GANGSTERS IN AIRPORT SECURITY STAFF BKK INT'L AIRPORT

[Michel XIMA]

Report to Security Manager and Airport Police, robbery at X-Ray checking of passengers, 27 Feb 2008 .
Copy sent to embassies and medias.

29 FEB 2008

Mr Michel XIMA

Chemin du Mistral

13113 – LAMANON (France)

mail : michel.xima@wanadoo.fr



Attention to : CHIEF SECURITY PASSENGERS § AIRPORT BANGKOK POLICE

through : aotpr@airportthai.co.th



REPORT ABOUT ROBBERY AT X-RAY CONTROL GATES C



INTERNATIONAL TRANSFER PHNOM PENH PNH > BANGKOK BKK>PARIS CDG

CONNECTING FLIGHTS THAI AIRWAYS TG 699 TO TG 930

GATES C TO C3 (TO PARIS) – SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT BKK

27 FEBRUARY 2008 –AROUND 11 PM



VICTIM : MR XIMA MICHEL – FRENCH CITIZEN

ADDRESS : CHEMIN DU MISTRAL – 13113 – LAMANON (France)

TEL/FAX : (+33) 04 90 59 57 25

MOBILE : (+33) 06 09 30 12 30

MAIL : michel.xima@wanadoo.fr



ROBBED : JEWELRY (BRACELET § NECKLACE : GOLD, SAPPHIRES,DIAMONDS) INSIDE CLOSED WAIST BELT DURING X-RAY CHECKING, DEPOSITED IN PLASTIC BOX THROUGH CHECKING MACHINE.



SUSPECTED ROBBERY PEOPLE : AIRPORT SECURITY CHECKING STAFF IN CHARGE OF PASSENGERS CONTROL GATE C , 27 FEBRUARY, 10.30 TO 11.30 PM



I AM REQUESTING PROMPT INVESTIGATION AND FULL MONEY REFUND :



VALUE OF JEWELS ROBBED : 140.000 THB ( 3000 EUROS)



ORIGIN OF JEWELS : BOUGHT FROM « SQUARE » / MRS NUNTIDA NITIWONG

62 / 64 K.WANG Rd. MUANG. CHANTHABURI Thailand 22000 / PHONE 039-311483 / MOBILE : 08 18 89 19 64 ).



INVOICES IN HANDS OF VICTIM AND SELLER FOR THE VALUE OF 140.000 THB



ENQUIRY / CHECK OF VIDEO CAMERAS REQUESTED

WAITING PROMPT RESPONSE FROM SECURITY CHIEF AIRPORT AND FULL REFUND FROM AOT, RESPONSIBLE OF STAFF INVOLVED IN ROBBERY.

INVOICES OF JEWELRY ROBBED CAN BE SCANNED AND EMAILED TO AOT.



BEST REGARDS

Michel XIMA, FROM France

01 MARCH 2008

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WEB INFORMATIONS ABOUT OTHER ROBBERIES DONE SAME PLACE :

LOOK AT :



http://www.uncorneredmarket.com/2008/02/robbed-sticky-fingers-at-bangkoks-suvarnabhumi-airport/



Robbed! Sticky Fingers at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport

Filed Under: Southeast Asia, Travel, Perspectives, Thailand



I was robbed.



It didn’t happen at a grungy guest house, in a crowded local market, or down a dark alleyway at night. It happened in Bangkok’s shiny new Suvarnabhumi Airport at a gate security checkpoint. Worse yet, the thief was a security employee.



We’ve been on the road for almost 14 months. With the exception of a few dollars worth of local currency shorted from a stack of bills given to us by a bank in Uzbekistan, we’ve remained vigilant and fortunately unthieved…until now.



The Scene

We arrived at the Bangkok airport for our flight to Krabi, Thailand almost two hours early. After checking in, we approached our gate with well over an hour to spare. The waiting area was virtually empty and only a few bored security employees milled around the metal detectors.



Because of an exceptionally strict 15-kilogram checked luggage limit enforced by Air Asia, we lumbered towards the security checkpoint at our gate laden with some added carry-on cargo. I pulled off a small backpack and a small side bag and placed them on the conveyor belt. As Audrey was being scanned at the metal detector just ahead of me, I removed my money belt from around my waist and emptied my pockets into a tray headed for the x-ray machine.



