23 LAWS tourists need to know BEFORE visiting THAILAND!

[@armaugh]

This was very important information to know. Thanks for making the video.

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@WanderlustReports]

Excellent video! Thanks... Wherever you travel, remember to always be cautious, as, number 1, "Ignorance of the law is no defense" and, number 2, "Dura lex, sed lex!" And, as a KZbinr, you forgot to mention a law that a lot of KZbinrs break: it's illegal to fly a drone in a National Park.

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you for the kind words, and the input! I totally forgot about drones. Actually I believe they are illegal in most locations without a permit. Cheers!

[@marijusofficial]

Wonderful information Cal and even most of them i knew,,some of them didnt.It expanded my knowledge,truly thankful

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you for the kind words! Cheers

[@popmaumeawmeaw2376]

Thank you as a Thai person for your channel to provide knowledge about laws and regulations. Which will be very useful to foreign tourists.🙏🙏🙏

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you for the kind words! Cheers

[@Dino1618]

Did not know about the littering. Good video!

[@thebangkokguide]

Cheers! Thanks for the kind words!

[@UdomitBeppa]

Thanks for the good video and information!

[@thebangkokguide]

Cheers! Thanks for the kind words!

[@UdomitBeppa]

Hey Cal, I follow you already a some time and find your content very interesting and informative for people who want to learn more about Thailand 🇹🇭. I hope I will move to Thailand 🇹🇭 by end of 2024! Wish you all the best and look forward to your next information! Thanks 🙏 Udo with Beppa 🐕

[@thebangkokguide]

Best of luck with moving over here Udo! Cheers

[@mikewilliams4168]

Good advice, it does feel like a no brainer to just not break the law but these more hidden laws are what can get you. Two more weeks and counting and I’m there!

[@thebangkokguide]

Yeah exactly. Need to know the laws in order to avoid breaking them! Safe travels!

[@mikewilliams4168]

@@thebangkokguide Thanks Cal my pal.

[@MalMilligan]

Very good report. Comprehensive. I've wanted to start a website and YT channel here for a year and a half but obviously some perceived violations get enforced and many do not for. Also Google seems to take lots of legit content from Pattaya and they make sure very few people get to see it.

[@thebangkokguide]

I see quite a few channels in Pattaya…actually the ones I mentioned are there and still seem to exist. Although I believe KZbin doesn’t monetize them.

[@Boddav]

I’ve done a lot of videos.If people are the primary subject I ask for their permission.Anywhere in Southeast Asia or in The World I would never photo or video a child without an adult in the picture and with his or her permission.

[@thebangkokguide]

This is the safest approach... I'm not a lawyer, so I definitely can't comment on how the law is being applied. Just need to be aware of it and exercise caution.

[@2kkto2]

Excellent video - you might save some unknowing people big problems... a good deed for you.

[@thebangkokguide]

Hopefully! Thanks for the kind words 😊

[@dqrossvideography5134]

Thank you for this. One of the laws not mentioned in the video is that short term condo rentals (less than 30 days) are illegal in Thailand. Apparently there are signs in all condo buildings and the penalties can be severe for both landlords and tenants. My understanding is that enforcement is sporadic but it would be great to have a video on that specific law and the potential risks for tourists. Short term condo rentals are widely available on AirbnB even though they are illegal and I have seen a post online of someone who only found out about that law after seeing the sign when he arrived at the condo. I was fortunate to find out in time, albeit by accident, and changed my bookings. If you could talk about this in one of your videos I’d appreciate it. Thanks

[@thebangkokguide]

Ah yes this is definitely an important one. I actually covered this in my 29 Tips video, but I should have added it here as it is a law. My friend had a similar experience at an Airbnb and was told he had to sneak into the condo and avoid security. Not an ideal situation. It really depends on each condo as they can have different policies, so it can be difficult to know. I recommend checking the reviews, especially Google reviews to look for any comments about this. Thanks for the input!

