Reports of serious crimes involving taxis or ?tuk-tuks? (three-wheeled taxis) are also relatively rare, although attempts to charge excessive fares occur regularly. Several taxi-related incidents involving foreign passengers occur in Bangkok each year. Americans should not hesitate to ask to be let out of a taxi immediately if the driver is acting suspiciously or driving erratically. (See also the Safety and Road Conditions section.)
When arriving at Bangkok?s airport, travelers should use only taxis from the airport?s official taxi stand, cars from the airport limousine counters, or airport buses. All major hotels in Bangkok can also arrange to have a car and driver meet incoming flights. It is uncommon for Thai taxis to pick up additional passengers. Travelers should be wary of drivers seeking to do so, and should never enter a cab that has someone besides the driver in it.
Americans frequently encounter taxi drivers and others who tout gem stores or entertainment venues. These touts receive kickbacks or commissions that drive up the prices of the goods or services, and travelers should not accept tours or other offers from them. Scams involving gems, city tours, entertainment venues and credit cards are common, especially in areas heavily visited by tourists. Credit cards should be used only in reputable, established businesses, and the amount charged should be checked for accuracy.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) receives over 1,000 complaints each year from visitors who have been cheated on gem purchases. Gem scams usually follow a predictable pattern. Someone approaches a tourist outside of a well-known tourist attraction such as the Grand Palace or the Jim Thompson House and says that the attraction is closed. The friendly stranger quickly gains the tourist?s confidence, and suggests a visit to a temple that is supposedly open only one day per year; the stranger then mentions in passing that a special once-a-year government-sponsored gem sale is going on, and directs the tourist to a waiting tuk-tuk. At the temple, another stranger ? sometimes a foreigner ?engages the tourist in conversation and, by seeming coincidence, also mentions the ?special? gem sale. The tourist agrees to go look at the gem shop, and is soon convinced to buy thousands of dollars worth of jewels that can supposedly be sold in the U.S. for a 100% profit. When the tourist actually has the goods appraised, they turn out to be of minimal value, and the shop?s money-back guarantee is not honored. No matter what a tout may say, no jewelry stores are owned, operated, or sponsored by the Thai Government or by the Thai royal family. Lists of gem dealers who have promised to abide by TAT guidelines are available online at http://www.tatnews.org/special_interest/shopping/979.asp, and detailed information on gem scams can be found on numerous Internet websites. A traveler who has fallen victim to a gem scam should contact the local branch of the Tourist Police, or call their country-wide toll-free number: 1155.
Although most bars and entertainment venues operate honestly, some, especially in tourist areas such as Patpong, at times try to charge exorbitant amounts for drinks or unadvertised cover charges, and threaten violence if the charges are not paid. If victimized in this fashion, travelers should not attempt to resolve the problem themselves, but should instead pay the price demanded and then seek out a nearby Tourist Police officer for help in getting restitution. (If no officer is nearby, the Tourist Police may be contacted toll-free by dialing 1155.)
There have been occasional reports
of scopolamine drugging perpetrated by prostitutes or
unscrupulous bar workers for the purpose of robbery.
(Scopolamine is a powerful sedative.) Tourists have also
been victimized by drugged food and drink, usually offered
by a friendly stranger, sometimes posing as a fellow
traveler on an overnight bus or train. In addition, casual
acquaintances met in a bar or on the street may pose a
threat. Travelers are advised to avoid leaving drinks or
food unattended, and should avoid going alone to unfamiliar
venues. Some trekking tour companies, particularly in
Northern Thailand, have been known to make drugs available
to trekkers. Travelers should not accept drugs of any
kind, as the drugs may be altered or harmful, and the use or
sale of narcotic drugs is illegal in Thailand.
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PIRATED MERCHANDISE:
Counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available in
Thailand. The manufacture and sale of pirated goods,
including music, movies, software, and counterfeit luxury
goods and apparel, is a crime in Thailand and is frequently
controlled by organized crime networks. Bringing these
goods back to the United States may result in forfeitures
and/or fines. For more information on the serious nature of
this intellectual property crime, visit the Special 301
Report at
http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Reports_Publications/2007/2007_Special_301_Review/Section_Index.html.
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INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
See our information on
Victims of Crime.
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MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical treatment is generally adequate throughout Thailand. In Bangkok, good facilities exist for routine, long-term and emergency health care.
Information on vaccinations and
other health precautions, such as safe food and water
precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention?s hotline for
international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747)
or via the CDC?s web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx.
