General Advice
Your safety on vacation in Koh Samui depends entirely on your behavior. Familiarize yourself with the local rules and traditions when planning a vacation in this resort to help you avoid unpleasant situations and get the most out of your trip.
The people of Koh Samui are quite friendly to tourists. However, you should observe some common decency when dealing with Thais:
Do not speak ill of King and the royal family, Thais worship them and your disrespect may cause aggression;
All symbols of Buddha, even the smallest ones, are sacred. Avoid any show of disrespect for them;
Do not hug and kiss in the street, it is not customary on Samui;
Don't touch Thai people by the shoulders, don't touch their heads, don't point your foot at people or objects - this is considered rude.
Theft and Fraud on Koh Samui
Religion does not allow Thais to steal, but they consider it their sacred duty to cheat or cheat a tourist. So pay attention to the following tips:
While vacationing in Samui, try not to overdo it with alcohol, otherwise you will become an easy victim for scammers;
Valuable items, documents and large sums of money keep in the hotel safe;
When negotiating a taxi, be prepared that the driver may demand a much higher amount at the end of the trip. In such cases, simply turn around and walk away, ignoring the cab driver's yelling;
In stores and bars, pay with small money, as there's a good chance you'll get the wrong change;
If you are offered a great deal or a big discount, be on your guard, you are likely to be scammed. Eventually, the discount will be forgotten and the product will be charged triple the price;
When renting a vehicle, inspect it for faults and also check the insurance. Otherwise, you could be charged for pre-existing damage when you return it;
When traveling by bus, don't put your suitcases in the baggage compartment, as they are often looked through by the staff and your valuables may be missing when you arrive;
If you've been victimized by scammers, contact the Tourist Police Department.
Rules and Fines on the Island of Koh Samui
It's best not to mess with the Thai police. Be aware that if you have a conflict with locals, the police will not be on your side.
Local Laws
Carry copies of your documents - passport and visa page;
Some beaches on Samui can't smoke. Special signage informs you of this. The fine for violating this law is THB 2,000;
The abuse and sale of drugs is prohibited in Thailand. Police are very strict in enforcing this law. Violators face prison or the death penalty;
The importation of electronic cigarettes into the Kingdom is punishable by a fine of up to THB 1 million;
On Samui's Roads
Do not get behind the wheel of a car in a drunken state. Otherwise, you will face a fine of 10,000 THB and deportation;
The fine for riding on the footrest of a tuk-tuk is 2,000 THB;
If you are not found to have a driving license when checked, be prepared to pay 300 THB;
Driving a motobike without a helmet is subject to a fine of 500 THB;
The Sea and the Beach
The ocean does not forgive carelessness. At the beach, pay attention to the following points:
RIPs - powerful underwater currents - can occur off the coast of Samui. They can pull you into the sea in seconds. There are special markings on potentially dangerous beaches;
If during a storm on the beach red flag - swimming is forbidden, red-yellow - dangerous, and it is desirable to swim not alone, green - in the water is safe;
Jellyfish and sea urchins can be found off the coast of the island. These can cause severe burns and allergic reactions if touched. Look around carefully and avoid swimming in the evening to avoid encountering them;
If snorkeling, don't touch coral reefs, it's easy to cut yourself on their sharp edges;
To avoid picking up migrating larvae, don't walk barefoot on the sand in the shade of trees. At the beach, never sit children without clothes on the sand.
Health
By following these simple health rules on Samui, you'll protect yourself and your loved ones from trouble:
The Thai sun is very insidious. To protect yourself from sunburn and heat stroke, wear hats and use sunscreen. Take special care of children, and cover your shoulders and legs in the heat;
Drink only bottled water. Vegetables, fruits, and dishes should be washed with purified water, too;
Pay attention to ice in cocktails. In untested establishments, it can be from running water, and can cause an intestinal infection;
Do not order salads from vegetable cafes with mayonnaise. The vegetables are not washed, and the quality of the mayonnaise is seriously questionable;
Care for hygiene, be sure to wash your hands before eating;
Use a condom if you pick up a girl in a bar.
Hospital kit
When planning a trip to Koh Samui, take a tourist's first aid kit with you. It should contain these medications:
Antihistamines;
Antipyretics;
Spasmolytics;
Sorbents;
Vomiting and diarrhea remedies;
Broad-spectrum antibiotics;
Sickness medications;
Repellents;
Sunscreen and sunburn remedies;
Injury remedies - bandages, peroxide or chlorhexidine, iodine, band-aids;
First aid supplies for snake and insect bites.
Exotic animals and insects
While enjoying the wonderful nature of Koh Samui, try to avoid encountering these tropical fauna:
Snakes - mostly harmless specimens are encountered. Locals say that only black snakes are to be feared. If bitten, you should rush to a hospital, where an antidote serum will be administered;
Spiders - usually do not attack first. But when you encounter a scorpion or other exotic specimen, you should avoid it;
Scolopendra - leave severe burns and stings. They are not common, but you should still avoid walking undressed in the grass. At night, take a flashlight to shine under your feet;
Mosquitoes - carry Dengue fever. To protect yourself, use locally made insect repellent. In the house use a fumigator, on the veranda - smoke plates. Mosquito bites are especially dangerous for children and the elderly.
The road wasp - is a very painful biter. Found mostly away from cities, on country roads;
There are many stray dogs on Samui. They can react aggressively to noise and motorcyclists;
Beware of bites from monkeys, they can carry dangerous diseases.
Samui is safe during the day. At night, however, you should be careful, as you would be in any resort town. Follow these simple rules and you'll have a pleasant and memorable vacation.
