Learned My Lesson Today

[ttac]

Learned a really cheap lesson today. Went to drop my girlfriend off at the school off soi 25 in Naklua today. For some reason they were closed so we left to go grab some lunch. We got down to around soi 27 when I felt this unusual sensation of my 5 baht chain being pulled really hard against my neck (not snatched). It took me a half second to figure out what the hel_l was going on and off course my girlfriend was yelling. I ended up grabbing one end of the chain and my girlfriend grabbed the other and pushed the guys hand away.

He hauled butt and we saw there was a second guy on a motorbike. We chased them down to the roundabout where he went left and lost him around the Sai 3 red light. We managed to get his license (only the numbers though) and his clothing/helmet description, but it'll probably amount to nothing.

I've been coming here for around 15 years and have had nothing like that happen before. I'm usually fairly cautious, and had I been checking my mirrors like I usually do, I would have seen him. Oh well, it all worked out ok.

I bought the 5 baht chain because the clasp would be hard to break in case some like that ever happened. The chain itself is a tight weave so really doesn't look that big. Even the policeman I talked to had a hard time believing it was 5 baht. Anyway..... the clasp held, the chain broke in the middle.

The other lesson I learned today was to be more level headed. Instead of seeing the read mist and only being focused on catching this guy, I should have been more focused on his details while he was close enough where I could see everything clearly.

Feel really lucky though, certainly could have turned out differently.

ttac

Lesson learned though, it ain't worth it. If I can't wear a necklace out in public for fear of getting clubbed or pulled off my motorbike, theres no point in having it. I'll just sell it... not like I"m going to lose any money

[Simbo]

Learned a really cheap lesson today. Went to drop my girlfriend off at the school off soi 25 in Naklua today. For some reason they were closed so we left to go grab some lunch. We got down to around soi 27 when I felt this unusual sensation of my 5 baht chain being pulled really hard against my neck (not snatched). It took me a half second to figure out what the hel_l was going on and off course my girlfriend was yelling. I ended up grabbing one end of the chain and my girlfriend grabbed the other and pushed the guys hand away.

He hauled butt and we saw there was a second guy on a motorbike. We chased them down to the roundabout where he went left and lost him around the Sai 3 red light. We managed to get his license (only the numbers though) and his clothing/helmet description, but it'll probably amount to nothing.

I've been coming here for around 15 years and have had nothing like that happen before. I'm usually fairly cautious, and had I been checking my mirrors like I usually do, I would have seen him. Oh well, it all worked out ok.

I bought the 5 baht chain because the clasp would be hard to break in case some like that ever happened. The chain itself is a tight weave so really doesn't look that big. Even the policeman I talked to had a hard time believing it was 5 baht. Anyway..... the clasp held, the chain broke in the middle.

The other lesson I learned today was to be more level headed. Instead of seeing the read mist and only being focused on catching this guy, I should have been more focused on his details while he was close enough where I could see everything clearly.

Feel really lucky though, certainly could have turned out differently.

ttac

Lesson learned though, it ain't worth it. If I can't wear a necklace out in public for fear of getting clubbed or pulled off my motorbike, theres no point in having it. I'll just sell it... not like I"m going to lose any money

I have socialised around Naklua for years now. I have seen this happen with my own eyes, on a number of occassions. that area is rife now. especially Wongamat. Drive by snatches almost everyday.

So much, that the police have a big presence there.

They tell me it will only get worse as tourists numbers slow down, plus increasing costs.

I never wear jewelry. A watch is all, besides clothes, of course.

Good post. lets hope others get the message before it happens to them.

Simbo

[Hssl]

Expect more crime as all prices are going up........ only yesterday one of my staffs motorbikes had its fuel sucked out of it whilst parked outside of a job.

[tattoodrob]

yes i also think this is just the beginning of more crime.

by the way i stopped wearing any chains a long while ago but if someone likes to wear one i suggest they take it off when riding a bike as this is when majority of snatches take place......the young thais think of it as a game and often whoop with delight on there escape as they know there is very little chance of being caught and they cant be bothered to even hide there bike numbers which must mean something as to the chances of getting arrested.

to op i dont think you can do anything to stop someone from trying to snatch your chain ....even regularly lookin in your mirror etc......you normally cant outrun there bikes anyway.

[PhilHarries]

Well I wear a 3 Baht chain that is my ultimate health insurance policy so if I need hospital treatment and I have no cash on me (don't do credit cards) I'll at least get stabilised plus a bit of treatment.

But I think I'm going to have to review this policy in the light of this increase in snatch crime (not the bg snatch crime ) right across Pattaya.

