The rules of SURVIVOR are designed not only to uphold the premise of the show, but also to promote the safety of all Survivors and crew members. The prize for following all these rules and making it to the very end is one million dollars, but consolation cash prizes will be awarded to the other Survivors, based on their order of elimination. The consolation prizes will range from approximately $2,500 for the first person voted off the island, to approximately $100,000 for the runner-up. Several actions will result in immediate elimination from the contest and expulsion from Thailand, as well as forfeiture of any prize. If you were one of the Survivors, you wouldn't want to do any of these things:
Try to conspire to share the prize. The million dollars may be won by one and only one individual. Survivors are prohibited from sharing or making any agreement to share all or any portion of the prize.

Enter the production area. The area designated for the production crew is strictly off-limits to the Survivors.

Break the law. Even though they are stranded on a remote Thai island, the Survivors will still be held to U.S. law, as well as local law. Any breach of those laws is against the contest rules.

Miss a Tribal Council or a challenge. Tribal Council meetings are mandatory for all Survivors, and everyone is required to vote. In addition, sitting out of a challenge that requires the participation of all Survivors is not allowed.

Damage the Thai environment. Only designated fruits, vegetables, and animals are allowed to be harvested as food. In addition, the Survivors may not leave litter or any other debris on the site, and they will be obliged to give full consideration to the ecological impact of everything they do in Thailand.

Act up. Any misconduct is against the rules, including but not limited to stealing or misappropriating food, harming other Survivors or crew members, and acts of violence.