Updated 17 October 2026. This guide replaces older material with practical information and sourced references. Rules, services and contact details can change.
An early PersonalThailand article described a frightening incident involving a necklace while riding a motorbike taxi in Pattaya. The original first-person account is historical and has not been independently verified. Rather than use it to make claims about today’s crime levels, this guide explains practical ways travellers can protect valuables and respond safely if a theft attempt occurs.
Quick takeaway: Verify official information before travel, keep critical records offline and prioritise personal safety over recovering property or winning a dispute.
Understand the risk without assuming every place is dangerous
The UK government’s Thailand travel advice specifically warns visitors about bag-snatchers, including incidents involving motorbikes. That warning does not mean an incident will happen to every visitor or that any particular neighbourhood is inherently unsafe.
Most practical precautions are simple and apply to busy tourist streets, transport interchanges and crowded areas anywhere in the world. Awareness matters more than fear.
Keep valuable jewellery discreet
If you have expensive necklaces, watches or other jewellery, consider leaving them secured in your accommodation rather than wearing them on a crowded outing or open motorbike ride. Avoid displaying a wallet or mobile phone loosely at the roadside.
Choose bags with secure fastenings, keep them away from traffic where practical, and avoid dangling a strap or chain that someone could grab from a moving vehicle. A light travel pouch under clothing can help keep essential documents separated from your everyday bag.
Be careful in open-air transport
Open vehicles and motorbike taxis leave some belongings more exposed than enclosed transport. On a motorbike, prioritise a properly fitted helmet and secure positioning, and do not hold loose items in one hand.
A bag should not be secured in a way that could trap or pull you off the bike if another person grabbed it. Your physical safety is more important than property. Do not ride distracted while trying to adjust valuable accessories.
If someone grabs at your belongings
Do not take dangerous risks to recover property, chase a vehicle into traffic or try to physically hold onto an item at the cost of a fall. Move to a safer place, check for injuries and seek help from people nearby.
Write down details you can reliably remember, such as time, nearby landmarks, route and the appearance or direction of a vehicle. Avoid guessing identities or making public accusations.
Report a theft and protect your accounts
For a suspected theft, the Tourist Police hotline is 1155. For an immediate police emergency, 191 is listed by Thai authorities. If you are injured and need urgent medical assistance, call 1669.
Cancel or freeze stolen payment cards promptly and notify your insurer if the policy may cover the loss. Keep the police report or case number if one is issued, along with purchase receipts or other proof of ownership.
Make a sensible safety routine
Before leaving your accommodation, take only the valuables needed for that outing. Keep emergency numbers saved offline, know where you are going and share your return plans with a travel companion when appropriate.
If you witness an incident, help someone get to safety and contact appropriate services rather than filming or sharing identifiable images online. The right message is preparedness and support, not blaming people who have been targeted.
Frequently asked questions
Are jewellery snatchings unique to Pattaya?
No. This is a general theft risk, and the guidance is not a claim that Pattaya has a specific present-day crime rate.
Should I fight someone who tries to steal a necklace?
Prioritise your physical safety. Do not take a risk of being pulled into traffic or off a moving motorcycle to recover property.
Which number helps tourists report suspected theft?
Tourist Police can be reached on 1155; immediate police emergencies use 191.
Official sources and further reading
- UK Foreign Office — Thailand safety and security
- Thailand Tourist Police — Contact
- Tourism Authority of Thailand — Useful Calls
Editorial note: We have removed unverified incidents, guarantees and outdated claims from the older article. This is general information, not legal, medical or financial advice.
Sometimes i dont try to say anything i just get stuff out from my head.
Admin… I don’t understand what you’re attempting to say.
I do agree that both Phuket & Pattaya are full of con men and not safe anymore. Foreigners should be warned of what awaits them!
I have suggested to all people all know that they should have Pattaya and Phuket a special tourist zone. Let Thai people and farang check in like a Visa to Pattaya and Phuket so that you know who is there. There is too many riff raff in Pattaya and also Phuket blended by all the riches from the tourists. Many come there to find work and they find drugs instead.
Sorry to hear about your misfortune and it’s true that Pattaya is not safe at all compared with the rest of Thailand. I actually feel much safer myself in Bkk and it’s very good advice not to wear jewelry at all when in Pattaya.