Thailand: Chonburi province: Robbery, assault of foreign nationals in Pattaya underscores need for basic security precautions
Level: Notice
Location: Pattaya, Chonburi province - Thailand
Category: Violent crime
Three foreign nationals were targeted in separate robbery incidents on 9 September in Pattaya (Chonburi province). The first incident took place at around 02.30 (local time) at LK Metro Road; a Swedish national was attacked after he tried to help a Japanese man who was being robbed by two assailants. Later that day, a female Russian national was robbed in Jomtien by a motorcycle taxi driver she had hired to take her back to her accommodation. Members in or travelling to Thailand should observe basic security precautions, which include avoiding travelling alone after dark, to mitigate the risk of crime.
Advice
• Take basic security precautions against petty and opportunistic crime, including avoiding walking or travelling alone after dark and keeping valuables out of sight.
• Maintain a low profile by dressing inconspicuously and avoiding ostentatious displays of wealth.
• Remain alert at all times, especially in crowded areas such as transport hubs, markets and popular tourist areas. Avoid looking like an unfamiliar tourist by walking and acting in a purposeful manner.
• If accosted, do not offer resistance, as this may result in the use of violence.
• For further information on crime in Thailand, refer to the crime section of our travel security pages.
More detail
These incidents highlight the increased risk from criminal activities after dark and the need to exercise caution in unfamiliar areas. Petty and opportunistic crime, including pickpocketing and bag-snatching, poses the main risk to travellers in the country, outside the southern areas affected by insurgency. It should be noted that snatch-and-grab incidents may involve violence, and foreigners may be targeted on the basis of their presumed wealth.