Koh Samui Crime

[RickThai]

hello,

For those ex-patriots who have lived on Samui for a year or more, I was wondering just how bad the crime situation is in Samui. In your opinion, what is the likelyhood of a falong getting robbed or attacked by local Thais over a year's time?

This includes home robberies, muggings, shopliters, disputes over bills, etc.

I am assuming that the falong is a decent chap, who doesn't insult people or flash a lot of money around.

Thanks for any comments.

RickThai

[starcandle]

Crime is pretty much a world wide problem, Koh Samui is no different.

I have lived here for 5 years problem free, however I have a few friends who have had motor bikes stolen or their house broken into, one friend had a very bad experience

being burgled when he was in bed sleeping, woke up and disturbed the thief.

Generally if you take common sense precautions and are aware of whats going on around you I rekon Samui is as safe as you

would find anywhere.

Singapore is very safe (but not crime free) place if your concerned for your security and safety.

Remember a thief usually operates close to his own home, so if a neighbour has his bike stolen make sure to lock yours up properly with a chain, if same is burgled via the bathroom window secure your window by any means.

2 houses close to me were robbed, both via the small window downstairs, I immediately had bars made for my window and a week later I noticed the window ajar, I'm confident someone had tried their luck.

[Tropicalevo]

Samui is a pretty safe place to live if you are sensible.

There is crime here as with ALL tourist areas, but on the whole I and my neighbours feel pretty safe. My wife is certainly happier here (having been mugged back in Birmingham a couple of times).

We have been here 11 years and no real crime where we live, other than petty, opportunist, light fingered stuff. Actually, now that I think of it - someone keeps nicking my bamboo shoots!

Where you live on the island will probably make a difference though. I live in a quiet area.

[carmine]

As far as violent crimes such as muggings Samui is very safe. Thais are not generally confrontational people and if you behave yourself you won't have a problem.

The number of burglaries on the island is appallingly high and little is done about it. Wherever you stay here security should be number one on your list.

[spacedcowboy]

Hi Rick Thai

I have been coming to Samui for over 10 years for extended holidays normally 2 months a year I have also worked for a couple of years here for Thai organisations Hotel Resorts etc and never experienced any problems personally.

However I obviously take measures to avoid becoming a victim for example I avoid using Atm's late at night, mix with people I trust, avoid dangerously intoxicated people share a lift/walk home with friends (same as UK) and ultimately remember I am just a guest in Thailand and diplomacy goes a long way.

Crime on Samui happens to everyone not just Westerners different predjudices/friction exist amongst the variety of people that occupy Samui Thai,Lao,Burmese and you the Westerner to name a few, as in anywhere else in the world, as starcandle has already mentioned.

I guess it will be difficult to get a true picture of the levels of crime on Samui for a number of reasons:

1) Crime is not reported/recorded by the victims or to the Police

2) It's bad for publicity, the various tourist business property investors don't want any bad press effecting their Samui investment.

3) It's a transient population that inhabit the island cut and run crime obviously very easy to commit and to trace.

Crime in a lot of cases (obviously not all) is avoidable if you take responsibility for your safety however victims tend to overlook this when in holiday mode. Maybe other forum users can make suggestions as to how they prevent becoming potential victims.

[nod]

In 23 years of visiting/living on Samui, I have so far ( touch wood! ) not been a victim of crime myself. However I have been aware of reports of break ins from time to time (more so recently) and of course you hear about the odd incident of violent crime like you you do everywhere in the World. Many of these are fuelled by alcohol as always.

I believe "break ins are a lot more common in places like Spain where I understand it is now common practice for many residents to have steel barred ( either decorative or otherwise) windows on their properties.

So yes we have crime here as well as most other places in the World.

However I have also experienced many cases here of displays of great honesty from local people. ( "Found" wallets handed back intact and one example where one of my friends was followed for miles to hand back a wallet that had dropped from their pocket whilst travelling on a motorbike.)

So I guess like anywhere, you have to take the rough with the smooth.

[BigC]

what about forangs mugging or robbing forangs ???

If have been here a long time. I find it allot more easier here than England to avoid crime.

That is just my experience.

There again i have been burgled a couple of times. had a few scraps with thais and forangs but nothing like the scale back home. Even though there is crime i do feel allot less intimideated here.

though i think for girls specailly young girls it is more dangerous here. they pray on the weak over here. The Thai ladies are Thai smart but forang young girls cannot get away with the same attidue as back home.

I don't make the rules thats just my take.

[itishothere]

I'm a decent chap. Over the last year ...