I walked through the metal detector and was scanned with a wand. When I turned around, my bags had come out, but the tray was still apparently on the belt inside. This gave me pause. I turned back to see what was happening. As I did, the tray came through. I assembled my stuff. I tugged the money belt around my waist, buckled it, and took a seat.



The Discovery

We sat at the front of the gate with a sparse group waiting to board. Arriving so early for a flight is a rarity for us, so I took the opportunity to sift through my pockets and empty them of the garbage I had collected. I did the same with my money belt.




A Prosperous LifeThree days prior, we made a large ATM withdrawal to cover some new equipment purchases. I remember counting and splitting the money with Audrey the night before the flight, to the tune of eight or nine-thousand Baht ($260-$300) each in 1000 bills. We were exceptionally and unusually laden with cash. I even remembered thinking “my, there’s a lot of [crap] in here” as I struggled twice to tuck the money belt into my pants, once after check-in and again after a ticket check before gate security.



Sitting at the gate, I unzipped the lower pocket of the belt with the intent of sorting through my local currency, confirming my boarding pass was still there, and tossing away some useless receipts which often collect there like navel lint.



I plunged my hand into my money belt and expected to grasp a stack of cash and papers, but I came up relatively empty-handed. My heart sank.



All that remained of a stack of 1000s, 100s, and small change: a few 20 Baht bills and a 50. Each of my large bills was gone, as if surgically removed. I was stunned. “Maybe the money evaporated?” I suggested to myself. No kidding. For a moment I thought of our German magician friend and some of the disappearing acts he’s able to negotiate. “Maybe I accidentally dumped the entire stash down the urinal in the men’s bathroom?”



The level of self-doubt I subjected myself to in those brief moments of empty-walleted shock was profound.



I looked at Audrey, “I can’t believe it. I’ve been robbed.” I stood there pitifully, as if some intermediary might hear my plea and suddenly make the money re-appear. He never did.



Fending off another bout of uncertainty, I forced myself back to the last lucid moment between me and the front compartment of my money belt.



“It must have happened at security!” There were only 40 minutes until boarding time to sort this out.



“Do you want me to come with you to security?” Audrey asked. “Of course,” I said, thinking that it would be a good idea in case I fainted. I was flushed and sinking in a sea of urgency and tortured thoughts and emotions. I felt utterly foolish and hung in disbelief.



The feeling of violation that comes after being robbed began to wash over me. I shook with anger, but gathered composure as I walked the few meters back towards security. “But what if I’m wrong?” I wondered again.



I reviewed everything in my head again in a split second and re-affirmed my belief that the money must have been lifted at the security checkpoint.



The Rewind

I explained to one of the security personnel that money was missing from my money belt, purposely trying to avoid making any accusations. Although I remember being alone in line before the x-ray machine, perhaps a rogue traveler had appeared behind me.



Although the security staff’s English was good, the woman I approached could barely understand what I was saying. I deliberately hushed my voice a few notches to compensate for the adrenaline that had poured into my bloodstream. Once the woman understood my circumstances, she insisted that we check all of our bags and pockets as she announced my claim to the rest of the crew.



The security personnel were confident that I had misplaced my money. At least that’s how they appeared. Many of them shook their heads in a way that implied “another \\\ ///// tourist.” I insisted that my money never left my money belt when I traveled, but I rifled through all of our bags and pockets just to please them.



“Can I see the films?” I asked, pointing to the video cameras monitoring the area. The woman confirmed that I could.



“How much?” she asked. “8000 Baht ($260),” I said. She shrieked, somewhat angrily and in disbelief that I could have been carrying such a wad of money, that it could have been stolen at security and – god forbid – that one of the security employees could have been a witness to the loss, let alone the thief.



We still had time until our flight was scheduled to depart. I was fairly certain that if there were no guilty parties and I had simply lost my money, the tapes would prove the security crew innocent. When the security team realized I was serious about watching the tapes, they took my passport and flight details and started making phone calls.



I began to sweat. I suspect the thief did, too.



The Investigation

I was asked to stand behind the metal detector and stare into two wide-angle video cameras tucked into the corners behind the conveyor belts and metal detectors. Officials sitting in some closed-circuit TV room confirmed my identity in order to locate me in sequence of passengers on the tape. The theft was minutes fresh, so it must have been easy to queue up.



For the next 45 minutes, a sea of uniformed security people entered the gate, huddled in the corner, made phone calls and barely acknowledged us. At one point it appeared as though they were scanning the gate for one of the passengers. Our boarding time approached.



