 TOURIST
ADVISORYDo's
and Don'ts in ThailandTOURISM
AUTHORITY OF THAILAND |
TOURIST ADVISORY Don’t ruin your vacation Card playing scam The scam begins with a friendly stranger or recent acquaintances showing you tricks on how you can win big at a card game. You are then taken to where the game is played and it will begin innocently and friendly at first. You win some and lose a few hands until things get more serious and you are “loaned” money by one of the players to continue the game. Sooner or later you will lose all the money, and you must pay back the money you have been “loaned” to. Most tourists who fall for card playing scam end up losing everything. Credit card fraud Some organized gangs specialize in credit card fraud. As protection, always use your credit cards at known or established businesses, and keep an eye on your card at all time. Unscrupulous merchants are known to run credit card through the card machine several times for just one purchase. Those extra copies of receipt will then be used for future “clean swipe” purchases with forged signature by the gang. Gem scam Disregard all free shopping or sightseeing help from strangers. Most “too good to be true” offers are just that. Do not believe friendly strangers or anyone who offers to show you where to buy gems for resale overseas for a large profit. Most of these gems are overpriced and attempts at getting the money back are usually fruitless, or you will be charged with exuberant “restocking fees”.
HIV/AIDS and Prostitution HIV infection is common among prostitutes of both sexes and some IV drug users. Many prostitutes claim they actually work in other profession but find enough liking in you to trade sex for money. Tourists must be aware that Prostitution Prevention and Suppression Act enacted in 1996 includes punishment for procurers, brothel operators, as well as clients. Anyone caught having sex with prostitutes under 15 years of age can be jailed for two to 20 years and/or fined up to 400,000B. Anyone caught having sex with a child under 13 can receive life imprisonment. Currently there are estimated 600,000-1,000,000 people infected with HIV in Thailand. Thailand is well recognized for its intensive efforts in educating the public about the danger of AIDS and combating the disease. Medical blood supply in Thailand is considered safe due to stringent screening procedures. Illicit drugs All visitors are subject to Thai laws and regulations while in Thailand. Thailand strictly enforces its drug laws and penalties are severe. Many foreigners are used by smuggling rings, with the promise of cash or free vacation, to transport excess “luggage” or “gifts” out of Thailand. They are often caught before leaving Thailand and convicted of drug trafficking and received long sentences. Some are spending the rest of their lives in jail in Thailand. Smuggling or possession of heroin may result in life imprisonment or execution. Lost or Stolen Passport Travelers are advised to immediately report to the police and their respective embassy or consulate. Overcharged services or entertainment Prices for merchandise, service, and entertainment vary from place to place. Always bargain or negotiate your price with taxi drivers, street vendors or small shops. Most notorious overcharges usually occur in the red-light district of major cities, especially in Bangkok (Patpong). Tourists are lured into these establishments with the promise that they can view sex shows for free. Once inside, they must order drinks (sometimes unknowingly offered) that may cost hundreds to thousands of baht. Unless they settle the bill with such establishment, they will be surrounded by thugs and be “coerced” into paying. Pickpocketing, purse slashing Petty theft Take necessary precautions when in crowded places such as a crowded bus or the place where tourists congregate. Travel light in Thailand is recommended and pack your belongings in a way that any loss will be minimal and would not hinder your trip. It is a good idea to rent a safety deposit box at a bank to keep your valuables if you plan to be in Thailand for a while.
Road safety  Thailand
has extensive paved road system, but most only have two lanes. Trucks,
motorcycles, unconventional vehicles, pedestrians, and domestic
animals usually limit speed and create unsafe conditions. Reckless
use of the road by motorists and the use of amphetamines or other
stimulants by commercial drivers are common. Motorists may wish
to consider insurance which covers medical and liability costs (minimum
third-party insurance is required) when operating vehicles in Thailand.Spiked drinks, food, or candy Do not accept food, drinks, or candy from seemingly friendly stranger. Some tourists report that they were robbed after being drugged in the night club or in hotel room by people they met in the bar or on the street. Some spiked drinks have resulted in death from drug overdose. Trekking  The
use of licensed, reliable guides is recommended for trekkers. Trekking
on your own can be a valuable experience but should not be done
without prior research with knowledgeable people. Trekking alone,
especially if traveler is a female, is discouraged because of safety
risks.Border Travel  Check
with proper authorities before attempting to cross border into Thailand’s
neighboring country. Due to the volatility of the political situation,
some official border crossing points may be closed at a moment’s
notice. Travelers are also encouraged to cross the border at designated
crossing points only. Crossing the border elsewhere is extremely
risky.
Rental Car Scami Some unscrupulous rental car agencies make money by staging accident on your rental car and have you pay exuberantly for the damages. They threaten arrest if you refuse to pay. To secure a rental car, these rental agencies will request that you release your passport and sign a rental contract (you will not get a copy of this contract). While driving the car, someone on a vehicle (usually a motorcycle) will run into you on the side or from behind. Immediately, police will be on the scene to issue you a citation for failure to yield to other vehicle and causing injury. In most cases, the police may try to talk you into paying for “injuries” of the person(s) on the motorcycle and damages to the motorcycle on the spot to settle the case before you can be let go. The police may not issue any police report of the accident. The rental contract may now be altered and the rental agency will make you pay unreasonably high repair fees. Again, you will be threatened with arrest and your passport will not be returned to you unless you pay for the accident you allegedly caused.
The tourist advisory page was created from reports and letters sent to the embassy by travelers and well-intentioned people. We feel that all legitimate complaints must be addressed to protect other travelers and our tourism industry. We have no intention of harming honest business operators or any agencies, but only wish to expose those involved in such unscrupulous practices. Your contribution is sincerely appreciated. All correspondence must be done in good faith with full name and mailing address.
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