8 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

So, the BBC news link I posted is fake new, is that right?

Pretty much. Jonathan Head doing his usual thing. Even in the article it's said:

"The company that owns the duty free shop, King Power, has since put the CCTV video on its website, which does appear to show her putting something in her bag."

They were shoplifters, caught on CCTV shoplifting, and they got done for, yep, shoplifting.

Don't shoplift, don't get any trouble.

2 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

In the past, the bags had to be searched in front of you.

Past:

Officer: "Are these your bags?"

Traveler: "Yes."

Officer: "Did you pack these bags yourself?"

Traveler: "Yes."

Officer: "I am now going to search your bags in front of you."

Future:

Officer: "Come with me to the office."

Traveler: "Why?"

Officer: "We found this in your bag."

Traveler: "That's not mine."

Officer: "For 100k baht it will not be yours."

Traveler: "Ok."

A lot like the Bangkok airport shop lifting scam that has happened in the past.

Yeah, yeah, I know, impossible. 😂

It's the main reason I use TSA locks on my luggage. The indicator on the lock shows me when the bag has been opened, so I can bring this to the attention of staff at the arrival airport.

When I was living in the US, my then employer invested in TSA approved locks as I was a frequent flier for work. The marketing spiel was the TSA staff have a "master key" so they won't be cut off if they want to search the bag. After my approved locks were cut off twice on domestic flights, my employer finally agreed to stop wasting their money on them.

I've been flying several times a year since 1977, probably over 500 flights total. Apart from the 6 months TSA lock "experiment" failure mentioned above, I have never locked my checked bags. Ever. I have never had anything stolen and I've never found @unblocktheplanet's gold bars inside my bags either.

I haven't given up hope on the latter though.

I had my luggage "inspected" without my being present at the old Kai Tak airport HK.

Got back to our apartment, opened my case to find all the clothes and dozens of love letters from some Peruvian guy.

I think most suitcases come with a TSA enabled lock these days anyway ... at least that's what I noticed a couple of years ago when I bought my first one in decades to supplement my backpack on the longer trips now I'm retired.

I have small padlocks on all my backpack zips to deter opportunists, and then pack it inside a purpose made backpack cover to protect it. That's also as much a nod to the baggage handlers because it makes it easier for them to shift with two handles. They understandably hate backpacks with hanging straps that get tangled and caught in things like baggage carousels, and hard bits like adjusters or locks that can hurt or injure. Cover zip is also 'locked'.

I only put clothes, trainers, tea and first aid stuff in the backpack, soft stuff. Clothes and delicate items like tea pot, games and presents, favorite soaps etc. in the suitcase for protection. Never valuables in either. They go with me on board as does the power bank.

Neither has ever been opened (touch wood).

I do worry a little that they may open the backpack because of the 500g packs of tea inside, but so far they've presumably identified it for what it is.

Edited July 26Jul 26 by BusyB
Added last para

On 7/24/2026 at 11:49 AM, NanLaew said:

Has this happened to you, or anyone you know?

It seems highly unlikely. Extortion is a targeted crime and no one knows who owns the cases.

18 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

More recent cases of theft by airport workers.

AirTravel

Phuket International Airport.

Thaiger

UPDATE: One more airport worker arrested for stealing pas...

After three Phuket airport staff were arrested for stealing passengers’ valuables on Saturday, police extended their investigation and arrested another staff member, 28 year old Kwanchai Butchai, from

nationthailand

Phuket airport worker arrested for theft of passenger’s p...

A worker carrying luggage at Phuket International Airport has been arrested for allegedly stealing a smartphone belonging to an Indian passenger after the stolen phone mailed photos to the owner.

This is one area I'll indulge in a little victim blaming I think. But just how dumb do you have to be to put valuables in checked baggage?

Only for those who like a little drama in otherwise dull lives I think.

1 hour ago, BusyB said:

This is one area I'll indulge in a little victim blaming I think. But just how dumb do you have to be to put valuables in checked baggage?

Only for those who like a little drama in otherwise dull lives I think.

Personally, I couldn't care less what they steal from my luggage. I don't put my laptop and other higher value items in my check in, but say I did, and they were stolen by baggage handlers, or customs officers, they are insured, and replaceable.

Being extorted for my freedom, in a country where you can face the death penalty for drug trafficking, is completely different.

