 18 years old.
  
  
• Stay safe during unrest: Avoid demonstrations, processions, and public gatherings.
  
  
• Be aware of drink-spiking. Don't drink homemade or local cocktails. They can contain narcotics or poison, and never leave your drink unattended.
  
  
• If you plan to do an adventure activity, in that case, check if your travel insurance policy covers it.
  
  
• The death penalty can apply to:
  • Murder
  • Attempted murder
  • Rape
  • Crimes against the state, including treason
  • Some offenses against the monarchy

• Respect local customs and make sure not to offend anyone. 
  
  
• Don't drink and drive.

In conclusion, much famed as the land of smiles, Thailand is indeed one popular destination in the world for travelers. People worldwide come to the country to experience its rich history and culture and enjoy all its pleasures. However, there are some safety behaviors to learn before traveling to Thailand to avoid getting into trouble when you are supposed to enjoy a well-deserved vacation.

If you follow those safety tips, you will surely enjoy your stay there every day. Anyway, the dazzling countryside of Thailand is sure to impress. We know you'll fall in love as most tourists visiting Thailand come away with unforgettable memories, great tans, and many stories. 

🧑‍🎓 Vocabulary Time!

Conservative
: resistant to change or innovation, holding traditional values

Dazzling
: extremely impressive, beautiful, or skillful

Modestly
: in a way that shows regard for decency in behavior, speech, or dress

Norms
: a widely accepted standard or a commonly agreed-upon way of behaving or doing things

Surrogacy
: a legally supported arrangement in which a certain woman (the surrogate mother) agrees to carry somehow and give birth to a child - this is on behalf of another person or couple who will become the child's parent(s) after delivery