Four Life-saving Tips About Thailand Travel

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular services charter But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Some have resulted in deaths and injuries.

There have been a number of instances of train derailments in recent years, including on the Bangkok-Chiang Mai line. Be careful when opening taxi doors - look out for other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. Travel insurers often reject claims if the driver didn't have a valid motorbike licence or was affected by alcohol, for example.

Your Australian Travel to Thailand insurance probably includes limitations or exclusions that you need to consider before hiring a motorcycle. There have also been reports claiming that hire companies have arranged for motorbikes to be stolen from the hirer, and forced them to pay (in 'compensation') the value of a new motorbike plus lost earnings. Australians have reported cases in which motorcycle hire companies have demanded large amounts of compensation for pre-existing damage to motorbikes.

You may need to shop around to find somewhere you can hire a helmet. Helmets are only rarely provided by hire companies or motorcycle taxis. Under Thai law, motorcycle riders and passengers must wear a helmet.

You are roughly six times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Thailand than in Australia. Thailand has one of the highest traffic-related fatality rates in the world. Only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators.

Sufficient safety equipment may not be provided and recommended maintenance standards and safety precautions may not be observed. The safety standards you might expect of transport and tour operators, including adventure activities (examples: scuba diving, elephant safaris, bungee jumping), are not always met. The mourning period following the death of His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej continues.

On 1 December 2016, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun acceded to the throne and was proclaimed King of Thailand. Contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for official advice on purchasing jewellery and gems. If you believe that you have fallen victim to a vehicle scam, call the Tourist Police on 1155.

If there is a dispute about damage to a rented jet-ski or motorbike, rental operators may try to keep your passport until they receive compensation. Jet ski operators and businesses that hire out motorcycles may request your passport as a deposit or guarantee. Don't tempt thieves - avoid wearing expensive watches, jewellery and cameras.

Travellers have reported being drugged and robbed during bus and train journeys. Items have been removed from luggage on trains and from bags stored below buses. Money and passports have been stolen from rooms (particularly in cheaper hotels and hostels) and from bags on public transport.

It includes information on how to avoid becoming a victim of sexual assault and on the assistance available to victims. Read Reducing the risk of sexual assault overseas before you travel. If you suspect that you or a companion have been the victim of drink spiking, seek urgent medical attention.