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Thailand is a safe destination, as far as anywhere is safe in the world today. Few visitors gets into trouble, and when you consider the sheer numbers of tourists the statistics tells you the story.
Of those who gets into some sort of trouble, most has done something to create a situation themselves. Fights, drug abuse and visa problems are the most usual things.
Then there is theft, and very rarely violent attacks.
The ordinary tourist need not worry. Keep your wits about you and be on good manners - just like at home - and you will do fine.
If anything should happen there is a special Tourist Police there to help you. Call 1155 from anywhere in Thailand to get in touch with them.
The risk of theft is worst
at train and bus stations, much like elsewhere. Physical violence is rarely
a factor, the Thai rather relies on stealth and trickery.
If you should be unlucky enough, the crime is most likely to be a scam related
to purchases or an overcharging taxi driver.
Having said that, there are some remote border areas that can be dangerous. Most visitors will never come even close to these, but if you are the adventure type you should check with local guides before venturing off into the jungle.
In the far south there are problems with muslim separatists. But the part of the country where these operates was never much of a destination for western tourists anyway.
I consider Bangkok to be less dangerous than Oslo, where I was born. At the least as far as the areas where almost all tourists go. For myself, I lived there for two years and I went just about everywhere, never had a problem.
Make copies of you passport and credit cards. This simplifies matters if something gets lost or stolen.
Credit card fraud is a problem in Thailand. I advice using cash when you can, and keep track of your cards. ATM's are everywhere and gives you the best currency rate.
Never let anyone assist you at ATM machines. There has been incidents where ATM's has been sabotaged, and a clever chap approaches to help out. He will try to get your pin number, and if he does the card supposedly "confiscated" by the machine will be put to use.
It is likely that you should have a few vaccines before you travel to South East Asia. Check with your doctor.
A tip: Malaria is rarely a problem, but if you suspect you have it do not wait until you are home to get help. Thailand has experts on this, something most countries in the west does not have - for obvious reasons.
Obviously, your proof of travel insurance.
As I have suggested, take copies of your passport, perhaps two sets. One to keep with you at all times, at the least when travelling up-country. And one set should be left at your hotel or guesthouse, stored separately from your passport. Note: For a lot of trekking or other expeditions up-country you will need to bring your passport with you. Especially in border areas there are security checks where your identity will need to be established.
Never take too much cash, but you should have some in your pocket. Ask other travellers or your guide.
As for my favourite: A good flashlight. My personal choice is the Surefire Guardian. Small enough to fit in your pocket and strong enough to scare off stray dogs in the night (by my experience). Surefire flashlights are somewhat expensive, but in my opinion well worth the price.