Theft in Thailand - how to protect yourself and what to do if it happens

Theft in Thailand is not so much rampant as it is quite common. Today we will give you some tips on what to do if you are attacked and what you can do to prevent theft.

First of all, don’t be too lazy to make copies of all documents – both identification and insurance policies, tickets. And keep them separate from the originals. Take two photos of your foreign passport. This will save you the trouble of having to apply for a certificate allowing you to return home at the consulate.

Small theft in Thailand is common wherever there is a mass gathering of travelers relaxed from the tropical sun and warm sea. Pickpockets of all kinds flock to the country’s tourist centers to fish and get their hands on beaches, amusement parks, shopping malls and even buses.

How-to-deter theft?
Thefts in Thailand are committed in about the same way as in the rest of the world. So the tips on how to prevent them are not only relevant in this country.

1. Use zippers, zippers and Velcro

Any store of valuables should have zippers, buttons, velcro. It’s not much of a barrier for an intruder, but it won’t be superfluous either. Do not hold a large purse in your hands, but put it in a bag with a clasp. Keep it so that it is facing your body with the zipper and is in the front view. The back pocket of your pants is a favorite and easiest target for pickpockets. Read more about how not to fall victim to pickpockets while traveling.

2. Don’t leave anything unattended

Do people steal in Thailand? Yes, like everywhere else. Especially things that are bad. So don’t take anything valuable to Thai beaches if you don’t have someone to watch your belongings while you are away. Try making friends with your lounger neighbors. While splashing in the sea, keep your possessions in sight and don’t move away from them.

3. All eggs in one basket is bad

It’s not a good idea to take all the money off your card and keep it in your wallet with it. At the very least, these items should be in separate pockets. And it’s even better if the card stays in the hotel safe. Of course, you should not write a pin code on it. Read more about how not to lose your money when using bank cards.

4. Steal in 10 seconds

If you’ve rented a motorcycle, don’t forget to take the key out of the ignition. It is almost 100 percent likely to be stolen almost as soon as you leave. Hang a helmet on the handlebars is also not worth it. Its cost may well satisfy the daily needs of the native. Read tips on what to look out for before renting a bike.

5. Don’t rely on compatriots

The principle “you and I are of the same blood…” does not work abroad. Even compatriots may steal in Thailand. The penalties for stealing in Thailand are equally severe for locals and tourists. In this country the age of criminal responsibility is 8 years, and imprisonment begins at 15. To learn the conditions of detention of tourists in a Thai prison, you can here.

6. Security in hotels and hostels

Theft in hotels in Thailand is not uncommon. The high number of stars is not a guarantee of the honesty of the staff. Safes at the reception seem to be the least secure, especially if they are locked with an English lock. Rooms in in inexpensive gesthouses are even more vulnerable. After all, they do not care about the company’s reputation and there will be no one to complain to. Therefore, take additional protective measures. For example, buy a padlock. Read more about how how they cheat in some cheap hotels in Thailand.

Who to contact if stolen

If you have been stolen in Thailand you can go to the reception of your hotel. If you do not particularly trust them, then the police. The phone numbers for municipal authorities are 123 or 191, but you prefer to call 1155, the so-called Tourist Police. It works 24 hours a day. Do not just make a verbal report and ask for a report.

In case of lost passport call the consular service 02-234-2012 in Bangkok, 03-825-042 and extension 2888 in Pattaya or 07-628-4767 in Phuket.

How-to-deter theft?Thefts in Thailand are committed in about the same way as in the rest of the world. So the tips on how to prevent them are not only relevant in this country.