#Safest place during martial law drivers

Any negotiations with regard to pricing should be done before getting into the taxi.Broken arms, sprains, and torn A/MCL's probably shouldn't mean nothing to you. If this happens, expats should simply ask them to put on the meter or settle on a flat rate for the trip.

#Safest place during martial law drivers

Taxi drivers occasionally try to overcharge foreign passengers. New arrivals usually smarten up after a few weeks in town and never fall victim again. The good news is that in most cases they involve a relatively minor sum of money. They should also watch out for motorcycles using pedestrian walkways to avoid the traffic jams in Bangkok.Įxpats intent on driving in Thailand are advised to drive defensively and to obey traffic laws, even if no-one else seems to be doing so.Įxpats who have just landed in Thailand often fall prey to scams – and most expats in the country have experienced at least one. Where possible, expats should always use pedestrian overpasses to cross roads. There is also a serious lack of awareness with regard to drunk driving. The low level of safety on the roads is arguably best explained by reckless drivers. Thailand is one of the world’s most dangerous countries for road accidents. No matter where an expat ends up living, whether in a small town or the heart of Bangkok, road safety in Thailand will be a primary concern. Any mugging or pickpocketing incidents of this sort should be reported to the police as soon as possible. These thieves have been known to drag victims alongside the motorbike until the bag comes off or to quickly use a sharp knife to detach the bag. If this does happen, expats are advised not to resist. In Bangkok particularly, foreigners should be wary of being targeted by thieves who ride as passengers on a motorcycle and grab victims' bags as they pass. To avoid falling victim to pickpockets, expats should keep a close eye on their purses and bags in crowded places. That said, crimes of opportunity can happen and it's wise to take some precautions ahead of time. The general advice given by foreign embassies about this issue is to avoid crowded and tourist areas during high-risk terrorist alerts, and to keep a low profile wherever possible.Ĭrime rates in Thailand are usually quite low compared to other international destinations, and violent crimes against foreigners are rare. The severity of these attacks has varied greatly. Foreign governments have advised against all but the most essential travel to these potentially unsafe areas.įollowing sporadic bombings in previous years, there is the possibility of terrorism in larger cities and certain tourist areas. The southern provinces on the border between Thailand and Malaysia have been the site of extreme separatist violence in the past. There is a high risk of terrorism in the far south of Thailand.

Martial law and curfews have since been lifted from almost all areas of the country. The main concern for expats has been the unstable political situation in the years since the military seized control of the government.

Thailand is viewed as a moderately safe destination for foreigners. The main safety concerns for expats living in Thailand are listed below, with advice on the best precautions to take. The shortcomings of safety in Thailand are primarily the result of underfunded infrastructure, political instability and the high level of poverty. The good news is that it can be – provided expats take note of the country's most prominent safety concerns and proceed with the necessary precautions. Renowned for its idyllic beaches and friendly inhabitants, Thailand may seem like paradise.