“Why don’t they make a move?!” I anxiously wondered aloud.



Finally, as passengers began boarding the plane, one of the women approached us and explained that she was the duty officer responsible for the security team. She asked me to explain what happened again. As I filled out the claim form, she admitted that they had found a member of the security staff doing something suspicious on the tape. “We have to talk to her,” she said, indicating it was fairly clear who sticky-fingered Sally was.



“This has never happened before,” she offered apologetically.



She cautioned me that they had procedures to follow. “We must make an investigation and get the insurance company involved,” she said, slightly shaken. By the time we completed the claim form, the gate was empty. The entire team of security personnel (likely including the thief) gathered in front of us and watched us as we thanked the duty manager and turned around to board our flight. An odd departure by any measure.



We were the last ones to board the plane. I was exhausted and my thoughts were consumed with the incident. I wondered if I would ever see my money. Even worse, I knew well that this lingering feeling of mistrust would remain with me for some time to come.




Bold, Stupid, or Just a Scam?

Considering that there are security cameras absolutely everywhere these days, stealing at a security checkpoint isn’t just bold, it’s stupid.



But maybe not. The duty officer claimed that she has never had to deal with this before. “What did she mean by this?” I wondered. She was referring to never having had to face a passenger who discovered a theft at the gate. I wondered how many other travelers have had a few bills stolen from their wallets or money belts, only to later discover the theft and dismiss it as mistaken or insignificant - if they happen to catch it all. I find it almost impossible to believe that I was the very first passenger to walk away from a Bangkok airport security checkpoint a few bills lighter.



It’s probable that audacity was supported by something else: coordination. After all, how could one employee manage a theft like this without a fellow security employee not being aware of it? An accomplice eases the process of dividing, conquering and diverting unsuspecting passengers’ attention while negotiating a blind spot in the security cameras.



To believe that this was an uncoordinated, one-time incident involving one security employee is not only hard to believe, it’s naive. I would bet all my travel money that this is a scam.



I mean, who expects to be robbed at security? I do now. You probably should, too.



Although I usually tuck my money belt and phone deep inside my backpack before entering a security checkpoint, most other people place their wallets and valuables right in the security trays, just as I had done this time. There is an intrinsic trust - however misplaced - that one’s valuables are safe in the hands of security personnel. More critically, we hope and trust that their eyes are on the lookout for sharp metal objects and bomb-making elements. If security employees are scamming my belongings, how can they be paying attention to the security of the airplane we’re about to board?



Answer that for yourself. This incident doesn’t make me feel any better about airplane security, something about which I had serious doubts already.



So, next time you go through security at an airport, remember to watch your sharp objects and liquids…and keep your valuables hidden from security employees. Though most are thankfully just doing their jobs to keep us safe, some are obviously on the take.




The Waiting Game

Yesterday we were contacted with confirmation that the investigation concluded, indicating that at least one of the security employees was involved; the insurance company would be engaged. Today, I’m told that although the insurance company was now involved, investigations continued. I have no idea what this means, but I intend to recover my money.



Stay tuned.



Perhaps you’d like to know what happened after I was robbed at Bangkok Airport security last month. Well, the saga continued with more “investigations” and a mysterious wire transfer. Transparency is not the first word that comes to mind.



Inconclusive Investigation = Refund?

Burning for Good Luck in the New Year - Phnom PenhTwo days after the incident, I had a conversation with the security manager - let’s call him Mr. X - from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. Mr. X confirmed that the investigation into the theft continued and the results thereof remained unclear.



However, he also indicated that the security company would forward my claim to their insurance company.



“How would you like us to reimburse you?” he asked. Returning to Bangkok was not in our plans, so I suggested a wire transfer to my bank account in the U.S.



While I was pleased by the swiftness of the planned reimbursement, I found this whole scenario curious. If there were any doubts as to the validity of my claim, why would the security company hastily forward it to their insurance broker for payment?



Sketchy Bank Transfer

I calculated an amount that would restore the lost cash to my money belt, taking into account inbound wire transfer fees and ATM withdrawal fees. After a series of SMSs, emails and telephone exchanges regarding these details, I waited. At that point, my goal was to recover the money first and ask questions later. All the while, I was continually told that the ongoing investigations remained “inconclusive.”



Eventually, my bank account reflected an incoming wire transfer in the agreed amount. However, the bank records indicated that the transfer was from Mr. X himself, not from a named corporate account (e.g., the security company or the insurance broker).



