r/ThailandTourism

Since I wish I was warned before planning a trip there, I want to try and be this warning to others.

There is a specific nationality that has taken over this island, associated with committing a well documented crime proven by the International Court of Justice. Unfortunately I can't name them without this post getting removed, but I guess most everyone knows who I am talking about. They finish their service and go to the island to have their vacation and "heal". 

Understandably, being around them can be triggering and feel unsafe to a lot of people. They are everywhere on the island and kinda hard to ignore. Therefore, before putting the effort and money to plan a trip there, be mindful of this.

I know for some this warning might seem silly, but this can be a serious trigger for a lot of people especially those directly affected by their actions. 

Unfortunately, I wasn't aware until late, and I did leave earlier than intended because I didn't feel safe, especially after witnessing what they've been doing for the last three years. I spoke to locals and other foreigners who had lived on the island for a long time and learned that this nationality is opening a lot of businesses on the island that are often illegal and registered under Thai nominee names.

I understand you go to Koh Phangan for vacation, partying, seeking wellness and having fun, but I invite you to do that with awareness, making sure to give back to the locals instead of contributing to that nationality's expansion. For example, while I was there I made the effort to ensure the restaurant I was eating at is Thai owned, sometimes going as far as asking the staff directly about the owner.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post.

I am actually in Samui and a lot Police on the streets. Today I am stopped from the Police to Control the international driver licence. I saw that now twice, be careful and ensure you have it

Heyyy, I’m 23F and this is gonna be my first time going to Thailand and my flight is next week. I’m planning on bringing my currency PHP 35,000 to show Immigration and I read from this sub that the exchange rates are better after passing Thailand Immigration. But the money exchangers that was mentioned is in Bangkok.

Is it gonna be hard to exchange currencies that aren’t USD and GBP? I’m really worried. This is my second international flight. Thank you so much

Hey everyone,

I’m heading to Thailand solo from November 2nd to December 6th and would love to get some feedback on my current plan.

I’ve been to Phuket before, but nowhere else in Thailand.

Current idea:

• Nov 2–7: Bangkok
• Nov 7–21: Chiang Mai
• Nov 21–Dec 5: Krabi / Ao Nang
• Dec 5–6: Bangkok

I’m working remotely during the trip, usually around 2pm-10pm Thailand time, Monday–Friday. Because of that I don’t want to move around too much or spend every weekend on planes/ferries. I’ll have my mornings free for exploring, gym, food, beaches etc., and weekends for longer trips.

My main priorities are:

• great Thai food
• nature
• meeting people / social atmosphere
• beaches and swimming
• keeping a good balance between travelling and actually living there for a while
• going to the gym 3-4 times a week - this one is pretty important to me

I’m travelling with a big suitcase, so I’d rather have 3-4 proper bases than change accommodation every few days.

The part I’m still unsure about is the two weeks after Chiang Mai.

Would you:

A) stay the full two weeks around Ao Nang/Krabi and use it as a base for Railay, islands, diving, Khao Sok etc.?

B) do one week Ao Nang + one week Koh Lanta?

C) recommend somewhere completely different for that part of the trip?

I was considering Koh Samui / Koh Phangan too, but November weather seems less reliable there.

Also, how is Ao Nang for actually living/working for 1–2 weeks? Is there enough going on after 10pm, decent gyms, cafés/coworking and opportunities to meet other solo travellers? Or does it get boring quite quickly?

And finally - anyone else travelling or working remotely in Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Krabi around these dates? Would be cool to grab food, coffee, hit the gym or explore together.

Any feedback on the itinerary is appreciated, especially from people who have done a longer workation in Thailand.

Hi
I am planning to travel next month to Phuket
All middle eastern airlines are better priced but I am uncertain because of war situation. It gets nasty out of blue.
Whereas Thai Airways is hell expensive. Batik is higher priced than emirates with long layovers.
Should I book Emirates or Itehad?

I'm from the Philippines and my grandpa randomly requested that he wants us to buy him a phone in Thailand as a souvenir for our ongoing trip.

What smartphone brands and specific model do you recommend. It must have a decent camera, good battery that is relatively cheap or bang for the buck. Comments will be highly appreciated!

Hi, I have had issues previously arriving in BKK due to how many stamps I have. I also have a brief overstay of 3 days earlier this year.

If I have a pre-approved E-VISA (rather then getting visa upon entry at the airport) what are the chances I am still questioned and/or denied entry?

Once they see the E-VISA should you be confident there will be no issues?

Many thanks!

I was scammed several times the last time I came here over 35 years ago.

Got my DTV visa and been in Thailand one month. Currently in Ao Nang, Krabi.

I just had one beer in a bar last night, and thought I gave the waiter 500 note (it was dark). Waited for 400 baht change and it never came.

Asked the waiter respectfully where my change was, from my 500 and he said I only gave 100.

Being alone in a bar without any evidence I decided to walk away. However I can’t be 100% certain it could have been my error.

What would you have done?

I guess I could have shone my phone on the note before handing it over and shouted ‘500’ but maybe that’s a bit excessive.

So its becoming clear you can't open a company..... to own a villa

You either

1. buy leasehold 30 years
2. buy villa in partners name which often end in tragedy

----

Won't this cause a near total freeze on sales now of luxury villas? Do villa price collapse ?

Not many people want to own a villa for only 30 years with no guarentee of longer, and buying a villa in a thai female name is always a massive risk not matter what you think of the relationship you have