Similar to another member, my concern is not what they take out, but what they may put in.

3 hours ago, josephbloggs said:

Pretty much. Jonathan Head doing his usual thing. Even in the article it's said:

"The company that owns the duty free shop, King Power, has since put the CCTV video on its website, which does appear to show her putting something in her bag."

They were shoplifters, caught on CCTV shoplifting, and they got done for, yep, shoplifting.

Don't shoplift, don't get any trouble.

They searched them and did not find any stolen property. Do you think they ate it? 😂

Ok, so, let's say they did steal it. Where was the due process???? They were extorted.

I don't have any faith in any authorities in Thailand, that's how corrupt the country is.

This could be a good earner for them.

Edited July 26Jul 26 by KhunHeineken

2 hours ago, NanLaew said:

When I was living in the US, my then employer invested in TSA approved locks as I was a frequent flier for work. The marketing spiel was the TSA staff have a "master key" so they won't be cut off if they want to search the bag. After my approved locks were cut off twice on domestic flights, my employer finally agreed to stop wasting their money on them.

I've been flying several times a year since 1977, probably over 500 flights total. Apart from the 6 months TSA lock "experiment" failure mentioned above, I have never locked my checked bags. Ever. I have never had anything stolen and I've never found @unblocktheplanet's gold bars inside my bags either.

I haven't given up hope on the latter though.

Obviously, if your locks are cut off, the integrity of your luggage has been breached. So, at the arrival airport, you tell customs and go through you luggage with them. The same as if the TSA lock turns from green to red.

I also used to use the one off individually numbered plastic seals.

It's not just about extortion on the Thai side. It's also about a Thai baggage handler using your unlocked luggage as transport to another country. A baggage handler at the arrival destination is told what bag to look out for and retrieves the drugs, or other contraband. If the receiving baggage handler misses it, and you are searched, you are in a lot of of trouble.

I remember a case where they used the aircraft toilet for transportation. Police thought it was a passenger who got cold feet, but I thought it was a drug network using the aircraft cleaners. Both are possible.

https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/6kg-of-coke-found-in-plane-toilet/news-story/e7496e57449250e348b9ad033966cb93

Just to remind members of the "quality" of law enforcement officials in Thailand.

Remember this guy?

Joe Ferrari: Ex-Thai police chief convicted of suspect ki...

The police colonel with a taste in luxury cars was filmed wrapping bags around the head of a suspect.

1 hour ago, BusyB said:

I think most suitcases come with a TSA enabled lock these days anyway ... at least that's what I noticed a couple of years ago when I bought my first one in decades to supplement my backpack on the longer trips now I'm retired.

I have small padlocks on all my backpack zips to deter opportunists, and then pack it inside a purpose made backpack cover to protect it. That's also as much a nod to the baggage handlers because it makes it easier for them to shift with two handles. They understandably hate backpacks with hanging straps that get tangled and caught in things like baggage carousels, and hard bits like adjusters or locks that can hurt or injure. Cover zip is also 'locked'.

I only put clothes, trainers, tea and first aid stuff in the backpack, soft stuff. Clothes and delicate items like tea pot, games and presents, favorite soaps etc. in the suitcase for protection. Never valuables in either. They go with me on board as does the power bank.

Neither has ever been opened (touch wood).

I do worry a little that they may open the backpack because of the 500g packs of tea inside, but so far they've presumably identified it for what it is.

Might you be British, by any chance. Dude packs a teapot!

1 hour ago, BusyB said:

This is one area I'll indulge in a little victim blaming I think. But just how dumb do you have to be to put valuables in checked baggage?

Only for those who like a little drama in otherwise dull lives I think.

Well, true confessions. I put my 17-inch MacBook Pro in my luggage. But I was in Amsterdam on Queen's Day when all the thrifty (to put it nicely) Dutch sell their unwanted stuff on the sidewalk in front of their houses.

I bought a bocce ball set for the friends I was staying with and something been on my wishlist for years: a 220V IBM Selectric typewriter. (Backstory. I just can't get envelopes to print on my Brother and my handwriting is not only illegible but unprofessional.)

By the time I got out of the cab, the typewriter (heavy sucker) has cracked the MacBook's screen. At the airport, they decided the Selectric was too heavy so I made them promise to keep it for me.

