It’s not longer a secret that Thailand is a popular destination for expats. Many people choose to leave the home country for good. But as a developing country, is Thailand a safe place to live? The answer is yes, mostly. In this article, we’ll cover topics like crime rates and traffic safety to give you a basic understanding of what to expect when living in Thailand.
Safety in Thailand
Thailand is in general a safe place, and the overall crime index is low, though this of course depends on the city. As you might expect, heavily urban areas have higher crime rates.
Personally, there is not a single country that I have ever felt safer in, except for maybe South Korea.
In Thailand, I often leave my phone or belongings on the table when I visit the bathroom, and they are usually still there when I return. This level of trust and safety is not something I experience in many places in the West.
Let’s review a few safety aspects that may impact expats living in Thailand.
Violent Crime
Incidents of violent crime such as assault or robbery are not common in Thailand. According to Numbeo, problems with violent crime in Thailand are low.
For some perspective, in 2021, Thailand recorded approximately 17 offenses related to life, body, and sexual crimes per 100,000 inhabitants. Compare this with the United States, where in the same year, the violent crime rate in the United States was approximately 377.6 per 100,000 inhabitants.
Granted, this isn’t an exact apples-to-apples comparison, but it does give you some idea of how low in violent crime Thailand is when compared to other countries.
Though violent crime in Thailand is low, it is still important to stay out of trouble in Thailand. You should especially avoid violent encounters, like fist fights, with locals. It is a well-known fact that they tend to end badly for foreigners.
In the West, where a fist fight may be considered a one-on-one encounter, locals do not consider it as such, and there are terrible stories of people being ganged up on. It is best to solve your problems without resorting to violent conflict.
Petty Crime
Though Thailand is a safe place, there is a moderate amount of petty crime, especially in cities such as Bangkok and Pattaya. These cities are often crowded with tourists, and therefore have higher instances of petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and scams.
I have personally never seen any pickpocketing going on, nor do I know anyone who has had their belongings stolen, though it does happen.
Scamming, on the other hand, is pervasive in tourist areas. There are all kinds of scams in Thailand, which I won’t go into in this post, but it is common.
If you’re an expat here, though, it’s not likely that you’re going to get scammed, as they are localized to the tourist hotspots.
Traffic Safety
The roads of Thailand, in my opinion, are the biggest safety concern. The country has one of the highest road traffic fatality rates in the world, attributed to factors like poor road conditions, disregard for traffic laws, and a high volume of motorbikes. Travelers and residents alike must exercise caution.
To give you an idea of just how bad it can be, in 2019, Thailand’s road traffic death rate was 32.2 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. In 2021, the United States’ road traffic death rate was 12.9 per 100,000 people. That’s more than double the death rate. (Most of the fatalities, as you might expect, come from motorcycle-related accidents.)
This has been improving in the last few years, and the government has been taking action to improve these metrics, but it is still very high.
Factors Influencing Safety in Thailand
High Number Tourist Areas
Though tourist areas are often well-patrolled, they attract more petty criminals, especially scammers. Make sure to always doubt offers that sound too good to be true, and be vigilant about your belongings.
Local Laws
Local laws, while strict on paper, can be inconsistently applied. Expats should familiarize themselves with local regulations to avoid any legal issues.
That being said, there are many things that are illegal in Thailand, yet seemingly tolerated. Prostitution is an obvious example of this. But just because you see other people engaging in illegal activities freely, it doesn’t mean you can’t get caught.
If it is illegal, it is best practice to follow the law, regardless of whether or not it is tolerated. You can always be punished for not following the law, and there is no knowing whether it will be enforced or not.
Cultural Values
It goes without saying that the cultural emphasis on respect and non-confrontation in Thailand contributes to the low rate of violent crimes. However, this can also lead to underreporting and unresolved grievances. Many local people do not involve the police, and sometimes it seems as if they do not trust them.
The Bottom Line
In summary, Thailand continues to appeal to many expats seeking a new place to call home. While the country has its share of challenges, particularly in areas like traffic safety and petty crime, it remains a generally safe place to live. Violent crime rates are low compared to many Western countries, and the sense of community and respect among locals contributes to a safer environment.
FAQs About Safety in Thailand
1. What are the safest cities in Thailand for expatriates?
Cities like Chiang Mai and Hua Hin have lowest crime rates.
2. How do Thailand’s road safety statistics compare to those of the US?
Thailand’s road traffic fatality rates are significantly higher than those in the U.S., with major safety concerns for motorcyclists.
3. What are common scams in Thailand that expatriates should be aware of?
Taxi overcharging, tuk-tuk scams, and fake gem sales are common.
4. Is Thailand’s healthcare system reliable for expatriates in case of emergencies?
Thailand has several internationally accredited hospitals in major cities, but rural areas may lack advanced care.
5. Is Thailand safer than its neighboring countries for foreign residents?
Safety varies widely across the region; however, Thailand generally offers a balanced environment with particular caution advised on roads and against petty crimes.
