Rules of the island
Some of this is manners and some of it is law, and the difference occasionally costs a deportation. Ordered by what matters on your first day.
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Smile
Seriously, it works. A smile defuses a conflict faster than arguing ever will.
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Do not shout
Especially in your own language — nobody will understand you and the tension only grows.
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You are a guest here
Even after years on the island. Respect the laws of the country we all chose to love.
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The King, his family, the Buddha law
Do not insult or criticise the King and his family — this is criminal law, not etiquette. The same goes for the Buddha: no jokes, no posing on the statues. Never point at the King, the Buddha or their images — it is rude here. Do not crumple or step on banknotes, they carry the King's portrait.
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A driving licence is your shield law
Riding a bike or driving a car — carry a licence. Without one a checkpoint can fine you or invent something worse; with one there are usually no questions at all.
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Stopped by police — tell the truth
If they ask whether you are carrying anything, say it. Lying here costs more than admitting it.
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Helmet, always law
Even as a passenger, even on a moto-taxi. Without one you are both breaking the law and far more likely to be seriously hurt.
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You are the foreigner, so you are probably wrong
In a disputed situation that is how it goes nine times out of ten. A dashcam is your best witness.
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No nudity. Anywhere law
Not on the street, not in public, not behind an open window. For all the island nightlife, the indecency law here is strict.
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Cannabis — prescription only law
Since June 2025 it is legal only with a Thai doctor's prescription (form PT 33) — a coffeeshop will point you to one. Smoking in public is a fine even with the prescription. Vapes and shisha are banned outright. The simplest rule: do not carry any of it.
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No bikes in tunnels law
Two-wheelers are banned from tunnels and many flyovers across Thailand, not just on Phuket. Breaking this rule means a fine.
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No driving after drinking law
The limit for new and foreign licences is 0.02% — practically zero. If you drank, call a Grab.
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Shells and coral - not souvenirs law
Taking shells, coral or sand from the beach, keeping them, and especially exporting them is against national conservation law. A bag of shells at customs can turn into trouble for nothing.
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Thai prison is not a story you want
The conditions are hard, the sentence is a Thai court's to decide, and nobody sends you home early. It is also very expensive.
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Swimwear on a bike
Not illegal, but not welcome either — locals do not like it.