Most problems that visitors to Thailand have can be avoided with some preparation: road accidents (especially on scooters), scams and overcharging, spiked or contaminated drinks, and illnesses such as dengue. Before you land, save four numbers: 191 for the police, 1669 for an ambulance, 199 for a fire and 1155 for the Tourist Police, who answer 24 hours a day in English. The rules and numbers below were checked in September 2026.
Before You Go: Entry Rules and Documents
- Count your days. From 15 September 2026, nationals of 60 countries, including the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and most EU states, can stay up to 30 days without a visa for tourism (it was 60 days before). An overstay costs 500 THB a day, up to 20,000 THB, and travellers who are caught overstaying can be banned from returning.
- Fill in the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). Since 1 May 2025, every foreign national arriving by air, land or sea must complete it online within the 3 days before arrival.
- Check your passport. It must be valid for at least 6 months after arrival and have at least 1 blank page.
Buy travel insurance that covers your whole itinerary, your activities (including scooter riding, if you will ride) and emergency medical costs. Save a copy of your passport photo page on your phone, and save your embassy's phone number from its official website.
Areas to Avoid
As of September 2026, the UK government advises against travel within 20 km of the land border with Cambodia, because of fighting and landmines. It also advises against all but essential travel to Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat provinces and to four districts of Songkhla province (Chana, Thepa, Na Thawi and Saba Yoi), including the Hat Yai to Padang Besar railway line through them. Travel insurance can be invalid if you travel against your government's advice.
Getting Around Safely
Taxis, Ride-Hailing Apps and Tuk-Tuks
In Bangkok, a metered taxi charges 35 THB for the first kilometre, then 6.50 THB per kilometre from 1 to 10 km, rising by distance band to 10.50 THB per kilometre beyond 80 km. Ask for the meter and check that it starts at 35 THB; if the driver refuses, take another taxi. The Government of Canada warns that disputes over taxi fares can turn into threats, so stay calm, note the taxi number, and call the Tourist Police on 1155 if you feel unsafe.
With a ride-hailing app, check that the car and plate number match the app before you get in, and share your trip with someone you trust. With a tuk-tuk, agree on the price before you set off.
Airport Arrivals and Private Transfers
With a private transfer booked before you fly, there is no discussion about the price at the airport. Smile Taxi Service fares are fixed, per vehicle (not per person), one way, with expressway tolls included and no meter. Before the trip the team sends you the driver's name, the car and the plate number. Airport pickups include 60 minutes of free waiting, counted from the actual landing time, and an English-speaking driver can be requested when booking, subject to availability.
- Book a sedan from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok: 600 THB (SUV 800 THB, van 1,100 THB).
- Book a sedan from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya: 1,200 THB (SUV 1,500 THB, van 1,800 THB).
You pay the driver in cash (THB) at the end of the trip; if you can only pay by card, message the team for a PayPal payment link, with a 5% fee added. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before pickup. After that, a cancellation or change costs 25% (less than 24 h), 35% (less than 12 h) or 50% (less than 2 h) of the price, and a no-show 100%, also when you pay the driver in cash (details). See all Smile Taxi routes and fares, or read How to Get from Bangkok to Pattaya.
Scooters and Road Safety
The World Health Organization ranks Thailand among the world's deadliest countries for motorcycle deaths, so consider carefully whether you need to rent a scooter. If you do ride:
- You need a licence. Carry a motorcycle licence from home and an International Driving Permit. Riding without a valid licence can invalidate your travel insurance, and unregistered motorcycles cannot legally be used.
- Wear a helmet, and make your passenger wear one. Since 1 June 2025 police have enforced the helmet law with fines of up to 2,000 THB, doubled to 4,000 THB when neither the rider nor the passenger wears one. On a motorbike taxi, ask for a helmet too.
- Do not drink and ride. Drink-driving laws are strictly enforced, especially at New Year and during Songkran.
- Never leave your passport as a deposit. Some scooter and jet-ski rental businesses keep passports and then demand money for damage they say you caused.
Protecting Yourself and Your Belongings
- Keep your passport in the hotel safe and carry a copy of the photo page. Police can ask to see your passport and may give you 24 hours to show it; a copy of the photo page is usually enough.
- Keep bags zipped and in front of you in crowds, split your cash between two places, and agree on a meeting point with the people you travel with.
- Protect your bank accounts. Use mobile data rather than open Wi-Fi for banking, turn on card alerts, and never share one-time codes. With a Smile airport pickup you can ask for a free 500 MB Thailand eSIM when you book.
- Ignore promises of easy profit. The Government of Canada warns of gem and jewellery fraud in which the promise that you can resell the stones at home is never kept.
If you have been robbed or cheated, call the Tourist Police on 1155 and ask for a police report for your insurer.
