On a long-distance bus/coach journey, how safe are my bags?

[Badger18]

I would have to out some stuff under the coach that I really don't want to lose. When it stops on the way, do they just open the luggage compartment up and let people grab their own bags, or how does it work?

 

This would be in the south if that makes any difference.

[bignok]

Unlikely to steal. Dont put valuables or breakables though. Big buses have good storage onboard.

[still kicking]

How save are you ?

[Ohyesuare]

I could tell my bag was opened and gone through on a long distance bus journey in Thailand. There was a dodgy looking guy sitting there, arranging the bags. Luckily I didn't have anything valuable in it.

[stoner]

every single day literally 100s of thousands of people take the bus without an incident. 

 

don't let these few scare mongers hype things up. 

 

for the most part generally speaking your bags are totally safe. 

[jaideedave]

9 minutes ago, stoner said:

every single day literally 100s of thousands of people take the bus without an incident. 

 

don't let these few scare mongers hype things up. 

 

for the most part generally speaking your bags are totally safe. 

Maybe so..years ago my wife took the bus from Mor Chit to Issarn.When she arrived the bag was gone.In the bag were all her immigration documents from my embassy that were required to process her visa to emmigrate.It set us back almost a year to redo almost everything we had done to that point.That really pissed me off.She complained to the manager at the terminal who gave her 1000 baht and sent her way.Lesson learned.Never put anything of value in the bus luggage compartment. Never!

 

[xxeo]

Never had a problem over the years.

Still, all valuables are in the bag I have on my seat and always take with me.

 

Years ago, big buses starting from Khao San Road were reported to be risky when it comes to luggage. Some small guys went - during the drive - through a small door to the luggage compartment and started digging the bags, stealing valuable. There were stories like that.

[Lemsta69]

6 minutes ago, xxeo said:

Never had a problem over the years.

Still, all valuables are in the bag I have on my seat and always take with me.

 

Years ago, big buses starting from Khao San Road were reported to be risky when it comes to luggage. Some small guys went - during the drive - through a small door to the luggage compartment and started digging the bags, stealing valuable. There were stories like that.

I heard those stories too. I guess that's why I paid only 160 baht for a ticket from Ratchadamnoen Klang all the way to Koh Samui when the same trip was 400-something baht at Sai Tai Mai. Robbing the bagpackers subsidised the cost ????

 

Now that I think about it, I read those stories on the old Lonely Planet Thorn Tree forum which sadly has now disappeared.

[Grumpy one]

I would be more concerned with my safety on a long distance bus.

They do tend to fall over or just lay down to sleep

 

[ChipButty]

How much would it cost to put a GPS tracker on your bag? Guess you could buy them on Lazada

[Tropicalevo]

Do not put valuables in luggage that is in the hold.

Always keep your valuables with you and keep them safe.

I have not read anything lately, but there were a number of reported cases years ago (newspapers and this site) where someone would hide in the hold and go through any bags there.

Passports were a favourite target.

I stress that this was some years ago.

[Mac Mickmanus]

The buses that arrive and depart from Koh San road are extremely likely to have things stolen from them , the normal buses are quite safe  

[Bruce Aussie]

Bags are safe usually, important documents and money I carry. Good idea to give your driver a few cans Red Bull at start of journey.

[brianthainess]

Depends on what type of bus, single decker with side loading only and no access from inside the bus, can watch people take baggage at stops. 

Double decker with access to the hold from inside, normally only the crew/conductor have access to that so it all depends on them; government buses have a good reputation.

[1FinickyOne]

6 hours ago, stoner said:

every single day literally 100s of thousands of people take the bus without an incident. 

absolutely true but others do lose things.. the odds are way against it, but you must be aware that it can and does happen...

 

A friend of mine had an iphone lifted by an older lady, just because she saw an opportunity while he slept and lifted out of his bag that was next to him. He was able to track it and did get it back with help from local police. 

 

If it is something of importance, like $$ and passports, I would always keep it secured on my person... if you have something that you cannot afford to lose, keep it tight...

 

I keep my bags under my eyes. 

[AustinRacing]

5 hours ago, ChipButty said:

How much would it cost to put a GPS tracker on your bag? Guess you could buy them on Lazada

And then what? They’ll find the tracker and anything they don’t want in a ditch. Everything else gone!

[AustinRacing]

Personally I’ve never lost anything on the bus. Maybe the fact that I’ve never taken a bus has something to do with it. Just not sure.

[DJ54]

Five adult family took long distance bus in neighboring country to Thailand border. My son’s expensive camera was taken from under bus storage. It had to be at the initial point because 

the only time the storage was open before starting the journey. He didn’t lock his bag.

[Badger18]

Thanks all. My valuables/hard-to-replaceables are too bulky to carry on me so would have to go in the luggage compartment underneath. There's an option to do train + taxi instead so I guess I'll do that.