Is Thailand getting dangerous?

Thanks to all who responded to my other post about being new to Thailand. The time for my trip is now a few months away. So I was reading about the other online blogs. Just wondering is it really as bad as it seems -especially gayboythailand. Lovely blog-but just kinda scary.

Or is it just like anywhere else-if one focusses on the crime in say Los Angeles or New York or any major city-it would look very scary. But that is not the whole picture.

Just wondering about the situation. I have been to several third world countries for extended periods of time-which is why I was abit worried about the gay thing as in some of the other countries, you just never do it openly. but just wondering safety wise- any tips, any areas to stay away from .

Of concern seem to be these scams for money apparantely done by officials. Just any tips a newbie might have to be worried about in a new country. Thanks..

[a447]

Hi tnn,
I found on my last trip in July to Bangkok that I was kind of looking over my shoulder a little - something I had never really done before. This was after reading posts on this board about farang being mugged by gangs of teenagers on Rama 4 Road and Soi 6, both in the gay area of Bangkok frequented by farangs. After returning to Bangkok from Pattaya, (where I felt safe for some reason) I did avoid those 2 areas late at night, whereas previously I had wandered around without giving my personal safety a second thought. (Must have imagined I was in Tokyo...haha). BTW they are not well lit and there are often only a few people walking in those areas. And of course, I would NEVER wander around ANY park in Bangkok after dark.
Please also remember that if you are approached by street boys selling their asses, it is always AYOR. If you can't resist, then DO NOT go to a short term hotel with them; take them back to your hotel where the staff at reception will keep their ID cards while they are with you. At the Ambiance Hotel in Pattaya, the staff actually phone after the boy has left your room to see if everything is ok before they give the ID card back to the guy.
In these tough economic times, it always pays to be careful. I have been travelling since I was a child and I have only ever once been a victim of crime. It happened in Pattaya this year when I was pickpocketed on the song tow (sp?) bus. I now no longer keep my money in my pocket.

Of concern seem to be these scams for money apparantely done by officials.
Not only officals. They don't call Thailand the LOS (Land of Scams) for nothing! You are hit from the time you arrive at the airport with the taxis, until the time you leave. But always with a smile!
But is it any different from Bali? Or China? I don't think so. As people say, we are just walking ATM machines with bottomless pockets, as far as they are concerned. Can we really blame them for seeing us this way? Just don't wear your wealth around your neck or on your wrist. It MAY make you a target for crime.
Having said all that, I'll be back, hopefully, in September this year for my 5th visit in 3 years. The thought of LOS not being safe just doesn't enter into the equation. Just be a little careful.

Can anybody tell me where the "Report Post" button is?

[Khor tose]

Can anybody tell me where the "Report Post" button is?

Yes, it is that little surprise mark inside the square to the right of your posting.

[TrongpaiExpat]

From my perspective living here in Bangkok, these reports are being blown out of proportion. Yes, Thailand has some officials, some people that might look official, and some criminals that might scam, rob or cheat you but it's not rampant and if you have just a little bit of common sense, your not likely to become a victim. Bangkok is not anymore dangerous than most major cities and I feel it's a lot safer than most American cities. I also don't see any recent increases due to the economic downturn. It's the same old scams that have been here for years.

I don't know what's going on with Silom's blog. He seems to be getting paranoid as well. More than just being a farang complainer, he's dwelling on the negative.

As for the recommendation of not taking street trade to a short time room, I agree in part. First, don't let them decide on the short time hotel, you decide and go to the BBB Inn. They check and hold ID's if you want. You get 3 hours in a clean room, condoms and lub, with TV porn, mini bar a hot shower, 500B.

Don't take posts and reports on face value especially from anonymous authors. Even if some of these stories have a grain of truth, there generally more to the story than what is told.

[Brad the Impala]

Can anybody tell me where the "Report Post" button is?

Yes, it is that little surprise mark inside the square to the right of your posting.

Also known as an exclamation mark!

Can anybody tell me where the "Report Post" button is?

This post is off topic & therefore is the only post in this thread worthy of reporting.

[cdnmatt]

No, it's not dangerous at all. Buddha would get too mad at them otherwise. :-)

Really though, it's like any place in the world. If you're looking for trouble, you're going to find it. If you use a bit of common sense, treat people with respect, and don't put yourself in positions you shouldn't be in, you'll be just fine. Personally, I feel far safer wandering around Thailand at 2am, then I do in any major city in Canada.

As for the recent political demonstrations and such, don't even worry about it. The Thais are pissed at the government, not the foreigners, so they're not going to target you even if shit hits the fan. Worst case scenario, you have to hang out in your hotel for a few days while they battle it out, and maybe delay your flight if they decide to block the airport again. Wouldn't worry about it though.

[Khor tose]

[quote=Ponbkk]Can anybody tell me where the "Report Post" button is?

Yes, it is that little surprise mark inside the square to the right of your posting.

Also known as an exclamation mark![/quote:1qyhtmia]

Duhhhhh, thanks Brad. I'm glad bunny was not the first to see that. :salute:

Thailand might be getting more dangerous, but I suspect it is still the best destination.

Looking at it he other way, which other destination is safer & has such accessible gay sex? (ie easy to find company without breaking the bank)

[colmx]

I don't know what's going on with Silom's blog. He seems to be getting paranoid as well. More than just being a farang complainer, he's dwelling on the negative.


I think Silom isn trying to talk himself out of living in Thailand...

He's been looking for an excuse to leave for years and seems to be in a downward spiral recently...

Funny thing is when Silom goes to Indonesia or Malaysia - he is subjected to even more scams... so not sure if the grass would be any greener on those other sides

(SF this isn't ago at you - just wish you would get out of your current depression and do what you do best.... Boy reporting!)

Can anybody tell me where the "Report Post" button is?

Yes, it is that little surprise mark inside the square to the right of your posting.

I think that you might like to know that "that little surprise mark" is known as an exclamation mark to anyone with a basic command of the English language.

[krobbie]

Can anybody tell me where the "Report Post" button is?

Yes, it is that little surprise mark inside the square to the right of your posting.

I think that you might like to know that "that little surprise mark" is known as an exclamation mark to anyone with a basic command of the English language.

This time you're a little late with your helpful hint andy. Please see 7 posts up. Brad has already posted this information.

[Smiles]

" ... This time you're a little late with your helpful hint andy. Please see 7 posts up. Brad has already posted this information ... "
Andy is a little 'late' with everything he posts here. It's called the BBB Syndrome ... or related to.