Prev Page 3 of 3 1 2 3 Please log in to reply 60 replies to this topic

[sbk]

Derogatory troll comment removed as well as response to that troll. Please do not respond to these people but use the report button so that their bigotry can be removed. thanks

[Ijustwannateach]

If you are in the habit of carrying a pocketbook or shoulder bag, try to carry it on the side of your body away from the road.  There have been a number of teams of motorbike thieves operating in Bangkok (one drives, one grabs the bag).  Furthermore, you might want to ensure somehow that the strap will break under less force than it takes to pull you down and drag you, as one teacher I know learned to her distress when her purse was grabbed by motorbike and the strap tangled with her shoulder and knocked her over.  She lost the bag and she had an injury that took a couple of weeks to heal fully.

[RickThai]

Ijustwannateach, on 2011-10-13 04:12:24, said:

If you are in the habit of carrying a pocketbook or shoulder bag, try to carry it on the side of your body away from the road.  There have been a number of teams of motorbike thieves operating in Bangkok (one drives, one grabs the bag).  Furthermore, you might want to ensure somehow that the strap will break under less force than it takes to pull you down and drag you, as one teacher I know learned to her distress when her purse was grabbed by motorbike and the strap tangled with her shoulder and knocked her over.  She lost the bag and she had an injury that took a couple of weeks to heal fully.

Good advice.  This was also being done in Naples (quite a few years back), and women were instructed to loop the strap over their neck, with the bag on the side away from the road.  Unfortunately, serious injury can occur if the thieves grab the bag and it hangs up around your neck.

The best thing to do is stay as far away from traffic as you can when walking.  Also, always be aware of what's going on around you.  Situational awareness can provide you with additional time in order to minimize conflicts.

Wishing everyone well,

RickThai

[sbk]

This bag grab thing is a tough one, most women keep their lives in their purses and to lose it is very problematic. One thing I started doing was to remove all non-essential things from my purse, so my US drivers license, credit cards and most ATM cards are at home (or if I am in Bangkok at the hotel)  I only have my Thai dl and one ATM card in my purse.

But, it would be hard to choose between getting my bag stolen or getting a bit scraped up.

One other thing I have heard of but never encountered are the razor thieves in Bangkok, don't know if thats true or not, but supposedly they slice open your bag and steal your stuff that way

[Femme]

I have always felt safe in Thailand, wasn't even scared when I walked around in BKK and got lost in dark streets of BKK.
But then I got robbed in CM and an other girl got hit from the back of her head and also got robbed (in the old city) People can take my belongings, but physical attacks worry me.

My tip while traveling has been: to look ugly.
Don't wear anything that draws attention, no jewellery, no make-up, no pretty clothes, don't look vulnerible, give a blank neutral look and ignore overfriendly strangers.

Just look ugly as hell when traveling alone, you can prettify yourself at home.

[F4UCorsair]

I'm sure it''s been said earlier, but if not, the answer to personal safety is all over the street stalls/markets in Bangkok, pepper spray, and it's cheap.  Try it on a toe to ensure it's the real thing, and then carry it always.

I guess common sense goes a long way toward being safe in most situations, but common sense is the least common of the senses!

[DemstarAus]

Hi, I'm a new poster, so forgive me if I've missed a few crucial tips.
I'll be travelling to Thailand with my family, and my partner will be coming with me. Even if we don't travel around town together as a group, I will certainly not go anywhere without at least him. Does it send out a less 'easy' message to travel with a male partner, even if he is western?
I doubt that from a standpoint of crimes like stealing and whatnot, we're in the same boat, but I mean in terms of sexual assaults and that kind of thing. I don't mean to sound paranoid, just wondering.
A few years ago I travelled to India with my dad, and I still received a lot of attention, particularly from men on the street, but having dad with me really helped and by the end of it I was glad to have him there as I felt it saved me a lot of would be strife!

[SimonD]

You cannot compare India with Thailand. Outside of the tourist areas in india the natives not only stare but even follow foreigners around, like one has come from another planet (yes, men get this as well!). The Thais are a great deal more respectful. In the major centres you won't attract undue attention and out in more rural parts you will be overwhelmed by the friendliness of the people. But if you do feel uncomfortable, just flash your best smile at them. 99.9% of the time they will smile back and the ice is broken. Nervous people send out the sort of signals (body language) that attract the attention of neer-do-wells anywhere in the world. Have fun, try to relax and enjoy the experience of Thailand.

[sbk]

SimonD has it spot on, Thai men are generally far less threatening (even than most Western guys, IMO, anyone who has walked past a construction site back home can attest to this), if you feel someone is behaving inappropriately, act offended, but in general, its not gonna happen. Dress appropriately and you will be fine, even without a guy around.

[wxyz]

Never have anything on you you are willing to die for.

[onionluke]

wxyz, on 2012-01-04 01:05:15, said:

Never have anything on you you are willing to die for.

That is good advice for any person walking in the streets of London , Paris , Shanghai or good ole Toulouse , but all you need on you when in Thailand is your self composure and manner , even if a bit drunk . Stand up wherever you are , the same rules apply .