Thailand is one of the most convenient countries for women travelers. One reason for this is that Buddhism places great emphasis on respect for women and encourages harmonious relationships between the sexes. Thais are generally shy people who have a deep fear of shame; this discourages much of the sexual harassment common in more fundamentalist countries. However, traveling at any place, can get you into trouble if you are not careful enough. Hence, you should always be aware of certain safety tips.
Safety Tips for Woman Traveler:
- Try your best to get a flight, train, boat or bus which arrives at your new destination when enough daylight hours are left to reach your hotel safely.
- Always wear your purse strap slung across your body so it can't be easily slipped off your shoulder or attract deft-fingered pickpockets. It is common for a would-be thief to use razor blades to cut purse straps, take the purse, and then get away. Or wear a money belt to avoid this happening.
- Do not leave your drink unattended in bars, and exercise good judgment when accepting food or drink from people.
- Do not wear revealing clothes.
- Be sure to know when the sun rises and sets. A busy market can quickly empty out and be transformed into dark deserted streets. Plan to be back to your lodging or in a safe, busy neighborhood by dark.
- Use your instincts to avoid seemingly bad company and unsafe spots.
- When alone (particularly at night), walk with the crowd and act as if you're part of the crowd. Never volunteer the fact that you are traveling alone. Look and act confident. Get directions ahead of time and know your destination.
- Always carry a mobile phone with you and make sure it has essential contacts like the police, ambulance services and the hotel where you are staying.
- Ignore cat calls and irritating comments by passers-by. If they continue to pester, you complain to the police. Learning self-defense skills and carrying protection equipment, like a chilly spray or a stun gun can help.
- When someone asks you for help, think and evaluate before you offer your help to any strangers.
- Evaluate very carefully when someone offers you food or drink while accompanying in a train because drugging is possible.
- Leave all your jewels at home unless you are attending a fabulous wedding or Society Fashion Ball in Thailand. They will always be a hindrance to your safety.
- Do not carry your valuables (passport, money or documents) along while going out of the hotel. Better to keep it at the hotel safe but check to see if the hotel is liable for any loss before you entrust your things.
- With all the knowledge under your belt, check in with your own guts feelings. If you feel something doesn't feel right, just don't do it. Your decision would be the absolute best and safest rather than taking suggestions from others.
- Study a map ahead of time. Keep valuables away from the street side. Only carry one credit card and photocopies of important documents with you.
- Do not get over drunk, nor do flash too much cash or jewelry in public. Look after your possessions. If you get into trouble, contact the Thai Tourist Police at 1155. They are experienced in dealing with normal tourist problems.
- Try to avoid tuk-tuk drivers as they might demand much higher price than agreed. Avoid drivers who propose their services without being asked, especially near major tourist attractions. If you travel alone, should stay in a public place- avoid going to remote areas. If anyone offers you to be your guide, please ask to check their tour guide license first. However, the tourist police are always there to assist you.
Theft - Thieves thrive on confusion, crowds, and tourist traps. Consider the following tips:
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Keep luxurious luggage out of sight: Never leave your luxurious belongings lying around where others can see it and be tempted.
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On trains and at the station: Always be on guard and alert on the train at stops and in train stations, when thieves can dash on and off with your bag.
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At public place: Thief teams will often block a bus or subway entry, causing the person behind you to bump into you and make an attempt.
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Your rental car: Do not leave anything noticeable in your parked car because that is the target for thieves at night. So make your car look local and do not leave any tourist information lying around.
Buddhist Monks - Buddhist monks avoid the temptation of women, and in particular they do not touch women or take things from women's hands. Monks will sometimes be aided by a layperson who will accept things from women merit-makers on their behalf.
Drugs - Thailand has extremely strict drug laws and one's foreign passport is not enough to get him/her out of the case. Possession and trafficking offenses can result in life-long imprisonment or even death in Thailand.
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