Safety tips, Safety tips. I think the best one I can give here or in any country is be smart. You want to believe everyone you encounter is going to be extremely kind and live in this illusion that you’ll be safe, but that’s just not how traveling is these days. So be aware and vigilant and do not be looking down at your phone while walking around, especially if you are alone.
Also, as a tourist, people assume you have money to spend. They don’t realize that you’re a young college student, balling on a budget. So when discussing deals or negotiating don’t fall for the tourist traps. Keep your money in your bag at all time (that may be a given) but one time my friends accidentally pulled out a wad of cash unknowingly and a local quickly told her to put it away or she’d make herself a target of getting pick pocketed. I would suggest wearing a fanny pack or any type of back that is in front of you and that you can see. I’ve been lucky enough to not have been robbed or stolen from, but I’ve had a couple friends who’ve gotten their phones taken and others who’ve had their debit cards and cash taken as well. So be smart with your belongings and money. Don’t put anything down unknowingly and make sure you’re always looking out for your friends as well.
I’ve never actually felt unsafe here in Thailand. I’m always with my friends and most time the majority of the Thai people here are looking out for you rather than against you. So on the flip side of being smart, my advice would be to trust the process of things and that everything will fall into place. You may seem like you’re being fooled or deceived, but sometimes that’s just the way things work. What I mean is a taxi driver will approach you as you are dazed and confused getting off an overnight bus or train and you think that they’re going to rip you off or aren’t legit, but no, that’s just how things work in Thailand. People want the business and they act fast and will approach you to get your business. Don’t be afraid, stay on guard, but trust that most of these people do have your best interest. Always be kind and patient because I think the biggest disasters I’ve seen are when backpackers or tourists get angry about unorganized system of things of some aspects of Thailand and pick fights. Thais hate confrontation and don’t want to help those who tell them they aren’t doing their job right. So always be patient even if you want to get mad, things have a way of working themselves out here. But this does not mean you can’t walk away. BEST ADVICE, if you are uncomfortable or something is not sitting right with you, WALK AWAY. Just leave the scene. Don’t ever feel pressured to take a taxi or do something because you feel bad or you’re worried about making someone angry. It’s about you first and foremost being safe and comfortable. If a taxi driver is charging you a rate of 500 baht instead of using a meter…you can walk away. If someone says they can give you a ride for free…walk away. So again have faith, but also BE SMART. We’re not invincible, but also don’t be uptight.
