This article takes a look at criminal statistics in Thailand, listing the most common crimes.
The Land of Smiles is a very safe country for tourists; the stats prove this. However, like any other democratic nation in the world, Thailand has its own set of laws it continues to uphold, and not without lawbreakers that continue to challenge them. The country’s criminal system is much busier than it should be to ensure it remains not just a top destination for tourists, but also to ensure its citizens are provided with a good quality of life and continue to thrive. Below are some of the top crimes committed in Thailand.
Homicide
Though the country’s crime rate has incessantly dropped since 2015, homicide remains one of the most common serious crimes. It might be in a rural setting when a group of males got drunk and argued, which led to a weapon being drawn and a murder committed. Other reasons include domestic disputes, love triangles, business conflicts and organised crime hits, which happen more frequently than you would think.
Illegal Narcotics
The smuggling, possession and use of illegal drugs are a big reason why Thai prisons are full; tourists might be tricked into buying an illegal substance and would need Koh Samui English speaking lawyers to represent them in the Thai court. If you are holidaying in the Kingdom of Thailand, avoid anyone who approaches you offering drugs; there are some foreigners in Klong Prem prison today who were tricked into purchasing illegal drugs. It simply isn’t worth the risk and the penalties are severe. Spending time in a Thai jail is not recommended; there is some confusion regarding cannabis laws in Thailand. Expectantly, those who are newly elected into a government position would bring some clarity to the issue. You might see weed shops everywhere, in which case, you can purchase, but we don’t recommend smoking in public.
Grevious Bodily Harm/Assault
Of course, conflicts arise in all segments of society and often the matter never reaches the courts, a financial settlement is agreed upon by all parties and charges are dropped. There are some cases wherein the convicted is incarcerated, but it depends on the crime’s severity.
Theft
Theft, organised or not, is a big problem not just in Thailand but even in most countries, due to increased poverty as well as unemployment.
Corruption
It won’t be surprising if you come across reports in the media about government officials being charged with malfeasance of office. This usually involved graft of some sort.
Visa Overstay
Thai overstay visa refers to exceeding the authorised duration of stay in Thailand without proper authorisation – a violation of immigration laws and treated as a crime. The government of Thailand enforces immigration regulations strictly, and overstaying can lead to penalties, fines, detention, deportation, and potential bans from reentry. To avoid legal consequences, travelers must be aware of their visa expiration dates and comply with immigration regulations. Seeking assistance from Thai overstay visa lawyers can provide guidance and ensure compliance, allowing visitors to enjoy their time in the country without facing the repercussions of overstaying.
Cybercrime
This is a growing problem for Thailand, with Chinese organised gangs setting up shop in Bangkok and running their illegal operation from a luxury condo unit. They might be scamming ATMs or buying luxury goods with fake credit cards. As fast as these criminals are arrested, charged and sent to jail, they are replaced, which means the Royal Thai Police are fighting a losing battle.
Human Trafficking
Thailand has long been a hub for human trafficking, although we should make it clear that the government has made enormous progress in reducing the number of arrests; operators are moving their operation to neighbouring countries.
Domestic Violence
Every country has to deal with many cases of domestic violence, which is primarily connected to poverty, but not always; wealthy people have been charged with harming their waiting staff, who often are shipped in illegally from Myanmar or Laos.
Manslaughter
Road traffic accidents have caused many deaths. A typical case would be a working-class man who drove his vehicle while intoxicated and caused a fatal accident. He had no insurance and the family of the deceased claim compensation; if that is not paid, the driver might end up doing jail time.
Blackmail
This goes on in some levels of Thai society and should the victim contact the police, the blackmailer can be trapped while in the process of trying to extort money.
Generally, Thailand is a very safe country for foreigners, and should you have any legal problems, you won’t have a problem finding a law firm that speaks English to provide you with the best advice or to help you fight for your rights.
