The latest advice on travel to Thailand following a Foreign Office update

British holidaymakers who are owing to journey to Thailand may possibly have noted an update to the country’s International Business suggestions page.

“Violent sexual assaults and unprovoked assaults have been described in vacationer locations across Thailand,” reads the FCDO update under the safety and stability area.

This update may well surface alarming to some travellers, this kind of as those people arranging a initial time visit to the region or a solo excursion. On the other hand, vacation specialists and tour operators supply reassurance and context.

Below is what you should really know about the most up-to-date adjustments to information on journey to Thailand.

What is the Overseas Office environment suggestions?

There is no warning from vacation to Thailand, but the FCDO endorses studying its tips in advance of travelling.

The complete update on the hazard of assaults in the region reads: “Serious crimes acquire place during Thailand, and at times British nationals are impacted. Violent sexual assaults and unprovoked attacks have been noted in tourist places across Thailand.

“These are especially widespread for the duration of total moon functions and other comparable occasions and late at night time around bars. Drink spiking and drug assisted sexual assault have been documented in vacationer destinations all over Thailand, with both equally male and feminine victims.

“Be careful about getting beverages from strangers or leaving your drinks unattended. Crimes involving guns acquire spot in Thailand, and overseas nationals have often been victims of gun criminal offense.”

Extra on Travel Information

What do gurus say about the update?

Tour operators and travel agents offer some context to the FCDO update on crime in Thailand.

Ashley Quint, director at travel agency TimeTravel World, suggests: “As the planet has reopened pursuing the pandemic, aged troubles like the modern tips in Thailand have reappeared – having said that, it’s continue to relatively rare”.

He provides: “If probable, I would always suggest staying with a trusted, known individual, or preferably a group – in particular at large events like a comprehensive moon bash or festivals.”

Group tours

For those established to be a part of a group tour, G Adventures, which runs at the very least 51 trips that attribute Thailand, has advice.

Julie FitzGerald, standard manager for Asia at G Adventures, mentioned: “Thailand is, as a total, a quite peaceful state but, as with all locations, travellers continue to want to be mindful of the most effective safety tactics when travelling.

“One of the benefits of travelling in a team, like with G Adventures, is the additional stability that goes with this.”

A tour leader can present guidance on regions to prevent, for instance. Ms FitzGerald also implies sticking to bottles when ingesting liquor, rather than the “buckets” that are bought in numerous bars in the Thailand, to lessen the threat of spiking.

Hole yr vacation

Thailand is a well known destination amid backpackers, men and women on a gap 12 months and solo travellers.

Becca Moulton, a senior vacation adviser at Gap360, a specialist in gap calendar year journey and journey for individuals aged 18-30, mentioned: “Like journey anyplace, or even nights out in the United kingdom, we generally advise travellers choose wise precautions and consider about protection, specifically when out owning a fun evening at bars and golf equipment, and particularly at big, crowded gatherings like a full moon celebration.”

“Keep an eye on your beverages, be cautious of strangers you satisfy, consider apps or capabilities on your mobile phone like Locate My Close friend, and maintain track of how a great deal alcoholic beverages you have consumed. If you are not comfortable or never feel protected, seek assist immediately”.

Are there any unanticipated rules in Thailand?

The Overseas Office environment factors out that putting up illustrations or photos on social media of people today drinking liquor or putting on inappropriate clothes “can outcome in fines and/or imprisonment each for the man or woman who uploaded the images and the people today in them.”

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What variety of travel insurance policy do I want?

This will count on lots of factors, including your wellbeing and age. As a common rule, you should really have sufficient clinical address and go over for any other eventualities, these types of as loss of baggage or valuables.

Travellers must check out that their coverage plan addresses them for any experience pursuits in which they program to just take portion, these as wild swimming, diving, kayaking or white-water rafting.

A spokesperson for the Association of British Insurers mentioned: “Travel insurance policies can present critical protection and peace of intellect when holidaying overseas, primarily in opposition to any expenditures involved with needing unexpected emergency clinical treatment method.

“Some guidelines will also deal with lawful service fees, but they could range so be confident you purchase the policy that most suits your needs, not just based mostly on price tag. When purchasing insurance coverage, it is also essential to respond to all thoughts thoroughly and actually to guarantee you have the appropriate protect in spot.”