Tourist self protection

[BuddhaChile]

What with all the recent tourist murders and "accidents" I'm wondering about the best way to protect ones self when off on one's own Thailand. I've thought about walking with a large "walking stick" or carrying a weapon of some sort in order to give myself a chance if approached or attacked. I don't speak the language well enough to talk my way out of a situation - granted, one cannot reason with a drunk or a herd of idiots. The big smile and uplifted eyebrow and reverse head nod may not always work. One time in Cambodia when I felt threatened I started to clean my fingernails with my Swiss Army knife and made that visible to those whom I thought might be a threat as I told my tuk tuk driver to get us the hell outta that place and it seemed to work. Maybe just lucky that time. What's the TV concensus on this topic? Should we who stay here 6 months a year - or any tourist for that matter - consider carrying a weapon? Knife? Gun? What are the legalities around that? In the big picture I don't think the dangers are that prevalent but I would not want to be in a situation without protection. What say ye?

[Costas2008]

OP, I would suggest you get a military tank, so you will be really protected.

Or stop reading all the time about all this violence that appears on the internet sites.

This is a country of about 60Million people, incidents of violence to appear once or twice a day is nothing unusual and also nothing to worry about.

Keep yourself out of trouble, turn around and go away if there is any threat, never try to be brave.

It doesn't pay.

[mangoman007]

This may sound obvious but I think it comes down to simple situation awareness and then carrying yourself with a level of confidence so the bad guys will think twice about you and then target someone else.

[BuddhaChile]

OP, I would suggest you get a military tank, so you will be really protected.

Or stop reading all the time about all this violence that appears on the internet sites.

This is a country of about 60Million people, incidents of violence to appear once or twice a day is nothing unusual and also nothing to worry about.

Keep yourself out of trouble, turn around and go away if there is any threat, never try to be brave.

It doesn't pay.

Hey Costas - That was helpful ...... NOT! I wonder if the guy recently attacked in Udon Thani and now near death tried to turn around and walk away ....

I am not paranoid about this but I dont think your advice to be ignorant is helpful either.

Again .... "In the big picture I don't think the dangers are that prevalent but I would not want to be in a situation without protection."

Better safe than sorry.

[BuddhaChile]

This may sound obvious but I think it comes down to simple situation awareness and then carrying yourself with a level of confidence so the bad guys will think twice about you and then target someone else.

Thanks mangoman - Very good advise.

I'm 6'1" tall - about 100kg and, at 66 yrs I still look pretty fit. I can look friendly, confident and/or fierce. I don't think many would want to mess with me but this issue and this topic is not just about me. I hope to have an open discussion that many can glean good sound advise from and not simply stick their heads in the sand and pretend it isn't happening.

[sipi]

Don't bring a knife into a gun fight. Let alone a walking stick.

[AYJAYDEE]

OP, I would suggest you get a military tank, so you will be really protected.

Or stop reading all the time about all this violence that appears on the internet sites.

This is a country of about 60Million people, incidents of violence to appear once or twice a day is nothing unusual and also nothing to worry about.

Keep yourself out of trouble, turn around and go away if there is any threat, never try to be brave.

It doesn't pay.

Hey Costas - That was helpful ...... NOT! I wonder if the guy recently attacked in Udon Thani and now near death tried to turn around and walk away ....

I am not paranoid about this but I dont think your advice to be ignorant is helpful either.

Again .... "In the big picture I don't think the dangers are that prevalent but I would not want to be in a situation without protection."

Better safe than sorry.

ok, carry a weapon and use it on a thai. then we'll see if youre safe or sorry! lol

[transam]

Risks here are the virtually the same as anywhere in the world. Just got on with your life....

[TheyCallmeScooter]

I have reasoned with drunks and fools my entire life. Of course, you need the capacity to reason.

What reason would someone have to harm you, are you planning to walk around with something they've been conditioned to desire? Are you planning on disrespecting the liberty, personal integrity (or image, which narcissists prize more than life or limb) of those who cross your path? Are you malicious or rude, do you have shady intentions or a black heart? Are you looking to take advantage of others? Do you have a bruised ego or the psychosis that makes lunatics self-harm in their imaginations when offended?

Don't be antisocial and no one will have a reason to harm you. You sound a bit like a Puritan woman concerned for her precious virtue.

Edited November 19, 2014 by TheyCallmeScooter

[CharlieH]

An unhelpful remark and response has been removed

[canman]

The absolute best thing to arm yourself with is self defence skills. Find a good Krav Maga school, simple, effective and easy to learn with the added benefit of getting some good exerecise.

[CharlieH]

Common sense is the best tool, dont leave it in the departure lounge.

[BuddhaChile]

I have reasoned with drunks and fools my entire life. Of course, you need the capacity to reason.

