rumours true but also that the number of such crimes is much larger than the public thinks, as so many are never reported to the police.
Wealthy – looking teenage boys on their own are especially at risk from criminal gangs, which surround a boy and push him to a quiet area. If people see this happening, they think it is a group of friends having fun, whereas if the gang treated a girl like this, people would be more suspicious. The gang threatens to hurt the boy, then steals his money and valuables. They might even force him to withdraw money from an ATM.
Usually they are not violent, but sometimes they hit their victim if he tries to fight. Most victims do not tell the police what happened because they fear they will meet the gang again. Many of the teenage gangsters grow up to commit violent crimes and join Thailand’s large prison population. Mall shoppers are advised to a void quiet areas like basement toilets and to tell security guards if they are threatened or robbed. Obviously, we all need to be careful when we go to a mall.