Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Illysook]

I've heard that the land of smiles is also a land of Theives, what are some good strategies for protecting myself?

Also, how safe is it for women traveling solo? I recently saw the movie "Taken" and I'm a little paranoid. I'll probably ask my missionary friends if they can pick me up from the airport, or at the very least, I won't be sharing any taxis...not that I'm even all that, but when it comes to serious criminals, I think that only a certain vulnerability matters, and I want to make sure that I don't leave myself vulnerable.

[gaffe]

I've always found Thailand to be very safe. Practical sense pays off. Be wary of tuk tuk drivers late at night if you're a woman alone. Don't count your money in public. Get a money pouch. Always know where you are. That kind of stuff. And don't denigrate the locals, they'll know. Thai people are great! I think most smiles are sincere. But if you insult them (like calling them thieves) all bets are off.

[Perceptioncheck]

^^^ What he said.

I've been travelling solo through Thailand for a few months and never had a problem (I'm a woman too). As the other poster said, Thailand is actually a relatively safe place provided you don't do anything outrageously stupid like wave big wads of cash around in the middle of the street or get so pissed you can't remember where your hostel is. In some places I'd be more wary of your fellow backpackers than the locals.

There are plenty of buses that run from the airport to various areas of Bangkok so you probably don't need to be picked up or even take a taxi at all. It's a very easy city - and country - for tourists. In my experience, you're more likely to get ripped off (dodgy bus tickets etc) than robbed or assaulted.

Just be sensible, really.

[Perceptioncheck]

Oh, and I forgot; enjoy yourself!

[hwarangi]

Dont worry about getting a taxi from the airport. They have a regulated system where there is a desk and someone writes down the license plate and where you are going. You get a receipt. Also, generally its safe if you are sensible.

[Moldy Rutabaga]

What all these guys said. Thailand is getting a reputation for bizarre crimes it does not deserve. Unless you are looking for trouble or intending on taking a duffel bag full of drugs into the airport you are probably not at risk. Thailand is relatively foreigner-friendly and safe.

My only nuisances in Thailand have been petty overcharging, usually with taxis who "don't have any change" and trivial things like that. Drivers will tell you the Grand Palace is closed today and there's a "special tour" for you instead. Having the usual street sense and not flashing money around should be adequate.

Ken:>

[bixlerscott]

It's fairly safe unless you lose your temper which will make them mad and they're dangerous when mad. You might lose your temper when someone is trying to overcharge you and threatening police action against you to, "check bin," such as at a bar when tallying up the tab to 4 beers when you drank only 2 or charging for 2 beers when you drank only 1. I'm not talking about going out to get drunk or causing trouble, I'm talking about sitting down at 7 or 8pm to chill and maybe chat with others. This only happens with import beers, because it seems to insult the locals to flash some baht and making a gesture their product isn't good enough. Don't order the German beers for 250 to 320 baht. It's only customary and respectful to do Thailand cheap on the local economy. One time near the Chiang Mai night market I was also made to pay 200 baht for nothing just because I failed to place a food order in less than 2 minutes again with unreasonable police threat to check bin up. Talk about impatience and disrespect. They are not seeing previous levels of tourist money this past season so they are taking it out on what tourists are visiting. Not a smart way to promote tourism. Chiang Mai is only good for Sunday market, but the rest of Thailand is also really cool. Khao San Road is only good for 1 night in Bangkok as an entry and exit point to your adventures through the banana pancake circuit. No problems elsewhere except in the touristy area of Chiang Mai, but make no mistake about it, this is no Sunday walk in the park except when chilling on the beach or getting a massage. Yes, these are legit massages. Sure in Bangkok, a tuk tuk wanted to take me out to an airconditioned girly show, but I declined and just said, "I'm going to lose face with you and you know how embarassing that is for you." As funny as this sounds, it worked beautifully!

Just remain calm. For the most part, I had a good time, especially in rural areas. LOS is true in the cities, particularly Chiang Mai. Everyone needs to go to Thailand at least once, but you get burned out on it after several times or spending any significant time down there due to being seen as a walking ATM. You can't blend into an Asian environment like in a Western country so all attention is on you as you won't have anonymity.