Crime Threats
Although the crime threat in Bangkok remains lower than in many American cities, non-confrontational crimes of opportunity such as pick-pocketing, purse-snatching, and burglaries have become more common in recent years. Travelers should be especially wary when walking in crowded markets, tourist sites and bus or train stations including the Skytrain and underground subway lines. In the past year, American citizens have reported passports, wallets, and other valuables being stolen in Bangkok's popular Chatuchak Weekend Market. Purses, wallets, back and fanny packs should be worn to the front in crowded areas. In the event of a loss or theft of these items, travelers should report the loss to the police. Thailand has an attentive Tourist Police Division comprised of English-speaking personnel designed specifically to address crimes committed against foreigners in Thailand. The Tourist Police Division of the Royal Thai Police can be reached throughout Thailand by dialing 1155.
More recently, travelers to Thailand have experienced criminal activity targeting their credit cards and passports for identity theft. There have been several reports of criminals using skimming devices on legitimate ATMs to ascertain valid credit card numbers and pin numbers for debit cards. There are well-organized credit card fraud rings that have international connections. It is highly recommended that the use of credit cards and debit cards be restricted to well-established businesses. Travelers should take special care in safeguarding all items that could be used for identity theft. The typical Lotto Scams and fake money-wash greed scandals are also prevalent.
Reports of serious crimes involving taxis or "tuk-tuks" (three-wheeled taxis) are also relatively rare, although attempts to charge excessive fares occur regularly. Americans should not hesitate to ask to be let out of a taxi immediately if the driver is acting suspiciously or driving erratically. When riding in taxis, make sure that the driver turns on the meter. Visitors should exit the taxis immediately if the driver stops to pick up additional passengers. It is recommended that visitors coming to Thailand do not enter a taxi that has someone in it besides the driver. When arriving at either of Bangkok's airports, travelers should use only taxis from the airport's official taxi stand, cars from the airport limousine counters, or airport buses. Visitors can have major hotels in Bangkok arrange for a car and driver to meet incoming flights.
Visitors should be aware of several commercial and merchant-based scams operating in Thailand. These scams involve precious gems, tours, and entertainment events. Travelers should be wary of any implausible sale featuring precious gems and/or jewelry. Americans frequently encounter taxi drivers and others who advertise for particular gem stores or entertainment venues. Often-times kickbacks or commissions are involved. Some unscrupulous merchants may drive up the prices of the goods or services because they are dealing with Americans or foreigners. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) receives over 1,000 complaints each year from visitors who have been cheated on gem purchases.
Political Violence
Historical Perspective
In the months prior to September 2006, Thailand experienced a number of large, public demonstrations of up to 100,000 persons, primarily in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The protests were directed toward the ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin and his government and were sponsored by many factions opposed to its policies and practices. During this time, several small improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were detonated in areas frequented by the protesters, but the devices were detonated during early morning hours and not designed to maximize injuries, thus indicating a desire to send a message as opposed to cause mass casualties. This year witnessed similar demonstrations, IEDs, and political unrest and instability that led to many injuries and some deaths.
The far south of Thailand experiences frequent incidents of criminally and politically motivated violence, including incidents attributed to armed local separatist and extremist groups. These incidents frequently include drive-by shootings, ambushes, and small bomb attacks of Thai security patrols. These groups seek increased autonomy in furtherance of a separate state related to the partitioning of the Thai/Malaysia border in the early 1900s. There has been sporadic separatist violence over the last one-hundred years relating to this struggle.
The latest round of violence, generally identified as beginning in January 2004, has been a series of incidents in the far southern provinces. This includes arson attacks directed at schools and other buildings associated with the government; the placement of bombs in public areas and near local government offices; killings of police and other officials; and the theft of weapons and explosives. Attacks in the area have increasingly been targeted against commercial areas where foreigners might congregate. In 2005, two American citizens were injured when a bomb detonated in the Hat Yai International Airport. On August 31, 2006, a series of 22 bombs exploded inside commercial banks in Yala Province, injuring 28 people. On September 17, 2006, a series of bombs detonated in the commercial district of Hat Yai, killing one American citizen and injuring another. Travelers should be aware that Thai authorities have, on occasion, instituted special security measures in affected areas, such as curfews, military patrols, or random searches of train passengers. 2007 and 2008 also witnessed dozens of bombings and periodic attacks and shootings.
The State Department's Country Specific Information Sheet for Thailand advises American Citizens to defer all non-emergency travel to Thailand's five southern-most provinces. Americans are also encouraged to use caution and remain vigilant in areas with large public gatherings. Embassy Bangkok requires all official travel to the southern regions of Thailand to be approved in advance by the Regional Security Officer and Deputy Chief of Mission.
For a number of years, Thailand has also experienced limited violent incursions in the areas bordering Burma and Cambodia. Continued fighting between the Burmese Army and Karen separatist groups has led to numerous incidents of banditry inside Thailand in years past. Heavily armed drug smugglers have also had deadly clashes with police in border areas near Burma. Persons wishing to travel to the border areas should check with Thai Tourist Police or visit
www.travel.state.gov for the most up to date travel warnings for U.S. citizens traveling to the region.
Regional Terrorism and Organized Crime
Following the 2006 New Year's Eve bombings in Bangkok, the State Department released a Public Announcement on January 3, 2007 advising U.S. citizens to remain alert to their surroundings while in Bangkok and to avoid large public gatherings. According to the Thai Government, the bombings, which killed three and wounded 55 (including several foreign nationals but no Americans), were the product of political rivals' attempts to discredit the interim government. There has been no claim of responsibility and the Thai Government continues to investigate.
As noted above, Southern Thailand continues to experience daily attacks directed at anything perceived to be associated with the Thai Government. Although these groups primarily target Thai Government entities (police, military, etc.), some of the recent violence in the area has targeted public places, including areas where tourists may congregate. While there is no information indicating that these groups have targeted Westerners, American citizens have been victims of this indiscriminate violence. The Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Thailand urges U.S. citizens to defer non-emergency travel to the far south of Thailand: Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala Provinces, including the town of Hat Yai. If U.S. citizens must travel to these areas, they should exercise special caution and remain vigilant with regard to their personal security.
There are numerous international and indigenous organized crime elements operating throughout Thailand, but they are mainly concentrated within the major cities. Their activities include drugs, human trafficking, prostitution, document fraud, etc. The Royal Thai Police actively investigates these crimes, but due to corruption, resource limitations, and bureaucratic inefficiency, the apprehension rate is extremely low. The embassy is currently unaware of any U.S. businesses operating in Thailand that are experiencing problems associated with organized crime.
Civil Unrest
Thailand has been the scene of several violent demonstrations this year. All demonstrations are unpredictable, and any demonstration can turn violent without warning. For this reason, the embassy encourages all Americans to monitor local media for announcements of possible demonstrations and to avoid the areas where demonstrations might occur. If a demonstration is expected to pass near U.S. Embassy facilities, embassy entrances and functions may be restricted, depending on circumstances.
Post-specific Concerns
Kidnappings
Thailand has not seen kidnappings happen within its borders, but given the number of organized crime elements in Thailand, the potential threat of kidnapping, albeit small, does exist.