European Safety Concepts Pattaya, Thailand (ESC) - Security Guarding and Alarm Systems, Building Management, Property Maintenance and Project Management

Situation Overview

Despite the recent decline in international tourism, the number of visitors who travel to Thailand continues to increase. A significant part of the Thailand's tourism success lies in the convenience and diversity of its tourist opportunities. Thailand caters to everyone. Whether young or old, journeying alone or with family or friends, for pleasure or business, golfing or sun-worshiping, desiring the unique Thai nightlife or visiting cultural sites, riding a jet-ski or an elephant, Thailand can provide an action-packed holiday on any budget.

Regardless of your reasons to come to this idyllic destination, all travellers need to also consider safety and security during their visit.

Western Embassies and Corporations continue to assess Thailand at a medium threat level. This threat assessment is based on repeated terrorist-related activities, which have been to date primarily localized in Southern Thailand (away from the traditional tourist areas); coupled with the controversial and unstable political situation.

For nearly four years, Thailand’s predominantly ethnic Muslim southern border provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat have been the scene of repeated acts of violence and brutality. Attacks appear to be primarily intended to spread terror among the local civilian population and to achieve government recognition of perceived grievances. Violence has included assassinations of civilians, bombings aimed at crowded markets or other civilian locations such as commercial banks, restaurants, department stores, or hotels, and the local (Southern Thailand) transportation infrastructure resulting in the deaths of over 2,600 people. Although those committing acts of violence try to claimed the moral high ground for their struggle because of alleged historical injustices and religious limitations, their tactics are anything but moral - and their behavior undermines their claims to legitimacy. For now martial law reigns in the South and travelers are strongly advised against going to this part of Thailand; those who must should consult with their respective embassy for appropriate travel and precautionary security measures to consider.

In addition to the recurring violence in the South of Thailand, there have been limited and sporadic smaller scaled bombings in the capital, Bangkok. Although no one has claimed responsibility for these bombings and subsequent investigations have failed to identify the perpetrators, these incidents appear on the surface to be more related to the ongoing political situation.

On 19 September 2006, Thailand’s military staged a successful bloodless coup which ousted the elected ruling government. This coup was staged on the grounds that the then political party running the government was corrupt. The political party running the government prior to the coup had enjoyed land-slide victories in two previous national elections. Military Commanders of the coup appointed an interim government which ran Thailand throughout 2007. New elections were held on the 23rd of December 2007. These elections resulted in a win for the same political party that was ousted by the military. Despite claims of corruption, the pre-coup former and now post-coup newly elected government is clearly the people’s choice. Announced and spontaneous politically-motivated demonstrations can be expected to occur sporadically in the Capital.

Although the overall criminal threat in Thailand is lower than many other tourist destinations, petty crime is still common. Violent crime against foreigners is rare. Money, valuables (jewellery, phones, etc…), and passports have been stolen from rooms (particularly in cheaper hotels). Some travellers in Thailand fall victims of scams after they have accepted offers from people recommending or offering various goods or services, particularly with shopping for jewellery and gems. Sexual assault, food and drink spiking, drug usage, assault and robbery against foreigners occurs randomly in Thailand’s tourist hot spots.

Casual acquaintances met in a bar or on the street may pose a threat. Travellers are advised to avoid leaving drinks or food unattended, and should avoid going alone to unfamiliar venues. Travellers should not accept drugs of any kind, as the drugs may be altered or harmful, and the use or sale of narcotic drugs is illegal in Thailand. While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

The old saying that forewarned is forearmed holds true. Neither terrorists nor criminals wants to go jail and they have to date only targeted locations that are un-guarded, with no CCTV or physical or technical security measures. Travellers coming to Thailand can achieve peace of mind by selecting a hotel or resort that has an active security presence. When choosing a place to stay, enquire of the facilities' security program. Most hotels and resorts who take security seriously are happy to provide their guests with an overview of the measures they have instituted to protect their guests. Once in Thailand, ensure what the hotel or resort said they have in regards to security is true and being effectively implemented.