Orientation briefing in Thailand

Two unified Thai kingdoms emerged in the mid-13th century. The Sukhothai Kingdom, located in the south-central plains, gained its independence from the Khmer Empire to the east. By the late 13th century, Sukhothai’s territory extended into present-day Burma and Laos. Sukhothai lasted until the mid-15th century. The Thai Lan Na Kingdom was established in the north with its capital at Chang Mai; the Burmese conquered Lan Na in the 16th century. The Ayutthaya Kingdom (14th-18th centuries) succeeded the Sukhothai and would become known as the Siamese Kingdom. During the Ayutthaya period, the Thai/Siamese peoples consolidated their hold on what is present-day central and north-central Thailand. Following a military defeat at the hands of the Burmese in 1767, the Siamese Kingdom rose to new heights under the military ruler TAKSIN, who defeated the Burmese occupiers and expanded the kingdom’s territory into modern-day northern Thailand (formerly the Lan Na Kingdom), Cambodia, Laos, and the Malay Peninsula. In the mid-1800s, Western pressure led to Siam signing trade treaties that reduced the country’s sovereignty and independence. In the 1890s and 1900s, the British and French forced the kingdom to cede Cambodian, Laotian, and Malay territories that had been under Siamese control.

Following a bloodless revolution in 1932 that led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy, Thailand's political history was marked by a series of mostly bloodless coups with power concentrated among military and bureaucratic elites. Periods of civilian rule were unstable. The Cold War era saw a communist insurgency and the rise of strongman leaders. Thailand became a US treaty ally in 1954 after sending troops to Korea and later fighting alongside the US in Vietnam. In the 21st century, Thailand has experienced additional turmoil, including a military coup in 2006 that ousted then Prime Minister THAKSIN Chinnawat and large-scale street protests led by competing political factions in 2008-2010. In 2011, THAKSIN's youngest sister, YINGLAK Chinnawat, led the Puea Thai Party to an electoral win and assumed control of the government.

In 2014, after months of major anti-government protests in Bangkok, the Constitutional Court removed YINGLAK from office, and the Army, led by Gen. PRAYUT Chan-ocha, then staged a coup against the caretaker government. The military-affiliated National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) ruled the country under PRAYUT for more than four years, drafting a new constitution that allowed the military to appoint the entire 250-member Senate and required a joint meeting of the House and Senate to select the prime minister -- which effectively gave the military a veto on the selection. King PHUMIPHON Adunyadet passed away in 2016 after 70 years on the throne; his only son, WACHIRALONGKON (aka King RAMA X), formally ascended the throne in 2019. The same year, a long-delayed election allowed PRAYUT to continue his premiership, although the results were disputed and widely viewed as skewed in favor of the party aligned with the military. The country again experienced major anti-government protests in 2020. The reformist Move Forward Party won the most seats in the 2023 election but was unable to form a government, and Srettha THRAVISIN from the Pheu Thai Party replaced PRAYUT as prime minister after forming a coalition of moderate and conservative parties.

The political situation can be unpredictable and has led to periods of civil and political unrest. Avoid protests, political gatherings, demonstrations and marches.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Thailand-Malaysia border

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of the south, near the Thailand-Malaysia border:

• Pattani Province
• Yala Province
• Narathiwat Province
• The districts of Chana, Thepa, Na Thawi and Saba Yoi in southern Songkhla Province

FCDO also advises against all but essential travel on the Hat Yai to Padang Besar train line that runs through these provinces.

This is due to regular attacks in the provinces by the border with Malaysia. See Safety and security .

Thailand-Cambodia border

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 20km of the land border with Cambodia.

Fighting occurred along parts of the border in July 2025, and further clashes took place in early December, involving rocket and artillery fire. Land borders and crossings between Thailand and Cambodia remain suspended. Tourist sites close to the border, including the Khao Phra Wihan Preah Vihear temple, the Ta Kwai Ta Krabey temple and the Ta Muen Thom Tamone Thom temple, are closed. There are unexploded landmines in the area. Travel to affected border regions should be avoided.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

Severe Flooding

Severe flooding is affecting parts of Thailand following heavy rainfall in a number of provinces, including Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan. All 50 districts of Bangkok have been declared disaster-affected areas. Travel disruption, including road closures and flooding of low-lying areas, is possible.

The Thai government has declared special public holidays on 28 and 29 September in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan. Many government offices and services may be closed or operating with reduced capacity. Follow the advice of local authorities if you plan to travel.

Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East

Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights.

Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel: 

• check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through

• check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator

• review your travel insurance policy for coverage

• monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts

• If you have been impacted by travel disruption and need to review your Thai Visa, please follow the guidance published by the Thai Immigration Bureau: Immigration Bureau Facebook

It is illegal to carry cannabis out of Thailand

British nationals have been caught carrying cannabis out of Thailand, including while transiting through other countries. Many international airports have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items, which may be used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers. If caught you will be arrested or fined.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow FCDO:   

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

• Travel Aware on Instagram

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Thailand.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Thailand

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Thailand.

There are regular terrorist attacks in the 4 provinces in the southern tip of Thailand by the border with Malaysia. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to these provinces.

Martial law is in place in most areas in these provinces, which means security forces have greater security enforcement and investigative powers. See Regional risks.

However, terrorist attacks could take place anywhere in Thailand. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in tourist destinations. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Targets might include:

• security forces
• government offices
• locations popular with tourists and foreigners
• hotels
• shops and supermarkets
• transport infrastructure

Political situation

The political situation can be unpredictable and has led to periods of civil and political unrest. Avoid protests, political gatherings, demonstrations and marches.

Crime

Protecting yourself and your belongings

To reduce your personal risk:

• carry your valuables and cash securely to guard against pickpocketing
• beware of bag-snatchers, especially on motorbikes
• take care when travelling in open transport like tuk-tuks
• avoid sleeping on buses and trains – people have had items taken from bags while asleep

Do not hand your passport over as a guarantee, for example to motorcycle or jet-ski rental businesses. Companies may hold on to passports against claimed damage.

Violent crime

Violent crime, including gun crime, rarely involves tourists. However, several foreign nationals were victims of gun violence in Bangkok in 2018. Take care when travelling in unfamiliar areas and avoid walking through isolated areas alone, especially at night.

Sexual assault

Violent sexual assaults and unprovoked attacks can happen in tourist areas across Thailand. Attacks are most common during full moon parties or similar events, and near bars late at night.

Drink spiking, alcohol and assaults

Drink spiking and drug-assisted sexual assault does happen in tourist areas around Thailand, with male and female victims. Do not leave your drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers. Pre-arrange your transport home so you do not have to accept lifts in unlicensed vehicles.  

Drinks served in bars are often stronger than those in the UK. Alcohol and drugs can make you less alert and more vulnerable to accidents, injuries, robbery and assaults.

Methanol poisoning

There have been deaths and cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in Thailand.  

Even small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell. See Travel Aware Spiking and methanol poisoning for information about how to reduce the risks. 

Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.

Bank card fraud

Be aware of card fraud. Do not lose sight of your card during transactions. There have been incidents of ATM skimming. Use an ATM in a bank and always protect your PIN.

Job scams

Be wary of job offers that appear too good to be true. People have arrived in Thailand and been illegally transported to neighbouring countries on the promise of high-paying jobs, which turn out to be scams. When you re-enter Thailand you may then be detained while your immigration status is validated.

There have been incidents of:

• passports confiscated by scammers
• victims being held in poor living conditions
• coercion into undertaking wider online scamming activity
• pressure to make large payments to be released from sham jobs

Laws and cultural differences

The British Embassy in Bangkok’s video talks about what to be aware of when living or travelling in Thailand:

• Facebook – visiting Thailand video
• X – visiting Thailand video

Criticising the Thai monarchy

Criticising the Thai monarchy (‘lèse-majesté’) is illegal. The law can be interpreted broadly and carries a long prison sentence. British and Thai journalists, human rights defenders and members of the public have faced charges for making political comments or sharing articles online that could be interpreted as being negative towards the institution of the Thai monarchy. The law also covers any accusations about members of the Thai Royal Family, past and present.   

Images on social media

Posting images of people drinking alcohol or wearing clothing considered inappropriate can be illegal. Both the person who uploaded the images and the people in them could be fined or imprisoned.

Business and property ownership

Thai authorities have increased enforcement against unlawful business ownership arrangements involving foreign nationals. This includes the use of Thai nationals as ‘nominee’ and majority shareholders, where a foreign national provides the funding for, or exercises control over, a business or property ownership arrangement.

If you are considering buying property, investing in a business or setting up a company in Thailand, make sure you understand local laws and seek independent legal advice. If you already own a business or have property-related investments in Thailand, consider reviewing your ownership arrangements with a qualified legal adviser to ensure they comply with Thai law. Those found to be operating in breach of Thai business laws may face arrest, fines, deportation or other legal penalties.

