back packing I Thailand.

[frankofile]

My 19 year old daughter is currently back packing in Thailand, then Australia etc. What should I realistically warn her about

[bednobs]

when she is crossing borders, unpack absolutely everything before crossing and re-pack

[whiskygalore]

Bangkok/Phuket Razor pick pockets- slit open your backpack, try to keep it in front of you when walking in crowded areas. But she's probably only as likely to be targeted by PPs as any tourist walking around in central London would be

Anyone asking you to come and see cheap jewellery/gold

General grossness in some hostel showers; bring flip-flops everywhere

Has she got her route in Thailand planned, or is she winging it from Bangkok?

[ness1301]

My daughters drink was spiked when she was at the full moon party at Ko Samui and she woke up on another beach with no idea how she got there. Luckily nothing horrible happened to her but she still gets nightmares about it. Also her bag was searched when in the hold of bus travelling north. Apparently the Thai men hide in the backage compartment and go through the bags wehn everyone is asleep and took her money that was hidden very well - they then repack the bags so you dont realise until you are at your hostel and then of course its too late. Having said all this she still managed to have a great time and put it all down to experience..

[stonekicker]

surely you should have had this discussion with her before she went?

[barbsy]

If she is 'in the area' I would strongly recommend that she goes to Laos, the country North of Thailand. Absolutely fabulous people and scenery. Is supposed to be like Thailand was 20 years ago - much nicer I felt. Hope she has a good time!

[terambulan]

She should watch out for drugs and spiked drinks.

Keep her money on her person ie money belt.

Only eat stir-fries, fruit with skins and canned drinks. The bottled water is sometimes suspect so boil your own, cool and bottle. She must try fresh coconut milk direct from the coconut. Watch out jelly fish in the sea and keep vinegar to swab over if stung.

Treat the Thais with respect and they will respect her. Say 'Salamat' (hello) to locals to make friends. DO NOT CARRY ANYTHING THAT HIS NOT HERS....this is how drugs are moved.

[frankofile]

Hey Stonekicker, of course we had this conversation before she went. We paid for her to go on a backpackers survival course, which interestingly raised as many questions as answers. I had been advised to pack a "false" wallet with old/out of date credit cards etc and put it in the top of her rucksack. They were told not to, as the local criminals are wise to this, and will march you to the cashpoint, and if you then can't use the cards, will get very angry, and likely beat you up.Also how do you defend yourself against being gassed on sleeper trains

[frankofile]

I know it sounds horrendous, but my daughter is having a BRILLIANT time. Remember most kids on their Gap year come home with a very positive experience, and I really hope it will make a mature person of her. Obviously I will only be happy when she is home safe, but then she could get run over by a bus