Phuket Safety Guide: Scams, Water Safety & Emergency Info

Phuket's tourism industry is mostly honest, but a few persistent scams target visitors. Knowing them in advance makes them easy to avoid.

The ocean is the most underestimated danger in Phuket. Strong currents, rip tides, and large waves during monsoon season (May–October) cause multiple drownings every year. Even experienced swimmers can be caught off guard.

Flag system: Lifeguard-patrolled beaches use a flag system. Green = safe to swim. Yellow = caution, swim with care. Red = dangerous, do not swim. Always obey red flags. The majority of drowning deaths occur when visitors ignore red flags.

Rip currents: If caught in a rip current, do not swim against it. Swim parallel to the shore until you escape the current, then swim back to the beach at an angle. Stay calm and conserve energy.

Monsoon season beaches: From May to October, the west coast beaches (Patong, Kata, Karon, Surin, Kamala) experience large waves and strong undertows. During this period, safer swimming options include Nai Harn (partially protected), Ao Yon, and Panwa Beach on the east coast, which are more sheltered.

Thailand has one of the highest road fatality rates in the world, and Phuket's hilly, winding roads contribute to this statistic. Motorbike accidents are the number-one cause of tourist injury and death on the island.

Key risks:

• Roads are narrow, steep, and have sharp curves, especially on hillside routes like Patong Hill (Route 4029).
• Many tourists ride motorbikes without experience, helmets, or valid licenses.
• Stray dogs, sudden rain, and poorly maintained road surfaces add to the danger.
• Driving is on the left side of the road — opposite to many Western countries.

Recommendations: Use Grab or private drivers. If you must drive, rent a car rather than a motorbike. Wear a quality helmet at all times. Avoid driving at night and during heavy rain. Ensure your travel insurance covers motorbike or vehicle accidents.

Phuket has excellent medical facilities. Bangkok Hospital Phuket (on the bypass road) is a private, international-standard hospital with English-speaking doctors and 24-hour emergency services. Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town is the main public hospital. Dibuk Hospital and Mission Hospital also offer quality care.

Common health issues:

• Sunburn: The tropical sun is intense. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen every 2 hours and wear a hat.
• Heat exhaustion: Stay hydrated, especially when sightseeing temples and viewpoints. Drink 2–3 liters of water daily.
• Food hygiene: Street food is generally safe — eat at busy stalls with high turnover. Drink only bottled or filtered water.
• Mosquitoes: Dengue fever occurs in Phuket. Use insect repellent (DEET-based) in the evenings and during rain.

Pharmacies: Boots and Watsons pharmacies stock international medications. Many drugs that require prescriptions in Western countries are available over the counter in Thailand.

Save these numbers in your phone before you arrive:

• Tourist Police: 1155 (English-speaking, available 24/7 — your first call for any tourist-related issue)
• General Emergency: 191 (Thai police)
• Ambulance: 1669
• Fire: 199
• Bangkok Hospital Phuket (24hr ER): +66 76 254 425
• Vachira Phuket Hospital: +66 76 361 234
• Your embassy/consulate: Look up the number before you travel and save it in your phone.

The Tourist Police (1155) are specifically trained to handle foreign visitor issues including scams, theft, accidents, and lost documents. They speak English and are generally very helpful.

Violent crime against tourists is rare in Phuket. The most common issues are petty theft (pickpockets in crowded areas, belongings stolen from unattended beach towels) and drink spiking in some Patong bars.

Precautions:

• Use the hotel safe for passports, large cash amounts, and electronics.
• Do not leave bags unattended on the beach.
• Watch your drink in bars, especially on Bangla Road.
• Avoid confrontations — Thai culture values "face" and arguments can escalate unpredictably.
• Solo travelers should share their location with someone at home and stick to well-lit, busy areas at night.

Regarding drugs: Thailand has extremely strict drug laws. Penalties for possession of even small amounts of illegal drugs include lengthy prison sentences. This is not a country where you want to take risks with drugs.

Monsoon/storms: Heavy rain and thunderstorms occur May–October. Flash flooding can affect low-lying roads and some beach areas. Monitor weather forecasts during this season.

Jellyfish: Box jellyfish appear occasionally in Phuket waters, primarily during the monsoon season. Some beaches have vinegar stations for first aid. If stung, rinse with vinegar (not fresh water), remove tentacles carefully, and seek medical help if the pain is severe or you experience difficulty breathing.

Tsunamis: Phuket was affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Warning systems have since been installed along the coast, with evacuation route signs posted at all major beaches. If you feel an earthquake or see a rapid sea withdrawal, move immediately to high ground.