Foreign Man With Knife Detained in Pattaya Street

I think I see a tattoo there.

Another nutjob just swanning around... detain and deport.

another nut that needs to be removed from Thailand right now I mean what the .......

9 hours ago, John Drake said:

I think I see a tattoo there.

Results suggest that having tattoos is better considered as a symptom of another set of developmental risk factors and personality traits that are both related to tattooing and being involved in crime rather than as a causal factor for predicting crime over the life-course.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0047235213001189

3 hours ago, TedG said:

Results suggest that having tattoos is better considered as a symptom of another set of developmental risk factors and personality traits that are both related to tattooing and being involved in crime rather than as a causal factor for predicting crime over the life-course.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0047235213001189

Gemini's take

Historically and sociologically, the answer is yes, a correlation has been found in numerous studies—but with major caveats.

The relationship between tattoos, crime, and antisocial behavior is less about the ink itself causing bad behavior, and much more about psychological traits, subcultures, and historical context.

As tattoos have shifted from counter-culture markers to mainstream fashion, the nature of this link has changed dramatically. Here is how criminologists and psychologists view the connection today:

1. Underlying Psychological Traits

Psychological and criminological research suggests that people with extensive body modification often score higher in certain personality traits. These traits don't guarantee criminal behavior, but they overlap with it:

Sensation-Seeking and Impulsivity: Studies consistently show that heavily tattooed individuals often have a higher tolerance for risk and a stronger desire for novel experiences.

Rebellion and Defiance of Authority: Historically, getting tattooed was a deliberate act of non-conformity. For some, it remains an outward expression of rejecting societal norms, which can sometimes align with antisocial behavior.

2. Subcultures and "Prison Tattoos"

Context matters immensely. Criminology studies draw a sharp distinction between a man who gets a sleeve done at a high-end parlor and a man with "institutional" or gang-affiliated tattoos.

The Criminal Lifestyle: Studies tracking incarcerated populations find that inmates with prison-acquired, visible, or overtly aggressive/antisocial-themed tattoos show higher rates of institutional behavioral problems and higher risks of recidivism (reoffending).

Visual Language: Within gangs and organized crime (like the Yakuza, Russian Mafia, or MS-13), tattoos are functional. They display rank, crimes committed, and allegiances. In these cases, the tattoo is a direct byproduct of a criminal lifestyle.

3. "What" and "How Many" Matter More Than "If"

Modern research indicates that simply having a tattoo is no longer a reliable indicator of anything antisocial. Instead, researchers look at the theme and density:

The Theme: A 2016 study published in Social Sciences looked at the inclination toward criminal behavior between tattooed and non-tattooed individuals. It found that the true differentiator was the imagery. Men with aggressive or violent tattoo themes showed a small but statistically significant higher propensity for antisocial or aggressive behavior. Men with peaceful or mainstream tattoos showed no difference from the untattooed public.

The Quantity/Placement: Heavy procurement (multiple tattoos covering a large percentage of the body) and highly visible placement (face, neck, hands) still correlate more strongly with risk-taking behaviors and unconventional lifestyles compared to a single, hidden tattoo.

Summary

While historical and correctional data show a clear correlation between tattoos and criminal populations, the link has drastically weakened in mainstream society. Today, a tattoo is largely decorative. The correlation only remains strong when looking at specific subsets: highly aggressive imagery, prison-acquired ink, or individuals exhibiting high levels of impulsivity and sensation-seeking.

Just another example of the tourist scum that Thailand, unlike neighbouring countries, is so skilled at attracting.

See, he has adapted to Thai style. That´s a knife!

Have to agree Thailand now getting low class quality tourists

Especially Pattaya and Phuket who seem to attract these people

Its no wonder quantity Family tourists are moving to there countries in the religion where safety matters more

pattaya getting increasingly dangerous

19 hours ago, John Drake said:

I think I see a tattoo there.

Must be a Brit...... Still shocked Gottfid didn't go there...

now... "a spell in Bangkok Hilton will teach him"...

... Or how about... "deport him !"

better still... "this is what happens when we have 60 day visa's"

🫣

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9 hours ago, Bangkok Barry said:

Just another example of the tourist scum that Thailand, unlike neighbouring countries, is so skilled at attracting.

Hold on while I check with Hanoi Harry, Phnom Penh Phil and Angeles Andy on the veracity of your claim.

1 minute ago, NanLaew said:

Hold on while I check with Hanoi Harry, Phnom Penh Phil and Angeles Andy on the veracity of your claim.

Just look at the news channels like this and compare. Of course, Thailand has more visitors, which is a factor. But try having a fight in tourist areas of, say, Singapore or Malaysia and see what happens. That doesn't happen on a nightly basis, if at all.

17 minutes ago, Bangkok Barry said:

Just look at the news channels like this and compare. Of course, Thailand has more visitors, which is a factor. But try having a fight in tourist areas of, say, Singapore or Malaysia and see what happens. That doesn't happen on a nightly basis, if at all.

I'm not entirely convinced about Malaysia. I know two people who were badly beaten and robbed there. That's anecdotal, of course, but Kuala Lumpur at night isn't quite as safe as some people assume, particularly in certain areas such as Bangsar. While serious crime against visitors is relatively uncommon, I'd personally be more cautious in KL than I would be in Bangkok as crime against foreigners is actually more common in KL.

That said, Penang and Langkawi present a different story. Both are generally regarded as safer and more relaxed than Phuket and Pattaya, with less nightlife-related violence, fewer drunken altercations, and a lower overall risk of being caught up in trouble.

6 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Must be a Brit...... Still shocked Gottfid didn't go there...

now... "a spell in Bangkok Hilton will teach him"...

... Or how about... "deport him !"

better still... "this is what happens when we have 60 day visa's"

🫣

Give him time. And it’s a convict not a Brit. 🤷🏼

Weird. Most guys come here for the women. Why you might feel the need to display yourself with a knife is beyond me. Anyway, knives are effective as hidden weapons, displaying them in full public view kind of takes away the point (no pun intended).

18 hours ago, Reddavy said:

On 6/5/2026 at 1:26 PM, richard_smith237 said:

Must be a Brit...... Still shocked Gottfid didn't go there...

now... "a spell in Bangkok Hilton will teach him"...

... Or how about... "deport him !"

better still... "this is what happens when we have 60 day visa's"

🫣

Give him time. And it’s a convict not a Brit. 🤷🏼

Leave the Aussies out of this please !!! 🤭

3 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Leave the Aussies out of this please !!! 🤭

Naaaa got to give it when i can. 🤣🤣