Do you feel secure in Udon?

[Texpat]

I just finished my punji-stick field and machine gun nest.

As soon as my claymores arrive, I'll have the outside perimeter complete.

Anybody know where I can buy laser-activated flamethrowers?

[KHONDAHM]

Mores the point, does anyone know of a farang who has been harmed in any way during an attempted or actual break-in to their property in Udon (or Thailand)

In Udon, no. Which is one reason why we are returning. It is much safer. In Thailand, of course! Just read the newspapers there. Doesn't happen frequently, but it happens a heck of a lot more frequently than in the past. Without effort, I can recall 4 occurrences in Pattaya during 2009 off the top of my head. I'm sure there are more if one cares to dig through all the issues of Pattaya People during 2009.

Heck, just take a look at the current issue! It's utter madness compared to 10 years ago!:

http://www.pattayapeople.com/default.asp?Folder=2089

The wife assures me that what she hears through the grapevine is that it is still very SAFE in Udon, but not as safe as before. She wants her stun gun and mace "just in case".

[Khun Paul]

I was in fact talking tongue in cheek about arming oneself up to the hilt, before battening down the hatches for an assault on my property and my person.
I have never bothered abut security as such, but then I have never assualted Thai sensibilities like being brazen about my money ( or lack of it) and wearing obscene amounts of gold, the like I saw in the complex the other day a farnag and his darling Thai wife must have been wearing close on 1 million baht in gold between them. That is an open invitation for a robber or even a burglar who would follow them I am sure.

But then some think that the wearing of such is the thing to do. it does and always will create envy, do not forget that even in wealthy western countries many jewels seen are paste as the real ones are in a bank nice and safe.

if one is careful, circumspect and get on with your neighbours etc, you really should have no worries.....he says hopefully. .............lol

[Paul]

In Thailand, of course! Just read the newspapers there. Doesn't happen frequently, but it happens a heck of a lot more frequently than in the past. Without effort, I can recall 4 occurrences in Pattaya during 2009 off the top of my head. I'm sure there are more if one cares to dig through all the issues of Pattaya People during 2009.

Heck, just take a look at the current issue! It's utter madness compared to 10 years ago!:

http://www.pattayapeople.com/default.asp?Folder=2089

The wife assures me that what she hears through the grapevine is that it is still very SAFE in Udon, but not as safe as before. She wants her stun gun and mace "just in case".

I live and work on and off in Pattaya and have done for several years. I have a house there and apart from one incident about 2 years ago when some young lad stole a gold chain off my wrist whilst I was riding my motorcycle - I have never felt anymore unsafe in Pattaya than Udon.
Much of the sensationalism is hyped up and the average person is no more at risk than anyone else in any other part of Thailand - in my opinion.
Due to the numbers (any type) of person which Pattaya seems to attract - there will always be more incidents of crime just as in any similar city in the world.

However - this is about do you feel secure in Udon, therefore the answer is a resounding yes, as it is in every other town I have lived or visited in Thailand (Bangkok included).
I would certainly not say the same for my home country of the UK where crime and attacks are a very real possibility and you may well get stabbed just for looking at someone in the wrong way.

Yes - I certainly do feel safe here

[parrot]

While I feel very safe in Udon, sometimes I wonder if it's not the result of the ไม่รู้อะไรสบาย (mai ru ah rai, sa bai) syndrome. Most of us don't read the local newspapers or understand the local TV/radio stations. We get our news second hand from our wife/girlfriend/other and from sources like this forum. Most of the news on this forum involves other foreigners....and even in many of those cases, the information available is limited or censored (I still don't understand why????) .

Our gardener was brutally beaten at a Loy Kratung festival at Kilo 16 and died a few days later. Bunch of no-life kids alcoholed up on laokao late at night. All the villagers here tell me it's not such an uncommon occurance (maybe why TungSriMuang is banning alcohol at concerts). Did it make the local news? No. And it certainly wasn't reported on this forum (until now).

Me personally, I rather enjoy the benefits of the syndrome.....but there are times when I wonder whether it puts me behind the 8ball.

[KHONDAHM]

While I feel very safe in Udon, sometimes I wonder if it's not the result of the ไม่รู้อะไรสบาย (mai ru ah rai, sa bai) syndrome.

Co-signed. To use a similar Western cliche: "Ignorance is bliss."

I think those who are more attuned or are able to be aware (i.e. are able to understand the news on TV and gossip) are more cynical BECAUSE we understand what is really going on. That said, I do feel it is safe in Udon compared to many other cities of its size, but not so safe that one should abandon precautions and deterrents. In a not-too-distant village where one is well known, perhaps, but not nearer the city.

[Paul]

In my opinion - both personal and professional, I have found much of the crime to be opportunist crime.
An article of value left in the garden, a door or window left open, a handbag left unattended.
It is not common to have a break in where violent entry is used, and much less so where the occupants (if any) are threatened or physically abused.