I didn't notice the cracked screen till next trip so I told SQ I'd cracked it on their flight. Paid for a brand-new 17-inch Mac! No shame, SQ is expensive and, IMV, best airline in the world with the cutest stews.

Off colour. Did you know that all Asian airlines have a ramp at the back. When a stew hits 25, out they go after the last row is served. They dont have those on NA airlines!

50 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

Might you be British, by any chance. Dude packs a teapot!

But, but but!!

Heading to Cairo for work.

I have my large pack of Typhoo, stainless teapot and specially imported blue and white striped "workers" mug.

The locals take the piss, but they're more than happy to share any leftover teabags when I leave.

Brit?

Of course I'm a bloody Brit!

1 hour ago, KhunHeineken said:

Obviously, if your locks are cut off, the integrity of your luggage has been breached. So, at the arrival airport, you tell customs and go through you luggage with them. The same as if the TSA lock turns from green to red.

I also used to use the one off individually numbered plastic seals.

It's not just about extortion on the Thai side. It's also about a Thai baggage handler using your unlocked luggage as transport to another country. A baggage handler at the arrival destination is told what bag to look out for and retrieves the drugs, or other contraband. If the receiving baggage handler misses it, and you are searched, you are in a lot of of trouble.

I remember a case where they used the aircraft toilet for transportation. Police thought it was a passenger who got cold feet, but I thought it was a drug network using the aircraft cleaners. Both are possible.

https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/6kg-of-coke-found-in-plane-toilet/news-story/e7496e57449250e348b9ad033966cb93

Just to remind members of the "quality" of law enforcement officials in Thailand.

Remember this guy?

Joe Ferrari: Ex-Thai police chief convicted of suspect ki...

The police colonel with a taste in luxury cars was filmed wrapping bags around the head of a suspect.

Good grief. You're all over the shop like a mad woman's scat.

If the TSA-approved locks have been cut off by TSA; both times they left their calling cards inside the bags, should I complain to the TSA? Or just stop pandering to DHS paranoia?

18 hours ago, NanLaew said:

Good grief. You're all over the shop like a mad woman's scat.

If the TSA-approved locks have been cut off by TSA; both times they left their calling cards inside the bags, should I complain to the TSA? Or just stop pandering to DHS paranoia?

Good grief. You still don't get the concept. You have blind faith in Thai airport officials and baggage handlers to do the right thing.

Another member mentioned it. Here it is. It's also made a revival, this year.

Why do you think Thai officials would never do it?

https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/philippine-government-sacks-airport-staff-involved-in-bullet-planting-scheme

BBC News

#TanimBala Philippine bullet scam sparks anger and social...

A scam in the Philippines, which allegedly sees bullets dropped into the luggage of passengers as they go through airport security, has sparked anger, fear and social media activism.

3 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

Good grief. You still don't get the concept. You have blind faith in Thai airport officials and baggage handlers to do the right thing.

Another member mentioned it. Here it is. It's also made a revival, this year.

Why do you think Thai officials would never do it?

https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/philippine-government-sacks-airport-staff-involved-in-bullet-planting-scheme

BBC News

#TanimBala Philippine bullet scam sparks anger and social...

A scam in the Philippines, which allegedly sees bullets dropped into the luggage of passengers as they go through airport security, has sparked anger, fear and social media activism.

Last time I checked Thailand wasn't in the Philippines, but go on with your scaremongering in each and every thread/topic you get involved in, it reminds me why I had to click "show this message".

4 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

Last time I checked Thailand wasn't in the Philippines, but go on with your scaremongering in each and every thread/topic you get involved in, it reminds me why I had to click "show this message".

Some scams and crimes spread globally. Eg. ATM card skimming.

Do you think the Thai's were the first to invent all the scams here????

It's not scaremongering. Allowing Thai officials to search luggage whilst not in the presence of the owner poses many risks to the owner, not to mention, if contraband is found, it creates an issue at law.

3 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

Some scams and crimes spread globally. Eg. ATM card skimming.

Do you think the Thai's were the first to invent all the scams here????

It's not scaremongering. Allowing Thai officials to search luggage whilst not in the presence of the owner poses many risks to the owner, not to mention, if contraband is found, it creates an issue at law.

You have lost the plot now with ATM scams. For someone who doesn't appear to have ever been a victim of everything you mentioned, what's with the proselytising and scaremongering?

