THAILAND

Thailand remains a generally safe tourist destination, offering modern infrastructure and a strong police presence in key tourist areas such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya. However, isolated incidents of petty crime – more opportunistic than violent, including pickpocketing, scams or minor assaults – can occur, particularly in busy areas and at night.

In Bangkok, security is generally good in tourist and business districts such as Sukhumvit, Silom, Siam, and Riverside. That said, while rare, serious incidents do happen. For instance, in late July 2025, a shooting in a central neighbourhood left five people dead. Peripheral districts like Khlong Toei or Bang Kapi, as well as less frequented areas, may also pose a higher risk of petty crime or incidents. Caution is therefore advised, especially at night.

Chiang Mai is known as a calm and safe city, especially in the historic centre, the Old City area and Nimmanhaemin. Nonetheless, caution is advised in more isolated zones or during night-time outings, particularly around popular markets such as the Sunday Night Market, where scams can occur.
Coastal regions such as Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, and Pattaya are generally well monitored. However, petty crime remains present – bag snatching, pickpocketing, and issues linked to vehicle rentals are not uncommon. Certain areas in Pattaya and Phuket may see alcohol-related incidents or disputes, especially at night, requiring increased vigilance.

While most of the country is peaceful, particularly in rural and tourist areas, some regions are witnessing growing instability.
Since late July 2025, the border situation between Thailand and Cambodia has become tense. An incident involving Thai soldiers injured by landmines triggered military escalation, with exchanges of fire and airstrikes. Both countries accuse each other of violating the ceasefire, and despite negotiations under Chinese mediation, the situation remains volatile.

This crisis has displaced over 300,000 people on both sides of the border, now living in precarious conditions. Border provinces such as Sisaket are high-risk areas, strongly advised against for travellers due to the threat of conflict, landmines, and heightened military presence.

In southern Thailand, particularly the provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat, a long-standing separatist conflict continues. These areas should be avoided due to the risk of bombings, ambushes, and violent attacks. Rooted in historical grievances stemming from the Siamese colonisation and assimilation policies, the conflict intensified in 2004. Since then, a wave of attacks, ambushes and violence targeting security forces, civilians, teachers, and religious figures has caused over 7,700 deaths.

Despite reinforced military presence and emergency laws, violence has not decreased. In 2024, a resurgence of attacks, ambushes, and killings was observed. Mediation efforts, often led by Malaysia, have failed to secure a lasting peace, and prospects for a settlement appear increasingly remote in 2025. Southern Thailand thus remains a high-risk zone. All non-essential travel to these provinces is strongly discouraged.

Furthermore, in some rural and mountainous areas, especially in the north and northeast – such as Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son or remote zones of Isan – road infrastructure may be limited or poorly maintained. Narrow, winding, unlit or damaged roads, often used by wild or domestic animals, increase the risk of accidents, particularly at night or during the rainy season, when landslides are possible.
Politically, Thailand in 2025 is marked by growing instability, driven by complex internal dynamics and the instrumentalisation of border tensions aimed at weakening the ruling democratic government. The executive, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is facing a deep crisis. The leak of a phone call between her and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen triggered large-scale protests in Bangkok, with monarchist conservatives and pro-democracy liberals taking to the streets. Thousands have demanded her resignation, accusing her of undermining national sovereignty and weakening the authority of the armed forces.

The Constitutional Court suspended Paetongtarn from office, leading to government turmoil (three Prime Ministers in just three days in early July 2025). The governing coalition is now fractured, particularly after the withdrawal of key partner Bhumjaithai, and amid growing calls for early elections. Some analysts suggest a military coup may be imminent, though the situation remains fluid. Political instability thus increases security risks, especially in Bangkok and protest-prone areas. Unpredictable demonstrations, inter-factional tensions, and possible emergency measures (curfews, movement restrictions) require heightened vigilance and adaptability of security arrangements (cf. the major violent protest episodes in 2010 and 2020, which resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries).

In summary, Thailand remains largely safe for tourists, especially in key tourist destinations. However, reasonable vigilance is advised against petty crime, particularly at night or in certain peripheral districts. Border areas with Cambodia and the country’s deep south remain high-risk zones, strongly advised against. Additionally, ongoing political instability in Bangkok heightens security risks, particularly during protests, factional clashes, or under exceptional measures (curfews, travel restrictions). The situation calls for increased vigilance and a rapid adaptation of security protocols, especially near official buildings, in city centres and around large gatherings.