Health and safety in Krabi
Fortunately, your personal safety is not usually an issue in the Land of Smiles. Krabi is no different to anywhere else when it comes to health and safety in Thailand: random violence or attacks are virtually unheard of, pickpockets are few and there are no major natural hazards.
Of course, this does not mean you can throw caution to the wind. Follow basic common sense about not leaving valuables unattended; being courteous with local people, avoiding walking alone at night on a deserted beach and so on and you should have a hassle-free holiday.
If you are the victim of a crime or theft, contact the tourist police immediately on 1155.
General health and safety hazards
Reckless driving is probably the biggest safety hazard here; be especially careful on narrow roads curving through the mountains. Signals are used infrequently - so be prepared for any vehicle to do anything, at any time. Most drivers are, however, fairly courteous to one another, and they don’t travel too fast in built up areas so if you stay aware of your surroundings, you should not encounter any problems.
With motorcycle rentals, resist the temptation to let the wind blow through your hair: always use a helmet, even if it seems like no one else is. Beware of patches of sand on the road; on corners, these can make you skid, especially if driving fast. Thai drivers tend to pull out recklessly in front of oncoming traffic, overtake in the face of approaching vehicles and stop where it pleases them. Note also that motorcycle rental does not come with any insurance, so you will be entirely responsible for any damage, theft or accidents.
Electric shocks can be another danger here. Local Thai plugs and sockets are rarely earthed, so be careful when using electric appliances outside your hotel. This is also the case for the lightboxes used for signs outside shops and restaurants; keep a close eye on children, who may touch the poles on which they stand.
Health care in Krabi province is quite basic, although most of the tourist areas will have an English-speaking doctor nearby, who will also be able to fill in any travel insurance forms required. There is also a hospital in Krabi Town; for serious problems, however, we would recommend travelling to the international hospital in Phuket.
Sunstroke, dehydration, diarrhoea, ear infections, and in some cases, sexually transmitted diseases are key issues to watch out for when on holiday in Krabi.
On the water there is a particular risk of overcrowding of ferries during busy times, due to poor regulations. There is at least one capsize a year in which a few foreigners drown, so it’s best to avoid crowded ferries. A tsunami is another lingering risk, but no one can be sure of the odds of another striking any time soon. There have been quakes along the same faultline since 2004 but it has not created any tsunamis. Evacuations procedures and early warning systems are now in place. Ao Nang, due to it’s elevation from the sea level, is not at risk but should you be on one of the beaches of the small off shore islands, you’ll need to be aware of possible high ground to escape to.
See an A-Z guide of common health risks in Krabi.
Specific health issues in Krabi
