Department of State. Overall Crime and Safety Situation. The U. Embassy in Bangkok does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizen Services ACS unit cannot recommend a particular individual or establishment and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided. There is minimal risk from crime in Bangkok. Most criminal activity is limited to non-confrontational street crime and crime of opportunity, including purse snatching, pickpocketing, petty theft, jewelry schemes, and tourism fraud.
Many travelers have had passports, wallets, and other valuables stolen in Bangkok's Chatuchak Weekend Market, on Khao San Road, and at other crowded areas. Pickpockets and thieves often cut into purses and bags with a razor to remove items surreptitiously. There have been incidents involving drive-by snatch-and-grab robberies from thieves on motorcycles. Travelers on long-distance bus routes may be susceptible to theft as well.
Violent crime, such as murder, rape, and assault, targeting foreigners is relatively rare. When it does occur, such crime typically happens at night, often when victims have been drinking or separated from their companions.
Sexually motivated violence is most likely to occur at, or after attending, parties, discos, or beaches e. There are numerous international and indigenous organized crime elements, primarily concentrated in major cities. Their activities include drug trafficking, human trafficking, prostitution, document fraud, and counterfeiting.
The Embassy is unaware of any U. The safety and security of guest rooms in quality hotels is adequate. There have been isolated instances of domestic workers stealing cash or other valuables from their employers in private residences. There have been instances in which international criminal organizations based in Malaysia, Ukraine, Russia, and elsewhere have installed sophisticated skimming devices on ATMs in order to steal cardholder information and subsequently withdraw money from accounts.