Deportation

On 28 August 2026, Thailand introduced new deportation regulations. Foreign nationals may be deported without the need for a criminal conviction if the Thai authorities determine that their conduct is contrary to public order, public morals or the wellbeing of the Thai people. Those who are deported may also face restrictions on returning to Thailand. You should comply with all local laws and regulations and follow instructions issued by Thai authorities.

Drones

It is illegal to fly a drone in Thailand if it is not registered. You must register your drone with Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) within 30 days of entering Thailand or purchasing a drone in Thailand even if you do not intend to fly it.

The regulations apply to all drones, including those for recreational use. The fine for an unregistered drone with the NBTC is 100,000 baht or five years imprisonment or both.

Gambling – playing cards

Thailand has strict laws on gambling. Under the Playing Cards Act (1943) it is illegal to carry over one hundred and twenty playing cards. Violation of the Act could lead to prosecution, a fine, or even imprisonment.

Personal ID

Police may ask to check your passport. If you do not have it with you, you could be asked to produce it within 24 hours at a police station. Usually, a copy of the photo page of your passport will be sufficient. 

Smoking and e-cigarette bans

It’s illegal to smoke in public with a fine of up to 5,000 Thai baht. It is illegal to possess or use any vape, e-cigarette, pod, e-liquid, or heat-not-burn device in Thailand. Offences can lead to confiscation, heavy fines (typically 5,000–30,000 Thai bhat), detention, and court proceedings. You may be required to remain in Thailand until the case has been finalised. There are no exceptions for tourists or for personal use.

Alcohol sale restrictions

The sale of alcohol is restricted between midnight and 11am. This does not apply to licensed hotels, international airport terminals or authorised entertainment venues. Exercise caution when purchasing or consuming alcohol in public places during restricted hours and check with venue owners or shop sellers. Failure to comply could result in a fine.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Thailand has strict laws against drug use, possession and trafficking. Possessing small quantities of illegal substances can lead to heavy fines or imprisonment. Possessing Class A drugs can lead to the death penalty.

Conditions in prisons and other detention facilities in Thailand are harsh, with limited access to healthcare. Detainees have died in custody.

Some British nationals have suffered severe psychiatric problems because of drug use, sometimes leading to suicide.

Cannabis

Cannabis laws in Thailand are strictly enforced and have changed in recent years. You must follow local regulations on possession, use and export.

Cannabis use in Thailand is restricted to medical purposes only. You must not buy, possess or use it without a Thai-issued medical prescription, which is limited to a 30-day supply. Recreational use remains illegal.

It is illegal to take cannabis out of Thailand without the appropriate export permission from the authorities.

Attempting to take cannabis out of Thailand will result in penalties, including fines starting at 30,000 Thai baht per kilogram (about £684 per kg). If you do not pay, you will be detained or imprisoned. You will also be placed on an immigration watchlist affecting future travel to Thailand.

Cannabis is illegal in many countries. If you carry it when arriving in, or transiting through, another country, you risk arrest and serious penalties, including long prison sentences.

LGBT+ travellers

Thailand is generally a safe place for LGBT+ travellers. Thailand legalised same-sex marriage in January 2025. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs

It’s illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts without a licence.  

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Elephant treks

Elephant treks can be dangerous, especially if elephants are mistreated or not handled properly. Use a reliable, licensed tour guide. British nationals have been seriously injured and killed because handlers have lost control of the elephant.

Swimming safety

Take care when swimming off coastal areas, especially during monsoon season. People have drowned in strong riptides. Thailand has lifeguards on duty at designated beaches and operates a flag system for safe swimming. Follow all warning signs, especially red flags.

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Jellyfish can swim close to the shore, particularly during the rainy season from May to October. Jellyfish stings can be fatal. Take local advice from your hotel and dive centres.

Take care when swimming, diving, kayaking or white water rafting in rivers or close to waterfalls, particularly in the rainy season. Currents can be extremely strong.

See ⁠watersports safety advice from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA).

Scuba diving

Diving schools may have limited resources and do not always observe safety and maintenance standards. Always: 

• ask to see a dive operator’s credentials
• check the conditions on your insurance policy – some policies require dive instructors to have certain qualifications
• make sure safety equipment looks to be in good condition
• make sure oxygen is available on the boat
• ask about safety precautions, including the ability to transfer divers to a hyperbaric chamber

If you have not had any previous diving experience, check what to do if something goes wrong, including how to call for help while at sea. 

