Thailand & kids - safe?

[Irie1980]

Let me preface this by saying I've been to Thailand and all over Asia, multiple times, but the last time I was in Thailand was about 15 years ago. But no doubt things have changed a lot since then.

I'm contemplating bringing the kids next year, age 10 and 12. But there's aspects of Thailand that'd I'd worry about with kids, namely things like road transport being carnage, risk of illness and petty crime.

Did you holiday there with kids and did you enjoy it? Did you have any issues at all and would you recommend it? What area did you visit? Our trip would have to be over July or August.

Thanks a lot!

I was in Krabi area with my 6yo a month ago.
we used several taxis and they were ok, they were for short distances (longest was 40 mins)

illness the only one that got ill was my husband with ear infection. We had insurance so we visited a ear hospital in Singapore as where we were in Krabi it wasn’t as accessible. We didn’t drink tap water and I avoided many things (mainly things that had to be washed)

crime, in Krabi it felt safe. I went to bkk/ chianti mai less than 10y ago (without my son) and it felt safe too. Tho I guess like in any country there is crime.

we love Thailand so it won’t be the last time we visit it. I’m sure your kids would love it too if they’re into beaches / temples and a bit of cultural change

Hi, still considering Thailand with the kids in 2025 - would love your thoughts!

Love this hotel.
Very kid friendly.
https://www.phranakorn-nornlen.com/

We were in Koh Lanta this time last year and currently in Phuket. I would have no qualms at all about bringing kids here. We've used Bolt taxis all over the place, eaten in several potentially dodgy restaurants without incident, and had no accidents or illness or ever felt unsafe. DH is diving several days and he says it's one of the best organised crews he's been with.

I would avoid Pattaya but apart from that, no worries. It's all families where we are (but more Russian than anything else). Choose location carefully, as this time of year is the best for climate. My friend comes in our summer sometimes and says it's much more showery and humid than in our winter.

You'll be fine. Thousands if not millions of people visit Thailand every year, not to mention ex pats from all over the world who move there.

Currently in Thailand with my 9 and 7 year olds - having a great time. Very safe and secure - and Thai people love kids. Would highly recommend

Yes travelled a few times to Thailand/Asia with kids and am currently in Phuket (waves at @useitorlose). My main worry is them being run down by a motorbike/tuk tuk but my 14 year old has got used to me holding her hand again!

They love the relaxed pace of life, night markets etc. They much prefer it to European beach holidays. 14 year old keeps saying she is having best time ever.

Thailand is perfectly safe for tourists (as long as you don’t do anything obviously stupid like riding mopeds without a license and helmet and also excluding Pattaya which is a complete shithole). Kids will be fine.
To be honest, it’s over touristy in some places and, particularly if you’re going for a resort, you could literally be anywhere in the world.

I’ve been to Thailand a number of times (with and without my DC). I certainly wouldn’t rate it as dangerous or risky. Although there are travel warnings against some provinces in the south, but they are less likely to attract tourists anyway. Just take the usual precautions that you would take anywhere.

Phuket is obviously very popular, but I don’t really like it and I think there are nicer places. We really like Khao Lak and are heading there again in a few days. Bangkok is an excellent city to visit if you like city breaks. If you are travelling through BKK it’s worth stopping there for a couple of days. Chiang Mai is lovely, but being inland doesn’t have the same beach resort type of vibes that other places have.

Our resort is very family oriented. No sex bars - well if there are they are tucked away. Our hotel has >90% Russian clientele. Haven't heard a word of English /French/German/Spanish/italian round the pool or at breakfast. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, just don't expect smiles and small talk in the lift! Maybe I should learn how to say 'nice weather' in Russian

We're moving on today to a slightly more upmarket resort - will be interested to see if more varied guest demographic.

One dodgy tummy so far bit odd as all ate the same, but settled quickly.

Yes Phuket is very 'touristy' but we're travelling with an older relative and couldn't go too far off beaten track. When we last travelled with same relative we went to Hua Hin which is a couple hours drive from Bangkok. I found that far more seedy. Lots of sex bars and lone male travellers. Would not recommend.

You can still find quiet spots in Phuket - this is my current view. Middle of beach is rammed but 2 min walk to the end and sunbeds all empty.

We are currently in Thailand with our children (20,19,16,14) and have been to Bangkok, Chang Mai and are heading to Khao Lak after a few days in the mountains. It's wonderful - lovely people, amazing food, interesting culture and we (so far) have not had any stomach issues. I'd highly recommend it and am already planning our next trip even though we are only half way through the current one!

(Only danger so far has been crossing roads, you have to commit!)

Find Thailand very safe. I’ve been to Hua Hin and didn’t find it seedy at all!

Phuket is very built up and developed and not my thing, I prefer Khao Lak.

Phuket is a Russian enclave since the war started. There have been issues between the Thai and new russian businesses that have popped up, subtly saying they are white owned for white people.

Bali has also attracted a lot of young Russians avoiding conscription. It hasn’t been without problems either.

Thanks everyone! Currently sussing out flights for Easter though I know it'll be like an inferno that time of year. Also left it very late so hope flight prices arent astronomical.

Thinking about Khao Lak or one of those smaller islands. Any accommodation recommendations? Doesnt have to be 5 star but a pool and direct beach access would be amazing!

We had the best time in Thailand with our 3 DCs when they were 13, 11 & 9. All of us loved it & it felt very safe. We spent time in Bangkok, Koh Samui & Khao Lak. All amazing & the Thai people were just so lovely!

It's a high of 30C in Phuket today and there was a lot of rain last night. Staff say Nov-Feb is the driest time. They have monsoon season in Thailand so you might want to check when that is! I've only visited in December- aligns with my school hols and best weather.

I’ve heard it referred to as Phuketski,

I was in Thailand in 2023 and there were Russians everywhere, I haven’t really noticed them in Bali.

OP I stayed at La Flora resort in Khao Lak. Lovely and a perfect location.