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 the list of cities with the highest risk of theft.

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

This 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 more vigilant for a fulfilling trip.

Tourists should exercise caution when navigating the crowded streets of Bangkok. Photo: Heaven Is Huahin

Attractions that require special attention

Surprisingly, Bangkok's most iconic landmarks are also among the riskiest. Visitors should exercise particular caution when visiting the following locations:

Grand Palace

This is considered the tourist attraction with the highest rate of reported scams and theft globally. The number of negative mentions in visitor reviews far exceeds any other location. Common scams include being approached by strangers and falsely informed that the palace is closed in order to lure visitors into taking other, more expensive tours .

Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

Located near the Royal Palace, Wat Pho is also a reported hotspot for pickpocketing. The crowded conditions and vast space of the temple may provide an easy target for criminals to blend in and operate.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

With its enormous size and large crowds of shoppers, Chatuchak Market is an ideal location for pickpockets. Visitors should wear their bags and backpacks in front of them and always keep an eye on their personal belongings while strolling through the stalls.

Global rankings and preventative measures

The study also revealed that Europe and Asia are two hotspots for pickpocketing, with a total of 51 cities on the list. Following Bangkok are other well-known 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 the trip, travelers should take simple but effective precautions:

• Protect your belongings: Keep valuables such as passports, wallets, and phones in a safe and inaccessible place, such as a front pocket or a hidden pocket inside your clothing.
• Be wary of strangers: Be cautious of unexpected offers or requests for help from strangers, especially near major tourist spots.
• Use reputable transportation: Avoid using unlicensed taxi services or those with malfunctioning meters. Prioritize ride-hailing apps or taxis from reputable brands.
• Gather information: Before your trip, research common scams at your destination so you can recognize suspicious behavior and avoid becoming a victim.

By remaining vigilant and well-prepared, travelers can have wonderful 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