Passport.
Never give your passport to anyone as a security,
keep it in your hotel safe and carry a photocopy. Use your phone and camera to take a picture of it.
Credit Cards.
Keep your credit card in sight at all times and do not
let people see the number on the back. Put a sticker over the number.
ATM Use.
After a transaction and you receive your money,
you will be asked do you want to continue. A press of a button releases your card.
Only use in well lit areas and not when intoxicated.
The Beach.
During the wet season and rough weather many underwater
currents can form and many drowning occur, observe the flags on the beach which indicate safe conditions.
Do not swim at night as you are probably being watched and your things will be stolen.
Guests in your Hotel Room.
Most hotels require you to register your guest and many charge and extra fee.
It’s what happens when you sleep, keep valuables locked away.
Use your own lock on the safe door and check who has access to the safe when you are out.
Behaviour in Public.
Don’t Shout and yell, swear or abuse people,
taking things like drinking glasses and beer holders from a bar or restaurant is stealing.
Observe dress standards, shirts after dark, appropriate clothing for temple and government buildings.
Transport.
Negotiate the price before traveling, there are some set prices,
but you can still negotiate. Do not put yourself in a bad situation over a few dollars.
Forget the principle of it, or that you feel you have been over charged.
It’s safer to use a Taxi rather than hire, if you must hire a car or bike, take pictures.
The driver must have an international drivers licence and you need a helmet for each person.
Ignorance of the road rules is no excuse for a mistake.
Jet Ski’s
The same as motorcycles, if it’s not necessary, don’t use them,
check the internet before hiring. If you have a problem go to the Kathu Police Station for assistance.
Touts (people on the streets wanting to talk)
People selling everything from real estate to Go Go shows,
if you want to waste your holiday time and your money, keep talking.
The best thing to do is walk away and don’t look back.
The Police.
Be polite, do not shout or get to close, speak slowly and with respect.
Ask to speak with an International Volunteer. They will organise for a speaker of your language,
do not tell a lie, it will become more difficult for you.
Bangla Road.
This is the internationally known Walking Street in the heart of
Patong Beach, like anywhere else in the world there are some calculating people looking for an easy dollar.
Use your common sense, ask the price of drinks and what is included, especially Go Go Bars.
Pay for your drinks as you go rather than a tab, then you know how much you spend.
Having your picture taken with a lizard or lady boy will cost you, again negotiate first.
Drugs.
Do not buy drugs, you may be set up by people saying they are police,
and the police will catch you.
Walking the streets.
Everyone in Thailand is trying to make a living,
don’t loose it because you are asked over and over, Tuk Tuk, Massage, you want a suit, or anything else.
Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere in the land of smiles.
Walk safely, not on the busy road but on the walkways
and footpaths and watch for the direction of the traffic.
Important Numbers.
Patong Hospital 076340444
Bangkok Hospital 24 hours 1719
The International Hospital 24 hours 076249400
The Watania Clinic. 076340690
Police.
All police 191 24 hours
Patong Police, Tourist assistance region 8, a list of names,
countries and languages spoken is available from Bangala Police Box and Kathu Police Station.
Tourist Police 1155
Immigration Volunteers Hot Line 0901707360.