Thailand Travel Advice & Safety

Updated:10 December 2025
Still Valid:Yes
Latest update:We advise do not travel to areas within 50 kilometres of the Thailand-Cambodia land border in the provinces of Sa Kaeo, Buriram, Si Saket, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Chanthaburi and mainland Trat. This is due to ongoing armed clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces, which has included military strikes, violence and the presence of landmines. The security situation along the Thailand-Cambodia border remains unpredictable. Follow the advice of local authorities, monitor local media for updates and pay close attention to your personal security
 

We advise: Exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand overall due to security and safety risks. 

Higher levels apply in some areas.

Advice Levels

Level 2
Exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand overall due to security and safety risks.
Level 3

Reconsider your need to travel to:

  • Yala province,
  • Pattani province, and
  • Narathiwat province

due to ongoing risks of low-level insurgent activity, including terrorism.

Level 4

Do not travel to areas within 50 kilometres of the Thailand-Cambodia land border in the provinces of Sa Kaeo, Buriram, Si Saket, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Chanthaburi and mainland Trat due to recent armed conflict between Thai and Cambodian forces, which included military strikes and violence, and the presence of landmines.

Full Advice

  • We advise do not travel to areas within 50 kilometres of the Thailand-Cambodia land border throughout the provinces of Sa Kaeo, Buriram, Si Saket, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Chanthaburi and mainland Trat. All border crossing points along the Thailand-Cambodia border are currently closed. Follow the advice of local authorities, monitor local media for updates and pay close attention to your personal security.
  • There’s an ongoing risk of terrorist attacks in Thailand. Popular tourist areas may be the target of terrorist attacks anywhere across Thailand, including Bangkok and Phuket. Coordinated attacks have occurred in the southern provinces. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East could lead to an increased threat of attacks against Israeli interests in other regions. Be alert to possible threats. Take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities. Reconsider your need to travel to the three southern provinces on the Thailand-Malaysia border of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat. Low-level insurgent activity continues to occur in these areas.
  • Anti-government protests have previously occurred in Bangkok and other areas of Thailand. There may be further protests in the future. The security environment can be unpredictable and turn violent. Those attending protests can face arrest or other legal consequences. Monitor local media for information on protest locations and avoid public gatherings.
  • Road accidents are a significant cause of injury. Be alert on the roads, including wearing helmets on motorcycles and motorcycle taxis.
  • Sexual assault, assault, robbery and drink spiking can happen to tourists. Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks. Don’t leave food or drinks unattended. Stay with people you trust at parties, bars, nightclubs and in taxis. See our advice on partying safely while overseas.
  • Floods and severe weather can disrupt essential services during the wet season (May to November). Follow the advice of local officials.
  • Travellers have been arrested for carrying medicine they bought at a Thai pharmacy without a prescription. Get medical advice before buying medicine.
  • Insect-borne diseases include malaria, Zika virus, dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis and filariasis. Use insect repellent.
  • Animals in parts of Thailand can carry rabies. Don’t ever feed, pat or tease monkeys. If you’re bitten or scratched by a dog, monkey or other animal, get medical treatment immediately.
  • Thailand has high levels of air pollution. Air pollution can make bronchial, sinus or asthma conditions worse. Check air quality levels on the World Air Quality Index.
  • Medical tourism is common. Avoid discount and uncertified medical establishments. Their standards can be poor. Research medical service providers and choose with care.
  • Penalties are severe for drug offences, murder, attempted murder, rape, crimes against the state and offences against the Thai monarchy. They include the death penalty. Take care not to commit offences against the monarchy, including on social media.
  • E-cigarettes, e-baraku, e-cigars, vaporisers (vapes) and refills are illegal. Smoking on some beaches is illegal.
  • The use of cannabis is limited to medicinal purposes only and cannot be used in public. The content of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) must be below 0.2% in weight and you must have a prescription from a locally recognised practitioner.
  • Penalties for breaking the law can apply to anyone aged under 18 years. Penalties for children can include detention in a juvenile or adult prison.
  • You must complete a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 3 days before arriving in Thailand. The TDAC must be submitted online through the Thailand Immigration Bureau website. Visit the Thailand Immigration Bureau website for further information, including a guide to completing the TDAC and how to submit the TDAC online.
  • You can get a visa exemption for up to 60 days on arrival in Thailand for tourism and short-term business travel. Your passport must be valid for more than 6 months before entering Thailand. If you require an E-Visa, you can apply through the Official Thai E-Visa website.
  • If you overstay your visa, you’ll need to pay a fine before you can leave. You could also be banned from re-entering Thailand or arrested.
  • There are two international airports in Bangkok: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Confirm which airport you are departing from to avoid missing your flight.
  • If transiting in Bangkok, ensure your connecting flight is booked for the same airport, and on the same itinerary and ticket. You must remain in the transiting area at the airport.
  • Foreign passengers must present their passport for domestic flights within Thailand. You may be refused boarding if you fail to do so.

Depending on what you need, contact your:

  • family and friends
  • travel agent
  • insurance provider
  • employer
  • airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 199.

Medical emergencies

Call 1669 for ambulance and rescue services.

Call 1724 for an ambulance in Bangkok.

Police

Call 191 for police.

Call 1155 for the tourist police, or contact them through the Thailand Tourist Police App (for tourists without a Thai SIM card). 

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.