Be Safe in Bangkok

Given its size and poverty level, Bangkok is surprisingly safe, with violent crimes such as mugging and robbery being unusual. However, the city does have more than its fair share of touting and scams, and unlike some Asian countries, visitors should be more concerned about overeating or too much curry spice than about unclean kitchens and bad food. Bangkok’s street restaurants, where you can see what you’ll get and everything is cooked on the spot, usually in a pool of germ-killing vegetable oil, can often be the safest option.

Safety

The vast majority of visits to Bangkok are trouble-free, but travellers should be aware that there is a continuing threat to westerners from terrorism throughout Southeast Asia, and you should be particularly vigilant in public places. Keep an eye on your passport and credit cards, and be sure not to carry around too much money or jewellery. Always keep your passport or a photocopy with you. The law requires that you carry your actual passport at all times; however, in practice, a photocopy will usually suffice.

Tourist Police: 1155

Health

There have been recent outbreaks of bird flu among poultry and a number of human deaths in Thailand, although the risk to travellers of contracting the disease is slight. Contact with live birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked. HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections are not rare in Bangkok. Food and water-borne diseases are common; drinking bottled or sterilised water is strongly advised.

Air pollution is high in Bangkok and people with respiratory conditions are at risk of complications from air pollution. Medical facilities are good in the city, but without insurance, cash or a credit card, tourists will not be treated.

Bumrungrad Hospital: +66 2 667 1000
Bangkok Nursing Home (BNH) Hospital: +66 2 632 0550