Thailand is generally considered safe for solo travelers. Just like any other destination, there are some risks. It is always important to take precautions and stay aware of your surroundings. Overall, Thailand is known for its friendly locals and vibrant tourist scene. Let’s take a deeper look at that statement.

1. Positive aspects in favor of the country being safe
2. Negative aspects against the country being safe
3. Sex trafficking 
4. Safety tips

Positive aspects in favor of the country being safe

Thailand is known for its warm hospitality and friendly locals who are always willing to help. I find that statement to be a little bit intense. I sadly had some not-so-good interactions with Thai people, but a great majority of them are willing to help. One thing is certain, the country has well-developed tourist infrastructure, which allows solo travelers to easily find accommodation. Having a good amount of tourists at any time of the year, chances of you being alone and in danger with no witnesses are close to none. 

Negative aspects against the country being safe

Yes, there is a risk for theft, like anywhere in the world. Be careful with your belongings, as you always should. But the bigger dangers in Thailand, in my opinion, are the other tourists. And that is also anywhere in the world. Sadly, I have to admit, I have been drugged in Thailand. If I hadn’t been with a trustworthy friend, who happened to not be drinking at that one club, who knows what could have happened. I am glad to say nothing happened to me thanks to her. This is a reminder to be extra careful when going out while traveling. It’s easy to make new but fake friends in a bar/club and for them to have extremely bad intentions. 

Sex trafficking 

Now, let’s talk about sex trafficking. Every time I would tell a family member about my trip to Thailand, they would ask me: “Isn’t that the place where there is a lot of sex trafficking?”. Unfortunately, it does exist in many parts of the world, including Thailand. Sex trafficking involves the exploitation of individuals, often women and children, for the purpose of forced prostitution. What I was wrong to think, is that the danger was mostly for us tourists. It is always important to stay vigilant, but it is not common for tourists to be kidnapped for sex trafficking in Thailand. The bigger danger for the tourists, regarding sex trafficking in Thailand, is their contribution to the issue by engaging in activities that exploit individuals who are forced into the sex trade. While it might be okay in your home country to go to a strip club, I highly suggest you don’t go over there. While we will never have the certainty of it, most of the women in these clubs are not there by choice and the money you pay will never get to them. Same thing for ping-pong shows. I will not be explaining what it is, but I will tell you that the principle is the same. 

Safety tips

There are many small actions you can take that have the power of doing a huge difference for your safety. Let’s take a look at some of the most important ones : 

• How to stay safe in taxis: I highly suggest using a taxi app like Grab. You know the fixed price in advance, which avoids any scams, and have access to the driver’s personal details. Also, it makes them very unlikely to commit a crime, since they will be identified very easily. 
• Pickpocketing and bag snatching: Having an expensive, cute purse is not the best way to go. I suggest having a fanny pack instead. It might be a little less cute but this way you can keep your most valuable belongings like phone, cards and passport close to you. Click here for mine.
• Buy padlocks for hostels: If you plan to stay in hostels, almost every single one of them will have lockers. They’re available for you to leave the most important stuff locked and secured. The thing is, you have to bring your own locks. Click here for the ones I have.
• Small alarm: When I went solo traveling, I bought this little alarm. It might not be magic, but the sound being very strong, it surely scares the criminal, calls for help and/or will buy you some time to react. Here is one you can get on Amazon: small alarm.
• Stay connected: Make sure to keep your loved ones informed about your itinerary and stay in touch with them regularly. I personally have an iPhone and I love the localization app. I share my localization with my parents, sisters and friends. 
• Trust your instincts: If a situation feels uncomfortable or unsafe, trust your gut and remove yourself from it. Your safety is the top priority.
• Respect the local culture: Dressing modestly and showing respect for religious sites will help you blend in and minimize unwanted attention.

These tips will help enhance your safety while traveling solo. Now, enjoy your trip and have fun exploring all that Thailand has to offer. Check out my other articles on Thailand to find out more about the country. My advice would be to start with this one: Everything There Is To Know About Thailand.