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Given the news of two British travellers murdered in Koh Tao a lot of the conversations I’ve had about Thailand of late has been about crime and safety. It’s not something I was planning on writing about so soon in my blog but given what’s gone on then I thought it best to address it and hopefully reassure people who are worried about it.

This article only deals with being the target of crime, rather than tourists being accused or arrested. That’s another good topic, one I hope to get to later.

There’s, sadly, always the risk of crime wherever you are.

Crime does happen

First off, let’s be honest. Crime happens everywhere, and Thailand is no exception. While we don’t think about it, or at least not much, on holiday, the chances of being caught up or targeted do not disappear.

Indeed, tourism tends to attract a degree of crime. Where there are tourists, otherwise relaxed or distracted, off their guard there will be opportunists hoping to take advantage. From pickpockets targeting visitors to the Eiffel Tower, to people trying to overcharge for services or relying on misunderstandings to short change people, being a tourist sadly comes with a risk of being a target for crime. It is important to remember this.

However, violent crime against tourists is rare. It does happen, even in Thailand. Armed robbery form a small percentage of all robberies. Even more serious crimes like rape and murder do happen but are rarer still. Four million trips were made from the UK last year to Thailand, the vast majority (I’d say 99.9999% but I cannot find any good, authoritative figure) came home without incident.

Your major risks in Thailand tend to be corruption, petty theft, or other traditional tourist targeting scams.

The “Good” News

Furthermore, countries like Thailand where tourism makes up a consider able percentage of the economy make considerable efforts to keep tourists safe. Even if it is only so tourists aren’t put off by crime to other tourists, authorities have a vested interest in minimising the risk and harm to tourists.

Thailand has section of the police force – the Tourist Police – dedicated to protecting and assisting tourists in major tourist centres. These police tend to be quite visible, with manned booths or stations near or in major tourist areas and attractions, and are equipped for dealing with foreigners (for example, they will often have quick access to officers who speak other languages). If you need police assistance the Tourist Police should be your first target.

Additionally, major tourist sites have increasing surveillance in the form of CCTV cameras – even traditional full moon party beaches have them. And in the wake of the latest sad case, the authorities have been coming up with new ideas (however likely to work) to keep people safe.

And violent crimes against tourists in Thailand generate a major police response. Whilst if you are a victim this might be of little comfort, but it does act as a significant deterrent.

Keeping safe

So what can you do to keep safe? There are some precautions you can take to lessen your vulnerability. Most of these are common sense:

• Avoid displaying too much wealth, such as flashing lots money about, and thus draw attention to yourself.
• Likewise, avoid carrying anything you don’t want to lose, like an iPad.
• Make sure bags that you carry around with you are as visible to you as possible, and not easy for someone going past to snatch.
• Alcohol is a factor in a lot of tourist crime. Be careful how much you’re drinking so you are not affected by alcohol, or appear to be (which makes you a target. The same is applicable for drugs – if you seem out of it at all then you’ll draw attention as a target.
• Stick to busier areas and at night make sure areas are well lit.

By following your instincts and using common sense you can reduce the chances you’ll be the target of some sort of criminal activity.

People travel for lots of different reasons. Some people love nature’s beauty, some people for peace and quiet and some love nothing more than a beautiful beach. There is a place that offers all three: In Thailand, one of the highlights and most famous island destination of travelers is the Phi Phi Islands, said to be some of the amazing islands in the world. The Phi Phi islands form an archipelago, which is composed of six islands with two of the islands very well known due to their lovely shores. These two main islands are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh.

The famous beach of Ko Phi Phi Lee

How to go to Phi Phi Islands?

The Phi Phi islands are perhaps the most beautiful and accessible islands that one can find in Southeast Asia. They are easily accessible from anywhere, especially for those who are already in Thailand because it just take around 45 minutes from Phuket via speedboat or 90 minutes by ferryboat to reach the islands.

What everyone expects to see in Phi Phi Islands?

There are many amazing things that you can find in these islands. You will be able to see fine, white sand beaches as well as exciting rock formations that surround the islands that will instantly confirm as you’ve arrived in this beautiful paradise. In addition, you can experience mountain climbing, exciting nightlife, and world-class diving. Though these islands carry a huge number of visitors, it is still easy to find beautiful and clean beaches lapped by wonderfully clear waters (of course).

Why there are many people want to go to Phi Phi Islands?

There are few places in the world where you can so easily find time for yourself in a quiet place without any distractions. This is one of the reasons people always come back in these islands. I’ve been back four times myself (lucky me!). One of the Phi Phi islands, Phi Phi Don, doesn’t even have roads which enable people to walk along the island at will completely safely, giving the whole place a very relaxed island vibe, and keeping it clear from automotive pollution. And on Phi Phi Leh there’s no permanent inhabitants at all, making it very easy to find some peace and quiet. Kids love to go to these islands not only for the awesome beaches but for the chance to experience and see turtles and other sea life up close.

What are the things you could do when you’re on these islands?

There are plenty of activities and tours you could experience while you are in the Phi Phi islands. These islands are said to be the perfect place for family outings since these islands are very family friendly. You can have experience cliff jumping and mountain climbing. You can also rent a boat for a whole day tour around the islands. There is nothing to worry in regards to food for there are a lot of restaurants that serve high quality and delicious meals. If you want to experience a world-class diving, these islands won’t disappoint you.