How to Report a Crime in Thailand as a Foreigner

Reporting a Crime in Thailand: A Foreigner's Guide

If you're a victim of crime in Thailand, understanding the reporting process is essential for protecting your rights and getting assistance.

Step 1: Go to the Police Station

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Which Station?

Report to the station with jurisdiction over where the crime occurred

In tourist areas, look for Tourist Police (dial 1155)

Major cities have dedicated tourist police stations

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What to Bring

Your passport (original)

Any evidence (photos, receipts, documents)

Contact details of witnesses

Details of the incident (time, place, description)

Step 2: Filing the Report

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At the Station

Ask for an interpreter if needed — this is your right

A police officer will take your statement

You will receive a "police report" (บันทึกประจำวัน) or formal complaint

Insist on a copy of the report — you need this for insurance claims

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Important Notes

Police reports and formal complaints are different documents

A "daily log entry" (บันทึกประจำวัน) is a record, not a formal investigation trigger

A "formal complaint" (แจ้งความ) initiates an investigation

Step 3: Follow Up

- Get a case number and investigating officer's name

Follow up regularly — cases can stall without pushing

Your embassy can inquire about case progress

Common Crimes Affecting Foreigners

Theft and pickpocketing

Scams and fraud

Assault

Traffic accidents

Online fraud

Tourist Police (1155)

Available 24/7

English-speaking officers

Can accompany you to local police stations

Specialized in tourist-related crimes

Time Limits — Report Promptly

Thai criminal law imposes prescription (limitation) periods, and for the large class of "compoundable" offences — many fraud, defamation and minor assault cases — the injured person must lodge a formal complaint within three months of learning both the offence and who committed it, or the right to prosecute is lost. For serious crimes the state can prosecute regardless, but prompt reporting still preserves CCTV footage, witnesses and other evidence. If you want an actual investigation rather than just a record, make clear you are filing a formal complaint (แจ้งความร้องทุกข์), not only a daily-log entry — see our guide on [filing a police report](/blog/how-to-file-police-report-thailand) for that distinction.

What Your Embassy Can and Cannot Do

Your embassy can give you a list of English-speaking lawyers, contact your family, visit you if you are detained, and inquire about case progress — but it cannot investigate the crime, act as your lawyer, or direct the Thai police. For anything beyond a simple report — a substantial loss, an assault, or a case that stalls — engaging a Thai lawyer to file and chase the formal complaint is usually what moves it forward. Keep your own dated record of every visit, the officer's name, and the case number.