How Not To Get Arrested When On Holiday in Thailand

Thailand has a reputation around the world as being a drug-fuelled, relaxed country where anything goes. However, this misconception is what sees a large number of tourists arrested annually as the legal system in the country is actually very strict. Punishments in Thailand range from minor sentences like fines up to the death penalty. Let's be honest, unlike when serving time in the UK, in Asia your human rights are stripped, so to avoid time in a horrendous jail, follow these simple rules.

Respect Bhumibol Adulyadej (The King Of Thailand)

When visiting Thailand it is extremely important that you show respect to the Thai King. King Bhumibol over the last 60 years has worked to make the country better for its citizens and this has him held in the highest regards with people seeing him as the Father of Thailand. If you are found to make any disrespectful statements, deface photographs of him and/or his family or write stories that show the King in a bad light you will be arrested and face prison time.

In recent years, there have been two reporting of westerners being arrested for acts against the King. The act is known as a lese majeste law and has seen an Australian and Swiss man face time in a Thai jail. The Australian writer was arrested for writing a fictional book about the royal family whilst the Swiss man whilst drunk spray painted over photos of the King. Both served months in prison before the King himself pardoned the men and allowed them to return home.

Never Step on Money

In Thailand, your feet are considered to be the dirtiest part of the body, especially with Buddhists. The currency in the country has the image of the King, so like the last point, it is considered extremely disrespectful to use the dirtiest part of the body to deface the King's image. It can be as simple as dropping a coin and using your foot to sweep the money up, this is an offence that brings jail time. A German man once in an argument with locals stamped on the currency and was swiftly arrested.

Say No to Drugs

With how the nightlife and Full Moon parties are portrayed, you would believe that a booze and drug-fuelled night was acceptable in Thailand. This couldn't be further from the true in 2017 with police targetting tourists who are bringing a bad reputation to the country. Even though locals and westerners may try their luck on the beaches, it really is not worth the risk as drugs like marijuana which are legal in some countries will get you arrested.

For taking drugs in Thailand, you may not receive the most severe punishments that their legal system has in place with a light sentence of a few months normally handed out. However, if you are caught dealing the drugs, you are likely to receive the death penalty. Yes that serious, so don't head over to Thailand next summer for the Full Moon parties looking to make a few extra quid as the risks are not worth the rewards.

Do Not Overstay Your Welcome

Like with drug control, Thailand has become much stricter about how long people are staying in the country over the Visa. If you stay in Thailand past your immigration stamp date you are illegally in the country which we see you arrested, put in jail and incarcerated until your court date. Currently, most tourists are overstaying their welcome and are not getting caught until at the airport. If you are at the airport trying to leave the country you will be charged 500 THB (£11.44) for each day longer you stayed,

For any reason, you don't want to leave the country and want to avoid the police you can make a run for the Cambodian border. The journey takes around 6 hours and costs around 2100 THB (£48.04). You can then re-enter Thailand at the border and avoid charges and the police. This is the last resort as you really do not want to visit a Thai prison.

Travel Guide

Not getting arrested in Thailand is mostly common sense, which is why the figures of westerners getting arrest are so staggering. As long as you show respect, avoid drugs and follow the immigration laws, you will be just fine. If you would like more information about travelling around Thailand, be sure to check out this Top 11 Reasons to visit Thailand travel guide which will help you plan activities that will keep you out of Thai jails.