Picture courtesy of Pattaya Post

I was checking out the local Thailand news today and ran across a story from Pattaya People about a man sitting in a Pattaya beer bar having some drinks when a woman came up behind him trying to give him a shoulder massage…you get pestered constantly in outdoor beer bars by Thai’s selling goods, offering services, or just plain begging.

So, he shoo’s her off and later when he goes to pay his bar tab he realizes she (or someone else) has stolen his wallet. Supposedly he had 6000 baht ($180) in his wallet but here’s the kicker he also had $7000 U.S. dollars and documents which I took to mean his passport.

Look, if you are a tourist anywhere there are a few simple rules that you should absolutely always follow whether you’re in Thailand or just going to Disney for the weekend. The fact is you are out of your element and extremely susceptible prey for locals who are looking to rob you.

1. Once you check in the passport goes in your room safe or hotel safe and Stays there!

The only time you should have your passport with you is if you are going on a day trip crossing a border where it may be asked for or you are going to the bank to exchange money or travelers checks. Keep it in your front pocket and put your hands in your pocket if you have to.

Some countries such as Thailand Require foreigners to have their passports with them at all times but it’s not worth the risk. Make a color copy of your passport and keep that with you. If asked for your passport show the copy if it’s not good enough they’ll be fine escorting you back to your hotel to see the original. If you aren’t being a bad person the chances of your passport being asked for is nill.

2. NEVER carry large sums of cash with you anywhere!

The fact is that in most countries Travelers checks will get you just about the same exchange rate as cash and they are insured. You lose them or they get stolen and you’re covered. You lose $7000 in cash and your vacation probably just ended.

3. Never carry any more cash with you then you are going to spend for the day or that you are willing to lose!

When you are someplace like Thailand it’s best to go out with just what you think you’ll need for the day or night. Losing a hundred or two sucks but it’s not vacation ending.

4. Leave your credit cards in the safe!

If you’re heading to Disney for the weekend then it’s not a problem but in countries like Thailand you only really want to use your credit cards at the bank or at the hotel if they are trustworthy. Thailand has a reputation for credit card fraud so don’t take the chance.

5. If you’re a man keep your wallet in your front pocket…if you’re a woman ditch the purse.

A wallet in a back pocket is an easy target so don’t make it easy for the crooks. If you keep it in your front pocket and you have followed the rules then it’s small and it won’t be uncomfortable and it also won’t get stolen.

Ladies, I know a purse is a fashion accessory and holds everything McGyver needs in an emergency but honestly you’re on vacation and purses are easily snatched or broken into… get a small wallet and keep it in your front pocket. Buy purses so you can look good when you get home.

Some will say “but I have a money belt or a fanny pack just for this”. As soon as someone see’s you use your money belt you can bet you won’t have it long and in this case it won’t be by subversive measures. Fanny packs besides making you look utterly ridiculous  also mark you as a tourist and they can very stealthily open one while talking to you face to face or just take it with any force necessary.

Criminals world wide like the easy mark because they can get in and out without you knowing. Don’t be an easy mark!

As for the American who ljust lost 7k. The whole story sounds fishy to me. I don’t doubt that his wallet and documents were stolen but I seriously doubt he had $7000 in cash in his wallet…even in hundreds thats 70 bills and makes for a large lump. Sounds like it might be padded a little.

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