Transport risks

Road travel

Thailand has a high number of road traffic accidents, particularly with motorcycles. The World Health Organisation (WHO) ranks Thailand as one of the world’s deadliest countries for fatalities on motorcycles.

If you are planning to drive in Thailand, see information on driving abroad. You’ll need to carry both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence while driving. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

If you live in Thailand, you can apply for a Thai driving licence using your UK driving licence.

Car and motorcycle hire

Motorcycles and scooters for hire in tourist areas are often unregistered and cannot be used legally on a public road. Before you hire a vehicle, make sure your travel insurance covers you and check the small print of the lease agreement, paying particular attention to any limits on engine size and necessary licenses. Many travel insurance policies expect you to hold the correct UK licence for the type of car, motorbike or scooter you intend to drive abroad. This means that if you wouldn’t be legally permitted to drive it in the UK, your insurer may not cover you for driving it in Thailand.

By law, you must wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle.

If you drive a car or ride a motorcycle in Thailand without a valid licence, it could invalidate your travel insurance and you’ll be unable to claim if you have an accident or injury.

Air safety

Nok Air has been suspended from operating international flights due to safety concerns by Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority, though still operates domestically within Thailand.

Sea travel

There are many passenger boat services operating between the mainland and islands. Boats can sink or collide, which has led to fatalities, including of British nationals. Accidents are usually due to:

• overloading
• poor maintenance
• rough seas, particularly during monsoon season

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Rainy season

The rainy season is generally from May to October. In Koh Samui and south-east Thailand it is usually from November to March. However, weather patterns have become increasingly unpredictable and periods of intense rainfall can occur across Thailand.

Heavy rainfall can cause flash flooding, landslides and disruption to transport, particularly in northern, north-eastern and mountainous areas. Conditions can change rapidly and may result in road closures and local travel disruption. Lakes, caves and waterfalls are particularly at risk of dangerous flash flooding.

Follow local authority advice and monitor the Thai Meteorological Department for weather warnings.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes and tremors are a risk in northern Thailand. Earthquake Track lists recent activity.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

This section has safety advice for regions of Thailand. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Thailand-Malaysia border  

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of the south, near the Thailand-Malaysia border:

• Pattani Province
• Yala Province
• Narathiwat Province
• The districts of Chana, Thepa, Na Thawi and Saba Yoi in southern Songkhla Province

FCDO also advises against all but essential travel on the Hat Yai to Padang Besar train line that runs through these provinces.

This is due to regular attacks in the provinces by the border with Malaysia. See Safety and security .

Thailand-Cambodia border

In July 2025, Thailand and Cambodia fought along parts of the border. The fighting included the use of rocket and artillery fire. Tensions remain and fighting erupted again at various points along the border in early December. Land borders and crossings between Thailand and Cambodia continue to be suspended. Some tourist destinations in border areas such as the Khao Phra Wihan/Preah Vihear temple, the Ta Kwai/Ta Krabey temple and the Ta Muen Thom/Tamone Thom temple are closed.

There are also unexploded landmines in the border area.

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 20km of the land border with Cambodia.

Thailand-Laos border

Not all land border crossings into Laos are open to foreign nationals. Even if the border crossing is open, you may need to get a visa for Laos in advance. Check the entry requirements in the Laos travel advice. Follow the instructions of local authorities and be vigilant in the border areas.

Thailand-Myanmar border

The security situation in Myanmar is unpredictable and liable to change without notice. See Myanmar travel advice.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 191 and ask for an ambulance.

Local number: 1669

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest information on vaccinations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Thailand guide
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Thailand, including: 

• Zika virus
• malaria and dengue
• rabies

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Thailand. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro. 

Air quality

There can be high levels of air pollution in large cities. This includes Bangkok and Chiang Mai, which are also affected by seasonal regional smoke haze caused by farmers burning trees and crops. The high pollution and particulate count sometimes reach dangerous levels. This may worsen bronchial, sinus or asthma conditions.

Check air quality levels for many cities on the World Air Quality Index website.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Hospitals and pharmacies across Thailand will usually accept UK prescriptions. Brand-name medication can often be more expensive than locally produced medication.

Medication sold on the street may not be genuine or may have been stolen. Taking medication without medical advice or a prescription can have serious health consequences.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Thailand

FCDO has a list of medical facilities in Thailand where some staff will speak English.

All hospitals require a guarantee of payment before treating patients. Make sure you have adequate health insurance.

Private hospitals in Thailand are of a high standard but can be expensive. Public hospitals and clinics do not always meet UK standards, particularly outside Bangkok.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.