Are you thinking about traveling to Bangkok, Thailand? If yes, your safety should be your #1 priority as you plan to visit the capital city of Thailand. Of course, you have come to the right place as this post will give a comprehensive explanation of safety concerns for tourists in Bangkok.

So, let’s start by answering the question – Is Bangkok safe for tourists? According to Tripsavvy.com, nomadicmatt.com, viahero.com, and other trusted sources, Bangkok is safe for tourists. However, like most other big cities around the globe, every tourist must be alert to some dangers that can happen in unfamiliar terrain.

As long as tourists are applying caution in the things they do, Bangkok and most other places in Thailand will be safe for them. Generally, there are risks of scams and other risks. Nevertheless, there is nothing to be afraid of whenever you are in Bangkok.

What are the possible risks to be aware of in Thailand?

According to the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) of the U.S. State Department, Thailand is regarded as a Level 1 destination for anyone that wants to travel. As a Level 1 destination, travelers shouldn’t be afraid to go to the country but must exercise normal precautions. This further reaffirms the fact that Bangkok and the whole of Thailand are safe for tourists from different countries.

To help travelers decide whether to visit Bangkok or not, let’s check out a risk assessment for traveling to Thailand’s capital city according to Travelsafe.com and other sites.

• Taxi and transportation: High risk

Transportation can be quite tricky in Thailand, and Bangkok is not an exception. The conditions of transportation in the city are quite different from what applies in many other cities around the globe. As a result of this, it can be quite dangerous for foreigners to move around on public transport. Besides, lots of pickpockets are found on public transport.

Instead of taking public transport, you should consider going for Grab cabs and other taxis.

• Scams: high risk

Scams are everywhere in Bangkok. From fake police offers to tuk-tuk scams, gem scams, and so on, scams in Thailand can come in various formats. As a result of this, tourists may struggle to understand how to avoid them.

• Terrorism: medium risk

Of course, Bangkok has witnessed lots of terrorist attacks in the past. While the city center and other well-populated areas in the city may be almost free from this risk, remote areas in Bangkok are at medium risk of terrorism. Also, if you are on the outskirts of the capital city, you must be aware of the possibility of terrorism.

• Natural disasters: medium risk

Thailand and many other countries around the Southeast Asian region are prone to some natural disasters. So, if you are in Bangkok, there is a medium risk of earthquakes, severe storms, and tsunamis. But you should know that these natural disasters rarely happen. And even when they do, the damage may be somewhat minimal.

• Violent crime: low risk

Many years ago, robberies, kidnappings, and violent crimes were almost non-existent in Bangkok. But things have changed in recent times as we have seen some cases of these problems. While the risk is quite low, you should know that violent crimes are possible in Bangkok and most other areas of Thailand.

Overall, Bangkok is a safe place for tourists. This metropolitan city has numerous areas that tourists can stay and visit without any fear. But no place is 100% safe on the place; hence, you must be cautious of some risks when you are in Bangkok.

What are the areas in Bangkok that tourists must avoid? What are the safe places to visit in Bangkok?

If you are a tourist in Bangkok, there are some particular areas that you need to avoid. According to Smarter Travel, these particular places are known for scams, prostitution, violent crime, and/or other problems. Therefore, to be safe, tourists must avoid the following areas in Bangkok:

• Patpong

Patpong is a relatively popular area in Bangkok. But it is often considered the #1 place that tourists must avoid in the city. Basically, Patpong has tons of bars, motels, and other nightlife features. However, it is also the home of the illicit sex trade in the capital city of Thailand.

As you stroll the streets of Patpong, you will likely come across numerous strippers and prostitutes. Even many individuals will come to you as agents for these commercial sex workers and promise to help you to meet them. However, you must realize that prostitution is illegal in this Southeast Asian nation. Besides, some of the sex workers are kids.

However, CCTV cameras and police patrols make the area to be free of pickpocketing, robbery, and other related crimes. However, if you are caught by the police for patronizing illegal sex workers, you may run into trouble in the city.

But if you can avoid prostitution, there is no problem with going to Patpong as it has numerous bars, clubs, etc.

• Nana Entertainment Plaza & Soi Cowboy

Prostitution is the major factor that makes Nana Entertainment Plaza a place for tourists to avoid. Like Patpong, you can get into problems with the police if caught for patronizing prostitutes. Besides, why would you even want to exploit women and kids through illegal sex?

Soi Cowboy is quite similar to Patpong and Nana Entertainment Plaza as it is a hub of prostitution. So, the same problems associated with the other two areas can happen in Soi Cowboy. Therefore, you need to be careful of Soi Cowboy.

• Khao San Road

Khao San Road is a famous place that welcomes numerous tourists every day. While the place is safe to visit, you need to be careful. This is because the place is often crowded with tourists. Hence, pickpockets, thieves, scammers, and other criminals often target the area to perpetrate their evil acts. 

