Thailand - a fabulous exotic country, the rest of which is becoming more and more prestigious and popular among our compatriots. Going to the "country of smiles" - and that's how it is called for the affability of the local population, the lion's share of whose income comes from tourists, one should get acquainted not only with its climatic features, resorts and prices. It is important to know and be prepared for the fact that in this beautiful but difficult country travelers may be in danger. In order not to conflict with the population, service personnel or, worse, the law, it is important to know some rules of conduct in the country, as well as "pitfalls" and tricks that may be awaited by inexperienced tourists in Thailand.
So, what should be afraid of the tourist?
1. Crime, theft, fraud. In order to avoid delicate situations, remember the following:
- gold and expensive jewelry is best left at home, they can easily be ripped off by local teenagers on the street, and if you catch a thief, you can be charged with an attack on a minor - the police are always on their side;
- if possible, pay as low as possible with credit cards - frequent cases of fraud with them;
- Do not carry large amounts of money and documents with you - they should be left in the hotel safe. By the way, the safe too, unfortunately, is not a guarantee of safety, but this option is still more reliable than storing valuables in the room or carrying it with you;
- do not use or try to get drugs, for this the country is subject to extremely severe punishment - the death penalty;
- Do not abuse alcohol and do not lose vigilance - this greatly increases the probability of being deceived or involved in a criminal situation;
- do not make doubtful acquaintances - local girls and young men, so to speak, "not severe" behavior can not only deceive and rob, but also "reward" in addition not the most pleasant diseases, including AIDS .
2. Relations with service personnel:
- when registering on arrival, pay attention to what stamp you put. Employees can make a mistake and place a residence permit for only 15 days instead of 30 days, and if you stay longer in the country, you will have to pay a fine on departure;
- before you sit in a taxi, always call the price or let it call a taxi driver, or better - write on paper. Do not give money ahead, otherwise there is a risk that on arrival the "cabbies" will forget about this fact, and also sharply "cease to understand" English;
- if you do not plan to use the mini-bar in your hotel room, ask them to remove it immediately upon arrival, otherwise you risk paying for "registration", because they can be used even in your absence, for example, maids.
3. Relationship with local residents:
- be polite, friendly, do not cry and do not swear at conflicts - here it is perceived as a bad form and you will simply be ignored;
- observe the rules of behavior in the temples : go there in closed clothing, barefoot and in no case do not touch the shrine with your hands. And for a photo with a Buddha statue in an embrace, you can even go to jail altogether;
- Do not discuss or criticize the members of the royal family - Thais are extremely sensitive to their monarchs.
4. Natural hazards:
- be wary of insects, especially scorpions, black wasps and deadly caterpillars. Shut up the cracks in the houses and watch the open windows to avoid penetrating them into the dwelling;
- infectious diseases - observe the rules of personal hygiene, wash your hands as often as possible, do not drink or eat in unfamiliar and doubtful places.
After reading these caveats, it may seem that going to Thailand is a huge risk, because the dangers lie in wait for you at every step. We are rushing to reassure you that everything is not so terrible, but as they say in the people: "Forewarned, means armed."