Basic sensible precautions should see the majority of us get by without any problems at all.

An example given in an earlier post was of the person walking round draped in gold.
Most of us learn after a while that it works in the opposite effect from that desired of the wearer in that instead of others admiring her wealth - we simply mock them for trying to flaunt their apparent wealth and the 'look at me' syndrome.
After a few years here - I sold all the gold I had. It had simply lost its 'shine'

The biggest weapon you have against becoming a victim - is your head. !

[Galee]

The biggest weapon you have against becoming a victim - is your head. !

Agree 100% Paul. Head butt them first and ask questions latter.

[Laan Yaa Mo]

While I feel very safe in Udon, sometimes I wonder if it's not the result of the ไม่รู้อะไรสบาย (mai ru ah rai, sa bai) syndrome.

Co-signed. To use a similar Western cliche: "Ignorance is bliss."

I think those who are more attuned or are able to be aware (i.e. are able to understand the news on TV and gossip) are more cynical BECAUSE we understand what is really going on. That said, I do feel it is safe in Udon compared to many other cities of its size, but not so safe that one should abandon precautions and deterrents. In a not-too-distant village where one is well known, perhaps, but not nearer the city.

Khun Dahm, don't get too full of yourself just because you can understand Thai tv and gossip. We do not understand everything, and some things are not really understood until you are in a particular situation.

BKKSTAN, or NKSTAN, as far as I know, does not read, write or speak Thai proficiently, yet he has as good an understanding of Thailand and its people as you or I or anyone else who can get by in Thai.

[maaka]

I know of a 62yrs old Pom from pattaya who killed his thai wife after she asked for a divorce, and of a Canadian who was shot dead in BKK, and of a Welshman who was kidnapped, and of others who have been beaten to a pulp when drunk or drugged, and I also know that a number of tourists go ' missing ' every year..so it not all a bunch of roses

[KHONDAHM]

Khun Dahm, don't get too full of yourself just because you can understand Thai tv and gossip. We do not understand everything, and some things are not really understood until you are in a particular situation.

BKKSTAN, or NKSTAN, as far as I know, does not read, write or speak Thai proficiently, yet he has as good an understanding of Thailand and its people as you or I or anyone else who can get by in Thai.

If that is all you took from the post, then you missed the point entirely. And those like BKKSTAN would fall under the "those who are more attuned" category, but you skipped that and read what you wanted to read. :-&

[Laan Yaa Mo]

I got the main point; however, I noticed some of the other points, written by you not me, which go to make up the whole, and commented on that. Fair play etc., etc.

Don't be offended, I mean no harm. You can find lots to find fault with me too!

Anyway, carry on, your posts are almost always interesting, and sometimes very helpful indeed. 55555

[KHONDAHM]

I got the main point; however, I noticed some of the other points, written by you not me, which go to make up the whole, and commented on that. Fair play etc., etc.

Don't be offended, I mean no harm. You can find lots to find fault with me too!

Anyway, carry on, your posts are almost always interesting, and sometimes very helpful indeed. 55555

Hey, my friend - I am not offended at all (now that I re-read what I posted, it does sound a bit terse. That wasn't intentional.). I just wanted to point out that I covered the exception you mentioned.

[nkstan]

Whether or not I am in the ''more attuned'' category of expats is probably a debatable issue for some

I think everyone that has been here for some time,realizes that the question of feeling secure in any part of Thailand is situational to their experiences!

IMO,a few expats are lucky to have perceived excellent relationships with their Thai in-laws,therefore perceive that they have a support system that affords them feelings of security.

Most expats,IMO,don't have this type of perception of family and support.Therefore ,they stand out and feel more vulnerable!

Whether one speaks or reads Thai ''proficiently'',IMO,is probably irrelevant to feelings of security because reading and listening to Thai media is really insufficient as a source of reality reported with any depth!

I like Paul's comments on this subject:
''In my opinion - both personal and professional, I have found much of the crime to be opportunist crime.
An article of value left in the garden, a door or window left open, a handbag left unattended.
It is not common to have a break in where violent entry is used, and much less so where the occupants (if any) are threatened or physically abused.

Basic sensible precautions should see the majority of us get by without any problems at all.

An example given in an earlier post was of the person walking round draped in gold.
Most of us learn after a while that it works in the opposite effect from that desired of the wearer in that instead of others admiring her wealth - we simply mock them for trying to flaunt their apparent wealth and the 'look at me' syndrome.
After a few years here - I sold all the gold I had. It had simply lost its 'shine'

The biggest weapon you have against becoming a victim - is your head. !''

The cliche''ignorance is bliss'' is a simple way to say that if one does not recognize danger,they don't worry about it and therefore should have a happier life!To me.it is taking a position of irresponsibility,therefore I would have to put my faith in someone or something else to protect me!

