Whether you live in Thailand or are just there for a short time it’s really important to keep yourself and your belongings safe and to make sure you know what you are doing. Whilst generally speaking, street theft and things like attacks are seldom a problem, there are many other ‘less blatant’ things to consider and watch out for;
Carrying Cash
Petty thieves such as pickpockets aren’t actually that common, but they do exist, so keep your wallet, purse, and any other valuables safe. Only take out as much cash as you can afford to lose, if you need extra money, then you could apply for a cash card from Rabbit care finance at least that way you’ll have a piece of plastic to use and won’t lose your cash. When opening your wallet/purse to pay for something, do not “flash your cash.” Observing Thai people may teach you a lot; they are frequently quite cautious when reaching for their money, almost to the point of secrecy. It’s a smart idea to divide your money. Carry a modest quantity of cash in your favourite receptacle and the remainder (together with your credit cards) in a safer location (money belt, hidden pocket, in your shoes, etc).
Going for a swim at the beach
As with anywhere really, if you are going to the beach, then you’ll need to think about things first. Are you going with friends, if so, you’ll probably want to take food and water with you, a speaker for some musical entertainment, a towel and some kind of mat to lay or to sit on.
If you’re going swimming, get a waterproof bag to keep your phone and other valuables safe from sand and water. If you are going alone, then make sure you go somewhere that your stuff is in plain sight of others and, if you are going for a swim, alone then be very careful.
Accommodation
Unless you can speak with local language, then it will be useful to find somewhere that has both native speakers and non-native speakers, that way you can try and learn a bit of the local lingo as well as getting your needs met with as little confusion as possible. It can be very difficult to try and get things done, even if you speak Thai, so do some research and make some informed decisions.
Skin protection
If you’ve never been to Thailand then you will be amazed at the price of things like sun cream and protective products, it is a little crazy but, you will need cream so, take a load with you. People have been known to set off from somewhere like Bangkok to Pattaya on a motorbike and not consider things like skin protection. Although it’s hot in Bangkok, if you only spend your time indoors or under the cover of the BTS line, then it could be easy to forget how powerful the sun is over there. If that happens and you do a 2-hour bike ride wearing shorts and a t-shirt or a ‘tourist’ vest, then you are going to be in for a sore couple of days and may even need treatment from a professional.
