Anytime you are planning to leave the country, you should visit the State Department’s website for any travel alerts or warnings. This is also a great place to read up on any political or safety issues in the area. Thailand has experienced recent political strife between the existing government and the Red Shirts opposition. After a considerable amount of violence in the past few months, there has been a recent calm since the end of May. The most frequent demonstrations and violence occur in southern Thailand, and the State Department advises against non-emergency travel to these areas. Border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia make traveling along the border area ill-advised. It is also extremely important to register with the U.S. Embassy before traveling to Thailand. Registration can be done online and will provide you with valuable security information and updates on the area. In the event of an emergency occurring while in Thailand, being registered with the embassy is immensely helpful. There are two embassies in this country, one in Bangkok and one in Chiang Mai.Crime in Thailand is another issue to be aware of while on a trip. According to the State Department, crime rates in the capital, Bangkok, are lower than in many areas of the U.S., but pick-pocketing and robbery remain an issue. Scams and con artists are also prevalent in the area and caution should be taken before accepting any offer for a tour or taxi ride. Gem scams are also quite common, so be wary of purchasing such products from independent vendors.Wherever you go, it is imperative that you remain aware of your surroundings and carefully guard any personal items. No one wants their exotic vacation ruined by crime or theft. Though the State Department encourages the exercise of caution while in this area, there are no official travel warnings or alerts.