Tourists in the Kingdom need to know what rules apply in the country they visit. Many laws are consonant with those in Western countries, but there are also unwritten rules that reflect the cultural features of the country.
They are not always intuitive to foreigners. In order not to be in a stupid or unpleasant situation, you should study the traditions of the host.
What do you need to know?
- Bribes. The punishment for bribing an official is extremely severe. But these laws are most often applied selectively. Therefore, local police officers always pay close attention to strangers who can make them good money. And no one can predict how events will develop when trying to give a bribe.
- Intimate services. There are double standards in Thai reality. On the one hand, almost everyone knows that this state is one of the centers of sex tourism. However, in reality, the activities of women and men of "easy virtue" are prohibited here. Sexual intercourse with minors can result in a prison sentence and a fine. It is worth noting that the age of Asians, ranging from 15 to 30 years, is very difficult to determine at first glance.
- Narcotic substances. In this regard, typical Eastern laws apply here. Despite the fact that opium poppy and hallucinogenic mushrooms grow in the Kingdom, any drugs are strictly prohibited here. The use of them is punishable by prison sentence. And distribution can lead to the death penalty.
- Use of quadcopters or drones. This restriction refers to the new regulations in Thailand. The law was adopted in 2018.
- The police side with the locals. This is an unofficial rule. If a controversial situation arises that requires the intervention of the police, judges or other authorities, they will always take the side of the local resident. A foreigner in such a situation will have a hard time.
- Unconditional respect for the Royal family. The king must be loved. And that's it. Any disrespect will lead the guilty to the dock. This applies not only to statements to a representative of the authorities or members of his family. Even images need to be respected.
- Religion. Respect for religious officials and objects of worship is enshrined in law. One should not neglect statues or images of the Buddha, climb onto religious objects, come to a temple with naked parts of the body, or engage in vandalism. For disobedience, there is a fine or a prison sentence.
- Customs control. In the Land of Smiles, the procedure is almost the same as in other states. But there are some features. For example, restrictions on the transport of tobacco or alcoholic beverages. Checks are carried out randomly. If you plan to travel with pets, you must have a certificate of vaccination of the animal.
To avoid trouble and not overshadow your vacation, you should find out in advance what rules are in effect in Thailand now. Try to follow the laws and respect the locals, and your vacation will bring a lot of pleasant experiences.
