Thailand Security

Thailand Security - Crime

Throughout my various travels around the globe, I found no significant difference in one's safe travel in the Far East providing you take a few necessary precautions. As a westerner we tend to live most of our lives in one or other comfort zone permitting us a relative happy and safe environment in our immediate surroundings.

When we decide for the first time to undertake the "risky" business to venture further than our nearest supermarket and take a plunge into the unknown, all hell seems to brake loose and perhaps a little paranoid may set in. Well that doesn't necessary have to be the case here in Thailand. Thailand is safer than a lot of other countries around the world including where I live in South Africa.

I travelled to Thailand with my niece the day after the Royal Thai Army staged a coup d'état on Tuesday 19 September 2006 against the elected prime minister, Shinawatra Thaksin who is now currently in exile in London.

My friends were concerned for my safety in Thailand, only I seemed more concerned for their safety back home. I tend to view travel in a completely different context. Perhaps a lot of this uncertainty is all in the mind.

Thailand Security - Crime

Nevertheless violent crimes against foreigners in Thailand are almost unheard of although there have been a couple of remote cases in the past but please do no alarm yourself unnecessary as criminal activities can happen anywhere.

In all of my travels around Thailand, I have never encountered any sort of crime, but then again, I try not to attract crime either. Petty crimes and theft such as pick-pocketing, jewellery and bag snatching will always be common everywhere you go.

I personally think that there are certain misbehavior pattens in some humans of mostly poorer countries where you will find this happening more often than not. In countries such as Thailand and India there are and always will be elements of theft without the potential threat of death. The same cannot be said for certain parts of Africa including South Africa.

Elements of crime will almost certainly be everywhere you go in these circumstances. The more you travel, the more you will realize this. You just need to be on guard as well as vigilant at all times wherever you may journey.

Thailand Security - Tourist Police

Should you encounter a problem, try to locate a Tourist Policeman who is more likely to speak and understand English far better than any of the other local police would. You will find Tourist Police in all the major cities although not necessary in the small towns. You should also contact your nearest consulate or embassy of a crime should any occasion arise.

One other concern for your security in the cities of Thailand and that is to never go out to any remote or dark areas that you deem unfamiliar, especially at night. My girlfriend and a friend of hers mistakenly took me to one such area one night whilst we were out looking for a night club in Bangkok. I informed her that this particular area did not look safe at all, so we quickly got back in the waiting taxi and promptly left the area.

Thailand Security - Scams

A well spoken Muslim couple approached me on the streets of Bangkok and inquired as to the whereabouts of the T-Shirt that I had been wearing that day. Not only were they polite and exceptionally well-spoken, they were also very well dressed. They began a conversation by asking me where I had purchased this particular T-Shirt.

Being the friendly kinda guy that I am, as well as my keen interest in meeting and talking to other like minded travellers including the locals, I stopped and we chatted. Not a good idea as I subsequently found out later.

All the while, I let them know where I had bought my T-Shirt which incidentally, was at the MBK Center not far from where we were chatting at the time. After I had given them directions, the couple offered to take me out for lunch. Fortunately for me, I declined as I was busy at the time, but I did make arrangements to meet the following day. Not only did I give them my mobile phone number, but I also told them which hotel I was staying at. A bad career move no doubt.

Thailand Security - Locals

All I am saying is that you cannot be too careful these days. Apparently this is a common occurrence especially in the big cities. This incident was something new to me but now I am more informed and so are you. I was told by my Thai friend Patrick that I should not be afraid of offending any overly friendly local as the average Thai is far too shy to approach a foreigner in such a way. Nevertheless I shall continue to update you on any Thailand Security scam encounters, should I come across any more. Hopefully I will not fall for these scams again.

Thailand Security - Touts

You won't find any classy and pretty Thai ladies here. Apart from being overly pushy, the touts outside will try to impress you with all kinds of persuasions. Just ignore them and politely walk away.

Quite honestly these shows are of a poor taste, a total waste of money and should be avoided. They certainly don't offer more than a average to weak laugh ha! ha! depending on how you look at it. Now I purpose, should you be anything like myself and your curiosity gets the better of you, then go on and give it a try. After all this you will understand exactly what I had come to discover. Dare I say...I told you so.

Thailand Security - Beach Touts

Thailand Security - Tailor Touts

These touts are simply pests and they always want to shake your hand as you amble past. Again, after you have encountered several on the same street, it's hard sometimes not to be rude to them. These touts get abused all day long which they just ignore until they get their catch.

Again avoid the hand shaking stuff, try to be as polite as you can while mumbling to yourself and then simply walk on by. Sometimes you may even feel the urge to run away. Lets face it, if you want to buy a suit or shirt you can go to one of the tailor shops when you are ready at night when it is a little cooler.

Thailand Security - General

You could easily be persuaded to part with up to four or five times the going rate for a ride of the same distance you would have taken in a taxi. Tuk-tuks have no air-conditioning and some of the drivers can be quite menacing at times, but hey, Tuk-tuks can be fun and will probably get you to your destination in half the time a taxi could. Tuk-tuks also weave in and out of traffic the Thai way so don't be too alarmed. The upside is that they get you to places faster over short distances so what the heck, go on and live a little!

Lastly one other aspect concerning Thailand Security for which I haven't encountered personally but only heard about. The story goes like this.... Strangers approach you on buses and trains offering you fruits, sweets or soft drinks. These items could be drugged. Again just be careful and vigilant and remember what your mother taught you. Never accept candy from a stranger.

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