Thailand - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

How Safe Is Thailand? A Traveler’s Guide to Not Dying (Much) Ah, Thailand. The Land of Smiles. Also known as the Land Where You Might Get Run Over By A Tuk Tuk At A Zebra Crossing. If you’re thinking about visiting Thailand, first of all: great choice. Second: you’re probably wondering, “Is Thailand safe?” And if you're not worried yourself, your family might totally freak out. "The Land of scams, drugs and debauchery," your old man calls it. "You'll never make it back alive," your mother whispers while sobbing quietly. Well, buckle up, because we’re diving into the wild but wonderful world of Thai travel safety. Solo Travel: You, Yourself, and Your Very Suspicious Backpack Thailand is actually one of the best places in the world for solo travelers. Whether you're a soul-searching yogi, a digital nomad pretending to work from a hammock, or just someone trying to find the meaning of life in a coconut smoothie, Thailand welcomes you. Most solo travelers re...

Thailand vs. Other Humans: A Field Guide to External Enemies, From Friendly Rogue Vendors to Invisible PM2.5 Congratulations! You’ve survived the geckos , the jellyfish, and (miraculously) your own decisions . Now it’s time for Level 3: Other People (and their sticky fingers, negligence, bribes, and airborne particulates). Buckle up, preferably in a van with a real seat-belt. 1. Dual-Pricing Déjà Vu What it feels like : A banana that was 10 baht yesterday is now 70 baht “because inflation, sir.” Entry to the national park is 400 baht for you, 40 baht for your teerak "because you have a long nose, sir." What to do : Politely laugh, bargain with a smile, or walk three stalls away where the price mysteriously drops. Or just suck it up as TiT . How to avoid : Learn a few Thai numbers, carry small bills, and channel your inner grandma: mai dai, khrap/ka ? (“Can’t.”) 2. The Pattaya -Pocket Palooza What it feels like : A charming ladyboy hugs you for a selfie and your wallet or ...

Thailand vs. Yourself: A Survival Guide to Self-Inflicted Mayhem Sure, Thailand has wild monkeys, jellyfish, and geckos that yell like tiny velociraptors, but sometimes, the biggest danger isn’t nature . It’s you. Yes, you , with your spicy curry overconfidence, questionable scooter skills, and that “ one more bucket ” mindset. Here’s your essential guide to the most common self-inflicted wounds in the Land of Smiles and how to avoid turning your dream trip into a viral cautionary tale. 1. Diarrhea & Food Poisoning: The Bangkok Belly Ballet What it feels like : Your stomach becomes a washing machine set to “spin” and “regret.” Your bunghole becomes a faucet that's feels like it's on fire. What to do : Hydrate like your life depends on it (because it does), pop some activated charcoal or Imodium, and become one with the porcelain throne (heaven forbid your flophouse has squat toilets). How to avoid : Be wary of unfiltered tap water, lukewarm street food, bacteria sushi t...

Thailand vs. Nature: A Tourist’s Guide to Laughing Through the Pain Thailand is a tropical paradise full of delicious food, friendly people, and jaw-dropping scenery. But just like a mango with a worm inside, paradise comes with a few “surprises.” Whether you're sipping coconuts on a beach or jungle-trekking like Indiana Jones with Wi-Fi, nature in Thailand has its own sense of humor, and you might be the punchline. Here’s a short guide to the most natural dangers and annoyances Thailand offers, and how to avoid becoming a jungle meme. 1. The Mysterious Insect Bite What it feels like : You’re just sitting there, minding your own business, and suddenly your leg is on fire. You look down. Nothing. But now there's a welt the size of a ping-pong ball. Or you wake up with mysterious red spots on your legs. Slightly itchy but nothing else.  What to do : Don’t scratch. You’ll only make it angry. Apply antihistamine, ice, or a local remedy made of crushed tiger balm and grandma'...

You Got Bitten by a Stray in Thailand, So Now What?   Congratulations! You’ve just been personally selected by a local Thai animal (dog, cat, monkey, or possibly a very ambitious squirrel) to receive a free, unplanned piercing. Maybe you tried to pet a street dog that looked "friendly" (it wasn’t), or perhaps a monkey at a temple decided you looked tastier than the bananas you brought. Either way, you’re now staring at a tiny wound, wondering if you’re about to become the next tragic headline: "Tourist Dies Horribly After Befriending Cute But Rabid Mongoose."   Relax. You'll be fine. Probably. But let’s talk about rabies, because while the odds are low, the stakes are hilariously high.   Rabies: The Disease That Makes Zombies Look Polite    Rabies is a virus that, if left untreated, turns you into a frothing, hydrophobic nightmare before (and this is the key part) killing you almost 100% of the time. The good news? It’s super rare in humans becaus...

Shots Before Shots: A Slightly Panicked Guide to Vaccines for Thailand   So, you're planning a trip to Thailand, land of mouthwatering street food, breathtaking beaches, and tuk-tuk drivers who think they're in a Fast & Furious movie. But before you start daydreaming about pad thai and full moon parties, let's talk about something less exciting but super important: vaccines.   Because nothing ruins a vacation like realizing your immune system is about to go to war with a bunch of microscopic invaders.   Do I Even Need Vaccines? I'm Just Hitting Bangkok and the Beaches   Good news! Thailand isn't some disease-ridden wasteland (unless you're planning to wrestle monkeys in the jungle). But there are a few shots your doctor will probably suggest unless you want to play Russian roulette with your digestive system.   The Usual Suspects (Vaccines You Might Already Have)   Hepatitis A & B - The classic "better safe than sorry"...