Thailand Do's & Don'ts for Indian Travelers
Thailand is one of the most welcoming destinations for Indian tourists and professionals. A little preparation goes a long way — here’s a simple guide to local laws, customs, and safety practices so your trip or stay goes smoothly.
Section 1 — For Indian Tourists
THE DO'S
Before & During Your Trip
- Check that your passport has at least 6 months' validity left from your date of entry.
- Carry proof of a confirmed return or onward journey ticket.
- Book your accommodation with a verifiable, registered property before you arrive.
- Carry sufficient cash on you — roughly 10,000 THB per traveler, or 20,000 THB per family.
- Buy a solid travel insurance plan that covers medical emergencies.
- Keep digital backup copies of your passport, visa, and other essential documents.
- Check the latest visa rules or Visa-on-Arrival eligibility for Indian passport holders.
- Declare any restricted or dutiable items honestly at customs on arrival.
- Hold onto your boarding pass until you've fully cleared immigration.
Staying Safe
- Leave your original passport locked in your hotel safe rather than carrying it everywhere.
- Carry a clear photocopy or photo of your passport and visa page at all times.
- Use licensed taxis, metered cabs, or trusted ride-hailing apps like Grab.
- Be wary of overly friendly strangers pushing unsolicited tours or deals — a common scam.
- Stick to bottled or filtered water instead of tap water.
- Take extra care while crossing roads, as local traffic can be unpredictable.
- Pay attention to red warning flags on beaches — they signal unsafe swimming conditions.
- Keep a close watch on your belongings in crowded markets and tourist areas.
- Keep your hotel's name and address written in Thai, or its business card, handy.
- Stick to well-lit, populated areas when out at night.
Respecting Local Culture
- Show respect toward the Thai monarchy and royal family at all times.
- Dress modestly at temples — cover your shoulders and wear long pants or a skirt.
- Remove your shoes before entering temples, shrines, or a Thai home.
- Return a 'Wai' greeting if it's offered to you, especially by elders.
- Try to keep your head lower than elders' or monks' as a mark of respect.
- Use your right hand when giving or receiving items, or making payments.
THE DON'TS
Laws & Restricted Items
- Avoid any negative comments or jokes about the Thai Royal Family — lese-majeste laws are strictly enforced.
- Never overstay your visa; penalties include heavy fines, deportation, and re-entry bans.
- Stay completely away from illegal drugs — penalties in Thailand are extremely severe.
- Don't carry e-cigarettes or vapes; they are strictly illegal in Thailand.
- Don't fly a drone without first getting the required CAAT and NBTC permits.
- Avoid littering or dropping cigarette butts — on-the-spot fines are common.
- Skip counterfeit goods, wildlife products, and fake antiques when shopping.
- Don't try to take Buddha images or religious artifacts out of the country without an export permit.
Behaviour & Personal Safety
- Avoid touching anyone's head — it's considered the most sacred part of the body.
- Don't point your feet toward people, monks, or religious objects.
- Keep your voice calm; public shouting or visible anger is frowned upon ('losing face').
- Tone down public displays of affection.
- Avoid elephant camps that use hooks or chains — choose an ethical sanctuary instead.
- Don't feed monkeys or other wildlife, as it can encourage aggressive behaviour.
- Women should avoid touching monks or handing items to them directly.
- Topless or nude sunbathing isn't allowed on any Thai beach.
- Don't take photos where signs prohibit it, especially inside temples.
- Avoid bargaining too aggressively — negotiate politely, with a smile.
- Never joke about bombs or security threats at airports or on public transport.
- Don't step on Thai banknotes or coins — they carry the King's image.
- Stand still and stay respectful when the national anthem plays at 8 AM and 6 PM in public.
Section 2 — For Indian Nationals Working in Thailand
THE DO'S
Immigration & Work Authorization
- Secure the correct Non-Immigrant B (Business) visa before you start working.
