The World Bucket ListThe World Bucket List

    Subscribe For Updates

    Sign up to our newsletter so you get travel news articles straight to your inbox every day!

    What's Hot

    Top 10 best VEGETARIAN restaurants in Amsterdam, RANKED

    March 23, 2023

    Top 10 best FREE things to do in TORONTO, ranked

    March 22, 2023

    Hostelworld records significant profit for 2022

    March 22, 2023
    Facebook YouTube Instagram TikTok
    The World Bucket List
    • Home
    • Destinations
      • Africa
      • Asia
        • South East Asia
      • Australia
      • Europe
      • North America
      • South America
    • Ideas
      • Adventure
      • Bucket Lists
      • Food
      • Hiking
      • Landmarks
        • Beaches
        • Castles
        • Countryside
        • Deserts
        • Historical Sites
        • Mountains
      • Life Goals
      • Sports
    • Lifestyle
      • Health
      • Inspiration
      • Motivation
      • New Skills
    • Resources
      • Tips
    • News
    Facebook YouTube Instagram TikTok
    The World Bucket ListThe World Bucket List
    You are at:Home » Thailand » 10 things NOT TO DO in Thailand (that could get you jailed)
    South East Asia

    10 things NOT TO DO in Thailand (that could get you jailed)

    Katie MorrisBy Katie MorrisJanuary 24, 20235 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Share
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Email

    While Thailand is a land of adventure, free spirits, and a laid-back lifestyle, there are certain huge no-nos that you should avoid at all costs, some of which could get you arrested.

    10 things not to do in Thailand (that could get you jailed).

    Thailand is an incredible destination that is popular amongst backpackers from all over the world. From the picturesque islands in the south to the elephant sanctuaries and yoga retreats in the north, it’s a country that should certainly be on everybody’s bucket list.

    The people are known for being some of the friendliest in the world, and if you ever decide to visit (which you should), you’ll discover this for yourself.

    While ‘The Land of Smiles’ is an idyllic travel destination, there are certain things not to do in Thailand, some of which could even get you jailed.

    10. Drugs – avoid at all costs

    Drugs is one of the things not to do in Thailand.
    Credit: commonswikimedia.org

    We are all old and ugly enough to know that legal or illegal, no matter where you are in the world, people partake in illicit activities, especially in big party destinations.

    Thailand is known for its Full Moon parties and more, but you should be warned that there is zero tolerance for drugs in Thailand. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, you will most certainly face jail time if found in possession.

    9. Showing skin in temples – dress appropriately

    Wear appropriate clothing in temples.
    Credit: pexels / Picas Joe

    Dressing inappropriately at temples won’t get you arrested, but it’s a sure sign of disrespect in Thailand.

    It’s the norm to do your due diligence anywhere you go in the world and find out the rules of places of worship before you visit.

    There are signs literally everywhere outside Thai temples telling you to cover your shoulders and legs, but you’d be surprised by the number of people who still try and enter this way.

    If you don’t pay heed, you will end up buying scarves or shawls to wrap around yourself from locals outside.

    8. Vaping – it’s illegal in Thailand

    Vaping is one of the things not to do in Thailand.
    Credit: pexels / Gustavo Fring

    One of the things not to do in Thailand is vaping. To the horror of many in the west, e-cigarettes were made illegal in Thailand in 2014. Both foreigners and locals caught vaping could face jail time or a serious fine.

    7. Damaging motorbikes – you could end up with a huge fine

    Damaging motorbikes could end in a huge fine.
    Credit: pexels / Windo Nugroho

    It’s the norm in Thailand to use a moped or a motorbike to get around. It’s fun and by far the easiest way to explore the vastness of the islands.

    However, Thailand is very relaxed when it comes to having an appropriate license. You don’t even need to have a driver’s license for a car in your home country to access driving a motorbike! As such, tourist motorbike accidents are in no way infrequent all over the country.

    If you damage a motorbike in any way, you could be slapped with a huge bill to fix it, no matter the size. Top tip: always take pictures of the bike you rent as soon as you are given it, so you have proof of already existing damage!

    6. Head and feet – respect vs disrespect

    Head and feed have varying degrees of respect in Thailand.
    Credit: pexels / Kampus Production

    For Thai people, the head is the highest and holiest part of the body, so touching other people’s heads can be very disrespectful, especially if they are your elder.

    As such, the feet being the base part of the body, are considered the lowest and least respected part of the body, so avoid pointing your feet at people. Again, it won’t get you arrested, but it’s a great sign of disrespect.

