All Episodes

June 11, 2025 3 mins
Thailand is open and generally safe for international visitors, with the U.S. Department of State currently listing Thailand at Level 1, meaning travelers should exercise normal precautions according to the U.S. State Department as of June 9, 2025. However, not all parts of Thailand carry the same risk. The southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat are under a Level 2 advisory due to periodic violence between security services and armed insurgents. These areas remain under a declared state of emergency, and U.S. government personnel face travel restrictions there—listeners should avoid unnecessary travel to these provinces.

New entry requirements have been introduced in 2025. All foreign arrivals must now complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, commonly known as the TDAC, before entering the country, as reported by Smartraveller. This must be done within three days before arrival, and authorities recommend travelers check the official Thai government portal for the latest TKAC instructions to ensure smooth entry.

Beginning June 2025, Thailand is rolling out a new Electronic Travel Authorization or ETA for those traveling under visa exemption. The ETA can be registered online or at arrival points, and although registration is free and usually processed within an hour, listeners should apply in advance to avoid delays at the airport. Proof of ETA registration may be required to board your flight and at entry checkpoints, as detailed by the Thai Embassy’s travel update. Frequent visitors are encouraged to consider long-term visas to simplify repeated entry.

Recent events such as the March 2025 earthquake in neighboring Myanmar, which caused tremors and brief disruptions in Bangkok, show that travelers should remain alert for the possibility of aftershocks or other natural disruptions. Thai authorities responded efficiently, conducting safety checks and restoring normal operations quickly, and there is no ongoing disruption in Bangkok or other major tourist centers according to Tours4Fun’s April 2025 safety report.

Health and safety are other important considerations. Air pollution, especially in northern Thailand and Bangkok, can be hazardous during the dry season. Travelers with respiratory conditions should monitor local air quality before and during their trip. Road traffic accidents remain a significant risk, with motorcycle incidents being particularly frequent. The Canadian government travel advisory specifically urges caution or avoidance of riding motorcycles in Thailand due to erratic driving norms and frequent accidents, especially during local holidays and rainy season from June through October. Always use reputable transportation and avoid isolated beaches, especially when traveling alone, as petty crime such as robbery can occur.

For health concerns, some areas of Thailand may require malaria prevention medication, so it’s wise to consult a healthcare provider before departure, particularly if your itinerary includes rural or forested regions.

Thailand’s temples, markets, and cultural attractions remain open and welcoming. When visiting religious sites, listeners should dress modestly, remove their shoes before entering, and show respect to Buddhist monks and traditions, as Thai law is strict and penalties for violations can be severe.

In summary, Thailand welcomes travelers who follow updated entry requirements, stay informed about local events, use caution on the roads, and respect local customs. By preparing in advance, you can enjoy the rich culture and natural beauty that Thailand has to offer while avoiding unnecessary risks.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Mark as Played
Transcript

Episode Transcript

Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Thailand is open and generally safe for international visitors, with
the U S Department of State currently listing Thailand at
Level one, meaning travelers should exercise normal precautions, according to
the U S State Department as of June ninth, twenty
twenty five. However, not all parts of Thailand carry the
same risk. The southernmost provinces of Yala, Patani and Narathiwat

(00:23):
are under a Level two advisory due to periodic violence
between security services and armed insurgents. These areas remain under
a declared state of emergency and US government personnel face
travel restrictions there. Listeners should avoid unnecessary travel to these provinces.
New entry requirements have been introduced in twenty twenty five.

(00:45):
All foreign arrivals must now complete the Thailand Digital Arrival
Card commonly known as the Tea Dak before entering the country.
As reported by Smartraveler, this must be done within three
days before arrival, and authorities recommend t travelers check the
official Thai government portal for the latest TEACAC instructions to
ensure smooth entry. Beginning June twenty twenty five, Thailand is

(01:10):
rolling out a new Electronic Travel Authorization or ETA for
those traveling under visa exemption. The ETA can be registered
online or at arrival points, and although registration is free
and usually processed within an hour, listeners should apply in
advance to avoid delays at the airport. Proof of ETA
registration may be required to board your flight and at

(01:32):
entry checkpoints, as detailed by the Thai Embassy's Travel Update.
Frequent visitors are encouraged to consider long term visas to
simplify repeated entry. Recent events, such as the March twenty
twenty five earthquake in neighboring me and Mar which caused
tremors and brief disruptions in Bangkok, show that travelers should

(01:53):
remain alert for the possibility of aftershocks or other natural disruptions.
Thai authorities responded if fe efficiently conducting safety checks and
restoring normal operations quickly, and there is no ongoing disruption
in Bangkok or other major tourist centers, according to Tours
Funds April twenty twenty five safety Report. Health and safety

(02:14):
are other important considerations. Air pollution, especially in northern Thailand
and Bangkok, can be hazardous during the dry season. Travelers
with respiratory conditions should monitor local air quality before and
during their trip. Road traffic accidents remain a significant risk,
with motorcycle incidents being particularly frequent. The Canadian Government Travel

(02:38):
Advisory specifically urges caution or avoidance of riding motorcycles in
Thailand due to erratic driving norms and frequent accidents, especially
during local holidays and rainy season from June through October.
Always use reputable transportation and avoid isolated beaches, especially when
traveling alone, as petty crimes such as robbery can occur.

(02:59):
For health can concerns, some areas of Thailand may require
malaria prevention medication, so it's wise to consult a health
care provider before departure, particularly if your itinerary includes rural
or forested regions. Thailand's temples, markets, and cultural attractions remain
open and welcoming. When visiting religious sites, listeners should dress modestly,

(03:22):
remove their shoes before entering, and show respect to Buddhist
monks and traditions, as Thaie law is strict and penalties
for violations can be severe. In summary, Thailand welcomes travelers
who follow updated entry requirements, stay informed about local events,
use caution on the roads, and respect local customs. By

(03:43):
preparing in advance, you can enjoy the rich culture and
natural beauty that Thailand has to offer, while avoiding unnecessary risks.
Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
Cardiac Cowboys

Cardiac Cowboys

The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.

The Joe Rogan Experience

The Joe Rogan Experience

The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.