The reason they target motorcyclists is that the victim has both hands taken up and cannot immediately fight back, lucky your gf was on the back and more lucky the assailant didn't have a knife.

Lived for 12 years in Pattaya and never saw a level of crime as being reported of late. I suppose it is wishful thinking that the police would actually start putting in some meaningfull presence on the streets.

[Meg_2003]

Haven't worn any gold for quite a few years now since a relative nearly had a 10 baht gold chain snatched. My gold is happily locked up in the safe, Ive also made quite a nice sum of money, purchasing several baht of gold at 6,000 baht many years ago, and the gold price now being 14,000 baht +

If you really feel you must wear your gold chain, try to cover it up with something whilst you're driving your bike, or take it off whilst riding.. Better to be safe than sorry!

[pattaya_girl]

When I first came to live in Pattaya 7 years ago, I was watched and followed from an ATM machine on Pattayaklang to the back of Big C, I withdrew 38.000 baht in two seperate transactions - as we stopped our bike, my bag was ripped from me so so quickly by these 3 teenage boys on an old bike and off they went, i didnt really have the chance to get there bike reg number ect, as i was so shocked and was least expecting it. My main worry was getting to a telephone to cancel my ATM card ect.... I really know how you feel about this, and as I do have quite a lot of gold myself (not to wear) its an investment, i would never dream of wearing it to go out. I have a 5 bt gold chain myself so I think the people who tried to snatch it will be well kicking themselves now. Dont wear it again!!!! no one wears much gold anymore.

[PanzerJohn]

At least the OP is ok, whilst Pattaya is still relatively safe tourists you do have to watch yourself and wearing a couple of hundred quid around your neck is a red flag to a bull. Remember, jewellery is for the ladies, but they have the same problems. As the world financial problems increase,and inflation gets worse in LOS, predicting double digits next month, these problems will get worse. It will be interesting to see how the new Mayor prioritises tourist safety in his new upmarket tourist city.

[philliphn]

I think that it is very unwise to wear jewelry of any kind in Thailand. This includes an expensive looking watch. I myself when in Thailand wear an inexpensive watch that must have cost me no more than twenty dollars 4 years ago. Still a few years ago some one even tried to steal that. It is amusing to me to go to the Emporium Shopping Center in Bangkok, to the Watch store, which is an expensive store, and buy and have installed a new battery. They always comment "cheap watch". They probably charge me more for the new battery and installation of the battery than the watch is now worth. I'm sure I don't get any points for face from that watch. If I wanted to I could afford a new expensive Rolex. To hang on to that Rolex would not be worth the probable problems that I might have. When eating in some restaurants. I have gotten a few laughs from the watch vendors who come around trying to sell their watches. I say to them pointing at my watch "10 Baht you want to buy". They laugh or good humourdly pat me on the back and laugh and decline my offer.

Their are alot of poor and desperate people in Thailand. A few hundred dollars around your kneck in the form of gold is alot for a country where many people make 6000-12000 Baht a month, or less. The world economy is presently melting down. This is beginning to really hit Thailand. As a result I believe that these types of crimes will increase. The average Thai person will spend more of a Percentage of their income on for instance simply food than the vast majority of us Visans will.

Many Thais seem to believe that if you are "Farang" you are rich. When you understand the economics of your average Thai person in comparrison perhaps this opinion is not so far fetched. Though probably most of us don't think that we are rich.

Don't wear expensive jewelry or watches in Thailand.

Edited July 4, 2008 by philliphn

[JetsetBkk]

... It is amusing to me to go to the Emporium Shopping Center in Bangkok, to the Watch store, which is an expensive store, and buy and have installed a new battery...

If you go to the opposite side of Sukhumvit - opposite Benjasiri Park - there is a jewellers shop run by a very old man who will change your watch battery for about 150 baht without any rude comments.

[NanLaew]

I am glad that the OP and his girlfriend survived and kept the gold and made a very timely post here. I hope your message doesn't fall on deaf ears, especially with those that think that they know better and subscribe to the "won't happen to me" school of thought.

Put it this way? Are there any countries where you walk around with well over 2000 bucks worth of gold hanging off your neck? Do you go to the pub at home wearing that? That's just a 5 baht chain so those that flaunt a 10 baht chain... well maybe they just deserve what they get.

[ttac]

I am glad that the OP and his girlfriend survived and kept the gold and made a very timely post here. I hope your message doesn't fall on deaf ears, especially with those that think that they know better and subscribe to the "won't happen to me" school of thought.

