The security situation in Thailand can be unpredictable. Large protests have occurred in Bangkok and other areas, most recently in 2021. In previous years, large political protests and government crowd control operations have resulted in violence.

More incidents are possible.

To stay safe during periods of unrest:

• avoid demonstrations, processions and public gatherings
• follow media and other sources
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities
• if you see a suspicious package, stay clear and report it to Police

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Thailand and Cambodia have an ongoing border dispute. There's a risk of landmines and unexploded weapons near the Thai-Cambodian border area.

Be extra careful at tourist areas, including:

• the Preah Vihear temple - Khao Pra Viharn in Thailand
• the Ta Kwai temple - Ta Krabei in Cambodia
• the Ta Muen Thom temple - Ta Moan in Cambodia

Tourist attractions and border crossings in this area may close with little or no notice.

Fighting and armed theft can occur along the Thai-Myanmar border. This includes:

• fighting between the Myanmar military forces and armed groups
• clashes between Thai security forces and armed criminal groups, such as drug traffickers

Armed clashes between the Myanmar military forces and armed groups inside Myanmar may lead to border closures.

If you try to cross the border illegally, you may be detained and deported.

Bandits may target you if you travel through national parks in this border region.

If you travel to this region:

• monitor the news
• watch out for other signs of unrest
• pay close attention to your personal security
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

Reconsider your need to travel to or from the three most southern provinces:

• Yala
• Pattani
• Narathiwat

Violence includes attacks and bombings, with deaths and injuries. Since 2004, over 6500 people have been killed and many more injured in these provinces.

Bombings are often coordinated to target people who respond to the first explosion.

Over the past few years, multiple coordinated explosions have occurred in the southern border provinces, and low-level insurgent activity continues.  

If you travel to or stay in these provinces, you could get caught up in violence directed at others.

Attacks can happen at any time.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Attacks, including bombings and shootings, are possible anytime. They can happen anywhere, including Bangkok and Phuket.

Popular tourist areas may be the target of terrorist attacks.

Thai authorities have warned of possible bombings on symbolic dates or holidays.

Possible targets for future attacks include:

• embassies
• shopping malls, markets and banks
• hotels and beach resorts
• restaurants, bars and nightclubs
• schools and places of worship
• outdoor recreation events

Other targets include public buildings, public transport, airports and sea ports.

To reduce your risk of being involved in a terrorist attack: 

• have a clear exit plan in case there's a security incident
• be alert to possible threats
• report suspicious activity or items to police
• monitor the media for threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

If there is an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Gun-related violence can occur at any time.On 3 October 2023, 3 people were killed and 4 injured in a shooting at the Siam Paragon Mall in Bangkok.On 6 October 2022, 36 people were killed in a shooting and stabbing incident in Nong Bua Lamphu province. 

More information:

• Terrorism

Travellers may experience sexual assault, other assault and robbery.

Be extra careful in tourist spots such as Khao San Road in Bangkok and the night-time entertainment zones in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket.

Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks. Don't leave food or drinks unattended. Don't drink home-made or local cocktails. They can contain narcotics or poison. You're at higher risk of sexual assault and theft if you get drugged.

Never leave your drink unattended.

Stay with people you trust at parties, in bars, nightclubs and taxis.

Get urgent medical attention if you think you or someone else has been drugged.

If you're a victim of violent crime, including rape, get immediate medical attention.

Under Thai law, courts will only accept the results of a medical examination from some government hospitals. After you've been examined by a government hospital, you can receive medical attention at a private hospital. Please contact the Australian Embassy Bangkok, Consulate-General Phuket, or Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra for assistance.

More information:

• Partying safely

Money and passports have been stolen from budget hotel and hostel rooms, and from bags on public transport. Thieves also target luggage stored on trains and below buses.

Bags have been snatched by thieves on motorcycles or sliced open with razor blades. 

To reduce your risk of theft:

• don't leave valuables in luggage stowed under buses or away from you on trains
• be wary of motorcycles approaching from behind as you walk on the footpath
• hold bags and backpacks in front of you

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events, or the Thai monarchy on your social media.

More information: 

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.  

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. 

More information: 

• Kidnapping 

Be aware of drink-spiking. Don't drink home-made or local cocktails. They can contain narcotics or poison. You're at higher risk of sexual assault and theft if you get drugged.

Never leave your drink unattended.

Stay with people you trust at parties, in bars, nightclubs and taxis.

Get urgent medical attention if you think you or someone else has been drugged.

Methanol can be used in unregulated alcohol production to lower costs. Methanol is highly toxic. As little as one shot can be fatal. Act quickly if you suspect you or someone you're travelling with has been poisoned. Urgent medical attention could save your life or save you from permanent disability. Report suspected cases of methanol poisoning to the police.

• be careful drinking cocktails and drinks made with spirits
• drink only at reputable licensed premises
• avoid home-made alcoholic drinks
• Labels on bottles aren't always accurate.

For more information, see our advice on:  Partying safely while overseas

Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes for:

• water sports, such as scuba diving
• adventure activities, such as bungee jumping, zip lining and rock climbing
• animal attractions, including elephant safaris

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• ask the operator about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Thailand experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• storms
• floods
• earthquakes
• tsunamis

Severe weather events are likely to disrupt transport, electricity and communications.

To stay safe during severe weather:

• check media and weather reports
• check in with your tour operator
• take official warnings seriously
• don't enter areas affected by flooding or landslides

If there is a natural disaster:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• keep in contact with friends and family
• monitor the media and other local sources of information
• follow the advice of local authorities
• Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Severe storms and widespread seasonal flooding can occur without warning. This includes flash floods.

The wet season in north and central Thailand is from May to October.

In Koh Samui and the south-east of the peninsula, the wet season is from November to March.

More information:

• Thai Meteorological Department

Earthquakes occur in Thailand.

Tsunamis are more likely in Thailand because of the risk of earthquakes. 

Check with the Indian Ocean Tsunami Information Center for further information.

If you're near the coast, move to high ground straight away if advised, or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, monitor local media.

More information:

• Thai Meteorological Department