Safety Situation

Remains highly unstable security situation in the regions of the southern Muslim-majority country, where since 2004 there are almost daily attacks with casualties and injuries.
In any case, you should generally an attitude of caution in every area of the country.
See Special Notice

AREAS AT RISK
The 3 southern provinces bordering Malaysia (Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat). Also, if travel is essential, you should avoid even the provinces of Satun and Songkhla, for the plaintiff occurrence of violence and terrorist attacks.

The area adjacent to Preah Vihear temple in the district of Kantharalak (in the province of Si Sa Ket), in areas near its border with Cambogia.Qui since July 2008 there have been explosions of mines and several armed clashes between Thai and Cambodian paramilitary forces, including appropriations adopted, due to a boundary dispute recently recovered.

AREAS OF CAUTION: You should take special caution in areas north of the country, those on the border with Laos and Burma to the east, bordering with Cambodia.
It is advisable to avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and gatherings.

SAFE ZONE: All areas normally open to tourism. The Thai cities are, in principle, sure. May be worth avoiding, especially in the evenings, the peripheral areas, as well as those in which work is not related to tourism itself.

WARNING!

- The people are friendly but avoiding arguments or raise his voice in discussions with local citizens, especially in public, to avoid unpleasant reactions;
- Frequenting local dubious dangers even pickpocketing, in addition to the risks of administration of the customers drink in the drug, with subsequent episodes of theft;
- The use of credit cards should be done carefully because there have been numerous cases of cloning, even in shopping malls;
- You should always, after each purchase to take with him the receipt for the payment thereof, in light of the fact that the controls, especially in department stores and airports, are very accurate and any disputes can also lead to severe consequences;
- In this regard, it is recommended to be careful when proceeding with purchases from duty-free shops in Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport. These facilities are often equipped with displays placed in open areas with cameras and sensors, anti-theft alarm that can be easily activated, even if in view the product, it comes out, albeit inadvertently, by the area of the store. The Thai law relating to theft or attempted theft is very strict and includes prison sentences even for low value items.
- Have also been reported cases of fraud on the part of specialty shops selling jewelry. It is therefore recommended to make purchases of items of value only at stores that you know the reliability.
- The road is very dangerous and everywhere in recent years has been found a high number of accidents involving several countrymen, with very serious consequences. They are often rented cars and motorcycles that have limited security guarantees. The lack of experience in driving on the left with a sense of movement and movement disorders are often chaotic and cause of such accidents. Therefore advised to carefully evaluate whether or not to rent a car or a motorcycle. The use of the helmet is still required for motorcyclists. It is recommended in any case, the stipulation of liability insurance with adequate health insurance ceiling but also cover personal injury and / or accident and medical repatriation, with a maximum proper, keeping in mind that the costs at local private hospitals are similar to those of private clinics in Europe.
- There were also cases of injuries aboard motorboats. It is recommended to be careful in choosing the company and consider the power of vessels which often does not match a similar power to those who lead them.

Legislation planned for use and / or sale of drugs (soft or hard): The law is very strict on drugs even for small doses of drugs (even if only for personal consumption) and, in cases of flagrante delicto, it is difficult for 'Embassy to intervene. The penalties in Thailand for drug dealing and possession of drugs are severe, the most serious cases is provided for capital punishment, sometimes commuted to life imprisonment.

Legislation scheduled for sexual abuse or violence against children: legislation for crimes against morals, if committed against minors, provides for imprisonment up to forty years imprisonment. The drug crimes and those against children, where visitors often occur in this country apparently tolerant, are treated with the utmost severity. We must also remember that those who commit crimes abroad against children (sexual abuse, exploitation, prostitution) are being prosecuted on their return to your country on the basis of the laws in force in our country.

Legislation scheduled for a crime of lese majesty is in place strict regulations governing the crime of treason and providing for very severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to 15 years. The contempt and criticism to the person of the Sovereign and / or other members of the royal family - as well as the Buddhist religion - can in fact cause unpredictable reactions from the population and local authorities, despite the great tolerance that is normally used in the country .

In case of problems with local police (state detention or arrest) you should inform the Embassy for the necessary assistance.


Health situation

Good in general. Local private health facilities are excellent.
The spread of 'AIDS is high. We had cases of tropical diseases (eg malaria, Japanese encephalitis, dengue, sporadic cases of leprosy).

The spread of 'AIDS is high. We had cases of tropical diseases (eg malaria, Japanese encephalitis, dengue, sporadic cases of leprosy). There are high levels of air pollution in Bangkok.

Regarding the Chickungunya fever and influenza A (H1N1), please consult the notices given at the beginning of this particular card.

Since January 2004, new outbreaks of bird flu have appeared throughout the south-east Asia. The beginning of the disease have been reported cases of infection from animal to man. The situation is constantly monitored by health authorities in Thailand, which adopt measures to control and prevention of the case. In September 2007 an outbreak was detected in Pichit, in the north of the country. The authorities have also announced a case of human infection in the province of Nong Bua Lumphu in August 2007.
As a precaution it is recommended in all cases to avoid places of poultry, not to touch birds (alive or dead) and it is suggested to eat poultry meat and eggs only if well cooked (see also "Special Notices" on this site).

Concerning SARS (severe respiratory illness that had affected some Asian countries in 2004), there have been no cases of bird flu in Thailand.

Warnings
Are recommended to take before embarking on a journey, an adequate health insurance policy (the local health structures are not free), which, in addition to covering medical expenses, including the possible return of the patient.

It is recommended during the stay of:

- Do not consume food and / or beverages of dubious provenance, drink only bottled water and soft drinks without adding ice if not in public houses that provide guarantees of hygiene;

- Drink frequently to prevent incidents related to symptoms of dehydration, common in tropical countries.

Viability

Driving

Recognized international driving license along the lines of the Geneva Convention of 1949.

Insurance
Since no foreign insurance policy is recognized, we must take out a temporary insurance at the border coming into the country.

E 'advised' carnet for customs clearance for vehicles imported temporarily. You can import a vehicle in Thailand for a maximum period of 6 months.

Driving rules

LHD, overtaking on the right

Helmet for motorcyclists: Required

Safety belts must be worn on front seats

BAC: the limit is 0.05%.

Air links with Europe: almost all major European airlines flying to Bangkok.
Important: it is expected to pay a departure tax of 700 Bath per person (including children aged 2 years old) with flights from Bangkok international flights for tickets purchased before February 1, 2007. Thereafter, the cost of tickets is inclusive of the tax.

General transport: bus, train and air links cover the whole country.