Be mindful of your surroundings

[tamada]

A few days ago, I was reading about quite aggressive beggars, mostly teenagers or younger, probably from Myanmar and Cambodia, who are pestering tourists and diners in Pattaya. They claim to not understand Thai but enough to say they want money and they're not scared of the police. They also seem to invite physical intervention.

This morning, I parked up at the night market and started walking towards Bangkok Hospital. Four youngsters were on the higher step into the market just off the sidewalk with one walking towards me repeating "Hello" which made me uneasy right off but I ignored him. A few seconds after I passed, this kid shouted something in his native tongue and when I turned, he was right behind me but started backing off. I started shouting as loud as I could, effing and blinding in my Scots brogue and stepped towards him. Two of his mates took off like lightning towards the 7-eleven, but the shouting kid only went half way to the corner while the fourth kid froze. I asked him in Thai if those other guys were his friends but he waved his hands, not understanding, speaking some dialect. I turned to walk away when I saw the market security guard watching. I had walked past him before encountering these kids. I started really shouting and all three guys skedaddled round the corner and out of sight but the frozen guy still just stood there, looking a bit scared. I went back and asked the security guard about these kids and he said they're up to no good.

Just be careful around there. Make sure your phone, wallet and cash are all secure and your hands free. I was thinking how easy it would have been for this 'leader' to hit me from behind and snatch stuff in broad daylight too. A lot of people carry their phone while walking which could be risky. I may be big and tall but wouldn't fancy my chances if all four had piled on. .