Put it this way? Are there any countries where you walk around with well over 2000 bucks worth of gold hanging off your neck? Do you go to the pub at home wearing that? That's just a 5 baht chain so those that flaunt a 10 baht chain... well maybe they just deserve what they get.

Ya, it was great that we could laugh a little at the incident and be thankful for the relative good luck, because it certainly could have gone the other way.

I know exactly what you are saying regarding your comment about wearing over 2k bucks on my neck. There was always the little voice in my head telling me that I was stupid every time I put the chain on. My girlfriend was always telling me to be careful. Whenever we went out together on the motorbike, she always made sure she pulled my shirt up to cover the chain, which she did again yesterday. She even had her arms up on my shoulders. The chain, at that time, was well hidden so I'm thinking this guy probably had been following me, maybe even scouting me for a couple days.

[begsaresponse]

As well as the 'snatchers' there are groups of 'pickpocket' theives working Baht buses going along second road.

Make sure when you are on a baht bus that you keep tight hold of your wallet/important things. Last night 4 of us boarded a baht bus at the top of 13/4 - 2nd road, within a few yards 6 thai females get on and cram themselves into the seats around us. So after they were confronted by one of us they rang the bell and got off just before the Klang.

Be aware, be safe.

Edited July 5, 2008 by begsaresponse

[barky]

I for one wear absolutely no jewellery with the exception of my wedding ring that even I find difficult to take off. I carry only a small amount of cash. After all that's why they invented ATM's.

I does not pay to advertise, so don't.

[Lorin]

Wearing massive gold chain and driving a motorbike..what you trying to show exactly? Sorry for your accident, but I just cant hold not to ask that.

[tropo]

If you really feel you must wear your gold chain, try to cover it up with something whilst you're driving your bike, or take it off whilst riding.. Better to be safe than sorry!

Yes, if you must wear a gold chain, make sure nobody can see it.

Why do people wear gold chains around Pattaya anyway? Because they look cool? Do they feel wealthy wearing them around? I really can't think of reason, especially for a guy.

Edited July 5, 2008 by tropo

[whatsoever]

Gold at almost 15000 baht per baht x 5 - 75000. Big temptation for a local, perhaps down on their luck. I never see many Thais wearing big gold these days just the odd ferang. Most people know its dumb to wear such bling!

[sotsira]

To me, all these people that wear lots of gold aren't wealthy, but they just want to pretend that they are.

The real high class society wouldn't wear tacky yellow gold, they would wear white gold or platinum.

As for all the bar girls that wear all the gold, what they are showing is, that they've been around on the game for sometime and had many customers.

The people that invest in gold but don't wear it are the clever ones.

In the western world its considered unfashionable to wear yellow gold, unless your from gypsy origin.

[whatsoever]

To me, all these people that wear lots of gold aren't wealthy, but they just want to pretend that they are.

The real high class society wouldn't wear tacky yellow gold, they would wear white gold or platinum.

As for all the bar girls that wear all the gold, what they are showing is, that they've been around on the game for sometime and had many customers.

The people that invest in gold but don't wear it are the clever ones.

In the western world its considered unfashionable to wear yellow gold, unless your from gypsy origin.

I agree it is (or at least used to be - not so much these days) BGs and nutty ferangs who wear huge chunks of tacky tong. Even years ago when all of the BGs wore a lot more gold it was quite obvious that more normal Thais would wear more discreat classy jewlery

[Lorin]

To me, all these people that wear lots of gold aren't wealthy, but they just want to pretend that they are.

The real high class society wouldn't wear tacky yellow gold, they would wear white gold or platinum.

As for all the bar girls that wear all the gold, what they are showing is, that they've been around on the game for sometime and had many customers.

The people that invest in gold but don't wear it are the clever ones.

In the western world its considered unfashionable to wear yellow gold, unless your from gypsy origin.

Exactly what I said, wearing 75K worth of gold and driving on 30K motorbike..:-)

[JSixpack]

Why do people wear gold chains around Pattaya anyway?

Stupidity usually likes to advertise itself. Eventually, advertised or not, it always attracts the Stupidity Tax, as it finally did in this case.

[JetsetBkk]

Why do people wear gold chains around Pattaya anyway?

Stupidity usually likes to advertise itself. Eventually, advertised or not, it always attracts the Stupidity Tax, as it finally did in this case.

[libya 115]

As well as the 'snatchers' there are groups of 'pickpocket' theives working Baht buses going along second road.

Make sure when you are on a baht bus that you keep tight hold of your wallet/important things. Last night 4 of us boarded a baht bus at the top of 13/4 - 2nd road, within a few yards 6 thai females get on and cram themselves into the seats around us. So after they were confronted by one of us they rang the bell and got off just before the Klang.

