Expats: Have you ever been fearful/afraid while living in Thailand?

I just read an online news about a 'farang' being kidnapped by crooked cops and other 'farang' mafia brothers and just wonder if you ever fear of such similar incidents might ever happen to you. It just expresses of my husband's concerns about moving back to Thailand. His concern is that it would be like having a bull's eye on his back since he's a 'farang' and local crooks might target him/us as 'loaded'. Of course, we never live our lives with a 'show-off' attitude but we wish to own a house, drive a car (compact car; no benz), and I will do all housework myself (no maid). But people at the bank will know us. What's about the immigration office where your info is so easily obtained by a crooked cop (former immigration officer)? What's about your neighbors? With this news I read, I am kinda having a second thought about retiring in Thailand. Any insights? Note: My husband and I visited Thailand several times. I've been away from the Thailand I knew over 20 years. We've never been in any shady business. As for if my husband ever stepped on anybody's foot (figure of speech), no he has not. He's concerned about our safety since a 'farang' seems to be an easy target to be conned. It seems Thais think most farangs got money. Ridiculously untrue. However, it's almost like a redistribution of wealth is ok in the eyes of some crooks.

Public Comments

1. I'm Thai and live in Thailand. Don't worry to live in Thailand,very comfortable,nice people but not everyone,you can khow which one is good or bad by your experience. I not go out to the risk place such as disco theque, bar,night club and after10.00 pm. you should stay in home,it's safty. Come and live here,you will love Thailand most. Beautiful beaches and many places're difference from yours. Cost of living here is cheaper than in USA.
2. Most foreigners have nothing to be overly concerned about here. If your husband feels he would have a bullseye on his back it indicates to me that he may have pissed some folks off at an earlier time. The falangs who get in trouble are usually those who are doing dumb things like flashing a lot of cash in public, doing things that draw attention to ones self or causing the Thais to need to watch you. If you keep a low profile and don't do things to bring attention to you, you should have no trouble here.
3. Live here for over 6 years and never felt in danger even not alone at night (I'm a woman). If you respect the local people/customs you'll be fine. Most farangs getting in trouble are the drunken one's/fighter types, behaving unproperly like dressing badly,speaking rude to the Thai's etc. Believe me, if I'm "afraid" it's more about certain farangs which try to cheat you!
4. Try this website: www.pattayapeople.com It gives a TRUE image of what crime is nowadays in Thailand and how farangs (foreigners) are targeted. And what's true of Pattaya is also true of other cities, though the degrees of crime and its nature varies. Yes, I've been scared living in Thailand because one never knows what can happen next. A gold chain worn by my Filipina GF was pulled from her neck at full force in broad daylight.
5. It depends really where you want to live.I lived for 10 years in Pattaya and recently moved to the Northeast. The crime rate in Pattaya has multiplied many fold over the last few years. Motorcycles driving by and snatching gold from both Ferrangs and Thais is now almost an everyday occurrence. During this years tourist season, the chief of police ordered all branches, including the tourist and immigration police, to patrol the streets to try and counter the street crime. If on the other hand you want a more rural life as I have now chosen, the crime rate is practically zero. Everybody knows everything about everybody in my village and crime is not tolerated. You will also find that everything , including houses is a fraction of the price you pay in the tourist areas.
6. In any country on this planet, there are always bad news for expats. It is easy to understand a rich retired expat can be a very good target. But do not worry. Considering the rate of crime expat being involved and the population(of expats), Thailand is definitely one of the safest place for us to live. As often said Pattaya has the high crime rate for foreigners but rumor has it that it will be settled very soon because Russian mafia is now ruling the city. Look for other than Bangkok or Pattaya, say Korat, Ubon, Udon, Chian Rai, etc, they are so peaceful and lovely place to live.
7. I've lived here for a couple of years now in Patong Beach on Phuket. I came with my husband who is employed by a private company. The troubles that people run into often revolve around trying to own small business without proper permits, or getting into fight while drunk or on drugs. My town is considered a little "seedy", but I've never felt unsafe, even for a second. The Thai people are very friendly and helpful, as are the street police. I could easily be targeted as loaded by local standards, but never felt I've been treated any differently. Make sure all your visas and rental agreements are intact, and cops should never hassles you. I've never experienced a crooked one. I get along great with my neighbors, and have made some very nice friends. My advice would be to choose a nice mid sized town. Should any trouble arise I would think it would be in Bangkok, or some tiny remote town where English is not spoken. Please give it some thought, but we love it. I can only encourage it!!