For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases
abroad consult the World Health Organization?s (WHO) web
site at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information
for travelers is available at
http://www.who.int/ith/en.
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MEDICAL INSURANCE:
The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult
with their medical insurance company prior to traveling
abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and
whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical
evacuation and overseas medical services. Please see our
information on
medical insurance overseas.
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OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION:
HIV and AIDS - Thailand has been experiencing an epidemic of HIV infection and AIDS. Heterosexual transmission accounts for most HIV infections, and HIV is common among prostitutes of both sexes, as well as among injection drug users. HIV infections among men who have sex with other men appear to be on the rise. Additionally, alcoholic beverages, medications and drugs may be more potent or of a different composition than similar ones in the United States. Several U.S. citizen tourists die in Thailand each year of apparent premature heart attacks after drinking alcohol or using drugs.
Avian Influenza
- The CDC, WHO, and Thai authorities have confirmed human
cases of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, commonly known
as the ?bird flu.? Travelers to Thailand and other
countries affected by the virus are cautioned to avoid
poultry farms, contact with animals in live food markets,
and any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces
from poultry or other animals. In addition, the CDC and WHO
recommend eating only fully cooked poultry and eggs. For
the most current information and links on avian influenza in
Thailand, see the Center for Disease Control website
regarding Avian Influence and Travel at
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/.
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TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Thailand is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Traffic moves on the left in Thailand, although motorcycles and motorized carts often drive (illegally) against the traffic flow. The city of Bangkok has heavy traffic composed of motorcycles, cars, trucks, buses, and three-wheeled tuk-tuks. For safety, pedestrians should use overhead walkways whenever possible and should look carefully in both directions before crossing streets, even when using a marked crosswalk with a green ?walk? light illuminated. This is particularly true in front of the U.S. Embassy on Bangkok?s Wireless Road, where many pedestrians have died crossing the street, and where several American citizens have been seriously injured. The Embassy has instructed its employees to use the pedestrian bridge to cross the road at all times, and other Americans are advised to do the same.
Traffic accidents are common in Thailand, and those involving motorcycles can be particularly deadly. The Embassy has sent a notice to Embassy staff and family members strongly recommending that they refrain from using motorcycles (especially motorcycle taxis), mopeds, and tuk-tuks in Bangkok, and the Embassy advises American visitors and residents to follow this recommendation as well. Use of motorcycle helmets is mandatory, but this law is seldom enforced. The accident rate in Thailand is particularly high during long holidays, when alcohol use and traffic are both heavier than normal. During the Songkran (Thai New Year) holiday in April, the problem is further exacerbated by people throwing water at passing vehicles as part of the traditional celebration.
Paved roads, many of them four lanes wide, connect Thailand?s major cities. On the country?s numerous two-lane roads, however, slow-moving trucks limit speed and visibility. Speeding, reckless passing, and failure to obey traffic laws is common in all regions of Thailand, as is the consumption by commercial drivers of alcohol, amphetamines and other stimulants. Serious bus crashes occur frequently, especially on overnight trips, and sometimes result in fatalities. Congested roads and a scarcity of ambulances can make it difficult for accident victims to receive timely medical attention. Thailand requires that all vehicles be covered by third-party liability insurance for death or injury, but there is no mandatory coverage for property damage. The Embassy strongly encourages its employees to obtain liability insurance coverage over and above the minimum third party liability insurance required by the Thai Government. American citizen motorists should consider this as well, as the more affluent driver, even if not at fault, is frequently compelled to cover the expenses of the other party in an accident in Thailand.
Travelers in Bangkok may wish to travel about the city using the BTS ?Skytrain? elevated mass transit system or the underground Metro system, which operate daily from 6 a.m. to midnight. Bangkok also has an extensive bus system, but buses can be overcrowded, and are often driven with little or no regard for passenger safety. Cities elsewhere in Thailand typically have only rudimentary public transportation, and usually do not have metered taxis. In many cases, motorcycle taxis, tuk-tuks, bicycle-powered rickshaws, and pick-up trucks will be the only options available for travelers without their own transport. Americans should be cautious when using these services, as all can be dangerous in fast or heavy traffic.
Please see our
Road Safety
page for more information.
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AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed
the Government ofThailand?s Civil Aviation Authority as
being in compliance with International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight
of Thailand?s air carrier operations. For more information,
travelers may visit the FAA?s web site at
http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.
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SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:
Thai customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Thailand of items such as firearms, explosives, narcotics and drugs, radio equipment, books or other printed material and video or audio recordings which might be considered subversive to national security, obscene, or in any way harmful to the public interest and cultural property. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Thailand in Washington, D.C., or one of the Thai consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements. Please see our information on Customs Information.
