THAILAND
Crime &
Safety
As long as you keep your wits about you and follow the precautions,
you shouldn't encounter much trouble in Thailand. Theft and pickpocketing
are the main problems. Be wary of accepting food or drink from
strangers, especially on long overnight bus or train journeys:
it may be drugged so as to knock you out while your bags are stolen.
Violent crime against tourists is not common but it does occur.
There have been several serious attacks on women travellers in
the last few years, but bearing in mind that six million tourists
visit the country every year, the statistical likelihood of becoming
a victim is extremely small. TAT has a special department for
tourist-related crimes and complaints called the Tourist Assistance
Center (TAC), which is based in the TAT headquarters on Rajdamnoen
Nok Avenue, Bangkok (daily 8.30am-4.30pm; tel 02/281 5051).
Emergency phone numbers
In any emergency, contact the English-speaking tourist police
who maintain a toll-free nation-wide line (tel 1699) and have
offices within many regional TAT offices
Medical
Care & Emergencies
Thai pharmacies ( raan khai yaa; daily 8.30am-8pm) are
well stocked with local and international branded medicaments.
Pharmacists are highly trained and most speak English. All provincial
capitals have at least one hospital ( rong phayaabahn). Cleanliness
and efficiency vary, but generally hygiene and health-care standards
are good; most doctors speak English. In the event of a major
health crisis, get someone to contact your embassy or insurance
company - it may be best to get yourself flown home.
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