What Not to Do in Thailand: 18 Rules, Fines & Tourist Scams to Avoid
By TourKro Travel Desk · Thailand DMC & local tour operator · Updated 13 Nov 2026
Updated on
Thailand is easy and friendly, but some things that are normal at home can get you fined, or worse. Here is what our team in Thailand tells every guest.
Respect and culture
- Never say or post anything rude about the King or the royal family. It is a serious crime in Thailand.
- Cover shoulders and knees in temples and the Grand Palace; take off shoes where asked.
- Do not touch anyone’s head, and do not point your feet at people or Buddha images.
- Do not climb on Buddha statues for photos; buying Buddha images to take abroad needs a permit.
Rules with big fines
- E-cigarettes and vapes are illegal to bring in or use: fines and even arrest.
- Do not carry or use drugs. Cannabis rules have changed and are now strict: do not buy it.
- Smoking is banned on many beaches; littering is fined.
- Drones must be registered before flying.
- Do not take sand, shells or coral from national parks.
- Alcohol is not sold in shops between 2 pm and 5 pm and on some religious holidays.
- Do not overstay your permitted days: 500 baht fine per day.
Common tourist scams
- “The Grand Palace is closed today”: a stranger then offers a cheap tuk-tuk tour that ends at a gem or tailor shop. It is not closed.
- Jet ski “damage” claims on beaches: take photos before you ride, or book a tour with a known company.
- Taxis without the meter: insist on the meter or use Grab/Bolt.
- Very cheap “ping pong show” tickets with a big bill later.
Safety
- Do not ride a scooter without a licence and helmet: insurance does not cover you and the police fine you.
- Swim only where there are flags and lifeguards in the rainy season.
- Keep your passport in the hotel safe and a copy on your phone.
- The Tourist Police number is 1155 (English spoken).
Checked by the TourKro team on 13 November 2026. Rules and fees in Thailand change; always check the official website before you travel.
Thailand trip prices right now
3-night plans with hotel, airport transfers and tours, live from the TourKro booking system:
| City | Per person (4-star, 2 sharing) |
|---|---|
| Phuket tours | ₹17,970 |
| Pattaya tours | ₹21,930 |
| Krabi tours | ₹24,315 |
| Bangkok tours | ₹33,120 |
More guides: Thailand Visa for Indians 2026: Rules, TDAC Arrival Card & Documents (Step by Step) · Thailand Packing List for Indians: What to Carry (Season by Season) · Thai Baht for Indians: Currency, Forex Card, ATM & Daily Budget in Thailand · Thailand SIM Card & eSIM for Indian Travellers: Prices, Data Plans & Where to Buy · Getting Around Thailand: Grab, Bolt, Taxi, Tuk-Tuk, BTS & Ferries Explained
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Questions people ask
Thailand me kya nahi karna chahiye?
Raja/royal family ke baare me kuch galat na bolein, vape/e-cigarette na le jayein, temple me kandhe aur ghutne dhakein, aur bina meter wali taxi se bachein.
Is vaping allowed in Thailand?
No. E-cigarettes are illegal in Thailand; tourists have been fined and arrested.
थाईलैंड में क्या नहीं करना चाहिए?
राजा के बारे में गलत न बोलें, वेप न ले जाएं, मंदिर में कंधे और घुटने ढकें, और बिना मीटर वाली टैक्सी न लें।
See also: Thailand tours · Thailand holiday packages · Today’s deals
Prices on this page are TourKro’s live website prices for travel about a month from now, checked on 13 November 2026. They change with dates and hotel availability: the price you see when you book is the one that counts.
Phuket: cost from India (today's rates)
| 3★ hotel, per room per night | from ₹3,600 |
| 4★ hotel, per room per night | from ₹3,600 |
| Airport / city transfer | from ₹900 |
| Island tour, per person | from ₹900 |
| City tour | from ₹1,260 |
| Show ticket | from ₹900 |
| Return flight from Delhi / Mumbai, per person | ₹16,000 – ₹30,000 |
Full Phuket price list · Trip cost calculator · Ask on WhatsApp
