Safety in Phuket

Thai Customs and How to Treat Them

Despite the fact that Thais are a friendly nation, even the bravest tourists are not advised to argue with them, as the police and locals are unlikely to take your side.

Moments to look out for to avoid conflict:

• In Thailand, the King and the royal family are worshiped, any expressions of disrespect towards the monarchs, or even their images, will inevitably escalate the situation;
• Come to Buddhist temples with covered shoulders and legs, avoid beachwear and miniskirts. It is necessary to remove shoes, you can rent or for a nominal price clothes at the entrance. Women are not allowed to touch the monks;
• All Buddha symbols, regardless of size, are sacred. Try to avoid actions that could be construed as disrespect for them;
• Do not rub Thais on the shoulder or touch their heads, as this shows disrespect. It is also insolent to point your foot at a person or object;
• Talk in a calm, quiet voice. Talking in a raised tone of voice is not customary in Thailand;
• Thais are not the best company for drinking alcohol. Although they drink a lot and with pleasure, but they can not control themselves at all. That's why it's not uncommon to end up in fights and muggings with locals.

Laws in Thailand

Thailand has very strict laws on drug trafficking and e-cigarettes. Smuggling drugs carries the death penalty, while selling atomizers carries a prison sentence of 5 to 10 years.

The Thais are fighting to keep the coastline clean - since 2017, smoking has been banned on most beaches in Phuket. Breaking this law is punishable by a fine of up to 100,000 baht or imprisonment.

Thailand has a law that says tourists must carry documents. You can be fined for violating it. When walking around town, be sure to carry photocopies of your passports, including the page with the last entry stamp or visa, or an emailed scan of them.

Safety Rules on the Streets of Phuket

• Original passports, airline tickets, and large amounts of cash are recommended to keep in a hotel safe or bank.
• It is advisable to pay with a credit card or traveler's checks. This way, you'll protect yourself from petty theft.
• If you are arrested for disorderly conduct, try to resolve the conflict peacefully. Otherwise, the Thai police have the right to detain you for up to 84 days while they investigate, and then keep you out of the country until the courts decide.
• When you perceive that you are being scammed, be emphatically calm. Reiterate that you don't understand anything and you don't have any money, and avoid overt aggression.
• If you lose your passport, go to the Tourist Police Department with a statement about the incident, attach photocopies of the documents. Please note that this statement must be authorized, you will not be allowed to leave the country without it.
• Purchasing an insurance policy will protect you from health emergencies, especially if you are traveling alone.
• Be aware that Thailand is left-hand drive, when crossing the roadway, you should look to the right first.

Potential Dangers on Phuket Island

When traveling to Thailand, keep basic health principles in mind. Get all recommended vaccinations before traveling to the tropics. Also, prepare a pharmacy kit in advance: sorbents, antipyretics, and antihistamines. Be sure to take sunscreen and insect repellent.

On an exotic island, it pays to be wary:

• Attacks by wild animals in the jungle. You should be especially wary of monkeys, which can bite - they are aggressive and carry dangerous diseases.
• Be careful when swimming - there is a chance of stepping on a sea urchin, and you should also avoid jellyfish.
• Always use only purified water and avoid suspicious establishments - food poisoning and allergies are highly likely. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before eating.
• Few times a year, the island is at risk of tsunamis, strong waves, and currents. Special flags on the beaches warn of these dangers. Red - no swimming allowed, red-yellow - dangerous, but at the discretion of the tourist.
• See Caution during the day in the sun. Cover exposed body parts as much as possible - you can get heat stroke or very badly burned.
• When visiting massage parlors in Phuket, ask about the reputation of the establishment beforehand, otherwise, you risk ending up in a brothel.

Important Contacts for the Tourist

The emergency phone numbers every tourist needs to know:

• Police - 191 or 123 (toll-free)
• Tourist Police - 1155 (free)
• Ambulance - 1554

For lost credit cards and traveler's checks:

• 02 252 2212 Mastercard/Visa
• 02 233 5644 Diners Club
• 02 273 5296 American Express
• 02 256 2816 Thomas Cook

Before you travel, familiarize yourself with the rules of conduct in Thailand. And remember that the laws in the country are harsh and not meant to be lenient to foreigners. Respect the country's customs and rules, and you'll have a pleasant and memorable trip.