10 Tips For Thailand Travel Success

Some hospitals and clinics have refused compensation to patients not satisfied with the results of cosmetic surgery or when patients are harmed or die during procedures.

Serious and possibly life-threatening complications can result. Standards at discount and uncertified medical establishments can be poor. Medical tourism, including for cosmetic and sex-change operations, is common in Thailand.

Seek advice from local authorities, your tour operator or hotel regarding seasonal bathing conditions, recommended precautions and other potential dangers. Stings from jellyfish and other marine animals can be fatal. Respect local customs and take care not to offend.

Deliberate transgressions of local customs, such as showing the soles of your feet or touching the top of a person's head, are likely to cause grave offence. See the Aviation Safety Network website for information on aviation safety in Thailand. The Australian Government does not provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Several safety incidents have recently been reported on vessels in Phuket. Australians have been killed and injured in ferry and boat accidents in coastal areas, including near Koh Samui. Vessel passenger limits are sometimes exceeded and, in many cases, insufficient life jackets are carried.

Ferry travel in Thailand can be dangerous. Riding in tuk tuks (motorised three-wheel vehicles) or on motorcycle 'taxis' poses additional risks. Official, metered, taxis are generally safe and convenient, but be alert to possible scams and safety risks.

Before hiring a motorcycle, check that you would be covered by your insurance policy and seek advice on any restrictions that may apply. If in doubt, seek local advice. However, detailed questions or commentary may be unwelcome or cause offence.

It is appropriate for Australians to offer their condolences to Thai people on the death of His Majesty. Many travellers fall victim to scams after accepting offers from people recommending or offering various goods or services, particularly when shopping for jewellery and gems. Public buildings, public transport, airports and sea ports are also potential targets for attack.

Possible targets for future attacks include places frequented by foreigners such as embassies, shopping malls, markets, banks, clubs, hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, schools, places of worship, outdoor recreation events, beach resorts and tourist areas. On 10 April 2015, a car bomb exploded in the car park of the Central Festival Mall, near Chaweng Beach on Koh Samui, injuring seven people. It was thrown from the bridge above.

On 18 August 2015, an explosive device detonated in the water below Taksin Bridge (Saphan Taksin), close to the main tourist ferry terminal in Bangkok (Sathorn Pier). There have been a number of other improvised explosive device (IED) incidents in Bangkok and other areas frequented by foreign tourists in recent years. Attacks could happen at any time.

If you travel to or stay in these provinces, you could get caught up in violence directed at others, or terrorist attacks. The Thai Government has warned tourists not to Travel to Thailand to this region. The military has also arrested some protest participants for failing to comply with orders to cease protest activity.