Travel safety

Is Thailand safe to visit?

Thailand travel photo — Thailand · photo from the Waymark library

Bangkok, the islands, the northSafeChecked 22 October 2026 · FCDO updated 12 October 2026

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi and the Gulf islands are outside the warning zones. The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the three southernmost provinces, part of Songkhla, and within 20km of the Cambodian border.

Safe
Avoid
Essential only
Never travel

RatingSafe

Official advice updated12 October 2026

Areas covered6 on this page

Thailand has a long-running insurgency in its far south, and border tension with Cambodia. Neither area is on the usual tourist trail, and the FCDO's warnings stop well short of the islands. What does hurt visitors is more ordinary: drink spiking, methanol-laced spirits, scooter crashes and attacks at big parties.

Thailand region by region

BangkokSafe
No warning. Flooding can disrupt travel in the rainy season.
Phuket, Krabi & the Andaman coastSafe
No warning. Do not leave your passport as a deposit for jet skis or scooters.
Koh Phangan, Koh Samui & Koh TaoSafe
No warning, but the FCDO names full moon parties as a hotspot for assaults and spiking.
Chiang Mai & the northSafe
No warning.
Within 20km of the Cambodian borderEssential only
Essential travel only. This includes some temple sites near the border.
Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat & southern SongkhlaEssential only
Essential travel only, including the Hat Yai to Padang Besar railway.

What to watch for

Party nights. The FCDO says violent sexual assaults and unprovoked attacks happen in tourist areas, with the highest risk at full moon parties and near bars late at night.
Methanol. It has caused deaths in Thailand. Avoid buckets of cheap spirits.
Scooters. Crashes are a leading cause of injury, and many policies won't pay out if you weren't wearing a helmet or didn't have the right licence.
Job scams. Offers of easy work abroad have led to people being trafficked into scam compounds in neighbouring countries.

Before you go

Pre-arrange a ride home after a night out.
Never hand over your passport as a rental deposit.
Check your policy covers scooter riding at the engine size you'll use.
Tourist Police: 1155.

Official advice: FCDO travel advice for Thailand

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Questions people ask

Is Hat Yai safe?

Hat Yai city is not under a warning, but the surrounding districts of southern Songkhla and the railway south to Malaysia are essential travel only. Check your exact route.

Are full moon parties safe?

Many people go without trouble, but the FCDO singles them out as the highest-risk setting for assaults and spiking. Go with friends, buy sealed drinks and plan your ride back.

Is Phuket safe for tourists?

Yes. Phuket has no FCDO warnings. The bigger risks are road accidents, especially on scooters, and drink spiking in nightlife areas.

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Waymark summarises official UK government (FCDO) travel advice and other public sources to help you plan. It is not a substitute for that advice, which can change at short notice. Always read the latest FCDO page for your destination and check your insurance before you book. Content last checked 22 October 2026.