[@anthony7091]

Just a correction on drinking alcohol unless l heard you wrong. Legal age for consumption of alcohol is 18y. Legal age to buy alcohol is 20y. I am married to a government officer in the D.A office.

[@thebangkokguide]

Yes that’s correct. 20 is for buying and selling alcohol. To be honest, I didn’t know there even was a separate law for the age of consumption. Thank you for the clarification!

[@arrivedp]

Good info!

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you!

[@michaeldileo8815]

A lot of these laws wouldn't have even crossed my mind, like the driving shirtless one. The filming people in public one is great to know for us foreigners. The business reviews ones seem crazy, but I can see it because of the "saving face" culture. My number one rule when in Thailand is to be respectful at ALL TIMES! Complaining about things are kind of a western pass time, but it hits differently in the kingdom. We as foreigners probably want to ask ourselves if the complaining about something is justified relative to the potential consequences we might endure; and if we decide it is, do it as diplomatically as humanly possible lol!

[@thebangkokguide]

There are definitely significant contrasts between western and eastern cultures…perpetual criticism versus no criticism whatsoever 😅 We need a happy medium somewhere haha

[@nevmat1595]

The restrictions on hotel reviews are annoying. Been caught out in BKK a few times with hotels old photos and photo shopped.

[@childrenofgod3015]

Lord Jesus keep you all safe and honestly its not about converting people..but about sharing the Good news and its about souls being saved . LORD ALMIGHTY GOD JESUS SAVE AND BLESS YOU ALL FOR ALL ETERNITY AMEN ✝️🛐 And thank-you cal for the information 😊

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@mikebaker4190]

Ah crap. To late. Already landed in Jomtien 5 days ago from Ottawa. Just going to go with the flow. Love the channel and learning all the time. Thanks Cal.

[@thebangkokguide]

Cheers! Hope the trip went well. It's a whole different world boarding a flight in an Ottawa winter and arriving in Jomtien. Enjoy!

[@DownwardElevator]

Cal, heading to Thailand in December and I’m wondering if it’s considered rude or offensive to have a meditating Buddha tattoo showing? I have one on my forearm and I’m wondering if I should have it covered the whole time I’m there. Thanks in advanced!

[@thebangkokguide]

That should be fine. It’s a very relaxed society.

[@patnyabangkok7751]

Saw a westerner walking without a shirt on in a public place yesterday, and within minutes police were telling him to put a top on

[@thebangkokguide]

Good. It’s quite embarrassing for longer term expats when we see the wandering shirtless westerners. Last year I saw a guy walking around in Silom barefoot with no shirt on… I just stood there shaking my head 😂

[@patnyabangkok7751]

@@thebangkokguide totally agree, if it was a lady I wouldn't have minded 🙂

[@thebangkokguide]

Would definitely be preferable 😅

[@mariovandenhovel1341]

Good video ❤

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you!

[@boixos46]

Also on the bus Pattaya to Korat this year I placed my foot on the middle of the two seats in front of me and I was told not to do it because there were 2 people sitting there and it was disrespectful.

[@thebangkokguide]

Yes that’s correct. Putting feet up is viewed as disrespectful as the feet are considered the lowest part of the body. Thanks for your input!

[@Boddav]

Thanks for the underwear warning. I could easily been busted doing sit ups ,leg lifts and my stomach exercises at Lumpini or Phrom Phong Gyms.

[@thebangkokguide]

Had to give up those freedom jogs!

[@Paul_R1206]

Let’s talk about littering. I’ve seen so many videos about Thailand and I’ve yet to see any types of trash containers on the streets. Why is that? Is it also true that when you’re out anywhere and have to use the restroom you always have to pay? Even in grocery stores and 7-11’s ? Thanks

[@thebangkokguide]

A lot of the trash cans were removed due to security concerns. The occasionally disappear for a while and then come back later. At the moment it seems that many have disappeared again. Normally you don’t need to pay for bathrooms here, and there are lots of them! Cheers!

[@Paul_R1206]

@@thebangkokguide Thanks. So where would you find trash cans if you’re out walking about and need to discard of some trash?