Be aware, be safe.

Spot-On! I regularly take the Jomtien baht bus from Pattaya Tai (next to the school) and the other week I, and the other 3 farangs were mobbed by about seven Thai women/ladymen, half acting as a distraction, half acting as pickpocket. I knew my wallet was in my front pocket, I was sober and prepared for an ugly fist-fight if needed.

They all got off the baht bus just after going under the concrete bridge/flyover. Thieves 100%. It cost them 10 baht each for the short trip, but just one farang new to Pattaya might lose big time. I am amazed at how many farang have their wallet in a breast or back pocket.

[mikethevigoman]

I wear one but always conceal it when on the bike, same goes for the phone,shirt out over it, dont tempt fate ,.

[telaksslave]

Learned a really cheap lesson today. Went to drop my girlfriend off at the school off soi 25 in Naklua today. For some reason they were closed so we left to go grab some lunch. We got down to around soi 27 when I felt this unusual sensation of my 5 baht chain being pulled really hard against my neck (not snatched). It took me a half second to figure out what the hel_l was going on and off course my girlfriend was yelling. I ended up grabbing one end of the chain and my girlfriend grabbed the other and pushed the guys hand away.

He hauled butt and we saw there was a second guy on a motorbike. We chased them down to the roundabout where he went left and lost him around the Sai 3 red light. We managed to get his license (only the numbers though) and his clothing/helmet description, but it'll probably amount to nothing.

I've been coming here for around 15 years and have had nothing like that happen before. I'm usually fairly cautious, and had I been checking my mirrors like I usually do, I would have seen him. Oh well, it all worked out ok.

I bought the 5 baht chain because the clasp would be hard to break in case some like that ever happened. The chain itself is a tight weave so really doesn't look that big. Even the policeman I talked to had a hard time believing it was 5 baht. Anyway..... the clasp held, the chain broke in the middle.

The other lesson I learned today was to be more level headed. Instead of seeing the read mist and only being focused on catching this guy, I should have been more focused on his details while he was close enough where I could see everything clearly.

Feel really lucky though, certainly could have turned out differently.

ttac

Lesson learned though, it ain't worth it. If I can't wear a necklace out in public for fear of getting clubbed or pulled off my motorbike, theres no point in having it. I'll just sell it... not like I"m going to lose any money

why bother wearing that ugly bull sh_t gold why would any one want to wear a load of money round ur neck ive got no sympathy, what u normally do with money is leave it in the bank or in a safe

[waza]

Hmmmm good piont, I will leave my gold at home from now on

[innovator]

PhilHarries : You might try carrying a health insurance card as the ultimate insurance coverage for medical treatment.

Leave your gold at home and carry the card instead. I have never heard of any gangs or criminals trying to steal your medical insurance card.

Edited July 5, 2008 by innovator

[tropo]

why bother wearing that ugly bull sh_t gold why would any one want to wear a load of money round ur neck ive got no sympathy, what u normally do with money is leave it in the bank or in a safe

Quite true. The baht gold jewelry is not quality jewelry, just gold cheaply molded into something that can be worn.

[libya 115]

As well as the 'snatchers' there are groups of 'pickpocket' theives working Baht buses going along second road.

Make sure when you are on a baht bus that you keep tight hold of your wallet/important things. Last night 4 of us boarded a baht bus at the top of 13/4 - 2nd road, within a few yards 6 thai females get on and cram themselves into the seats around us. So after they were confronted by one of us they rang the bell and got off just before the Klang.

Be aware, be safe.

Spot-On! I regularly take the Jomtien baht bus from Pattaya Tai (next to the school) and the other week I, and the other 3 farangs were mobbed by about seven Thai women/ladymen, half acting as a distraction, half acting as pickpocket. I knew my wallet was in my front pocket, I was sober and prepared for an ugly fist-fight if needed.

They all got off the baht bus just after going under the concrete bridge/flyover. Thieves 100%. It cost them 10 baht each for the short trip, but just one farang new to Pattaya might lose big time. I am amazed at how many farang have their wallet in a breast or back pocket.

I posted this warning on July 5th 2008, just today July 7th 2008 I posted in 'Pattaya News Clippings' the news story concerning a German who was robbed on a Baht Bus near Dolphin Roundabout. So be aware of pickpockets and thieves on Baht Buses.

[britmaveric]

Well personally wear 1bht chain, couple rings and a good watch. If you dictate how you live based on thieves then they have won.