Robberies ...0

Muggings ...0

Shopliters ... 0

Disputes over bills ...0

Other sundry unpleasant things ...0

Miscellaneous broken hearts ...1

Being ripped off ...countless .... but in the scheme of things did it matter? ...0

[RickThai]

Thanks for the information. I lived in Italy for about 3 years and robberies and muggings happened somewhat regularly to some people, but I only got robbed once (outside Pompei)! (Twice come to think of it, someone stole my baby Neopolitan Mastiff).

Most locals were fairly friendly and honest. As stated, where you live and your lifestyle probably plays a big factor.

(Also some people just look like victims and other people look like trouble, and the former seemed to get victimized more than the latter.)

Best wishes to all,

RickThai

[BigC]

Thanks for the information. I lived in Italy for about 3 years and robberies and muggings happened somewhat regularly to some people, but I only got robbed once (outside Pompei)! (Twice come to think of it, someone stole my baby Neopolitan Mastiff).

Most locals were fairly friendly and honest. As stated, where you live and your lifestyle probably plays a big factor.

(Also some people just look like victims and other people look like trouble, and the former seemed to get victimized more than the latter.)

Best wishes to all,

RickThai

alot pf the crime seems to be personally disputes. not to say that birgleries and robberys do not go on but allot of it seems to be people falling out of their business.

sometimes people have tooo look at the whole picture. i mean for example someone gets shot and killed. best to stay out of these opinionated things because in my opinion just because in some countries it is seen as bad to kill someone does not mean that in other countries u could be made a hero.

example Tony Martin in the UK shot and killed a birgler that repeatedly birgled his farm. called the police a number of times yet nothing.

he got life.

later his conviction was reduced to man salaughter and he had a rought time inside.

yet in Taxus in the US a man was given an award for shooting and killing 2 burglers in his next door neibours house.

so becaue u see someone lying in a pool of blood does not nessecerily mean anyone is automatically right or wrong. just some has gone badly wrong thats it . good night bang !!!!!

[smokie36]

Thanks for the information. I lived in Italy for about 3 years and robberies and muggings happened somewhat regularly to some people, but I only got robbed once (outside Pompei)! (Twice come to think of it, someone stole my baby Neopolitan Mastiff).

Most locals were fairly friendly and honest. As stated, where you live and your lifestyle probably plays a big factor.

(Also some people just look like victims and other people look like trouble, and the former seemed to get victimized more than the latter.)

Best wishes to all,

RickThai

alot pf the crime seems to be personally disputes. not to say that birgleries and robberys do not go on but allot of it seems to be people falling out of their business.

sometimes people have tooo look at the whole picture. i mean for example someone gets shot and killed. best to stay out of these opinionated things because in my opinion just because in some countries it is seen as bad to kill someone does not mean that in other countries u could be made a hero.

example Tony Martin in the UK shot and killed a birgler that repeatedly birgled his farm. called the police a number of times yet nothing.

he got life.

later his conviction was reduced to man salaughter and he had a rought time inside.

yet in Taxus in the US a man was given an award for shooting and killing 2 burglers in his next door neibours house.

so becaue u see someone lying in a pool of blood does not nessecerily mean anyone is automatically right or wrong. just some has gone badly wrong thats it . good night bang !!!!!

Where are the stats on fanang on farang crime?

I ask because my feeling is its prevalent as much as any other crime on the island.....the Thais must be pissing themselves with laughter....

Anyway I'm in for another long island stretch very soon.....looking forward to another stab at it if you know what I mean.

[hellokitty2010]

Thanks for the information. I lived in Italy for about 3 years and robberies and muggings happened somewhat regularly to some people, but I only got robbed once (outside Pompei)! (Twice come to think of it, someone stole my baby Neopolitan Mastiff).

Most locals were fairly friendly and honest. As stated, where you live and your lifestyle probably plays a big factor.

(Also some people just look like victims and other people look like trouble, and the former seemed to get victimized more than the latter.)

Best wishes to all,

RickThai

alot pf the crime seems to be personally disputes. not to say that birgleries and robberys do not go on but allot of it seems to be people falling out of their business.

sometimes people have tooo look at the whole picture. i mean for example someone gets shot and killed. best to stay out of these opinionated things because in my opinion just because in some countries it is seen as bad to kill someone does not mean that in other countries u could be made a hero.

example Tony Martin in the UK shot and killed a birgler that repeatedly birgled his farm. called the police a number of times yet nothing.

he got life.

later his conviction was reduced to man salaughter and he had a rought time inside.

yet in Taxus in the US a man was given an award for shooting and killing 2 burglers in his next door neibours house.

so becaue u see someone lying in a pool of blood does not nessecerily mean anyone is automatically right or wrong. just some has gone badly wrong thats it . good night bang !!!!!

