Robbers on 7 February broke into the empty apartment of a Kuwaiti tourist in Pattaya (Chonburi province) and took the safe box containing the victim's money, credit cards, mobile phone and passport. The incident underscores the risks posed by criminal activity and the need for travellers to adopt sensible security precautions.
Travel Briefing
While petty and opportunistic crime such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching continues to pose the principal risk to travellers outside the country's southern, insurgency-affected areas, burglary of expatriate residences and theft from hotel rooms also occasionally occur. Foreigners may be targeted by criminals on the basis of their perceived wealth, and as such should maintain a low profile and avoid overt displays of affluence. Members should remain alert to their surroundings and secure their possessions at all times, particularly in crowded locations such as transport hubs, market places and popular tourist areas.
Travel Advice Summary
• Foreigners may be targeted by criminals on the basis of their presumed wealth. Keep a low profile, dress inconspicuously and avoid ostentatious displays of affluence.
• Remain alert at all times, especially in crowded areas such as transport hubs, markets and popular tourist areas. Walk and act in a purposeful manner to avoid looking like a tourist who is unfamiliar with the area. Refrain from looking at large, unfolded maps in the open; a café may be a better location to check your bearings.
• Take sensible security precautions against petty and opportunistic crime, such as avoiding walking or travelling alone after dark and keeping valuables out of sight.
• For further information on crime in Thailand, refer to the crime section of our travel security guide and Standing Travel Advice for the country.