Nonetheless, the presence of police, CCTV cameras, and other security measures are already reducing the incidence of crimes in the area. But you still have to protect your belongings when you are on Khao San Road.

As noted by SafeAround.com, a few of the safe areas for tourists include:

• Sukhumvit
• Rattanakosin
• Siam Square

What to do if you run into a problem in Bangkok?

Whether you visit some of the most dangerous or safest places in Bangkok, you can run into some issues in the city. So, what can you do to help yourself in such a situation? Well, you should not hesitate to call the emergency numbers for Bangkok.

These numbers are:

• Police: 191
• Police ambulance: 1646
• Fire department: 199

If you are lucky, someone who speaks the English language may answer your call. However, if you are not fortunate, it will be difficult for you to communicate even after calling any of those numbers. In this case, you may want to look for a person who speaks Thai around you to communicate with the officer answering the call.

Fortunately, Thailand has made provision for tourists who may not speak the Thai language. Call the following number:

• Tourist police (Bangkok): 1155

The receiver will speak English to you; hence, you should have no challenge with communicating with the person.

Notably, all these numbers are available 24/7 for anyone that needs assistance in the city of Bangkok.

Important safety tips for tourists in Bangkok

As a tourist, there are so many things you may not know about your destination. So, it is paramount to learn some important safety tips for tourists whenever you are preparing to travel to Bangkok. These safety tips can assist you to avoid some pitfalls that many foreigners usually fall into when exploring the capital city of Thailand.

• Always move around with a photocopy of your passport

When you are in Bangkok, you should be aware that police officers can stop you on the road and ask for your ID. However, you should not carry your original passport around as it can get lost while you are visiting different places in Bangkok.

Therefore, you should get a photocopy of your passport and carry it along with you every time you are going out. Keep the original passport at the hotel. Also, you should keep a digital version of the passport in your email as well as on your smartphone. This is to ensure that you are not stranded in Bangkok if something goes wrong.

• Don’t disrespect the King and the royal family

In Thailand, there is Lese Majeste Law. This law prohibits anyone from saying anything bad about the king of Thailand and the royal family. Anyone caught disrespecting the king and royal family will be sent to jail for about 3 to 15 years. Notably, this law is often enforced, so you need to avoid saying anything against the monarchy. Just enjoy your stay in the country and leave when you are done.

• Be careful when on the road

Drivers and riders can be very careless in Bangkok. As a result of this, the city’s traffic can be quite dangerous for pedestrians. Therefore, when you are walking on the road, you need to be very careful. Some bikers can ride on the sidewalks; thus, endangering the lives of pedestrians. Many won’t even stop when there are red lights.

In addition, if you are riding a bike or driving a car in Thailand, you must also be careful. Don’t over-speed; don’t struggle for the road with other road users.

• Don’t leave your drink without keeping an eye on it

It has been reported that many people’s drinks were spiked in Thailand. So, you need to be careful to avoid being drugged by anyone. Always stay close to your drinks. If you should ever leave your drink unattended for some seconds or minutes, you should not bother to drink it again.

• Protect yourself against mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are in numerous places in Thailand. So, you need to be aware of the problems that these insects pose when you are in Bangkok. It is suggested that you cover up to ensure that these insects don’t bite you. Also, get mosquito repellant, mosquito nets, and other things that can protect you against mosquitoes.

• Safeguard your possessions

Bag snatchers, pickpockets, thieves, and other criminals are everywhere in Bangkok, especially the crowded areas. So, you need to be careful wherever you are. Make sure you guard your possessions to avoid losing them to unscrupulous individuals.

• Don’t do drugs

Perhaps you are into drugs; Thailand is not the right place to experiment with drugs. The country is strictly against the use of drugs. So, if you are caught to have possessed or used illegal substances, you will likely end up in jail. Even in some cases, you may be sentenced to death. Therefore, stay away from drugs when you are in this Southeast Asian country.

• Beware of scams

Whether you are walking on the street of Bangkok, shopping for an item, trying to take a cab, etc., you should be cautious of scams in Thailand. In Thailand, you can come across free charm scams, Grand Palace scams, fake gem scams, tuk-tuk scams, and lots more. So, don’t trust anyone you don’t know. Always be alert that many unscrupulous Thais are looking for ways to scam you.

• Don’t participate in political protests

Thailand’s political scene is chaotic. As a result of this, Thais always have different reasons to protest against the various actions of the government. While you may feel for people and want to join the protests, you need to be careful. Some past political protests in Thailand were bloody as many people lost their lives and others were injured. Therefore, you must not participate in any political protests. Remember that you are a tourist and shouldn’t be involved in anything that can jeopardize your safety.

Conclusion

Finally, Bangkok is a safe place for tourists. However, tourists should understand that there are some safety challenges in the capital city of Thailand. Therefore, they must know areas to visit and the neighborhoods to avoid. Similarly, tourists must follow the safety tips above to avoid getting into trouble during their visit to Bangkok or other places in Thailand.