23 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

You have lost the plot now with ATM scams. For someone who doesn't appear to have ever been a victim of everything you mentioned, what's with the proselytising and scaremongering?

It does that in practically every topic it posts in!

2 hours ago, NanLaew said:

You have lost the plot now with ATM scams. For someone who doesn't appear to have ever been a victim of everything you mentioned, what's with the proselytising and scaremongering?

No scaremongering.

The Thai's are allowing baggage checks without the owner / passenger being present, and you don't see the possibility of any issues arising from this in the future?

It's the OP. Did you read it?

Edited July 27Jul 27 by KhunHeineken

1 hour ago, scottiejohn said:

It does that in practically every topic it posts in!

And you continue to troll every topic I post in. 🙂

IMHO This is likely all Anutin's fault. If he hadn't allowed the legalisation of weed, there wouldn't be so many cases of these young kids smuggling.

37 minutes ago, phetphet said:

IMHO This is likely all Anutin's fault. If he hadn't allowed the legalisation of weed, there wouldn't be so many cases of these young kids smuggling.

Possibly, but it's the "dirty farang" kids that are the actual smugglers.

50 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

No scaremongering.

The Thai's are allowing baggage checks without the owner / passenger being present, and you don't see the possibility of any issues arising from this in the future?

It's the OP. Did you read it?

Of course I read it and viewed through the prism of my extensive international travel over 40+ years, where my unlocked bags have never, ever had stuff taken out or stuff put in, ...oh, never mind.

It might rain tomorrow.

Edited July 27Jul 27 by NanLaew

14 hours ago, NanLaew said:

Of course I read it and viewed through the prism of my extensive international travel over 40+ years, where my unlocked bags have never, ever had stuff taken out or stuff put in, ...oh, never mind.

It might rain tomorrow.

You originally asked has it ever happened to me, and I answered it has not, but then provided links to theft by baggage handlers in Thailand, the Bangkok airport scam, and where authorities planted a bullet in the luggage of passengers in The Philippines.

You have been traveling longer than me, but I have taken a lot more flights than you.

Thailand is a terribly corrupt country, so there but for the grace of God go us.

On 7/23/2026 at 6:57 AM, fredwiggy said:

I've lost things I brought back here, along with some items in the postal service I sent here before I moved here. Food, which is a pretty weird way to risk your job.

I had that too. Chocolate bars and other sweets in the side pocket missing - zipped up but not locked. Don't recall if it was Bangkok though.

1 minute ago, ronnie50 said:

I had that too. Chocolate bars and other sweets in the side pocket missing - zipped up but not locked. Don't recall if it was Bangkok though.

Funny, I remember now that chocolate bars were taken from my bags also.

16 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

No scaremongering.

The Thai's are allowing baggage checks without the owner / passenger being present, and you don't see the possibility of any issues arising from this in the future?

It's the OP. Did you read it?

Yes, I'd be worried about that happening in Thailand. They could plant drugs then let the bag make it to the plane, then send a photo of the bag to a conspirator baggage handler in destination country, like London, etc. There have been news reports of these inter-country drug smuggling scams at airports. In the US, they often break locks and search bags airside. My sister has had that happen twice. Nothing missing.

22 minutes ago, ronnie50 said:

Yes, I'd be worried about that happening in Thailand. They could plant drugs then let the bag make it to the plane, then send a photo of the bag to a conspirator baggage handler in destination country, like London, etc. There have been news reports of these inter-country drug smuggling scams at airports.

Well, the member NanLaew's opinion is, because it's never happened to him, it just does not happen, despite me posting links to the contrary.

30 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

Well, the member NanLaew's opinion is, because it's never happened to him, it just does not happen, despite me posting links to the contrary.

Here is one. I can't be arsed to look for others.

https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/article/exclusive-luggage-tag-switching-scheme-involves-flights-from-canada-to-countries-where-drug-smuggling-can-carry-death-penalty/

On 7/24/2026 at 3:26 PM, NanLaew said:

Much ado about nothing. I have picked my bags off the carousel and found the "security checked" sticker on the outside and the note inside advising it had been searched by airside security. Nothing ever stolen and get this, never had drugs put inside either. I feel cheated. Who should I complain to?

Bash on.

You can direct your complaints to the AN experts, who are apparently predicting the apocalypse because of this regulation.