There has been a recent uptick of violent crime directed at foreigners starting from late 2009. Several foreigners have been assaulted by Thai teenagers without provokation, usually with blunt weapons such as pieces of wood. The crime is concentrated around the Wat Hai Sok area, where at least five foreigners have been assaulted as between Jan - May 2010 alone, several in early 2011 and a more recent incident in September of 2011. These assaults have occurred against foreigners walking alone at night. Be aware of your environment, avoid walking at night, and if you must walk at night, do not walk alone.
Although most short term visitors do not seem to notice, some long-term visitors and residents consider the dog problem in Nongkhai very serious, with some residents even averaging about one dog bite per year. Thailand has the third highest incidence of rabies in the world (http://en.wikipedia.org/w...), so all dog bites should be treated as potentially life-threatening. Attacks have occurred on major roads and minor sois. The stretch of highway from Tesco Lotus going north up to the major intersection with the arch is particularly bad. Attacks have also occurred on Kaeworawut Rd, One attack occurred in front of a restaurant on the Mekong promenade, in mid-afternoon. Remember, even poodles can have rabies. To be safe, always carry a few rocks or something else you can use to scare dogs away. Exercise an even higher degree of caution when walking or cycling or motorcycle riding alone, at night, or in a less densely populated area.
Lately, bike thefts and laptop thefts seem to have been on the rise.