What reason would someone have to harm you, are you planning to walk around with something they've been conditioned to desire? Are you planning on disrespecting the liberty, personal integrity (or image, which narcissists prize more than life or limb) of those who cross your path? Are you malicious or rude, do you have shady intentions or a black heart? Are you looking to take advantage of others? Do you have a bruised ego or the psychosis that makes lunatics self-harm in their imaginations when offended?

Don't be antisocial and no one will have a reason to harm you. You sound a bit like a Puritan woman concerned for her precious virtue.

Well, what can I say???? If you hang out with drunks and fools you will likely be one.

By the way ... thanks for the entertaining assumptions and hypotheses - very funny guy ..... but shtupid!

How about we get back on topic? How would you proptect yourself against an attack like this?

Two 18-year-old suspects accused of brutally beating a German man in Udon Thani, 16 Nov 2014.

UDON THANI: -- A 25-year-old German man was admitted to the ICU after he was allegedly attacked by drunk teenagers in Udon Thani who wanted to imitate the brutal murder of two Briton tourists on Koh Tao island in September.

Police say the German man was sitting with two Thai friends near a park in Udon Thani's Muang District in the early morning of 15 November when three Thai teenagers suddenly attacked him with a garden hoe.

The man is now being treated for severe injuries in the ICU at Udon Thani Hospital. Medical workers say he suffered wounds on his face and skull that required immediate operation. According to a doctor at the hospital, there's only "50-50" percent chance that he will survive.

The attack also left one of the German's friends with a broken arm, police say.

Police have arrested three suspects, two 18-year-olds and one 17-year-old, in connection with the crime.

Pol.Col. Surin Chaichomphu, deputy commander of Udon Thani Police, announced the arrests of the two men, named Thanakorn Khusuwan and Surachet Sripolmuang, at the press conference yesterday. The third suspect, nicknamed Wuth, was not present at the press conference because he is a minor.

According to Pol.Col. Surin, both men confessed to assaulting the German man.

[chrisinth]

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I have reasoned with drunks and fools my entire life. Of course, you need the capacity to reason.

What reason would someone have to harm you, are you planning to walk around with something they've been conditioned to desire? Are you planning on disrespecting the liberty, personal integrity (or image, which narcissists prize more than life or limb) of those who cross your path? Are you malicious or rude, do you have shady intentions or a black heart? Are you looking to take advantage of others? Do you have a bruised ego or the psychosis that makes lunatics self-harm in their imaginations when offended?

Don't be antisocial and no one will have a reason to harm you. You sound a bit like a Puritan woman concerned for her precious virtue.

Well, what can I say???? If you hang out with drunks and fools you will likely be one. alt=cheesy.gif width=32 height=20> alt=cheesy.gif width=32 height=20> alt=cheesy.gif width=32 height=20>

By the way ... thanks for the entertaining assumptions and hypotheses - very funny guy ..... but shtupid!

How about we get back on topic? How would you proptect yourself against an attack like this?

Two 18-year-old suspects accused of brutally beating a German man in Udon Thani, 16 Nov 2014.

UDON THANI: -- A 25-year-old German man was admitted to the ICU after he was allegedly attacked by drunk teenagers in Udon Thani who wanted to imitate the brutal murder of two Briton tourists on Koh Tao island in September.

Police say the German man was sitting with two Thai friends near a park in Udon Thani's Muang District in the early morning of 15 November when three Thai teenagers suddenly attacked him with a garden hoe.

The man is now being treated for severe injuries in the ICU at Udon Thani Hospital. Medical workers say he suffered wounds on his face and skull that required immediate operation. According to a doctor at the hospital, there's only "50-50" percent chance that he will survive.

The attack also left one of the German's friends with a broken arm, police say.

Police have arrested three suspects, two 18-year-olds and one 17-year-old, in connection with the crime.

Pol.Col. Surin Chaichomphu, deputy commander of Udon Thani Police, announced the arrests of the two men, named Thanakorn Khusuwan and Surachet Sripolmuang, at the press conference yesterday. The third suspect, nicknamed Wuth, was not present at the press conference because he is a minor.

According to Pol.Col. Surin, both men confessed to assaulting the German man.

Not with a walking stick, that's for sure.

[chrisinth]

OP, the best weapon you can ever carry is common sense.

I was going to say trust your instincts, but if your mindset is to carry a weapon for self defence, in a country where you admit to not understanding the language, then that defensive weapon can turn very quickly to offensive.

Especially if you fail to read the situation correctly. It is difficult to reverse he action of sticking a knife into somebody's neck because they were a little bit drunk and were offering you a drink instead of trying to attack you with a bottle.

Either that or stay in your hotel room until your flight out......................

BuddhaChile also is a very strange username to be asking for this kind of advice, IMHO of course.

Edited November 19, 2014 by chrisinth

[BuddhaChile]

OP, the best weapon you can ever carry is common sense.

I was going to say trust your instincts, but if your mindset is to carry a weapon for self defence, in a country where you admit to not understanding the language, then that defensive weapon can turn very quickly to offensive.