I think just the opposite,as I am not a man of faith!I think those that all well informed,can make choices that should insure relative safety anywhere they are.

''Knowing'' your environment is very helpful,but it is easy to get comfortable and not pay attention also.
I was burglarized while we were in bed,losing approx. 100,000 baht in assets and cash a fews years back because I wasn't vigilant about a stranger in my home(repairman) for a few days.I was a target of opportunity because I was lax in my own home and didn't check an unused door that was left open by him and because everything that was taken ,was in plain sight for him to see for 3 consecutive days!In and out in 1-2 minutes!
Do I now feel less secure or safe ?Absolutely not,just more vigilant about my actions in relationship to my immediate environment

Now if i was a person that believed that I should confront and argue with Thais ,showing anger or aggression,Thailand would not be a very safe place,IMO

[Paul]

This is a very relevant area you have mentioned - re; the repair men in your home.
I would be friendly but not over friendly and don't leave anything of value in sight - let them know you are keeping an eye on them.
I currently have workmen in my home - I don't know them and everything I have is available for viewing.
They were most surprised after leaving on day one when I asked for the tools back they had 'borrowed' from my store-room without asking me.
3 tools were returned and it left the message to them that I am fully aware of what they are doing and when.
I guess I am more vigilant than most though.
If they sense a lapse in your security or your head, for that matter- it's quite possible that they or their mate will be back to take up the easy pickings, they surveyed during their time in your property.

Nobody wants to live in 'fort knox' and it comes down to using your head again.
Its unlikely to happen to you but you can swing the odds even greater by not letting it get that far and using the greatest tool at your disposal - your head.

[papaguido]

We've experienced one incident of thievery about a year ago. It was an attempted break not long after the delivery of a big screen LCD tv. Coincidence or a scam by the delivery guys I don't know, but I suspect they had a hand in it. My guess is they had a quick look around for any type of security measures and made a note of our address and what we had worth stealing. What they didn't know was that I locked away my pit bull terrier in the kitchen when they arrived (my pit has habit of getting excited & pissing on invited guest) Anyway, about 4 nights later, I found a kitchen window with the glass panes removed, I don't believe the would be thieves made it in because my dog gave away his presence with his very deep & loud bark from other side of the kitchen door. No more problems since then.

[dee]

did you buy your pit bull in udon ??? if so where????

[Marlowe]

Funny int'it? We all feel very safe here, but I don't know any friends or family who have been robbed in my small town in America. Maybe it is because they are usually crimes against property here, not persons; hence we don't feel physically threatened, and thus have a general sense of safety & security. Just a thought.

Also, no one in my hometown knows anything about the kind of poverty they have here - even our close neighbors. I sometimes wonder, how would I feel if someone moved in next door, built a (relative) mansion, drove a flash car, had a beautiful woman, flew around the world when he felt like it, and so on. Don't even think I'm making excuses for them, y'all, just sayin'.

I also cannot imagine a scene like the one that transpired shortly after my break-in here. There was a commemoration party in the soi, and the usual teenage louts were getting drunk and scrappy. The law told them to take it down the road, which they did. 5 minutes later we heard 2 shots, followed by one of the kids carrying his dead and bleeding mate down the road, with a bullet in his head. The shooter fled, of course.

There are many, many stories that never make it to print here. Like the one I just related. Or the one where a wealthy Thai family I know were robbed in BKK. The gangsters woke them all up in the middle of the night, tied them up, and sat them down in their house, then proceeded to rob them blind. Totally unthinkable, really, where I come from.

Turns out it was the construction workers (again) from next door, who had been clocking their comings and goings for weeks, while coveting their property, and hatching their plans. Remember Hannibal Lecter telling Clarice: (perhaps worthy of an extended quote here):

Hannibal Lecter: “First principles, Clarice. Simplicity. Read Marcus Aurelius. Of each particular thing ask: what is it in itself? What is its nature? What does he do, this man you seek?”
Clarice Starling: “He kills women…”
Hannibal Lecter: “No. That is incidental. What is the first and principal thing he does? What needs does he serve by killing?”
Clarice Starling: “Anger, um, social acceptance, and, huh, sexual frustrations, sir…”
Hannibal Lecter: “No! He covets. That is his nature. And how do we begin to covet, Clarice? Do we seek out things to covet? Make an effort to answer now.”
Clarice Starling: “No. We just…”
Hannibal Lecter: “No. We begin by coveting what we see every day.”

So why do I/we feel so safe & secure here, I wonder? One's gotta consider it a wee bit, I should think.

But of course, not obsess over it; or why live here, right?

[KHONDAHM]

Here we are chatting about home security and there you go quoting Hannibal Lecter. We all feel MUCH safer in our homes now! Thanks!

[Paul]

Quick - hide all the bottles of claret