Is Thailand a difficult country to travel in?
No, it’s not. It’s very safe, accommodation and food are cheap, transportation between destinations in Thailand is easy and many people can speak at least some English.
Are there places that should be avoided?
While there are areas of Thailand that’s it inadvisable to travel in, these aren’t the kind of places that you wander into accidentally. They are mainly areas along the Thailand – Burma border and the Thailand – Cambodia border. Use common sense and you won’t run into any problems.
What’s the weather like in Thailand? What time is sunset?
It’s hot, all year round day and night – Bangkok was actually recognized as the hottest city in the world by the World Meteorological Organization. This is mainly down to the fact that there’s minimal variation between the daytime and nighttime temperature. Daytime temperatures will rarely dip much below 30 degrees and can go up above 40 degrees centigrade. The hottest months are April – June, and November – March are the coolest. The cool season is more pronounced in the north of the country, the south has little variation at any time of year.
There is a rainy season during July to October, but travel during this period is not so bad.
Sunset is around 6.00 – 6.30pm all year round.
Is it safe? How about for women?
While not unknown, incidences of violent crime and rape of tourists are very rare in Thailand. Occasional cases are reported, but are often where tourists went into remote areas against current travel advice and struggled against their attackers. Take care if you go to Ko Pha-Ngan’s Full Moon Party, as rumors of rape and crime persist here. If you do happen to get caught up in a violent incident, you’re well advised to not fight back. Also bear in mind that any passing Thais who don’t know the situation may well
side with the other Thai person / people out of a misplaced sense of loyalty.
If you use common sense and check the safety of any suspect places you’re heading to, you’re likely to be much safer in Thailand than you would be in your home country.
While violent crime is not really a problem, you should keep an eye out for pickpockets and be wary of Bangkok’s skillful con-artists. Thailand has an efficient Tourist Police service, who you should contact if you run into any problems (Tel: 1155, 24 hour, freephone).
Is Bangkok a safe place?
In comparison to other major cities around the world, Bangkok is very safe and, in all probability, you will have no problem even if walking alone at night. Nevertheless, it always pays to use common sense and it’s worth remembering you are likely a lot richer than the average Thai – don’t flaunt it.
A bigger problem are the various types of scams and stealth crime that you will likely encounter – watch out in particular for smooth talking con artists and talented pickpockets that operate in crowded conditions such as markets and the Bangkok buses. Keeping your your wallet or purse in a money belt can be helpful at preventing the the thieves.
Comments: Having spent 6 months in Bangkok in 1999, I am pleased to say that it is safer than most large cities. I felt safer there than anywhere I have visited and I have travelled to many world cities. As mentioned thievery is the only real concern which common sense precautions will alleviate.
Sandie Kerridge
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