Where are the stats on fanang on farang crime?

I ask because my feeling is its prevalent as much as any other crime on the island.....the Thais must be pissing themselves with laughter....

Anyway I'm in for another long island stretch very soon.....looking forward to another stab at it if you know what I mean.

Lets face it crime is not often reported in Samui, it is a lot worse than stated on this forum, i am sure everyone knows of at least one incident per month, whether it is muggings, house breaking robbed by ladyboys/ladies while you sleep the list is endless and will continue to be so as long as there is no meaningful police force, waste of paper newspapers and the business operators that see no wrong in order to protect the Island sorry i mean thier busnesses

[smokie36]

Thanks for the information. I lived in Italy for about 3 years and robberies and muggings happened somewhat regularly to some people, but I only got robbed once (outside Pompei)! (Twice come to think of it, someone stole my baby Neopolitan Mastiff).

Most locals were fairly friendly and honest. As stated, where you live and your lifestyle probably plays a big factor.

(Also some people just look like victims and other people look like trouble, and the former seemed to get victimized more than the latter.)

Best wishes to all,

RickThai

alot pf the crime seems to be personally disputes. not to say that birgleries and robberys do not go on but allot of it seems to be people falling out of their business.

sometimes people have tooo look at the whole picture. i mean for example someone gets shot and killed. best to stay out of these opinionated things because in my opinion just because in some countries it is seen as bad to kill someone does not mean that in other countries u could be made a hero.

example Tony Martin in the UK shot and killed a birgler that repeatedly birgled his farm. called the police a number of times yet nothing.

he got life.

later his conviction was reduced to man salaughter and he had a rought time inside.

yet in Taxus in the US a man was given an award for shooting and killing 2 burglers in his next door neibours house.

so becaue u see someone lying in a pool of blood does not nessecerily mean anyone is automatically right or wrong. just some has gone badly wrong thats it . good night bang !!!!!

Where are the stats on fanang on farang crime?

I ask because my feeling is its prevalent as much as any other crime on the island.....the Thais must be pissing themselves with laughter....

Anyway I'm in for another long island stretch very soon.....looking forward to another stab at it if you know what I mean.

Lets face it crime is not often reported in Samui, it is a lot worse than stated on this forum, i am sure everyone knows of at least one incident per month, whether it is muggings, house breaking robbed by ladyboys/ladies while you sleep the list is endless and will continue to be so as long as there is no meaningful police force, waste of paper newspapers and the business operators that see no wrong in order to protect the Island sorry i mean thier busnesses

Its like an episode of Eldorado where the scriptwriters got a bit carried away.......nah make that a lot.

Another member on here asked some time ago about security for his house. Well bearing in mind any Thai can polish you off any time they feel like it best you employ Burmese staff.

[BigC]

Burmease r. More dangerous. They have leSs to lose. Well I know of allot of mutanies on the fishing boats.

Don't think that because they are quiet that they would not have u should they get a chance.

Anyway I know of allot of crime onthe island. Though if it does not effect me then it has nothing to do with me.

Sayinh that I am probably getting birgled as we speak lol.

It ain't that bad here.

Most people that complain about it are just a bunch of cry babies. They forgotten what it is like back home.

Maybe they should go back. Believe me a few weeks or months time as they say " you'll b back "

[RickThai]

There is a lot of crime in the USA, but the reality is that most violent robberies are related to drugs and race (blacks seem to commit more violent crimes against both blacks and whites, than any other group. Latino gangs (whether in the countty legally or not, also contribute quite abit to the violent crime. White people seem to commit crimes of passion (i.e. whacking their estranged wife/her lawyer, etc.) way too often and are responsible for most 'white collar' crime and traffic offenses..

In Colorado where I live, I can legally shoot someone if they have broken into my house (and are still inside), but I am not allowed to shoot someone just because they are stealing my car or vandalising my yard.

Seems a shame, for an honest man to go to prison, because he shot some lowlife trying to steal or rape someone.

Thanks for the info on Koh Samui. One thing I do know, is that it is a lot easier to get killed in Thailand than it is in the USA. Murder for hire, is relatively cheap and Thais do have a hot temper and long memories.