[@thebangkokguide]

Normally there is one near 711 but lately there are just bags hanging around

[@HRCISASKNK]

Good video bro I am planning to visit Thailand do you live there? Luckily I don’t do social media or film anyone or take pictures. I actually don’t do any of these things that are prohibited. I smoke weed what about that bro?

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words. Weed is decriminalized, so it’s fine and there are shops everywhere. It’s illegal to smoke in public…although you’ll see it pretty much everywhere.

[@HRCISASKNK]

@@thebangkokguide thanks brother. I didn’t watch the rest of the video and heard you speak of this. So people still do it in public? What about weed gummies do they sell those there?

[@thebangkokguide]

Yeah you can find pretty much everything and you definitely see and smell weed all over the place. But you never know if some cops decide to enforce the law

[@kevinp8108]

If Thailand enforced the No Motorbikes on the sidewalk, half the population of Thailand would be in prison!

[@thebangkokguide]

The sidewalk life is a tough one! lol

[@EmilionOW]

Most of the people I see are taxis or delivery. And most cases are in more crouded or urban areas. Its very kind of you to think... half of our population should put in, in prison... It is not an excuse to drive on sidewalks, but farangs tend to do whatever they want, because many think, they don't have to follow the rules.I know many americans, don't care, because they want to carry their freedom everywhere they go ( the worst entcounters of tourism I personally had, sorry). But nevertheless, foreigners should be always a good example or examplary as a guest, like knowing some basic phrases in the visiting country, or just knowing the rules and culture...

[@mancello]

So don't believe many reviews in Thailand since they will skew positive.

[@thebangkokguide]

@mancello this is definitely true. Google reviews tend to be the most accurate.

[@Somnaru-it1ou]

คุณอาจจะรอด โชคดีที่ตำรวจไม่เพียงพอ แต่ถ้าโชคร้าย แต่ถ้าโดนตำรวจจับขึ้นมาก็สมควร เพราะมันผิดกฎหมายและไม่สมควรทำ ถ้าถ้ามีคนถ่ายคลิปให้ตำรวจ คุณก็ซวยได้เหมือนกัน

[@เทวฤทธิ์จิตรสอาด-พ1ฝ]

ดีมากครับ

[@thebangkokguide]

🙏😊

[@Bruce3949]

A murderer will be released from prison in less than 5 years, but if someone make unfavorable comments about the king, he or she will do 15 years in prison. One Thai boy was only 18 when he made some negative comments about the king and he got 50 years.

[@thebangkokguide]

Yes, there are many sad stories with these laws. It's important to be aware of the laws and be careful.

[@tumdeepleanpai6713]

What goes around comes around.Not 18 y.o.he is 30,selling clothes on line, hungry for spotlight and then money will be poring to him like some mob leaders walking in and out jail and still get a loads,50 years sentence that appeal court increased to him,go figured.Now I realised why US ambassador get asked about section 112 before come to Thailand,even Germany Green Party raised issue discussing about Thai King...The King didnt do anything wrong just evil stupid rumers like this and geopolitical scheme, poor Thailand you called a 3 world,survived from to be a colony even it made Rama V sick in the past. Freedom dont enough for them, they want Utapao base. This is a sad story as a thai hoping some evil NGO find this message. Guava will be guava they dont realise how great so many things our kings have done to this land.

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

Are your eyes so red and small because of oregano or the smog / heavy air polution?

[@thebangkokguide]

Actually I was sick when I filmed this one... pollution season is rough!

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

@@thebangkokguide ... LOS=Land of Smoke

[@thebangkokguide]

Indeed! Pollution is bad right now.

[@Milkyway109]

Oregano? Do you mean WEED ?

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

@@Milkyway109 yip - jamaician sheepwool

[@mikecaymantrades]

Would anyone ever plant drugs on a foreigner in a club? Would you have to be careful of that in Thailand.

