The United States Department of State has officially recognized the island of Phuket as one of the world’s safest destinations for American travelers. In an announcement made on June 16, 2025, the US included Thailand in its Level 1 travel advisory list, ranking the country alongside Singapore, Canada, Japan, and Australia.

Announced by Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong and Deputy Government Spokeswoman Sasikarn Watthanachan, among the safest places in Thailand include Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Phuket.

A Badge of Honor for Thailand’s Tourism

Thai authorities view the designation as a strong badge of honor, signaling confidence in the country’s status as a premier travel destination. The advisory is expected to attract more high-spending visitors, especially from the US, which will contribute to the country’s economic growth.

The Level 1 advisory, which is considered the highest safety rating issued by the State Department, tells Americans that they can travel to these destinations while “exercising normal precautions.” This means that there are no heightened alerts and no major security concerns in a specific destination. It’s also the same level of caution recommended for travel inside the U.S. itself.

While most of Thailand is designated Level 1 advisory, a few areas in the far south of the country, namely Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and parts of Songkhla, still fall under a Level 2 advisory due to ongoing unrest. For the country’s most popular cities, however, including Phuket, the message stands strong: that the island is one of the safest places to travel to in the world.

The country, especially its tourism sector, has been working tirelessly since the global pandemic that slowed down the global travel industry. Thai officials view the US advisory as a significant step towards their goal of being one of the leading travel destinations in the world. Expectations include a boom in American travelers, as well as tourists from other nations.

Related article: Tourism Surges in Thailand with Increased Spending

Efforts to improve the country’s tourism sector have continuously been implemented, which include a beefed-up tourist police presence in Phuket and other major cities, the opening of multilingual Tourist Assistance Centers, and the continued operation of “tourist courts,” which are special legal venues established to resolve disputes that involve foreign travelers quickly and fairly.

Phuket is globally recognized for its stunning beaches, luxurious five-star resorts, elegant Phuket villa rentals, and vibrant nightlife. Although it attracts many international tourists, safety remains a primary concern, particularly for families and solo travelers.

The Level 1 designation is expected to encourage more American visitors and also to influence travelers from other countries to view Thailand as a safe and secure holiday destination. The designation is expected to leave a significant mark on the country’s tourism industry, where more extended stays become a top priority for travelers, leading to increased spending and greater confidence among travel agencies and investors.

The expected boost to Phuket’s travel sector is prompting local leaders to invest more in beach safety, public transportation, and sustainable tourism programs.

With safety being a top priority for travelers, the new travel status is a win for Phuket, now considered one of the safest destinations for Americans and other foreign tourists. The Level 1 advisory is a testament to Thailand’s diligent efforts in making the country one of the world’s top travel destinations, not only for its natural beauty and culture, but also for providing travelers complete peace of mind.

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