RickThai

[BigC]

There is a lot of crime in the USA, but the reality is that most violent robberies are related to drugs and race (blacks seem to commit more violent crimes against both blacks and whites, than any other group. Latino gangs (whether in the countty legally or not, also contribute quite abit to the violent crime. White people seem to commit crimes of passion (i.e. whacking their estranged wife/her lawyer, etc.) way too often and are responsible for most 'white collar' crime and traffic offenses..

In Colorado where I live, I can legally shoot someone if they have broken into my house (and are still inside), but I am not allowed to shoot someone just because they are stealing my car or vandalising my yard.

Seems a shame, for an honest man to go to prison, because he shot some lowlife trying to steal or rape someone.

Thanks for the info on Koh Samui. One thing I do know, is that it is a lot easier to get killed in Thailand than it is in the USA. Murder for hire, is relatively cheap and Thais do have a hot temper and long memories.

RickThai

that is not strictly true. The guns for hire are about 95 % thai on thai related and it normally ( drunken arguements aside ) is over very bad business deals.

They would rarther threaten a forenger than shoot them. they have more to lose from shooting a foregner believe it or not.

yes there are a few but compaired to thai on that forangs getting murdered in properly in the minority. i think that in th US u would probably be more likey to be shot by someone that is not a gun for hire. just some random drugged up man looking for some crack money.

saying that i am probably jinked myself and i am a mark without knowing Doh !!!

when u compare Samui to S.America and other tropical destinations it really isn't that bad.

the roads are not that bad. the drivers are. then if u use common sense then u should not be a victim of a crash either. or at least narrow your chances down.

1. wear a helmet it is not 100 % safe like those stupid signs say but it decreases your chance of either dying or have to pay for a huge hospital bill for about 20 years after.

2. don't drive drunk. it is a shame that in the west we need the police to control us. shows that people are just like lemmings and we need a force unfortunatly.

3. if u have no experience then don't rent a bike. propbably seems like a cheap and cheerful at the time but u probably will come off in about the first 3 days of having it.

4. If Thais give u trouble no matter how much they might be in the wrong. just walk away. they don't normally like to make trouble with foreigners but can turn very nasty if u tell the annoying jet ski man to F' off.

5. if u do not know thai land and thai people then even if u r very angry. u might double your problem with them if u decide to shout and tell them to f off. i know it is hard at times but this is their country and tourists unfortunalty are like buffalows. They know nothing about the culture or know not as much as they think.

the Thai people know the ins and outs of this place and u cannot win.

the quicker u clear the situation the quicker u can get on your way. i ain't about being macho if u want to be hard u can offer to fight them in the stadium at times. Thai style makes more sense. fair fight both get some money then all clear go home and be proud that u stood and fought 1 on 1 the best u could.

That is a more respectful way to challenge someone out here.

[smokie36]

There is a lot of crime in the USA, but the reality is that most violent robberies are related to drugs and race (blacks seem to commit more violent crimes against both blacks and whites, than any other group. Latino gangs (whether in the countty legally or not, also contribute quite abit to the violent crime. White people seem to commit crimes of passion (i.e. whacking their estranged wife/her lawyer, etc.) way too often and are responsible for most 'white collar' crime and traffic offenses..

In Colorado where I live, I can legally shoot someone if they have broken into my house (and are still inside), but I am not allowed to shoot someone just because they are stealing my car or vandalising my yard.

Seems a shame, for an honest man to go to prison, because he shot some lowlife trying to steal or rape someone.

Thanks for the info on Koh Samui. One thing I do know, is that it is a lot easier to get killed in Thailand than it is in the USA. Murder for hire, is relatively cheap and Thais do have a hot temper and long memories.

RickThai

that is not strictly true. The guns for hire are about 95 % thai on thai related and it normally ( drunken arguements aside ) is over very bad business deals.

They would rarther threaten a forenger than shoot them. they have more to lose from shooting a foregner believe it or not.

yes there are a few but compaired to thai on that forangs getting murdered in properly in the minority. i think that in th US u would probably be more likey to be shot by someone that is not a gun for hire. just some random drugged up man looking for some crack money.

saying that i am probably jinked myself and i am a mark without knowing Doh !!!

when u compare Samui to S.America and other tropical destinations it really isn't that bad.

the roads are not that bad. the drivers are. then if u use common sense then u should not be a victim of a crash either. or at least narrow your chances down.

1. wear a helmet it is not 100 % safe like those stupid signs say but it decreases your chance of either dying or have to pay for a huge hospital bill for about 20 years after.

2. don't drive drunk. it is a shame that in the west we need the police to control us. shows that people are just like lemmings and we need a force unfortunatly.

