FAQ: Is Hatyai City is safe to go around?

I'm still foreign in this foreign land, but I treat this place as my home away from home. Whenever I go, I felt comfortable that nobody will grab my cell phone or wallet whenever I need to show them in public. We are staying in Hatyai, the biggest city in southern Thailand.

I heard from my friend that it's not safe to cross the railways. We are staying just 10 meters away from railways and 800 kilometers away from Hatyai Train Station. They said they know someone crosses the railways going to the market around 7:00 in the evening. Two best of friends cross the railways and get robbed by a man with a knife. She was about to give her bag when suddenly her cell phone fell on the ground. So the robber saw it and decided to pick the cellphone. They found the best time to ran, and so they ran as fast as they can, without looking back. Good thing the robber only get the cellphone. Her bag contains her wallet with credit cards, money, ATM and other important documents. The passport was also in his bag, good thing they escape safely.

I also heard about the bag grabbing while riding a motorcycle. My friend also withdraws 6000 baht from an ATM machine. When he is about to grab the money in his pocket, the money is gone. So beware of pickpockets  Thailand is a safe place but avoid the dark places and still pay attention to your belongings.

For me, those are considered to be an isolated incident. I always felt safe whenever I go around in Hatyai or Songkhla. We spend late at night at Hatyai Park, Night Market, and Samila beach. 

There are also some cities that they said it is not safe like, Pattani, Yala, Betong and other place near the Malaysian border. Hat Yai is a safe place and also Bangkok, Phuket, Pha Nga, Krabi and other tourist destination cities.

So it's really safe to go around in Hat Yai and Songkhla any time of the day. Don't worry and just enjoy your stay here.