Winter holiday in Thailand? Be careful in traffic
Thailand is a popular winter destination for Nordic travellers, and the high season begins now. SOS International reminds that road safety is low in Thailand.
Thailand equals beautiful beaches, friendly people and delicious food. But Thailand is also known for chaotic traffic and a very lenient attitude to traffic rules. The country is number 9 on the list of the world's most dangerous countries in terms of traffic, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Only surpassed by a number of African countries, Venezuela and Saudi Arabia.
At SOS International, which helps Nordic travellers who fall ill or are injured on their journey, Thailand is also the place with the highest number of cases of traffic accidents.
- Thailand is the place where we have the most cases of traffic accidents. Fortunately, they are not all equally serious, but we also see very serious accidents. It is a good idea to be prepared for the fact that traffic is something completely different in Thailand than we know it here in the Nordic countries, says Karin Tranberg, EVP, Travelcare at SOS International.
Over the past three years, SOS International has handled 50 cases of traffic accidents, of which 29 were in Thailand. SOS International sees accidents involving buses, minibuses and motorcycles in Thailand.
Travel – but be prepared
If you are planning your winter holiday on a trip to Thailand, SOS International encourages you to take precautions so that your holiday does not end in an accident.
Both the traffic culture, the condition of vehicles, the design of the roads and the working conditions of local drivers all play a role in the traffic conditions.
For example, there is left-hand traffic in Thailand, which makes it extra dangerous for Nordic tourists who rent vehicles themselves and move out into traffic.
In addition, there is reason to be vigilant if you are going to travel around the country. Here, SOS International recommends that you avoid minibuses as far as possible and instead use more authorised transport options.
Three good traffic tips for travellers in Thailand
- Consider whether there is a safer alternative to the means of transport you are about to choose. Be especially careful about using the so-called minivans, and instead use established trains or scheduled buses.
- Use your common sense and listen to your gut feeling. If the vehicle looks worn out and the driver seems tired or under the influence, avoid boarding. If you are already a passenger and you think that the driver is speeding, speak up.
- Wear a helmet when riding a scooter or motorcycle and fasten your seatbelt when riding in a taxi.
SOS International's Chief Medical Officer has a number of good tips for the long flight – find them here
Other good advice before traveling to Thailand:
- Avoid close contact with monkeys, dogs, cats and other animals, e.g. at animal markets. The animals can be carriers of rabies and other infections.
- Use mosquito repellent to avoid Dengue virus and other mosquito-borne diseases
- Frequent hand washing and hand sanitizer are your friends when it comes to preventing "tourist stomach". Only eat food that is well cooked and drink bottled water.
