Are you allowed to swim in Thailand?

Thailand has lifeguards on duty at designated beaches and operates a flag system for safe swimming. Follow all warning signs, especially red flags. See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society. Jellyfish can swim close to the shore, particularly during the rainy season from May to October.

Can you go swimming in Thailand?

Exercise Caution While Swimming

Never go swimming unattended and especially avoid the water when the red flag is hoisted on the beach. The currents in Thailand's waters are known to change quickly and a calm sea can be deceptive for the uninitiated!

Why is swimming not allowed in Maya Bay?

🛑 Why Swimming Is Still Not Allowed

Although Maya Bay reopened in 2022, swimming remains prohibited. Here's why: Minimize disturbance: Fish, turtles, and baby reef sharks now live and breed in shallow waters.

What should I be careful about in Thailand?

Never ever drink water from a tap. Fine for a shower. Bottled water for drinking. Shoes off when you go in somebody's house or into a temple. It's hot and humid most of the time. Wear light comfortable clothes. Don't even think about renting a scooter or motorbike. 40 people die on the roads in Thailand every day.

Is it safe to swim in Thailand with sharks?

Shark attacks in Thailand are extremely rare. The country's waters, particularly around popular tourist areas like the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, are frequented by various shark species. However, most of these species are not considered dangerous to humans.

Ultimate Swim Workout In Thailand | MySwimPro November 2022

Are their sharks in Phuket?

Leopard sharks are among the most common sharks that divers experience around Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands and the Similan Islands. This species, which we commonly refer to as Leopard shark, is officially called Zebra shark, the name inspired by its colorings as a juvenile.

Where is the best place to swim with great whites?

While known to inhabit many regions in the world, there are three main areas for exceptional encounters with great white sharks: Isla Guadalupe, off Mexico's Pacific coast; Australia's Neptune Islands; and Gaansbai in South Africa.

What is the biggest threat to Thailand?

What I wish I knew before going to Thailand?

What not to bring into Thailand?

Where not to swim in the ocean?

Why has Maya Bay been closed to tourists?

Maya Bay closes every year for two months (1st August 2025 to the 1st October 2025) as part of Thailand's commitment to protecting its marine ecosystem. The annual closure allows the delicate coral reefs and marine life to recover from the influx of visitors during peak tourist season.

Why is diving not allowed in pools?

Diving head-first into a pool can result in serious head,neck, or back injury if something goes wrong. These injuries can result in permanent paralysis or even death when the diver comes into contact with objects, other swimmers, or structures within the pool like the walls or flooring.

Is it safe to swim in rivers in Thailand?

Take care when swimming, diving, kayaking or white water rafting in rivers or close to waterfalls, particularly in the rainy season. Currents can be extremely strong. See ⁠watersports safety advice from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA).

Can tourists wear shorts in Thailand?

When you're out and about at midday in the tropics, obviously shorts are slightly more comfortable than long pants. Wearing them is fine, especially when you have a stylish pair.

Are Thailand beaches clothing optional?

Thailand. In Thailand there are a number of naturist resorts that are member resorts of the Naturist Association Thailand. While some secluded areas may informally be recognized as "unofficial" nude beaches, public nudity is generally not culturally accepted, and Thai laws prohibit it.

How to avoid Bangkok belly?

Drink bottled water and watch out for ice

The tap water in Thailand is fine for cooking, but not considered safe for drinking without boiling. Avoid a nasty bacterial infection by buying bottled and avoid ice from street vendors, which may be made from purified tap water.

Do they speak English in Thailand?

You can also carry a phrasebook or download a translation app to help you communicate. Overall, while not everyone in Thailand may speak English, it is a commonly used language in the country and it is possible to communicate with locals using English, especially in major cities and tourist areas.

What vaccinations do I need for Thailand?

Courses or boosters usually advised: none. Other vaccines to consider: Diphtheria; Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Rabies; Tetanus; Typhoid. Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Japanese Encephalitis.

Where to avoid in Thailand?

Be extra careful in tourist spots such as Khao San Road and Sukhumvit in Bangkok, as well as the night-time entertainment areas in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket. Don't leave food or drinks unattended.

What is the biggest problem in Thailand?

What is the natural disaster in Thailand 2025?

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar (Burma), near Sagaing, on March 28, 2025 (12:50 local time). Several strong earthquakes followed, as well as multiple aftershocks. This was the most catastrophic earthquake in Myanmar since the Maymyo earthquake of 1912.

Do great whites ever stop swimming?

So, while most sharks will be 100% fine if they stop swimming, a few iconic species such as great white sharks, whale sharks, hammerheads and mako sharks would suffocate without forward motion or a strong current flowing towards their mouths.

Where are the most aggressive great whites?

Stewart Island, New Zealand, is notorious for aggressive great white sharks.

Can you swim with tiger sharks?

If you understand the rules, they are very safe to swim with. When you're in the water with a big predator like a tiger shark, respect, and awareness, are everything.