Job Discussion Forums

[moneyoriented]

Maybe I was naive, but I was surprised to find this story on another forum - is this a one-off, bizarre incident, or does this sort of thing happen much in Thailand? Have any of you heard of similar incidents? How common is this sort of random, senseless violence directed at foreigners?

Is Bangkok getting more dangerous? Or has it always been like this?

What parts of Bangkok (and other parts of Thailand) are considered safe, and which parts are best avoided?

http://www.orientexpat.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=17270&st=0

[gusto102]

I think random violence in Thailand is about as common as it is anywhere else in the world. I have lived in BKK over two years and haven't experienced any thing like this, yet. There is of course petty theft and sales scams most often directed against foreigners. I have been pickpocketed in the notorious Klong Toom night market, even after I took extra precautions by placing my wallet in my cargo pants pocket. I think BKK is as dangerous as any major city in the world. This is however, just one guys opinion and experience. Just use your street smarts like you would anywhere else.

[norbdemn]

Very true, Gusto, good points!!

I do not think it has anything to do with street smarts though. I think it's simply being at the wrong place at the wrong time. I too, have lived in Thailand for a few years. I spent some time in BKK, Chiang Rai, Songkhla, and Suratthani. In my experience, aside from having a camera and some cash stolen, I've never had any problems.

Inner city crime is minimal, at least in my experience. I was surprised how safe it is for a third world country. It could have something to with Buddhism?

My advice:

Avoid places like Pattaya, there are a lot of shady locals out there and I always read about crimes against foreigners in the paper. Most of these foreigners that are involved seem to be trouble to begin with though; they are involved with drugs, are alcoholics, are sexpats, etc.

The group that attacked this poor foreigner are bad! - shame on them! I have never heard of anyone getting attacked by a group when I was there. I find it bizarre too.

[robsam]

Hi there,
Just thought I'd put my thoughts in here. I have been a visitor to Thailand for about 8 years and have been here countless times. I know live and work in Thailand. I have never had any bad experiences with criminals other than taxi and/or tuk-tuk drivers. As with anywhere, you have to be wise and have some common sense. Needless to say, if you are foolish and go to bad sections and/or flash a lot of cash around, then you are asking for trouble. Of course most Thais are just trying to make some money and will get as much cash from the unsavvy tourists as they can. Remember that Thailand is basically a Third World country and there are many deperately poor people here. Indeed there are some unsavory types who have nothing to lose and will cause you harm for very little or nothing at all.
All that being said, I think Thailand is a relatively safe place and the people here are very friendly and helpful and have a great sense of humor and love to have fun.
Anyway, not sure where you're from, but I'm an American and there are senseless crimes in the USA everyday involving theft, rape, murder, etc. The point is that there are bad people everywhere and Thailand is no different than anywhere else in the world. You just have to smart and careful, but most of all...just have fun!

[PattyFlipper]

I agree with previous comments that Thailand is not necessarily unsafe as long as one exercises a modicum of common sense, however anecdotal (and perhaps even empirical - see below) evidence seems to suggest that violent crime against farang IS on the increase. Successive governments have fanned the flames of innate Thai xenophobia over recent years and this seems to have given some Thais (though of course by no means all) the idea that foreigners, particularly Westerners, are fair game for whatever indignity Thais may choose to inflict upon them. Ten or so years ago crimes against foreigners, particularly those involving violence, were comparatively rare and would usually be met with swift and merciless retribution when they did occur. This is no longer the case as evidenced by the Thai police officer who gunned down a young British couple in cold blood, was released on bail (!), subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment after massive diplomatic and international media pressure, but then quietly released after the furor had died down. Nowadays the highly corrupt and predatory Thai police seem much less likely to give any priority to crimes against foreigners, and are more likely to try to sweep the whole thing under the carpet, as in the case of a Westerner found dead in his Pattaya condo, with his hands tied behind him and a plastic bag over his head. The Pattaya police determined that he had committed suicide.

Thailand has the third highest homicide-by-firearm rate in the world

http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_mur_wit_fir_percap-crime-murders-firearms-per-capita*

and its overall murder rate is 40% higher per capita than the USA. A recent report by the British Foreign Office

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7553643.stm

stated that Thailand accounted for more deaths of British Citizens overseas than any other country (269 in Phuket alone in 2006/7) - almost as many as all other countries combined - and 10% of all murders. This is a fairly staggering figure considering that Thailand only receives about 0.6% of all foreign travel from the UK. I also believe the statistics for US citizens are somewhat similar. Do a google search and you'll find many reports of murders of, and violent attacks against, foreign residents and tourists in Thailand. The following link has interesting information:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/
with-so-many-britons-murdered-in-thailand-why-does-our-government-not-warn-of-the-dangers-faced-there-769640.html

So while I would agree that, superficially at least, Thailand still appears to be a good deal safer than many parts of the World, it is perhaps not a good idea to be too complacent. As a Westerner you are highly visible and may be targeted simply because of your farangness. I would guess that this will only get worse, given the xenophobic rhetoric spouted by many Thai politicians and the more sensationalist sections of the Thai media, and the deteriorating political and economic situation.

[sigmoid]

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30085022

American tourist beaten in Pattaya over Bt170 dispute


Pattaya - An American tourist was badly beaten in this seaside town late Thursday night after he allegedly refused to pay Bt170 for a bottle of beer.

Dennis Leo Greenwood, 51, suffered swollen face and a serious wound on his head. Several of his teeth were also knocked off.

He was admitted to the Pattaya Memorial Hospital at 12:30 am Friday.

His girlfriend, Suparp Mahasen, told police that the owner of a bar on Soi 16 off the Walking Street of South Pattaya and an employee beat up Greenwood.

She said the bar owner alleged that Greenwood refused to pay for a bottle of beer worth Bt170 but the tourist argued that he was overcharged.

The Nation

[PattyFlipper]

And if you're thinking of marrying MOD EDIT:

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23530953-details/
British+man+murdered+by+family+of+Thai+bride+after+he+predicted+his+own+violent+death/article.do

[Master Shake]

These incidents aren't so surprising when you consider that Thailand attracts a lot of douchbags looking for trouble or to take advantage.

Still, I think BKK is a relatively safe place if you use common sense. What moneyoriented posted was an uncommon exception.

[alexcase]

Those statistics really shocked me, but I would totally agree that the undercurrent of nationalism I slowly became aware of when I lived there 10 years ago has become more and more apparent and aggressive.