Health and Medical Care
Vaccines and Diseases
The UK government lists dengue, malaria, Zika and rabies as health risks in Thailand, and Canada adds Japanese encephalitis. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine vaccines, including measles, plus hepatitis A for unvaccinated travellers and typhoid for most travellers; other vaccines depend on your age, length of stay and activities, so see a travel clinic before you go. The CDC recommends malaria tablets only for the provinces that border Myanmar, Cambodia and Malaysia.
Against dengue and Zika, avoid mosquito bites: use repellent and wear long sleeves and long trousers. Bangkok and Chiang Mai have high air pollution and seasonal smoke haze that can reach dangerous levels; if you have asthma or a sinus or bronchial condition, check the air quality each day.
Food, Drinks and Heat
- Drink sealed, branded spirits only. Travellers in Thailand have died from drinks contaminated with methanol, and even a small amount can kill.
- Drink sealed bottled water, and eat at busy stalls and restaurants where the food is cooked fresh.
- Buy medicines from a pharmacy, not on the street. Street medicines may be fake or stolen, and some medicines have a different legal status in Thailand than at home.
- Bring prescription medicines in their original packaging with a doctor's letter, and check the rules with the Thai embassy before you travel.
- Protect yourself from the heat. Drink water through the day, wear sunscreen and a hat, and rest in the shade at midday.
Hospitals and Insurance
Private hospitals in Thailand are of a high standard but can be expensive; the UK government says public hospitals do not always meet UK standards, especially outside Bangkok. All hospitals in Thailand require a guarantee of payment before treatment, so carry your insurer's 24-hour phone number and your policy number. In Bangkok, private international hospitals include Bumrungrad (+66 2 066 8888, 24 hours), BNH (+66 2 022 0700) and Samitivej (+66 2 022 2222).
Beaches, Boats and Wildlife
- Boats. Risks include overloading, poor maintenance and rough seas, worst in the monsoon season, and British nationals have died in boat accidents. Do not board an overcrowded boat, wear a life jacket, and stay ashore when the sea is rough.
- Swimming. Follow warning flags and lifeguards, and never swim after drinking alcohol or at night.
- Dogs and monkeys. Do not feed or touch stray dogs or monkeys. Rabies is a risk in Thailand: after any animal bite, wash the wound with soap and water and get medical care straight away. If you are at risk, ask a travel clinic about a rabies vaccine before you go.
Nightlife and the Law
- Watch your drink. Assaults are most common at full moon parties and near bars, and drinks have been spiked before a robbery or assault. Never leave a drink unattended or accept one from a stranger.
- Full Moon Party. The party takes place on Haad Rin Sunrise Beach, Koh Phangan. Assaults, robberies and hotel-room break-ins have been reported during the party, and undercover police patrol for drugs. Go with friends and leave valuables in the hotel safe.
- Drugs. Possession of Class A drugs can bring the death penalty; small amounts mean heavy fines or prison. Since 26 June 2025, cannabis flower can be bought only with a prescription from a Thai-licensed practitioner, and recreational use is illegal. Vapes and e-cigarettes are illegal to bring in, own or use.
- Getting back to your hotel. Keep your hotel's name and address in Thai on your phone to show a driver.
Emergency Numbers
| Service | Number | When to call |
|---|---|---|
| Police and general emergency | 191 | Crime, danger, any emergency |
| Medical emergency (ambulance) | 1669 | Illness or injury |
| Fire | 199 | Fire or smoke |
| Tourist Police | 1155 | Help in English, 24 hours: theft, scams, disputes |
| Tourism Authority of Thailand | 1672 | Tourist information, 08:00-20:00 daily |
The "Thailand Tourist Police" app works without a Thai SIM card and sends alerts about natural disasters and safety concerns near you.
Useful Thai Phrases
| English | Thai | How to say it |
|---|---|---|
| Help! | ช่วยด้วย | chuay duay |
| Police | ตำรวจ | tam-ruat |
| Hospital | โรงพยาบาล | rong pa-ya-ban |
| Call the police | เรียกตำรวจ | riak tam-ruat |
| I am lost | ฉันหลงทาง | chan long tang |
FAQ
What are the emergency numbers in Thailand? 191 for the police, 1669 for an ambulance, 199 for a fire, and 1155 for the Tourist Police, who answer in English 24 hours a day.
Is it safe to rent a scooter in Thailand? The risk is high: Thailand is among the deadliest countries for motorcycle deaths. You need a motorcycle licence, an International Driving Permit and a helmet, or your insurance may not pay.
Are there parts of Thailand to avoid? The UK advises against travel within 20 km of the Cambodian land border, and against all but essential travel to Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and four districts of Songkhla.
How long can I stay without a visa? From 15 September 2026, up to 30 days for nationals of 60 countries, including the UK, the US, Canada and Australia. Fill in the TDAC online within the 3 days before you arrive.
Will a hospital treat me before I pay? All hospitals require a guarantee of payment before treatment, so give them your insurer's 24-hour number and your policy number straight away.
For a fixed-price ride with the driver's name and plate number sent before the trip, book a Smile Taxi transfer online or message us on WhatsApp or LINE.