Safety and Security

[Guest]

Hi all

Before any of you say 'use the search function', I did using both safety as well as security as serch terms and couldn't find the information I was looking for.

What are the main tips on safety and security inside and outside one's rooms when in Thailand.

What should one watch out for in the bars and in one's room. I want to have a good time but want to keep myself and valuables in good order.

TIA

BN

[stogie bear]

Most rooms have a small safe in them. Ask when you book.

A lot of this is common sense, but I suppose it's worth mentioning it again...

If you drink a lot you'll be more prone to being taken advantage of.

If you forget something in a bar or restaurant you can forget about recovering it!

Almost all crime is opportunistic here. meaning if you are willing to be duped or stolen from then you will be.

Streetwalkers are far less trustworthy than girls from an established bar.

Girls from The Guess Bar would be the most trustworthy of all.

The usual other standeard tourist travellers advice applies!

It's surprisingly safe here even in Bangkok even late at night, but if you are drunk or down a back alley etc then you MIGHT (NOT will) be a target for attention.

[rxpharm]

A new member with a sense of humor deserves some replies! Good question as this has not been specifically addressed as a separate topic but has been mentioned as tips in others.

1) use the in room safe if your hotel has one, failing that, keep your valuables locked out of sight in your luggage. Secure all valuables before you go on your evening "hunt" for company.

2) only keep sufficient cash for your evenings activities - do not carry your credit card, and only carry a copy of your passport for ID purposes - not the original.

3) violent crime against foreigners is not very common - most often it is the pickpocket type, or slash the bag on the subway, skytrain type.

4) do not wear expensive jewelery, watches, etc, when going out. Actually better to leave all this stuff secure in your home country.

5) avoid drinks from stranger - an old scam, but one that still happens is having your drink drugged and then you are robbed.

6) be very careful about picking up any freelancer lbs from the street - if there is a problem with them, there is no recourse once they disappear

7) Often hotels require a copy of ID from your guest - be cooperative with this, as it can be useful if something happens with your date for the night.

8) As SB has already mentioned, don't get roaring drunk as you will be much more vulnerable

9) Keep you money in a safe place that you are going to pay your date (hopefully she won't ask you to pay first), some guys put the money in their sock and then their shoes while she goes to shower, any other secure location is ok.

10) do not insult or argue with any Thai person - be very cool and level headed and walk away from any dispute or confrontation, try to avoid any shouting.

There will be more advice from the other seasoned travelers to LOS on this forum.

Have fun, plan your trip ASAP!

[Road Runner]

(Boknaai @ Mar. 19 2007,19:43) What are the main tips on safety and security inside and outside one's rooms when in Thailand.

Errr...... common sense  

Most decent hotels provide in room safes or will keep valuables in the reception safe for you.

I personally have never had a problem in any hotel with stuff going missing.  However I always make sure anything valuable is locked or hidden away.
Same applies when you have a 'guest' back to your room.

Outside the room?

I regard Bangkok as one of the safer large cities but like anywhere stay where it is well lit and there are plenty of people.
Scams from taxi drivers are rare but make sure they always use the meter.  Picking from Patpong after 10pm they will always try it on.
Before you get in say "meter" if they reply with a price say no and go to the next taxi.
Better still go a block over to the next street and try to get a taxi there.  I avoid tuk-tuks out of hand.

In the bars watch your pockets. Take only the cash you are going to spend that night and keep 100-200 Baht seperate for a taxi just in case.
You should carry your passport but I would always say copy the picture page and carry that. Leave the passport locked in your hotel.
One other thing  -  no flashy watches!  Not that it's likely that they will get stolen  -  but the girls know a Rolex/Omega when they see one and will up the price accordingly  

RR.