Thailand Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Thailand
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated July 25, 2025
Thailand recorded 4.8 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2011, a rate that is moderate by global standards. That places Thailand #70 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Asia average of 2.0 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have fallen 39% over the past decade (from 7.9 in 2001). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Thailand at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
4.8 /100k
Safety Rank
#126 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2011
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2011)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 39% over the past decade (from 7.9 in 2001). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Thailand Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Thailand, the homicide rate for men is 5.8× higher than the rate for women — 6.5 vs 1.1 per 100,000 (2014).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Armed Conflict Context
Thailand has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
35(2024)
Military Spending
1.1% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Thailand:
The advisory level was increased to Level 2. An area of increased risk was added. The advisory summary was updated. Exercise increased caution in Thailand due to risk of unrest . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel to : Areas along the Cambodian and Thai border due to armed conflict. Advisory summary : Exercise increased caution due to civil unrest associated with ongoing insurgent activities in the Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Thailand
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated May 02, 2025).
Far Southern Thailand
Periodic violence between Thai security services and armed insurgents occurs in Thailand’s 3 southernmost provinces—Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat. Seventeen districts in these provinces remain under a declared state of emergency due to ongoing violent conflict. There is a collateral risk of violence for U.S. citizens in Thailand’s southernmost provinces due to low intensity conflict. The main dangers for U.S. citizens in these southernmost provinces are from improvised explosive devices and small arms. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these provinces as U.S government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these provinces.
Crime
Crimes of opportunity, such as pick-pocketing, bag-snatching, and burglary, occur in Thailand. Violent crimes against foreigners are relatively rare. However, murders, rapes, and assaults against foreigners do occur. Sexually motivated violence is most likely to occur after time spent at bars, clubs, and parties, on beaches, or in remote/isolated areas. Sexual assault victims should make a police report in the jurisdiction where the crime occurred. You may also want to contact the Embassy and hire a local attorney. When traveling alone, exercise caution, stay near other travelers, and ensure friends or family know how to contact you. Taxi and “tuk-tuk” drivers may attempt to charge excessive fares or refuse passengers. You should either request the driver use the meter or agree on the fare beforehand.
Scams
Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Thailand. Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages for information. Be careful when using dating apps or online dating websites while abroad. Scammers may target U.S. citizens. Tell your friends and family where you are, meet in a popular public place, and avoid consuming suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Tips to avoid scammers: Look for red flags like their location is far away, their profile was recently created or seems to be too good to be true, the pace of the relationship is moving too quickly, or they ask for money.
Technology Usage Abroad
Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and physical damage anywhere in the world. Best practices prior to traveling abroad are keeping all software (operating system and apps) updated and use virtual private network (VPN) and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications if possible. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi. GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety consideration.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. Report crimes to the local police by calling 191 or the Tourist Police at 1155 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +66 (0) 2-205-4049 or Consulate at +(66) (53) 107-777. Local officials are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. Local police are reluctant to become involved in domestic issues. You may call the Social Help Center hotline by dialing 1300 from any Thai phone. Review our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Help you find appropriate medical care Assist you in reporting a crime to the police Contact relatives or friends with your written consent Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
Tourism
The tourism industry is not well regulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. Dangerous areas/activities are not always labeled properly. Staff may not be trained or certified by the host government or recognized authorities. If you get injured, you will likely only find appropriate medical treatment in or near major cities. First responders cannot reach areas outside major cities to provide urgent medical care. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. Review our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Thailand Population & Demographics
Population of 71,668,011, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thailand safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Thailand at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 4.8 per 100,000 is moderate by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Thailand?
Thailand has an intentional homicide rate of 4.8 per 100,000 people (2011, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #70 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Thailand?
Thailand is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Thailand compare to other countries?
Thailand's homicide rate of 4.8 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and above the Asia average of 2.0.