Bangkok: Safety guide at top tourist spots

A new study ranks Bangkok as the city with the highest risk of pickpocketing and scams in the world. Here are the areas to watch out for and how to protect yourself.

Bangkok tops list of cities at risk of theft

Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand, has always been an attractive destination for international tourists. However, a recent study by travel insurance company Compare the Market has pointed out a remarkable fact. According to the report published on October 22, Bangkok is ranked as the city with the highest rate of pickpocketing and fraud in the world , with an overall risk score of 83.45.

The study analyzed data from traveler reviews across 75 global cities, calculating the number of mentions of incidents per 1,000 reviews. The results provide insight into areas where travelers need to be extra vigilant to ensure a successful trip.

Tourists should be careful when moving on the crowded streets of Bangkok. Photo: Heaven Is Huahin

Places of interest to visit

Surprisingly, Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks are also the most at risk. Visitors should be particularly cautious when visiting the following locations:

Grand Palace

It is considered to have the highest rate of reported scams and thefts globally, with negative mentions in visitor reviews far outpacing any other. Common scams include being approached by strangers and falsely claiming the palace is closed to lure visitors into other tours at inflated prices.

Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

Located near the Grand Palace, Wat Pho is also an area that has been reported to be a hotbed of pickpocketing activity. The temple’s large size and crowded surroundings can make it easy for thieves to blend in and strike.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Due to its sheer size and the large number of shoppers, Chatuchak Market is a prime spot for pickpockets. Visitors should carry their bags and backpacks on their fronts and keep an eye on their belongings when browsing the stalls.

Global rankings and precautions

The study also found that Europe and Asia are the two hot spots for pickpocketing, with a total of 51 cities on the list. Bangkok was followed by other famous cities such as Paris (France) and Prague (Czech Republic).

Ranking	City	Risk score
1	Bangkok, Thailand	83.45
2	Paris, France	68.81
3	Prague, Czech Republic	52.16
4	Shanghai, China	51.83
5	Agra, India	47.48
6	Rome, Italy	45.53
7	Pattaya, Thailand	44.43
8	Phuket, Thailand	40.52
9	Shenzhen, China	39.51
10	Mumbai, India	36.86

Practical tips for safe travel

To minimize risks and enjoy your trip, travelers should take simple but effective precautions:

• Protect your belongings: Keep valuables like your passport, wallet, or phone in a safe, hard-to-reach place, such as a front-body bag or a hidden pocket inside your clothing.
• Be wary of strangers: Be cautious of unexpected invitations or offers of help from strangers, especially near major tourist attractions.
• Use reputable means of transport: Avoid using unlicensed or unmetered taxi services. Prioritize ride-hailing apps or taxis with clear brands.
• Get informed: Before your trip, learn about common scams at your destination so you can recognize suspicious behavior and avoid falling victim.

By staying vigilant and being well prepared, travelers can absolutely have great experiences in Bangkok and other cities without facing unnecessary risks.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/bangkok-huong-dan-an-toan-tai-cac-diem-du-lich-hang-dau-397620.html