Consider this: the investigation was inconclusive, but I had just received a wire transfer from the security manager’s personal account. This struck me as odd.



Looking for Closure

Don’t get me wrong. I’m very happy that my money was returned and I realize that only a tiny percentage of thefts are ever resolved so quickly and so favorably. But there’s the pesky little issue of the fact that I was the victim of a crime. Not only did I want my money back, but I also wanted to know the results of the investigation; I had hoped, perhaps naively, to press charges against the thief.



Mannequin on the Move - BangkokThink about it. If someone breaks into your home and is subsequently caught, you not only have the right to recover your stolen goods (which in my experience rarely ever happens), but you also have the right to press charges against the person who committed the crime.



In that vein, I emailed Mr. X:



“I would also like to know the findings and outcome of the investigation. Could you please send me a scanned copy of the police report?”



I felt this was a fair request, particularly given that both the duty officer and Mr. X indicated repeatedly that this case would go to the police and that I would be allowed to see the results of the investigation once it concluded.



Mr. X responded:



“With appreciated that you have received the transfer money and then the further process will be with my Insurance Broker Which they said will not interfere you anymore then if any change will update.”



I roughly translated this to mean: “please get off my back so we can sweep this under the rug without drawing any additional attention to the nice little rip-off scam you have uncovered.”



Can you tell that I don’t buy the “one bad apple” theory in this case?



I followed-up by email and SMS:



“I understand that the insurance broker no longer needs my input or information. However, I was the victim of a crime. My request to see a copy of the police report seems a fair and reasonable one.”



After allowing these messages to simmer in Mr. X’s email and SMS inboxes, I followed-up with the duty manager whom I originally dealt with at the airport. In remarkably circular fashion, she suggested I contact Mr. X.



Mr. X never responded. After my follow-ups last week, there’s been nothing but silence.



Leave Well-Enough Alone?

So I have my money. Most people would suggest that I should be satisfied and, in turn, leave well-enough alone. As I indicated in Part 1, however, I’m willing to bet my time and my energy that I’m not the only victim of this scam.



Something also tells me that this story doesn’t end here. Stay tuned.

Article Series - Sticky Fingers: Robbed at Bangkok Airport



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15 Comments to: “Robbed! Sticky Fingers at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport”



1.

1

Steven Greimann says:

February 7th, 2008 at 10:58 am



Wow! What a story. I cannot believe how bold the thief was. Good to hear there was some recourse. What an awful feeling to have just prior to boarding your flight. Ugh!

2.

2

Daniel Noll says:

February 7th, 2008 at 2:48 pm



Steven: I still can’t believe it myself. It was awful.



I’d really like to see the tape. The duty officer suggested that I could probably see it, but only when the investigation was over. I asked her if she could mail me a copy of the tape. I knew that would go nowhere, but figured I’d ask. She said “no” and that we’d have to return to Bangkok to see it.



At the moment, though, we are in southern Thailand and don’t intend to return to Bangkok…since it’s not quite on our way to Malaysia.



We’ll write another post or two, depending on how it all sorts out.

3.

3

Mary says:

February 7th, 2008 at 4:27 pm



This is most interesting - I will be more vigilant in future - thank you

4.

4

Daniel Noll says:

February 7th, 2008 at 7:06 pm



Mary: Good idea. Keep your belongings tucked and tight.

5.

5

Brian says:

February 8th, 2008 at 2:33 am



Hey Dan, that was quite bold to go back there and complain about the theft! Good for you for challenging them like that. Quite bold of the thief too. While on one hand I was starting to feel sympathy for you, I came to the following conclusion; It is better to be robbed in bangkok while traveling, than to be sitting at work in Bratislava. :-) I am sure Audrey has already said this to you, but if this is the worst thing that happens to you on your travels, you are very lucky indeed! Enjoy the rest of your travels, and good luck getting the money back! We are looking forward to seeing you at some point!

6.

6

MarcO & Nargiza says:

February 8th, 2008 at 4:33 am



What a story! I’ll be more vigilant too, especially when carrying tons of sums in plastic bags for our archaeological projects this Spring… By the way, fortunately, this did not happen in Central Asia. I bet it would have been much more difficult to explain the situation and eventually find a recourse. I’d be even surprised to hear that there is something you can do to get your money back at the Termez or Nukus airports.