- Make sure you hold a valid Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Labour.
- File your 90-day address report with Immigration on schedule.
- Update your registered address with Immigration as soon as you move.
- Carry your Work Permit and passport, or copies of them, at all times.
- Start your visa extension and Work Permit renewal well ahead of the expiry date.
- Apply for a Re-entry Permit before travelling outside Thailand to keep your visa valid.
- Cancel your Work Permit through the proper legal process when you leave your job.
Workplace Protections
- Read your employment contract carefully before signing it.
- Understand your rights under Thailand's Labour Protection Act.
- Keep copies of your salary slips and employment-related correspondence.
- Report any workplace accident or injury to HR immediately.
- Confirm your employer has registered you with Thai Social Security.
- Know the legal limits on working hours and overtime pay.
- Keep copies of your employer's company registration documents.
Tax Compliance
- Get a personal Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Revenue Department.
- File your annual Personal Income Tax return (P.N.D. 90/91) before the March deadline.
- Keep all tax receipts and withholding tax certificates (50 Tawi) safe.
- Consult a qualified accountant about deductions and allowances you're eligible for.
THE DON'TS
Key Rules to Remember
- Don't take on any work — even unpaid — while on a Tourist Visa or visa exemption.
- Stick to the job role, employer, and location listed on your Work Permit.
- Never change employers without first arranging a new Work Permit.
- Don't hand over your original passport for your employer to hold.
- Avoid signing any Thai-language document you can't read without a trusted translation.
- Don't ignore your tax filing obligations — evasion carries serious penalties.
- Never miss your 90-day Immigration reporting requirement.
- Avoid accepting 'under-the-table' cash payments to dodge taxes or social security.
- Steer clear of occupations that are legally reserved for Thai nationals only.
- Don't start a side business or freelance work without the right visa and permits.
- Don't work from a branch office or location that isn't listed on your permit.
- Avoid taking part in local political protests or rallies.
- Don't stay in Thailand once your job ends and your visa is cancelled — leave, or arrange a new visa.
Section 3 — If Something Goes Wrong
Follow this emergency-action checklist right away:
Stay calm, quickly assess the situation, and prioritize your immediate safety.
If you're in physical danger, call emergency services — 191 for Police, 1669 for Medical.
For scams, disputes, or non-emergency issues, contact the Tourist Police at 1155.
Secure whatever valuables, documents, and belongings you still have with you.
If your passport is lost, or you're facing arrest or serious legal trouble, contact the Embassy of India right away.
If you're injured or unwell, get treatment at a registered hospital or clinic.
Document the incident thoroughly — photos, videos, notes, and witness details if possible.
Reach out to a trusted local support network for guidance, translation help, or general assistance.
Section 4 — Important Contacts
Need More Help?
Contact The Thai Tourism support team for guidance and assistance any time.
Section 5 — Official Information Sources
Verified government and embassy resources for visas, customs, tax, and safety information.
Embassy of India, Bangkok
Consular services, passport help, and emergency support for Indian nationals.
Thailand Tourist Police
24-hour multilingual helpline for tourist complaints, scams, and safety concerns.
Thai Immigration Bureau
Visa extensions, 90-day reporting, and entry or exit information.
Official Thailand Digital Arrival Card
Mandatory digital arrival registration required for all visitors entering Thailand.
Thai Customs Department
Rules on dutiable goods, prohibited items, and import or export regulations.
Ministry of Labour
Work permit rules, labour rights, and employment regulations for foreign workers.
Thai Revenue Department
Personal income tax filing, TIN registration, and tax compliance guidance.
Important Notice & Disclaimer
This page is meant for general guidance and community awareness only, and isn’t a substitute for formal legal advice. Thai laws, visa rules, and employment policies can change without notice. The Thai Tourism is not liable for actions taken based on this information — always check with official government sources or a registered legal professional for anything that needs a definitive answer.
Last reviewed: August 2026