4 replies to this topic

[koykaeng]

I've been travelling to Thailand for over 12 years and whilst I've never had a problem with thieving, it still pays to take precautions.

Firstly, make use of the safety deposit boxes at the hotel, don't carry around vast amounts of cash, all your traveller's cheques or your passport. Put them away in a safety deposit box and only carry what you need for the day/night. I don't even carry all my credit cards around, maybe just one and put the rest in the safety deposit box.

I remember a guy I met last year who fell victim to a LB on Beach Road. He ended up without a passport and lost a considerable amount of money. Basically he had his bum-bag unzipped and the entire contents removed.

One LB who shall remain nameless told me how a customer refused to pay her at the end of the session. When the guy went to the bathroom, she looked through all the drawers and found his passport. She then proceeded to rip it to shreds and flush it down the toilet. I'd imagine trying to leave Thailand without a passport is not so easy ?

Don't risk ruining your trip by having all your money, credit cards and other valuables stolen, store them somewhere safe !

[ladyboyh]

Very true...safe is the best place for passport, credit cards and tons of cash(if you have..). Carry few thousands baht on you and that's all.

[Looker]

Just remember to ask the reception to make a photocopy of your passport and carry that with you.

[DeeMak]

I was with a person who lost a US passport once. Well, it was stolen... but the US Embassy in BKK (for those of you who are American) will give you a replacement passport with NO proof of ID, on the spot, that is valid for one year.

It was easy and painless to get a new one.

[pandolfo]

I was with a person who lost a US passport once. Well, it was stolen... but the US Embassy in BKK (for those of you who are American) will give you a replacement passport with NO proof of ID, on the spot, that is valid for one year.

It was easy and painless to get a new one.

From the U.S. Embassy's (in Thailand) website...

My passport was stolen/lost. Can the embassy issue an emergency passport? What is the cost?
We can issue you an emergency passport, valid for one year, within 24-hours. Please bring the police report for the lost passport, picture identification, passport pictures (2x2) on white background and $97.00 (in US or Thai currency, or you can pay with a credit card) during ACS Office hours.

You would then apply for a new passport once back in the U.S.

If you have two weeks it is probably best to just apply for a new one here and wait while it is processed back to the U.S.?

Also when you lose a passport you may be subject to more scrutiny entering the U.S.

I scanned the picture page of my passport along with my Thai visa so I print a color copy, then I photocopy my current entry stamp & departure card on the back. That's all I carry even though, by law you are supposed to have your passport on your person. At least that's what I've been led to believe. I do not want to lose my passport.