Bangkok enjoys a relatively low overall crime rate when compared to its urban counterparts in the U.S. and Europe. Generally speaking, it is a safe place for those wishing to conduct business as well as those taking part in the myriad of tourist activities. Most criminal activity is limited to non-confrontational street crimes such as pick-pocketing, purse snatching, jewelry and tourist frauds (gems, ivory, souvenir shopping, or taxi scams) and credit card theft. The local police are generally effective in assisting with minor crimes, but are continually hampered by a lack of funding and adequate training.

Although there are no known indigenous terrorist or rebel groups directly hostile to the United States in Thailand, violence directed at Thai government interests, and more recently public places, continues to plague Southern Thailand. For this reason, American Citizens are currently urged to defer all non-emergency travel to Thailand's three southern-most provinces. The State Department is concerned that in general, there is an increased risk of terrorism in Southeast Asia (to include Thailand). American citizens traveling to Thailand should therefore exercise caution, especially in locations where Westerners congregate and remain vigilant with regard to their own personal security.

On December 23, 2007, the Government of Thailand (GOT) held their first democratic legislative election since the coup in September of 2006. The Peoples Power Party (PPP) won a plurality of parliamentary seats and assembled a governing coalition, which held office from February 2008 until December 2008, when a new coalition formed with the Democratic Party at its core. There have been and continue to be frequent, relatively large political protests both for and against the government.

There have been shootings and detonations of small explosive devices in connection with these protests. The People's Alliance for Democracy occupied the Government House compound for a period of months in late 2008 and occupied both of Bangkok's airports for eight days in late 2008, significantly disrupting commerce and air travel. To date, protests, while disruptive, have fallen short of the level of intensity we would believe to be defined as civil unrest.

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.

Cities outside of Bangkok experience even lower crime rates. Nonetheless, visitors to Thailand should remain vigilant regarding so-called non-confrontational crimes. Though violent crimes against foreigners are rare, they do occur when people do not follow logical safety and security procedures.

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.Bangkok enjoys a relatively low overall crime rate when compared to its urban counterparts in the U.S. and Europe. Generally speaking, it is a safe place for those wishing to conduct business as well as those taking part in the myriad of tourist activities. Most criminal activity is limited to non-confrontational street crimes such as pick-pocketing, purse snatching, jewelry and tourist frauds (gems, ivory, souvenir shopping, or taxi scams) and credit card theft. The local police are generally effective in assisting with minor crimes, but are continually hampered by a lack of funding and adequate training.

Although there are no known indigenous terrorist or rebel groups directly hostile to the United States in Thailand, violence directed at Thai government interests, and more recently public places, continues to plague Southern Thailand. For this reason, American Citizens are currently urged to defer all non-emergency travel to Thailand's three southern-most provinces. The State Department is concerned that in general, there is an increased risk of terrorism in Southeast Asia (to include Thailand). American citizens traveling to Thailand should therefore exercise caution, especially in locations where Westerners congregate and remain vigilant with regard to their own personal security.

On December 23, 2007, the Government of Thailand (GOT) held their first democratic legislative election since the coup in September of 2006. The Peoples Power Party (PPP) won a plurality of parliamentary seats and assembled a governing coalition, which held office from February 2008 until December 2008, when a new coalition formed with the Democratic Party at its core. There have been and continue to be frequent, relatively large political protests both for and against the government.

There have been shootings and detonations of small explosive devices in connection with these protests. The People's Alliance for Democracy occupied the Government House compound for a period of months in late 2008 and occupied both of Bangkok's airports for eight days in late 2008, significantly disrupting commerce and air travel. To date, protests, while disruptive, have fallen short of the level of intensity we would believe to be defined as civil unrest.

Be safe and have fun.