[@thebangkokguide]

I've never heard any stories about this. Normally these situations occur when foreigners either try to buy illegal drugs, or they use illegal drugs in bars or clubs. If somebody follows the laws, they are very unlikely to have a problem.

[@williammccullum359]

Other countries flags are everywhere mate. Look around.

[@thebangkokguide]

Sure. No disagreement. I'm just citing that the law exists. Like I said, enforcement of some of the laws is random or non-existent.

[@Milkyway109]

You didn't really listen ! Did you ? Listen up mate

[@Juy1234]

The most flexible Thai law, just don‘t hurt the body, drugs, robbery, drunk and driving, nothing.

[@thebangkokguide]

It can definitely be flexible.

[@AumNormal]

7:05 This is quite delicate. political I will explain it in a simple way. Ordinary people do not have the right to produce and sell alcoholic beverages. Maybe because of fear of getting in the way Income of large capitalists, people who are fined just want to reclaim their rights, Thailand has had problems for a long time. Between the lines of big capitalists and the general public This leads to the problem that people do not like the government from many years until now. Because the government is on the side of the capitalists. Beneficial to capitalists in every matter. ,,, There are many more subtle matters that we cannot talk about, but as you may know from the recent election win by the new generation political party, (but not being able to form a government) this may be the answer.😊

[@thebangkokguide]

Yes, I understand and agree with your explanation. Thanks for the input!

[@dailygrinders89]

Bribery In Thailand consequences?

[@thebangkokguide]

Iffy… it’s a gray area for sure

[@nevmat1595]

You missed an important law. No touching inappropriately in public, even your partner. No sex in public places, on the beach, in the water, in a park.

[@thebangkokguide]

These are definitely some good additions. Cheers!

[@gordon.Jacko1055]

You can have all the laws in the world whether they’re Policed or not that’s another story 🤔

[@thebangkokguide]

This is definitely true!

[@linda_and_tony]

Wow the defamation law is so strict kind of scary

[@thebangkokguide]

It is very strict. Definitely need to be careful about it.

[@legosec8870]

People have to be crazy to go to Thailand just to save few dollars. You are better of spending your money somewhere else.

[@thebangkokguide]

I think it's a great country. Just need to be a little cautious, but this is similar in most places!

[@jurgschupbach3059]

If you wake up in the morning u are already guilty thats why i sleep into afternoon old foreigner guava pickled knowledge

[@thebangkokguide]

The guava is the way 😅

[@lightner6924]

Thailand has laws? Lmao.

[@thebangkokguide]

The Bangkok Hilton says yes 😅

[@เทวฤทธิ์จิตรสอาด-ศ2ผ]

ผมขอบคุณ ที่คุณได้อธิบายกฎหมายของไทยให้คนทั่วโลกได้รู้จักและให้ทุกคนปฏิบัติตามกฎหมายของไทยอย่างถูกต้อง จะทำให้นักท่องเที่ยวที่มาเที่ยวประเทศไทยมีความสุข และจะไม่ทำสิ่งที่ผิดกฏหมายให้คนอื่นเขาเดือดร้อนด้วย

[@thebangkokguide]

Cheers! Thanks for the kind words. It’s very important for visitors to be aware of the laws 🙏

[@keekwai2]

"smoking" vapes. LOL

[@thebangkokguide]

It seemed right at the time but in retrospect… 👀😂

[@alltogethernow121]

Another LAW - that nice Buddha statue you bought to take home, might be confiscated at the airport. You need to apply for a permit to take home a Buddha statue or artwork, especially if it's consider 'art' or 'historic' (not for spiritual purposes)...

[@thebangkokguide]

True! That’s a funny one given how many Buddha statues are on sale!

[@alltogethernow121]

@@thebangkokguideI know... I've thought the same thing. I haven't been in Thailand for a decade, but I clearly remember a room at the airport full of Buddha statues that were confiscated. Yet, the Buddha Statue I brought home (spiritual purposes) never got a second look by the airport staff.

[@Scotty_pickleball]

Great content you provide, well done

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you 🙏