The vast majority of foreign nationals living in Thailand do not experience major problems. Serious crimes against foreigners are so rare that they almost always make the television and newspapers. Whilst no country is completely safe, the sensible expatriate is unlikely to experience any greater level of threat to their safety from criminal causes than in their home country. Most long-term foreign residents of Thailand have never been arrested, assaulted, mugged, or otherwise been the victim of anything more serious than the theft of a camera from a hotel room. Their dealings with the police have been confined to visa formalities, seeking directions and occasionally being asked to show identification during a routine spot check.
Learning to be streetwise in Thailand is very easy and the relaxed atmosphere makes adopting a calm manner no real challenge. As long as you are cautious, sensible, polite and friendly, your home and valuables are secure, and you keep your wits about you when using the roads and the sidewalks, it is very unlikely that you will experience any trouble worth worrying about. But if you are looking for a 'cotton wool' existence where safety is the paramount concern and all danger is minimised, then you may need to consider whether Thailand is right for you. For many expatriates the freewheeling, devil-may-care attitude gives the edge that makes Thailand an exciting place to live....
