Bangkok is a very safe city however as with any city in the world you need to be aware of certain things to keep you safe.

Our first bit of advice is simple: Get travel insurance in your home country before you arrive.

Medical costs aren’t expensive in Thailand although if you have a serious injury then costs can mount up very quickly. You cannot buy travel insurance after you leave you home country.

There are also many laws in Thailand which maybe different to your home country. Take a look before you fall foul of them.

It’s not uncommon to see people leave their motorbike helmets on their bikes without any security. Our local bar leaves all the table and chairs outside until the morning when they reopen.

Shopping Malls with popup stalls are just left covered with a sheet when the owner leaves at night despite the mall still being open

You often hear stories of people finding wallets full of money and the owner gets them back intact.

Of course like any country not everyone is as honest and often crime is higher in tourist areas where foreigners come to prey on tourists.

Here are some of our top tips to stay safe.

• Keep an eye on traffic. Pedestrians don’t have right of way in Thailand.
• People often drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs; you need to keep your wits about you.
• At a crossroads, be aware that just because the green light indicates you can cross the walkway, you shouldn’t cross until you have checked both ways and all lanes of traffic have stopped. Green crossings are often ignored.
• If a driver flashes their vehicle lights at you, it means they will NOT stop and are coming through. This is the opposite of what you might be used to in your home country where flashing lights at someone tells them to continue.
• Agree on a price with a tuk-tuk driver before you start the journey.
• Don’t drink tap water. Use bottled water for drinking. Tap water should be fine for brushing your teeth.
• Ice in drinks is usually fine, and even in rural locations, it is supplied by professional suppliers.

Thailand has some of the worst road safety statistics in the World.

WARNING: Renting a Motorbike

You will need an international driving licence which is obtained in your home country before you leave to legally rent a motorbike in Thailand. You cannot obtain this outside your home country despite their being websites offering them.

The licence in your home country MUST include the ability to ride a motorbike if you hire one here.

Your travel insurance will usually exclude motorbikes especially if you don’t have a proper licence to drive one.

Just because someone rents you a motorbike doesn’t mean you are legal or insured. The internet is full of “go fund me” posts from foreigners who have been bankrupted after an accident. Even if it is not your fault you will likely be deemed responsible for not having the correct licence or insurance.