Motorbike bag-snatching in Thailand

Dark streets at night and traffic lights

How it works

People on motorbikes snatch bags or exposed valuables. In Ayutthaya, items can be taken from bicycle handlebar baskets at traffic lights. Bag-snatching is described as Chiang Mai's most common tourist-related crime.

Warning signs

Valuables are visible in an open bicycle basket.
A motorbike slows down close beside you.

How to avoid it

Keep valuables out of handlebar baskets.
Avoid carrying valuables in an exposed bag after dark.
Use well-lit routes where possible.
Keep your bag away from the road edge.

If it happens to you

Move somewhere safe. Do not chase the motorbike. Report the theft and block any stolen cards.

Move to a safe public place. Avoid arguments, physical confrontation or chasing thieves.
Save receipts, tickets, messages and payment records. Write down what happened and any useful descriptions.
If cards or a phone were stolen, contact your bank and mobile provider. Block affected cards and secure your accounts.
Report the incident to police or the Tourist Police. Ask for a copy or reference number for the report.
Contact the seller, booking provider or card issuer about a refund or payment dispute. For a gem scam, act immediately, especially if goods were mailed.
Contact your insurer where relevant. Ask your embassy for help if your passport was stolen or you face a serious accusation.

Where it happensDark streets at night and traffic lightsChiang Mai, Ayutthaya

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in ThailandTuk-tuk fare increase after agreement: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the motorbike bag-snatching scam in Thailand?

How can I spot it early?

Valuables are visible in an open bicycle basket. A motorbike slows down close beside you.

How do I avoid motorbike bag-snatching in Thailand?

Keep valuables out of handlebar baskets. Avoid carrying valuables in an exposed bag after dark. Use well-lit routes where possible. Keep your bag away from the road edge.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Move somewhere safe. Do not chase the motorbike. Report the theft and block any stolen cards.

Where in Thailand does this happen?

Dark streets at night and traffic lights It has been reported in Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya.

How common is this scam in Thailand?

Common. Tourist scams are common in Thailand, especially around major sights, transport stops and tourist shopping areas. Most involve inflated prices, misleading offers or unwanted shop visits. Theft also happens, including bag-snatching by people on motorbikes.

Are there similar scams in Thailand?

Yes: theft on private buses.

Who can I report it to?

Tourist Police: call 1155. In Chiang Mai, 053-278559 is also listed. A Tourist Police office is located in Terminal 2 at Arcade Bus Station. Police: report theft or fraud and request a written report. The listed police emergency number in Chiang Mai is 191. Tourist Authority of Thailand: for the gem scam, call +66 2 694-1222 immediately and seek help pursuing a refund. Bangkok Mail Centre: if scam gems were mailed, call +66 2 215-0966 (-195) immediately. Have the shop name, address and mailing date ready. Your embassy: use its official contact details for help with a stolen passport or serious accusation. For the airport duty-free scam, ask for its lawyer or translator. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to block stolen cards and discuss disputed payments. Travel insurer: contact the claims service listed in your policy. Keep police reports, receipts and other evidence.

What number do I call in an emergency in Thailand?

Tourist Police: 1155, Chiang Mai Tourist Police: 053-278559, Police emergencies, listed for Chiang Mai: 191, Chiang Mai Rescue Team: 053-218888, Chiang Mai Fire: 053-241777.

Reviewed by @snuck