TRAVEL & TOURISM

Back in Britain, I was a professional personal protection specialist. I have conducted seminars and presentations with the British Police Force for community safety.

Below are Ten Top Tips for general personal protection after dark. Most of these guidelines are common sense but logical thinking is often ignored when people drink alcohol…  

(1) Do carry enough money for the evening or have a credit card, as a backup. There are plenty of available ATM machines so you have no excuses. Running out of cash is not only embarrassing it can land you in jail.  

(2) Don’t carry valuables after dark or wear flashy jewellery. This includes your passport and extra credit cards. Just take what you will need to use that night. The less you carry the less you can lose. 

(3) Do keep an eye on your bar bill. Check what is going on it and be aware of the total. You do not want to rack up a big bar bill and not be able to pay it. This is why it is a good idea to carry your credit card if you overspend. 

(4) Don’t leave your friend alone if they are very drunk. You won’t forgive yourself if they get mugged or worse. Remember, there is safety in numbers, especially in a strange place.

(5) Do keep an eye on your drinks. It’s easy to slip drugs into unattended drinks. If you need to leave your drink, either finish it or order a new one when you return.

(6) Don’t walk in dark or secluded areas. Stick to well-lit public areas or get a taxi if it is late at night. Muggings do happen in Thailand.   

(7) Do have plenty of small banknotes to prevent being short-changed. You can easily break a few big bills at one of the multitudes of convenience stores. Alternatively, you can get a bundle of small baht bills at a bank.

(8) Don’t carry your wallet or phone in your back pocket. Pickpockets do operate in Thailand so don’t give them the opportunity. Consider wearing a money belt if you do carry lots of cash after dark.

(9) Do enjoy yourself; by all means, be happy and friendly. Just be street smart and remain switched on at all times.

(10)  Don’t ignore your intuition. Trust your instincts if you feel something is not right. Remember your ‘Stranger Danger’ lessons as a kid. Move on to the next entertainment establishment if you don’t like the vibe. It’s better to be safe than sorry and besides, there are many other venues.

Dave The Rave is a unique Thailand Nightlife Guru with vast professional experience in Bangkok nightlife since 1999. Dave is still closely connected to Thailand’s nightlife and his blog remains popular worldwide. 

Publishing Schedule — Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays. 

My Email — davetheravebangkok@gmail.com