3. if u have no experience then don't rent a bike. propbably seems like a cheap and cheerful at the time but u probably will come off in about the first 3 days of having it.

4. If Thais give u trouble no matter how much they might be in the wrong. just walk away. they don't normally like to make trouble with foreigners but can turn very nasty if u tell the annoying jet ski man to F' off.

5. if u do not know thai land and thai people then even if u r very angry. u might double your problem with them if u decide to shout and tell them to f off. i know it is hard at times but this is their country and tourists unfortunalty are like buffalows. They know nothing about the culture or know not as much as they think.

the Thai people know the ins and outs of this place and u cannot win.

the quicker u clear the situation the quicker u can get on your way. i ain't about being macho if u want to be hard u can offer to fight them in the stadium at times. Thai style makes more sense. fair fight both get some money then all clear go home and be proud that u stood and fought 1 on 1 the best u could.

That is a more respectful way to challenge someone out here.

Excellent post.

[RickThai]

There is a lot of crime in the USA, but the reality is that most violent robberies are related to drugs and race (blacks seem to commit more violent crimes against both blacks and whites, than any other group. Latino gangs (whether in the countty legally or not, also contribute quite abit to the violent crime. White people seem to commit crimes of passion (i.e. whacking their estranged wife/her lawyer, etc.) way too often and are responsible for most 'white collar' crime and traffic offenses..

In Colorado where I live, I can legally shoot someone if they have broken into my house (and are still inside), but I am not allowed to shoot someone just because they are stealing my car or vandalising my yard.

Seems a shame, for an honest man to go to prison, because he shot some lowlife trying to steal or rape someone.

Thanks for the info on Koh Samui. One thing I do know, is that it is a lot easier to get killed in Thailand than it is in the USA. Murder for hire, is relatively cheap and Thais do have a hot temper and long memories.

RickThai

that is not strictly true. The guns for hire are about 95 % thai on thai related and it normally ( drunken arguements aside ) is over very bad business deals.

They would rarther threaten a forenger than shoot them. they have more to lose from shooting a foregner believe it or not.

yes there are a few but compaired to thai on that forangs getting murdered in properly in the minority. i think that in th US u would probably be more likey to be shot by someone that is not a gun for hire. just some random drugged up man looking for some crack money.

saying that i am probably jinked myself and i am a mark without knowing Doh !!!

when u compare Samui to S.America and other tropical destinations it really isn't that bad.

the roads are not that bad. the drivers are. then if u use common sense then u should not be a victim of a crash either. or at least narrow your chances down.

1. wear a helmet it is not 100 % safe like those stupid signs say but it decreases your chance of either dying or have to pay for a huge hospital bill for about 20 years after.

2. don't drive drunk. it is a shame that in the west we need the police to control us. shows that people are just like lemmings and we need a force unfortunatly.

3. if u have no experience then don't rent a bike. propbably seems like a cheap and cheerful at the time but u probably will come off in about the first 3 days of having it.

4. If Thais give u trouble no matter how much they might be in the wrong. just walk away. they don't normally like to make trouble with foreigners but can turn very nasty if u tell the annoying jet ski man to F' off.

5. if u do not know thai land and thai people then even if u r very angry. u might double your problem with them if u decide to shout and tell them to f off. i know it is hard at times but this is their country and tourists unfortunalty are like buffalows. They know nothing about the culture or know not as much as they think.

the Thai people know the ins and outs of this place and u cannot win.

the quicker u clear the situation the quicker u can get on your way. i ain't about being macho if u want to be hard u can offer to fight them in the stadium at times. Thai style makes more sense. fair fight both get some money then all clear go home and be proud that u stood and fought 1 on 1 the best u could.

That is a more respectful way to challenge someone out here.

Excellent post.

Can't really argue with any of your replies. Other than being marked because of your apparent wealth and 'not one of them', I agree that the best course is to act respectful and polite and try to learn and follow their customs.

Thanks for the input.

RickThai

[BigC]

they thing we have more money than the mqajority but for real some Thais are allot richer thsan us. and allot of those Thais are also a target because of their wealth. did u read the story where a lady was shot in Lamui due to 100 million baht of inheritence. She s the 3rd to be gunned down after her 2 brothers were shot rescently.

They think of us as just atms but not all of them/ even the bad Thai's would rarther trick u than mig u. occasionally people do get robbed specially in Patattaya but even allot of that is Forang on forang.

normally people have to know how wealth u r if they want to rob u that means geting to know u and because a relative, staff or friend

anyway