Frequently Asked Questions about Bangkok
Is Bangkok safe?
Bangkok is surprisingly safe for its size and income disparities. This is particularly the case for westerners, who are usually welcomed rather than envied. Foreigners are much more apt to be pick-pocketed or scammed rather than mugged and robbed, which happens but is very rare. Most apartment complexes and hotels hire a security guard, although they rarely seem to do much more than look official. Hospitals are very safe and, despite political upheaval, expats shouldn't be concerned about political violence if they stay clear of protests.
Is Bangkok good for children?
The city can be great for children. A drawback can be pollution, to which children can be particularly susceptible. However, children's healthcare in Bangkok can be excellent. There are a large number of water parks, zoos and activities to capture a child's imagination. Private schools are of good quality. Often city neighbourhoods act as insular communities and it is common for children to be looked after and, in part, raised by the neighbours.
Bangkok Mothers and Babies International: www.bambiweb.org
What are some health concerns in Bangkok?
The largest concern is the air pollution, which can be detrimental to asthmatics and generally draining for everyone else. There is no need to worry about malaria in Bangkok. Some diseases are prevalent in Bangkok such as HIV, most likely a result of the large sex industry. Dengue fever is rare but travellers should keep an ear out for news of recent outbreaks. It is not safe to drink the tap water which is polluted, but easily accessible bottled water is fine. The most common sickness is diarrhoea, which is a result of unclean foods.
Must I learn Thai?
There are so many expats in Bangkok it is very easy to circulate primarily in English speaking crowds and hangouts. Yet most Thais cannot speak English and everything from giving directions to a taxi, negotiating prices and ordering street food is done in Thai. Learning some rudimentary words and sentences will go a long way to enhancing your experience of the city. Less important is reading Thai, which has no correlation to Roman characters, as many signs are in English.
Do I need a car?
One definitely does not need a car in Bangkok. In fact public transport, such as the sky train, ferry and subway, is much faster than driving. Frustrating traffic jams are regular parts of any driven commute. Public transport does not reach all areas of the city but there are unusual amounts of taxies and motorbike taxies. They sometimes will agree to negotiate a lower price than on the meter but often refuse to drive long distances and several taxis are necessary.