Nargiza is in France with me for still two weeks. Everything is fine for us.

Good luck for your travels and best wishes for the forthcoming new chinese year.

7.

7

Nicole says:

February 8th, 2008 at 5:33 am



I’m really glad that you went back and confronted them. It took a lot of guts and maybe, just naybe, they might think twice the next time.



I remember when my dad was robbed on the Metro in Prague and Chip and I made a split-second decision to go after the thugs who had done it. Luckily, I came to my senses just as we were about to get all Fight Club on them. I’m thinking that would not have ended with talk of insurance companies.

8.

8

Daniel Noll says:

February 9th, 2008 at 7:17 pm



Brian: Quite a few people say it was courageous to go back and confront them. Maybe. The only thing stopping me was doubt. Once I got over that, full steam ahead. We’re both aware of our good fortune (thus far). I suppose I had a positive balance in my bad luck travel bank account - held at gunpoint, robbed and suffered through dengue in India.



Marc & Nargiza: Excellent to hear from you. Keep those sums of money in a blast-proof box. Interesting you mention Central Asia…we were on our guard the entire time there. Just proves that the moment you should be concerned is when you feel comfortable enough to let your guard down. Enjoy your time together in France.



Nicole: I’m hoping that this makes them (however many people “them” might include) think twice. On another bulletin board, someone quipped that the Bangkok security thing is a racket…so bad that you could bribe a gun on board. Now that’s dark. Perhaps that’s an extreme description, but obviously someone’s paying a bit more attention to our dough than our safety.



The Prague racket that your father fell victim to is much, much worse - at least based on what I’ve heard. I still think that the police could begin to control it, but they’re too busy stopping random cars on the street for insurance and registration violations (you know, the real threats to everyone’s safety and well-being).

9.

9

Steven Greimann says:

February 10th, 2008 at 12:35 am



Trend?



I just read on Mathaba.net that one of their editors was robbed of 1,500 euros at the Budapest airport. The x-ray tech stole the money and was caught on CCTV! The police failed to pursue. http://mathaba.net/news/?x=581225

10.

10

Daniel Noll says:

February 10th, 2008 at 3:52 pm



Steven: Maybe a trend. My guess is that it’s been going on for a while, however.

11.

11

Nick Starcevic says:

February 10th, 2008 at 9:05 pm



Wow. This is unbelievable! As a resident of Thailand I felt I trusted them way too much. Every single time I past those security check points. I always either trying to put my laptop back into its bag without looking at my wallet that’s coming thru. Thank sfor letting us know anyway.



On the other hand, I heard that the exact same thing is happening frequently at Chicago O’Hare Airport. And the TSA says they are not responsible for any loss.



The next time I’m there I’ll keep both my eyes on my stuff. And I’ll try to put everything in one single container.

12.

12

Daniel Noll says:

February 11th, 2008 at 12:32 am



Nick: You are welcome. Thanks for your note.



Although this particular experience at the Bangkok airport was a disappointment and an eye-opener, we’ve enjoyed our visits to Thailand and we will continue to recommend it to prospective travelers.



We’ve learned again that remaining vigilant is always a good idea, regardless of which airport you happen to be traveling through.



When our situation is resolved, I’ll write about it in a follow-up post. I will also recommend a few seemingly obvious steps that I will take on future visits to any airport.

13.

13

Michel XIMA says:

February 29th, 2008 at 4:57 am



Yesterday 27 Feb 2008, during international transfer (from Phom Penh) at Bangkok Suvanabhumi Airport, going to door C3 to connect Paris Thai Airways departure 00.05, passing 11 PM at check point , I was requested by “security” staff to delete my belt, and put it in plastic box for X-Ray : I discovered while on board that a high value jewel “bracelet” in gold and sapphires has been stolen, it was necessary to open the belt (zipped) and the bag containing jewels (also zipped) inside the belt !!! Unbelievable ! Time left to perform such theft : ONE MINUTE ONLY !

Comments welcome…

14.

14

Daniel Noll says:

February 29th, 2008 at 1:38 pm



Michel: I’ve responded on the other post where you provided more details (Part 2) as well.



We’re sorry to hear about this. It’s surprising how little time it takes to have something stolen. I think you’ll have to begin by communicating with Airports of Thailand (AOT), Suvarnabhumi Airport. Whatever transpired (whether security employees or other passengers were involved), it should be captured on closed-circuit video.

15.

