From The Thaiger

A wave of in-flight thefts targeting unsuspecting passengers sparked urgent action from Thai police after reports revealed that criminals stole valuables worth 19 million baht on flights to Hong Kong last year.

Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong has now called on airlines to step up cabin inspections and warn passengers to safeguard their belongings. Several airlines have already tightened security measures in response to growing concerns.

Hong Kong recorded 169 cases of in-flight theft in the first 10 months of 2024, with around 70% occurring on regional flights from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and India. Passengers, often asleep in dimly lit cabins, have fallen victim to brazen thieves who target cash, jewellery, and luxury items.

Despite the alarming trend, Sorawong remains confident it will not impact Thailand’s international tourism market.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool noted that in-flight theft is not a new issue, with similar cases making headlines globally. She urged both passengers and airline staff to remain vigilant, adding that offenders should face legal consequences, including visa revocation or blacklisting.

Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Thai Travel Agents Association (ATTA), warned that such crimes damage the reputation of the perpetrator’s home country, leading to increased scrutiny of its travellers. However, he reassured that the rise in theft cases has not deterred tourists, who are instead exercising greater caution.

https://thethaiger.com/news/national/sky-high-thieves-on-the-rise-minister-demands-tighter-flight-security

I recently flew Japan Airlines to Thailand.  JAL is warning passengers on their website about increased reports of in-flight thefts, and urging passengers to safeguard their carry on items.  

On long overnight flights, it would be wise to lock a carry on bag, if placed in the overhead bin.  Too easy for a dishonest passenger to quickly rifle through a carry on bag when the cabin is dark, and when most people are trying to sleep, or absorbed in watching movies. 

I always put my backpack in the overhead across from me, not above me...it pisses some people off because they think of the area above them as "their space".

When I explain that you can better watch your stuff from across the aisle and not above your head, they say thanks, never thought of that.

Not only people robbing stuff from you, when Vietnamese airlines made headlines with that....I'm concerned about someone putting something in my bag and I become a mule, unknowingly.....they get robbed someone after leaving the airport, if I made it. And if not, how likely will customs believe whatever I'm smuggling isn't mine 😵

This was told to me over 20 yrs ago by a Sydney Customs officer, he was talking mostly about food products, they are very strict about food stuff, but he said it could be ANYTHING.

My last trip I only had a small carry on bag and put it at my feet (business class so plenty of foot room), going over on Thai Airways wasn't a problem but coming home the hostess picked it up and put in the overhead, such a small bag I would rather keep it near my feet especially if I were to fly economy. 

46 minutes ago, TMax said:

My last trip I only had a small carry on bag and put it at my feet (business class so plenty of foot room), going over on Thai Airways wasn't a problem but coming home the hostess picked it up and put in the overhead, such a small bag I would rather keep it near my feet especially if I were to fly economy. 

Totally agree. Always try to keep small backpack under seat in front. JAL is good about this. If I can’t, passport and currency go in my pockets.