Strong seasonal undercurrents at popular beach resorts pose a sometimes-fatal threat to surfers and swimmers. During the monsoon season from May through October, drowning is the leading cause of death for tourists visiting the resort island of Phuket. Some, but not all, beaches have warning flags to indicate the degree of risk (red flag: sea condition dangerous for swimming; yellow flag: sea condition rough, swim with caution; green flag: sea condition stable).
Boat safety has become an increasing concern in Thailand. Ferries and speedboats used to transport tourists and local nationals to and from the many islands off the Thai mainland are often overcrowded and carry insufficient safety equipment. In January 2005, three U.S. citizen tourists died when the over-crowded speedboat they were in capsized and sank off the coast of Koh Samui. Three months later, two U.S. citizens narrowly escaped death when their dive boat sank off the coast near Phuket. The Department of State encourages U.S. citizens to avoid travel on overcrowded boats, and to ensure that proper safety equipment (including life preservers) is available before boarding any boat or ferry.
The rental of cars,
motorbikes and jet skis is common in the tourist
areas. Many rental companies ask to hold the renters
passport as a deposit. If there is damage to the vehicle,
the company often holds the passport until the renter pays
for the damage. For this reason, a passport should not be
used as a deposit or collateral. There are have been
reports that some companies charge the renter for damage
that they did not cause. Renters should be certain to
examine the vehicle and note any pre-existing damage before
operating the vehicle.
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CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Thai laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.
In this connection, it is a criminal offense to make negative comments about the King or other members of the royal family. Thais hold the King in the highest regard, and it is a serious crime to make critical or defamatory comments about him. This particular crime, called ?lese majeste,? is punishable by a prison sentence of three to fifteen years. Purposely tearing or destroying Thai bank notes, which carry an image of the King, may be considered such an offense, as can spitting on or otherwise defiling an official uniform bearing royal insignia.
The Thai Government has publicly stated that it will not tolerate the use of Thai territory as a base by groups trying to overthrow or destabilize the governments of nearby countries. Numerous American citizens have been arrested or detained under suspicion of carrying out such activities; sometimes these detentions are carried out by military authorities, and the Embassy does not learn of them until many days after the fact. Many other Americans suspected of advocating the armed overthrow of other governments have been "blacklisted" from entering the country. Americans should be aware that attempts to overthrow foreign governments by force may violate U.S. law as well as Thai law.
Penalties for the possession of, use of, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Thailand are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long prison sentences under harsh conditions, and often heavy fines as well. Thailand also has a death penalty for serious drug offenses, and has executed convicted traffickers. The U.S. Embassy frequently does not learn of the arrest of U.S. citizens for minor drug offenses, particularly in southern Thailand, until several days after the incident.
Engaging in illicit sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
Thai police occasionally raid discos, bars, or nightclubs looking for underage patrons and drug users. During the raids, they typically check the IDs of all customers in the establishment, and then make each person provide a urine sample to be checked for narcotics. Foreigners are not excused from these checks, and anyone whose urine tests positive for drugs is arrested and charged. Although some Thai civil libertarians have questioned the constitutionality of these forced urine tests, the Embassy is unaware of any successful challenge to the practice, and customers can be jailed if they do not cooperate.
Shoplifting, even for low-value
goods is strictly prosecuted. Arrests for shoplifting even
low-value items can result in large fines and lengthy
detention.
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CHILDREN'S ISSUES:
For information see our Office of Children?s Issues web
pages on
intercountry adoption
and
international parental child abduction.
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REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living in or visiting Thailand are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok or the U.S. Consulate in Chiang Mai through the State Department?s travel registration web site, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Thailand. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is located at 95 Wireless Road in Bangkok; the U.S. mailing address is APO AP 96546-0001. The central switchboard number is (66-2) 205-4000; the American Citizen Services Unit number is (66-2) 205-4049; and the fax number is (66-2) 205-4103. The web site for the U.S. Embassy is http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/. American citizens can register online via the web site. Questions regarding American Citizens Services can be submitted by email to acsbkk@state.gov. The U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai is located at 387 Wichayanond Road; the U.S. mailing address is Box C, APO AP 96546. The telephone number is (66-53) 252-629 and the fax number is (66-53) 252-633.
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This replaces the Country Specific Information (formerly Consular Information Sheet) dated November 6th, 2007, to update sections on Country Description, Safety and Security, Crime, Pirated Merchandise, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, and Criminal Penalties