15

Jack M says:

February 29th, 2008 at 1:39 pm



Daniel,



I’m sorry to hear about your experience. The good part is that you have recovered the money and that should be a happy ending for you and a face-saving ending for their corrupt security squad.



I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for a copy of that police report. It simply doesn’t exist - same as that fictitious insurance broker!



I wouldn’t be surprised if a large chunk of the daily take is being passed upwards to be distributed among the highest echelons in that steel and concrete eysore.



With various tourist scams as well an officially sanctioned dual-pricing policy, travelers used to jokingly ask why Thai authorities didn’t just relieve them of all their cash on arrival at the airport. Well that’s certainly happening now; and would you believe it, it’s happening on the way out as well!



Jack

· Stevie Mills says:
February 28th, 2008 at 6:33 am

Audrey and Dan,
I’d be a bit worried about Mr. X having your bank information. Transfers might end up going the other way . . . .

· 2

Daniel Noll says:
February 28th, 2008 at 10:11 am

Stevie: Thanks for the concern. Fortunately, Mr. X and company only have enough information to make transfers to my account (which I’m happy for them to do to their hearts’ content).

Given the prevalence of credit card fraud and other scams, we try to keep a pretty close watch on our accounts. We’ve recently heard about devices that thieves attach to bank machines in order to clone the information on your ATM card. Stories like this remind us to remain vigilant.

· 3



Michel XIMA says:

February 29th, 2008 at 4:57 am

On 27 Feb 2008, during international transfer (from Phom Penh) at Bangkok Suvanabhumi Airport, going to door C3 to connect Paris Thai Airways departure 00.05, passing 11 PM at check point , I was requested by “security” staff to delete my belt, and put it in plastic box for X-Ray : I discovered while on board that a high value jewel “bracelet” in gold and sapphires has been stolen, it was necessary to open the belt (zipped) and the bag containing jewels (also zipped) inside the belt !!! Unbelievable ! Time left to perform such theft : ONE MINUTE ONLY !

Please inform about way to contact security manager of Bangkok Airport. Thousands of people are controlled every day during international transfer. I must add this control is stupid, because departure airport 1st flight Phnom Penh to BKK has already X-Ray checked hand luggage, so additional checking is unecessary at transfer airport : I had from Phnom Penh departure airport boarding pass in hands for 2nd flight BKK to Paris. Mean I have right to board directly, without luggage being checked again. Or else Thailand is happy to get additional income using their X-Ray machines as theft machines. During transfer, traveller IS NOT IN THAILAND, but in INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY where THAIS must pay particular attention to his safety. Robbery by thai airport security staff is much more criminal than other theft ! AIRPORTS OF THAILAND (AoT) is responsible 100% because the robbers are THEIR STAFF !!

Comments / Contact welcome using Reply…

· 4

Daniel Noll says:
February 29th, 2008 at 10:41 am

Michel: We’re sorry to hear about this. It’s surprising how little time it takes to have something stolen. I will contact you by email, but I think you’ll have to begin by communicating with Airports of Thailand (AOT), Suvarnabhumi Airport. Whatever transpired (whether security employees or other passengers were involved), it should be captured on closed-circuit video camera tape.

· 5

Michel XIMA says:
March 1st, 2008 at 2:27 pm

Dan, I agree with above comments : the security staff is involved in a very lucrative SCAM, and many people are probably victims of them while controlled at X-RAY check-point. BIG MONEY involved! I lost jewelry value 140.000 BATH in one minute only ! I have the invoices from the jewelry shop in hands.
I need E-mail of Airports of Thailand headquarters as soon as possible. Thanks.

[GenetheMachine]

I am astounded you received any money from them. Congratulations.

I have seen cloth "necklaces" you can stash you cash inside and wear it through. As for punishment, the next time you pass through BKK put a "sewing kit" in your belt. It could contain some thread, a 100B note to temp the evil doer and a few loose needles. You get the idea. Something like a mouse (rat) trap or whatever you can fit and still pass through security.

[stilljustbrowsing]

A sickening story indeed and I am pleased you got your money back.
Me? All my paper money is placed in a wallet that lives in my buttoned down trouser pocket/s. I never let it go out of my sight.
Don't trust anyone you don't know.
Check your bags immediately they come through the security screen, a simple tamper test would be to put sellotape over the zips or lock points. Tywraps are better (you may know them better as the nylon strips used to secure electrical cables or unrully passangers on the flight.)