Although Thailand is a safe and secure destination, it’s not impossible to encounter malicious individuals. One of the main risks tourists face? The theft of personal belongings. While this is rare, it’s still a good idea to know the steps to follow in case of an issue. 

What should you do if your bank card is lost or stolen? What should you do if your passport is lost or stolen during your trip to Thailand? Follow the guide…

What to do in case of lost or stolen bank card in Thailand?

If your bank card is stolen during your trip to Thailand or if you simply lost it, the first thing to do is report it to your bank. 

Next, you should file a complaint with the local police. You can also call your insurance company to report the incident. Depending on your insurance contract, you may be able to get emergency assistance.


Key Points:

The procedures are the same for any valuable item stolen during your stay.

No money available for the rest of your trip?

In that case, you can ask a trusted person, a relative back in France, to send you money via an express cash transfer system like Western Union. To do this, you'll need to present your passport as proof of identity when picking up the money. 

If both your bank card and passport were stolen at the same time, contact the embassy for assistance.

What to do in case of lost or stolen identity documents (Passport) in Thailand?

What are the first steps to take?

If you’ve lost your identity documents or had your passport stolen during your stay in Thailand, you must immediately report the loss or theft to the Thai police. You will receive a document which you must keep for the next steps. 

Once you have the declaration in hand, you can make an appointment with the consular section of the French Embassy in Bangkok by emailing: [email protected]. 


Important!

As requested by the embassy, you must include in the subject line of your email the recipient's service name. For example, you can write: "Request for appointment - Emergency passport / Travel document - FIRST NAME LAST NAME". 

You can also attach any documents that justify your situation, such as the police report of the theft and your status in Thailand (resident or tourist).

How to obtain temporary documents?

Wondering if it's possible to return to France without a passport? Rest assured, it is indeed possible to return home without an identity document. Following your request, the embassy will offer you a temporary document: a travel document (laissez-passer). 

To obtain a laissez-passer, you must provide several documents:

• The loss/theft declaration from the police station; 
• A document confirming your identity and nationality (ID card, expired passport, family record book, birth certificate, copies of missing documents, registration in the consular register of French nationals abroad…); 
• A copy of your flight tickets; 
• A recent identity photo (less than 6 months old), in compliance with ICAO standards.

The laissez-passer costs 30 euros for French nationals registered with the consular registry and 55 euros for those not registered. Note that payment is only accepted in cash and in local currency (THB). You will need to have the exact amount for your appointment. 

Finally, please note that you must hand over your laissez-passer to immigration control upon your return to France.


Good to Know:

Depending on your situation, you may also be eligible for:

• An emergency passport: issued only in urgent situations such as medical or professional reasons; 
• A passport renewal: an option to consider if you have time, if you plan to continue traveling in Thailand (or elsewhere), or if you're a resident in Thailand.

For more information, check the French Embassy’s website in Thailand.

Precautions to Take to Avoid Losing or Having Your Documents Stolen in Thailand

Because prevention is better than cure, here are the precautions to take before you leave for Thailand:

• Make photocopies of all important documents (passport, flight tickets, health insurance card, driver’s license…) before your trip. 
• Leave your original documents in the hotel safe or in a secure place (such as a bag with a lock) and only carry copies while traveling. 
• Keep your bank card and money in a secure place when going out (preferably in a security pouch worn under your clothes rather than a bag that can easily be snatched). 
• Get travel insurance that covers the theft of personal belongings before you leave. 
• Write down emergency numbers and the contact details of the French Embassy in advance, so you don’t have to search for them in a panic. 
• Stay calm: there are always solutions to get the help you need.

Emergency numbers to note before leaving for Thailand:

• Tourist Police: 1155 (from a Thai phone) 
• Regular Police (24/7 emergencies) : 191

French Embassy Contact Information in Thailand:

Address: 35 Charoenkrung soi 36 (Rue de Brest), Bangrak, 10500 Bangkok
Phone: +66 26 57 51 00 

Secondary Phone : +66 26 27 21 00 

Emergency Phone : +66 81 994 4901

Florine Dergelet