If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, you’re in for a real treat.
From the paradise islands of Koh Samui and Ko Phi Phi in the southern part of Thailand to the luscious green scenery of Chiang Mai and bustling Bangkok, this beautiful country has so much to offer travelers.
But, before you get carried away planning your trip, it pays to do a little research.
In this guide, we’ll cover important paperwork, such as visas, essential health and safety measures, like vaccinations, and cultural considerations that will help you respect the locals.
Documents and Paperwork
Great news! A visa exemption scheme means Australian passport holders entering Thailand can stay 30 days without needing to make a visa application.
If you want to stay longer, you can apply for a Thailand Tourist Visa at the Royal Thai Embassy in Canberra or Sydney. This visa lets you stay for 60 days (or up to 90 with an extension).
Whilst you don’t need to arrange a visa in advance, one thing you do need to arrange is travel insurance.
Make sure the policy you choose covers you for medical evacuation, driving a moped (if you plan on hiring one), and any water sports you might do, like scuba diving.
Also, make sure you choose a realistic excess amount. Setting the excess higher can reduce your policy price. But if you do need medical attention, the last thing you want is to have to pay thousands of dollars for it yourself.
Medical Preparation
Thailand is a tropical country, so there are some health and safety considerations to bear in mind. Before you travel to Thailand, you need to consider travel vaccinations and whether you need to bring medication for insect-borne diseases like malaria.
Some vaccinations you might need:
- Yellow fever vaccination: Thailand is free from Yellow Fever, but if you are arriving from a country where Yellow Fever is prevalent (Africa or South America), you will need to show a vaccination certificate upon arrival.
- Rabies vaccination: Thailand has a relatively low incidence rate, but some animals do carry rabies. If you plan on spending time with animals or staying in remote areas, you might want to be vaccinated against this.
- Japanese encephalitis: If you spend a lot of time in rural areas, you are at higher risk of contracting this viral brain infection, which is spread by mosquitoes.
Even with vaccinations and medication, you still need to take precautions such as wearing insect repellent (especially during the rainy season), sticking to tourist areas and not exposing yourself to unnecessary risk.
If you are travelling to Thailand for medical tourism purposes (such as cosmetic surgery or dental work), it’s important that you speak to a clinic for bespoke advice regarding vaccinations .
Cultural Awareness
Whilst you stay in Thailand, it is important to be respectful and culturally aware to keep yourself safe.
Before you get on the plane, you should familiarise yourself with some local laws, customs and traditions.
Here are a few things you should be aware of:
- It’s illegal to travel in Thailand without ID so make sure you have an Australian licence or your passport on you at all times.
- Smoking e-cigarettes (known as e-baraku) is also illegal.
- Drug rules are very strict in Thailand, and the death penalty can be enforced. Australian travellers have even found themselves in trouble for carrying legal medicine (prescriptions for example), so make sure you have proper documentation for any medicine you plan to bring into Thailand from Australia. Make sure you also bring enough legal medicine, as you might not be able to get hold of more at a Thai pharmacy.
- Be mindful of how you speak about the Thai government and the monarchy. There are serious restrictions on freedom of expression, so it’s best to keep your opinions to yourself.
If you do get into trouble in Thailand, the Australian government can help. For emergencies, you can contact the Consular Emergency Centre (CEC) or visit the Australian Embassy in Bangkok.
Keeping Your Money Safe
Keeping your money safe in Thailand is another part of keeping yourself safe.
Thailand is relatively low-cost, but hidden fees can add up, and there is a risk of fraud issues like card skimming.
Here are a few ways you can look after your money while you visit Thailand:
Understand the exchange rate
Understanding the exchange rate will help you get fairer deals.
That could be while you’re actually exchanging cash or just while you haggle and shop. You should download an offline currency converter app to use while you travel. You can then compare this rate against the rate you are quoted while in Thailand, helping you get the most for your money.
Pay cash upfront
If you agree to a service, like a massage, a tour, or a show, you should always pay in cash up front. Some tourists have found themselves in trouble after agreeing to a price before the service, only to find that the price doubled as they went to pay. Agreeing a price up front and paying immediately is one way to protect yourself from this risk.
Be careful of ATMs
There are often reports of fraud and identity theft, and card skimming is a big problem.
To help protect yourself from theft, try to pay with cash as much as possible. Also, be careful which ATMs you choose to withdraw cash from. You can never be 100% sure, but using reputable ATMs like Krungthai Bank or Bangkok Bank can reduce the risk.
Staying Safe Whilst Travelling
Whilst you travel from place to place, there are some safety considerations you should think about.
Travelling by taxi
Travelling by taxi can be difficult. Drivers will usually try to agree a price up front (which is usually much more than you’d expect to pay) or drive off without turning the meter on. To avoid arguments, it can be a better idea to use Grab (which is Asia’s version of Uber). It’s cheaper and safer.
Travelling by tuk tuk
Anyone travelling to Thailand will want to ride in a tuk-tuk at least once. To protect yourself from arguments, agree on a price upfront and stick to it. Don’t get into the tuk-tuk without knowing how much you’re going to be charged.
Travelling by bus
Sleeper buses and coaches are a great way to get around Thailand, just be aware that they can be hotspots for theft and pickpocketing. Make sure you keep your valuables (phone, passport, wallet) on you at all times and keep your wits about you.
Hiring a moped
Before you hire a moped, research rental companies. Find a reputable company with good reviews. Always read through the rental contract carefully, checking for any mileage limitations or hidden charges. Also, make sure you take lots of pictures of the bike, documenting any existing damage.
Technically, you need a licence to rent a moped in Thailand, but the rental company might not ask for one. If you are caught without an international driving permit, you can get into trouble with the local authorities and usually face a fine.
Final Things to Remember
When planning your trip to Thailand, it’s easy to get distracted by hotels, activities and all the places you want to eat! But, to keep yourself safe, you need to look into the less exciting stuff too.
Get your documents and health insurance policy sorted before you go. Look up customs so you can respect the locals, and exercise caution when it comes to money and travelling around.
To keep up-to-date with the latest risks and safety concerns in Thailand, you can check the Smart Traveller site, which is updated by the Australian government.