Bangkok Pickpockets
Thailand
Bangkok pickpocket rate is lower than European capitals but still present in tourist zones. BTS Skytrain + boat ferries + Chatuchak Weekend Market are the main hotspots. Bag snatching by drive-by motorbike is a real risk in outer areas.
Moderate risk4 pickpocket hotspots
BTS Skytrain Silom + Sukhumvit lines (Siam, Asok, Nana stations)
metro
When: Rush hour 17:00-19:00
Technique: Crowd crush at doors
Chatuchak Weekend Market
street
When: Sat/Sun 10:00-18:00
Technique: Distraction by vendors, crowd pickpocket
Chao Phraya river express boat
bus
Khao San Road nightlife
street
Common techniques used in Bangkok
BTS door crush
Groups board at tourist stations, block doors, pickpocket in crush.
Drive-by motorbike bag snatch
Passenger grabs bag from tourist walking on road-side; injuries common.
Prevention
- 1Money belt.
- 2Cross-body on inside arm, not road-side arm.
- 3BTS: keep phone in pocket, bag in front.
Recommended anti-theft gear
- •Money belt
- •Anti-theft cross-body bag
If it happens
- 1.Tourist Police (English): 1155.
- 2.File report at nearest tourist police kiosk (Silom, Sukhumvit).
Emergency
Tourist Police (English): 1155 · General police: 191
Report line: Tourism Authority of Thailand: 1672