1. “What if I get food poisoning?”

One of Thailand’s best bits is the local cuisine. With hundreds of dishes and flavours to choose from, a world of culinary wonders awaits! However, travellers’ dreams of exotic degustation can quickly become a nightmare if they’re unlucky enough to get food poisoning. To avoid wasting your holiday trapped in the toilet, it’s a good idea to take some precautions when sampling the local fare. Here’s a few handy tips to help keep you off the porcelain and on the crockery:

• • Look for restaurants that are already filled with diners – this is usually a good sign
• • Check your meat – especially chicken – is piping hot and cooked all the way through
• • Look for reviews online and health and safety / hygiene certificates on site
• • Wash your hands before and after eating
• • When it comes to spicy food, pace yourself –aim below local thresholds for the hot stuff
• • Steer clear of salads and ice drinks, as the water used may be contaminated
• • Stick to local foods – it’s invariably the more unfamiliar western dishes that cooks struggle with

2. “Should I be worried about theft? How can I stay safe?”

Thailand is one of the world’s favourite holiday locations, bringing people from far and wide to spend their hard-earned savings on a special getaway with friends and family. This makes the tourism industry a major source of income to Thai people, the vast majority of whom would prefer to get their hands on your dollars and baht through fair means rather than foul. However, for the predators in Thailand’s urban jungle, this influx of wealthy westerners can look like an all-you-can-eat buffet. Those on the hunt will look for easy pickings, so to avoid falling victim to theft, follow these simple steps:

• • Don’t flash the cash! Advertising your wealth can make you an irresistible target for thieves
• • To make life harder for pickpockets, use a money belt under your clothes for cash and passport
• • Carry a fake wallet in case you are mugged and need to hand something over
• • Use hotel safes and locked rooms for valuables; don’t carry large amounts of cash with you
• • Make a note of your credit card provider’s number, so you can call them immediately to cancel

3. “What should I do if I lose my passport?”

This little book we carry with us on our travels can seem to be of little consequence at times, and it’s unassuming enough to be easily lost. But when it’s gone, it can be a real headache to get it replaced; the kind of drama that can really put a dent in your holiday. There are certain precautions you can take to avoid the problem, and some important steps to follow in case the unthinkable happens. See below:

1. • Keep track of where your passport is at all times
2. • Store a digital copy in your phone and email account, so you can show it to authorities
3. • Make multiple colour copies and keep them separate
4. • Lock up the original in your room safe, or leave with the hotel for safe keeping
5. • Don’t hand over your passport to anyone that will take it out of your sight

If you have any problems while travelling in Thailand and need our help, feel free to contact the Panorama Destination 24-hour hotline on +66 (0) 91-787-6956 (When in Thailand dial: 091 787 6956).
You can also find a list of useful emergency numbers and services here.