Tourist Police Hotline
Available 24 hours. English-speaking operators. Free call from any Thai phone.
When to File a Police Report
Filing a police report in Thailand is an important step whenever you become a victim of a crime or witness illegal activity. For foreigners, a police report serves multiple critical purposes beyond just initiating a criminal investigation. It creates an official record that may be required for insurance claims, visa extensions, embassy assistance, or future legal proceedings.
Situations Requiring a Police Report
You should file a police report in Thailand for the following situations:
- Theft and robbery: Stolen wallets, bags, phones, laptops, or any personal property. This includes pickpocketing, bag snatching, and hotel room thefts.
- Assault and physical violence: Any physical attack, whether by another tourist, a local, or in connection with a dispute.
- Traffic accidents: Any vehicle accident resulting in injury, significant property damage, or involving a dispute about fault.
- Fraud and scams: Rental scams, jet ski deposit schemes, gem store fraud, or any situation where you have been deceived for financial gain.
- Lost passport: While not technically a crime, you need a police report to obtain an emergency travel document from your embassy.
- Sexual assault: The Tourist Police and certain hospitals have specialized units for handling these sensitive cases.
- Property damage: Intentional damage to your rental vehicle, accommodation, or personal belongings.
Insurance Requirement
Most travel insurance policies require a police report filed within 24-48 hours of the incident. Keep your report number and request multiple copies of the official document.
Tourist Police vs. Regular Police
Thailand maintains two parallel police systems that foreigners may interact with: the regular Royal Thai Police and the specialized Tourist Police. Understanding the difference helps you determine where to report your incident.
| Factor | Tourist Police | Regular Police |
|---|---|---|
| Language | English-speaking officers available | Limited English capability |
| Hotline | 1155 (24 hours) | 191 (emergency) |
| Jurisdiction | Tourist areas, visitor-related crimes | All crimes, full investigative power |
| Report Authority | Can take initial report, often refers to local station | Full authority to process all reports |
| Best For | Initial contact, translation assistance, tourist scams | Serious crimes, ongoing investigations |
Important Distinction
Tourist Police can assist with translation and initial reporting, but for serious crimes, the case will be transferred to the local police station with jurisdiction over the location where the crime occurred. The Tourist Police often act as facilitators rather than primary investigators.
Required Documents
Before going to the police station, gather as much documentation as possible. Having these items ready will significantly speed up the reporting process and strengthen your case.
Translation Requirements
All official police reports in Thailand are prepared in Thai. This presents a challenge for foreigners who do not read or speak the language. Understanding your options for translation is crucial.
At the Police Station
The Tourist Police can provide English-speaking officers or interpreters for initial reporting. At regular police stations in tourist areas, there may be officers with basic English skills. However, the official written report will always be in Thai.
Getting Your Report Translated
For insurance claims and embassy purposes, you may need an English translation of your Thai police report. Options include:
- Certified translation services: Professional translators who provide official translations accepted by insurance companies and embassies.
- Embassy assistance: Some embassies can help with translation or refer you to approved translators.
- Police station assistance: Some stations in major tourist areas can provide a bilingual summary, though this may not be a complete certified translation.
Before You Sign
Never sign a Thai document you cannot read without first having it explained by a trusted interpreter. Ask the officer to explain each section, or request Tourist Police assistance if you have any doubts about the content.
Process at the Police Station
Initial Contact
Approach the duty officer and explain you need to file a report. If there is a language barrier, call 1155 (Tourist Police) for telephone interpretation assistance.
Provide Your Statement
Describe what happened in detail: the date, time, location, what was taken or what occurred, and any information about suspects. Be as specific as possible.
Document Verification
Officers will examine your passport and any evidence you have brought. They will make photocopies for the case file.
Report Preparation
The officer will type up the official report in Thai based on your statement. This can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on complexity and station workload.
Review and Signature
Before signing, ensure you understand the content. Request that key points be read back to you in English. Sign each page where indicated.
Obtain Your Copies
Request multiple certified copies of the report immediately. You will need copies for insurance, your embassy, and your personal records.
Getting Copies of Your Report
Obtaining proper documentation is essential for insurance claims and other purposes. Thai police reports come in different forms:
- Official report (Bantoek Pracham Wan): The formal police record of your complaint, stamped and signed.
- Certified copies: Ask for multiple copies stamped as "true copy" by the station. Insurance companies typically require this.
- Report number: Record the case number assigned to your report. You will need this for any follow-up inquiries.
Request Multiple Copies
Always request at least 3-4 certified copies of your police report. Insurance companies, embassies, and credit card companies may each require their own copy, and returning to the station can be difficult once you leave the area.
Follow-Up Expectations
Understanding what to realistically expect after filing a police report helps manage your expectations and planning.
Investigation Timeline
For minor theft cases, active investigation is often limited. Police resources are stretched thin, and recovery of stolen items is statistically rare. However, filing the report remains important for insurance purposes and creates a record if similar crimes are reported.
For serious crimes involving assault, significant financial fraud, or crimes against multiple victims, investigations may proceed more actively. Tourist Police units sometimes take a special interest in cases that affect Thailand's reputation as a tourist destination.
Staying Informed
- Keep the station's phone number and your case number accessible.
- Provide a reliable way for police to contact you, including email and your home country phone number.
- Follow up by phone every few days if the case is serious and you remain in Thailand.
- Consider having a Thai-speaking friend or attorney make follow-up calls on your behalf.
If You Leave Thailand
If you need to leave Thailand before your case is resolved, provide the police with your home country contact details and email address. For court proceedings, you may be able to provide testimony by video link in some circumstances, or you may need to return to Thailand if your presence is required.
Ongoing Cases
If you are a victim of a serious crime and plan to pursue the case, consult with a Thai attorney before leaving the country. Certain procedural steps may require your physical presence in Thailand within specific timeframes.
Special Situations
Lost or Stolen Passport
A police report is mandatory before your embassy will issue emergency travel documents. After filing the police report, contact your embassy immediately. Bring the police report, any passport copies you have, and passport-sized photos to your embassy appointment.
Traffic Accidents
For traffic accidents, remain at the scene until police arrive unless there is a safety concern. Take photos of all vehicles, damage, license plates, and the accident scene. Exchange information with other parties but avoid admitting fault, as this could affect insurance claims and legal liability.
Disputes with Businesses
For disputes involving jet ski damage claims, hotel charges, or tour operator issues, Tourist Police often have more experience mediating these situations. They may be able to facilitate a resolution without formal criminal proceedings.