As with any holiday destination, there will all ways be the risk of your money and valuables being lost or stolen whilst visiting Patong. As a rule of thumb, always carry only just enough money for your needs, leave everything else locked away securely in your hotel room safe, or in the hotel safety deposit box at all times.

When it comes to spending money in Patong, then cash is always the best option. Credit cards are accepted in larger, more upmarket establishments, but most bars, restaurants and shops do not have the ability to process credit card payments. Additionally, credit card fraud is a problem in Thailand, as the security of transaction processing is nowhere near the same level as it is in the western world. If you must use a credit card, then consider using it to take a cash advance form an ATM and then pay with cash.

ATM services are widely available everywhere in Patong and almost every major ATM, debit and credit card will work. Be warned though, ATM charges can be quite high for foreign account holders. For this reason, avoid making multiple smaller withdrawals. Instead, make one large withdrawal and lock away the surplus cash in a safe place.

Never leave a bag or any other valuable such as a camera or telephone unattended. You might think it is perfectly safe to quickly nip off to the rest rooms and back, leaving your valuables on your restaurant table. Ask the thousands of theft victims who do exactly this every year if they still think it is a good idea?

Common sense is needed when protecting your valuables in Thailand. Consider the fact that the average national Thia wage is around 6,000 Baht a month. Something like $200. That $1,200 dollar camera you are carrying in your bag represents half a years wages to the average Thai person. Do not tempt them by leaving it laying around where it can be picked up easily.