In response to growing concerns over safety and human trafficking scams targeting foreigners, Thailand has launched a new app aimed at restoring touri
In response to growing concerns over safety and human trafficking scams targeting foreigners, Thailand has launched a new app aimed at restoring tourists’ confidence in visiting the country. The “Thailand Tourist Police” app, launched on December 12, 2024, allows visitors to easily report issues or emergencies by sending messages, photos, and location details.
The app is directly connected to the “1155” tourist police hotline, available 24/7 in eight languages, and also integrates with the “191” emergency services for quicker response times. Tourists in urgent need of assistance can simply press the red “SOS” button on the app to instantly contact local authorities.
Since its release, the app has handled around 1,000 reports, including around 200 emergency calls in a single day (January 13, 2025). These reports have included incidents such as accidents, crimes, and immigration concerns. Fortunately, no reports of tourists being trapped in Thailand or neighbouring countries have been received.
The introduction of the app comes in the wake of a disturbing increase in cases where Thailand was used as a transit point for human trafficking syndicates targeting tourists, particularly in connection with Myanmar. Safety concerns have affected the tourism industry, with some travellers particularly worried following the high-profile abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing and other missing Chinese nationals.
As a result, airlines like Thai Lion Air have seen a noticeable decline in Chinese tourist bookings, with cancellations rising by 20% after the reports of abductions. The new app aims to reassure tourists that help is now just a click away.
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