The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) sent a team of police officers to Bangkok’s Khao San district to advise foreigners on how to protect themselves from crooks during Songkran.
The only issue is that the instructions are in Thai, and travelers are urged to utilize Google Translate to read them.
The advice pamphlet comes in a waterproof bag that can be worn around the neck and is large enough to store a phone and some money.
On Wednesday afternoon, a team of female public relations officials and a uniformed police officer arrived to Khao San to warn tourists to be wary of pickpockets while they were throwing water at each other. On Thursday, Khao San’s legendary three-day Songkran festival will begin.
The guidebook’s Thai title is “Spell against Thieves,” followed by the English phrases “beware of thieves” spelled out in Thai to sound like a chant that sounds like “Bi-wa-i-ti A-wa Ti-we-sa.”
The leaflet then identifies five offences that people should be aware of:
• Burglary: Individuals are encouraged to protect their houses and belongings and notify authorities if they will be gone for several days.
• Mugging: To avoid being mugged in calm, lonely areas, people are advised to stick to groups.
• Pickpocketing: Revellers are advised to avoid carrying valuables or hoisting them in front of them to prevent thieves from cutting them open.
• Vehicle theft: Partygoers are advised not to park in rural areas.
• Molesting: Attendees are advised to protect themselves from sexual assault while enjoying themselves at the water party.
