Mistakes Foreigners Make in Thailand
Most problems tourists encounter in Thailand are avoidable with a little preparation. Here are the most common mistakes — and exactly how to avoid them.
Quick Answer
What mistakes do foreigners make in Thailand?
The most consequential mistakes are: disrespecting the monarchy (a criminal offence), overstaying visas, riding motorbikes without valid licences, falling for well-known transport scams, dressing inappropriately at temples, and failing to carry adequate travel insurance. Most are easily avoided with basic awareness.
Cultural and Legal Mistakes
Criticising the Royal Family:Thailand's lèse-majesté law (Section 112 of the Criminal Code) makes criticising the monarchy — including the King, Queen, heir apparent, and regent — a criminal offence carrying 3–15 years imprisonment per count. This applies to foreign nationals. Be extremely careful about what you say, write, or post online while in Thailand.
Disrespecting Buddha images: Tattoos of Buddha are considered deeply offensive — a British tourist was deported for having one. Posing irreverently in front of temple statues regularly goes viral and causes serious offence. The same respect applies to all religious sites and items.
Inappropriate dress at temples: Many foreigners arrive at temples in shorts and sleeveless tops and are turned away or must borrow a sarong. Cover shoulders and knees before visiting any wat.
Visa Overstay
Transport and Money Mistakes
Not using metered taxis or Grab: Taking an unlicensed or pre-quoted taxi from outside airports and tourist sites almost always means paying 3–5x the metered rate. Always use Grab or insist on the meter.
Accepting DCC at ATMs and card terminals: Choosing to pay in your home currency (Dynamic Currency Conversion) at Thai ATMs and card machines costs 3–8% extra. Always choose THB.
Renting a motorbike without a licence: Not only illegal but voids travel insurance. Hospital bills for motorbike injuries can exceed 500,000 THB without cover.
Health and Safety Mistakes
Not carrying travel insurance is the most financially dangerous mistake. Not wearing sunscreen in 35°C tropical sun causes severe burns quickly. Eating food from stalls with no turnover and food sitting in the open raises food safety risk — choose stalls cooking fresh and hot. Ignoring red flag warnings on beaches leads to drownings every year.