Especially if you fail to read the situation correctly. It is difficult to reverse he action of sticking a knife into somebody's neck because they were a little bit drunk and were offering you a drink instead of trying to attack you with a bottle.

Either that or stay in your hotel room until your flight out......................

BuddhaChile also is a very strange username to be asking for this kind of advice, IMHO of course.

BuddhaChile - my true nature, chrisinth. I am by no means a violent person nor would I ever suggesting that anyone resort to violence of any sort to solve a problem. If my OP was taken that way then I apologise and suggest a re-read. I feel sad about the recent flurry of attacks on foriegners and thought TV might have some interesting suggestions. Always both amused, entertained and enlightened by the responses here.

Your points are well taken. I have never carried a weapon for dispute resolution - other than a quick wit and big smile. (Maybe a little slight of hand trickery as well)

All the best ..... stay safe

[eldragon]

Your best defenses are avoiding/fleeing dangerous situations and Thais that have your back. You will never come out ahead in any physical confrontation with locals.

[pigeonjake]

if your thinking of carrying a weapon,knife or what ever,,

are you preperd to use it,? thats the big question,,,

because if you dont they will take it off you and use it on you,,,you pull a weapon and you could be saying come on lets go for it,,

this isnt america gun carrying hooting and a whooping

i would say your better off not carrying a tool

[draftvader]

The greatest weapon is careful movement, observation, evaluation and incredibly fast running in the opposite direction.

"Follow the Rimmer shaped blur" - Arnold Rimmer, Red Dwarf

Edited November 19, 2014 by draftvader

[wilcopops]

don't be paranoid and don't look like a victim.

[mrtoad]

I would not advocate carrying a weapon, if you show it, be prepared to use it.

As other posters have said, common sense is the best defence

[sipi]

How to avoid looking at the hollow end of a revolver. Don't do this.

[TooPoopedToPop]

The case of Bernie Goetz and his New York subway ride should be publicized here in Thailand.

[mangoman007]

The absolute best thing to arm yourself with is self defence skills. Find a good Krav Maga school, simple, effective and easy to learn with the added benefit of getting some good exerecise.

Yes. Krav Maga. After multiple sessions you will have the skills to defend yourself. It is bad-ass stuff but it is meant to be. There is a guy here who teaches it. Really nice. PM me and I'll send details

[sipi]

The absolute best thing to arm yourself with is self defence skills. Find a good Krav Maga school, simple, effective and easy to learn with the added benefit of getting some good exerecise.

Yes. Krav Maga. After multiple sessions you will have the skills to defend yourself. It is bad-ass stuff but it is meant to be. There is a guy here who teaches it. Really nice. PM me and I'll send details

Do you know how many Thais carry a revolver?

[ExPratt]

Flick-Hammer or don't get shitfaced and go waltzing about strange seedy shitholes at 3am (Familiar shitholes are ok). I also noticed that if just drink beer all night I remain relatively sensible . Throwing Jaegar bombs , whisky , Vodka and stupid cocktails down your throat tend to make you go a bit obnoxious. I'm 47 I worked that out about 6 months ago

[ExPratt]

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How to avoid looking at the hollow end of a revolver. Don't do this.

Have eaten at the Irish Clock many times. This guy has got balls !!

Hard to tell, looks like the Thai guy was brandishing some zip gun?

As long as the guy was going to hit the Thai robber, he should have

finished the job by knocking him out. As the video went on, I kept

waiting for the farang to be shot off of his bike by the Thai guy...

I know the Irish clock , used to drink in there about 2004/5 ish. Thats a bit moody round the back there at night

[Bernard Flint]

This may sound obvious but I think it comes down to simple situation awareness and then carrying yourself with a level of confidence so the bad guys will think twice about you and then target someone else.

Thanks mangoman - Very good advise.

I'm 6'1" tall - about 100kg and, at 66 yrs I still look pretty fit. I can look friendly, confident and/or fierce. I don't think many would want to mess with me but this issue and this topic is not just about me. I hope to have an open discussion that many can glean good sound advise from and not simply stick their heads in the sand and pretend it isn't happening.

Watch the kick to the kai ham,works every time for big uns

[Bernard Flint]

Wherever in the world you holiday or live,

Walk tall, chest out and look confident

If in any doubt of the place one visits, keep back to the wall, dont allow an attack from behind

Always be aware of surroundings

Plenty of other things regarding small items that can be used as a defence, in extreme circumstances

Dont get rat arsed in areas you are not sure about

Get a few motorbike taxis phone numbers

[TheyCallmeScooter]

Don't be antisocial and no one will have a reason to harm you.

How would you protect yourself against an attack like this?

Police say the German man was sitting with two Thai friends near a park...when three Thai teenagers suddenly attacked him with a garden hoe.

The attack also left one of the German's friends with a broken arm, police say.

We are not getting the whole story here. The motive tendered is false.

But if someone imagined a reason to kill or try to kill me, I would just let them but I would ask them to tell me why.