    5. Speaking ill of the King – you will be arrested

    Speaking ill of the King is one of the things not to do in Thailand.
    Credit: commonswikimedia.org

    One surefire way to get thrown into jail is by speaking badly of the King or the Thai Royal family. This includes defamatory talk, criticism, or generally speaking ill of the King, Queen or any heirs to the thrown.

    4. Defaming the Thai flag – you could go to jail for two years

    Don't draw on the Thai flag, it could get you arrested.
    Credit: pxhere.com

    If any person is caught vandalising or defaming the Thai flag, that person could be jailed for up to two years. Avoid even writing your name on a Thai flag.

    3. Nudity – a big no-no

    Nudity is one of the things not to do in Thailand.

    No matter the urge to go skinny dipping on a Thai beach, don’t do it, as nudity or toplessness is actually illegal in Thailand.

    While this law isn’t generally implemented with jail time, it is seriously frowned upon, especially in the less touristy areas.

    2. Drones – you must have a permit

    You must have permission to fly a drone in Thailand.
    Credit: Flickr /shankar s.

    Any person flying a drone in Thailand, regardless of its size, must be registered with the authorities in Thailand. This is something that tourists visiting the country often overlook.

    Also, in national parks around the country, you will often see signs forbidding drones in the area to protect the environment and animals. Ensure you get a license to prevent persecution.

    1. Feeding pigeons – you could face jail time

    Feeding pigeons is one of the things not to do in Thailand.
    Credit: commonswikimedia.org

    While this might sound like a strange one, this is quite common in many countries around the world. Feeding pigeons or selling the food to feed them can be punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of 25,000 Thai Baht ($764).

    So, there you have it. Ten things not to do in Thailand to avoid being punished or even arrested. Avoid these things to have the best trip possible!

    Share. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Avatar photo
    Katie Morris

    Katie Morris is the Editor of The World Bucket List. She has a degree in English and French which has given her the opportunity to teach English across the world. Having worked in Thailand for over two years, Katie has a keen interest in the unbelievable travel opportunities Asia has to offer. Katie currently lives in her hometown of Belfast and loves discovering all the new and exciting things to see and do all over Ireland. She has written and edited articles for a diverse range of sites, from travel around Ireland and the rest of the world to satire and news sites.

    Related Posts

    Hostelworld records significant profit for 2022

    By Matthew SloanMarch 22, 2023

    Top 10 BEST places to see the SUNSET in Berlin

    By Jade PoleonMarch 22, 2023

    CUSTOMS in THAILAND: 10 things to look out for

    By Katie MorrisMarch 20, 2023

    The top 10 WARMEST countries in Europe in MAY

    By Dan O'MuirighMarch 9, 2023
    Latest Articles

    Top 10 best VEGETARIAN restaurants in Amsterdam, RANKED

    March 23, 2023

    Top 10 best FREE things to do in TORONTO, ranked

    March 22, 2023

    Hostelworld records significant profit for 2022

    March 22, 2023

    Top 10 BEST places to see the SUNSET in Berlin

    March 22, 2023
    Stay In Touch
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • TikTok
    Don't Miss

    Top 10 best VEGETARIAN restaurants in Amsterdam, RANKED

    By Siân McQuillanMarch 23, 2023

    Alongside its beautiful canals, historical architecture, and unique culture and nightlife, the capital of the…

    Top 10 best FREE things to do in TORONTO, ranked

    March 22, 2023

    Hostelworld records significant profit for 2022

    March 22, 2023

    Top 10 BEST places to see the SUNSET in Berlin

    March 22, 2023

    Subscribe For Updates

    Sign up to our newsletter so you get travel news articles straight to your inbox every day!

    Quick Links
    • Home
    • About us
    • Our Authors
    • Contact us
    • Work for us
    • Guest Posts
    • Copyright
    • Privacy Policy
    Follow us

    The World Bucket List is a travel and culture website dedicated to sharing only the most inspiring and bucket list-worthy destinations from around the globe.

    Facebook Youtube Instagram Instagram
    Contact us

    Our Address:
    19 Arthur St, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT1 4GA.

    We are open: Mon - Fri 08.00 - 18.00

    [email protected]

    Subscribe For Updates

    Sign up to our newsletter so you get travel news articles straight to your inbox every day!

    © Copyright 2021 - The World Bucket List | Trading under Emerald Green Media

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.