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What’s the Deal with All the Security Guards in Bangkok?
If you’ve ever been to Bangkok, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. Security guards are everywhere—manning almost every condo building, mall, hotel, and metro station this fine city has to offer.
Bangkok honestly feels like one of the safest cities I’ve ever visited.
So I keep asking myself the same question: Is Bangkok safe because of these uniformed crusaders? Or are they more of a vanity role—a by-product of the city keeping up appearances like everywhere else?
Let’s dive in and explore the story behind these absolute legends.
📰 What’s The Deal?
If you’ve ever been to Bangkok—or live here—I’m sure you’re well aware of the forever-present presence of these working-class heroes.
The everyday everyman, always ready and willing to protect and serve.
Most will smile back at you; some might just command you to keep it moving if you’re caught dawdling outside their territory.
You’ll see them dressed in everything from borderline military uniforms to simple T-shirts with “SECURITY” printed on the back.
Occasionally, they’re armed with those lightsaber baton thingys (the ones they use at airports—I really want one), halting traffic as Bangkokians enter and exit malls, condo complexes, and hotels alike.
They’re everywhere.
But why?
🔍 Why Is This Happening?
I’ve done some digging, and here’s the why:
- ✅ Deterrence & Perception: Simply put, a uniformed presence can create a perception of safety and help deter crimes or theft.
- ✅ Social Status: Having manned security at a premises signals prestige and status.
- ✅ Legal & Insurance Requirements: Certain buildings, like banks, condos, and large commercial spaces, are legally required to have security on-site.
- ✅ Tourism & Public Safety: In my experience, security guards often double as extended staff or unofficial guides, helping manage crowds and provide assistance.
The reason for Bangkok’s army of security guards is more or less cultural, practical, and economical.
All of this is good and whatnot—but how does this actually affect safety in Bangkok, if at all?
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🇹🇭 How Does This Affect Bangkok?
The emergence of Bangkok’s security guards really kicked off in the late 80s and early 90s, right alongside Thailand’s economic boom.
As the country grew, more commercial premises started popping up—the kind of places you’d naturally expect to find staffed security, like malls, condos, hotels, and office towers.
From everything I’ve read, Thailand was already a relatively safe country before this surge in security.
But that’s not to say their presence isn’t necessary.
Thailand has changed so much over the last 25–30 years that trying to imagine what things would be like without all these security guards is pure speculation.
Due to the effects of time—and my actual date of birth—it was impossible for me to see what Thailand was like before the security guard renaissance.
So, I’d love to hear from you.
Let me know in the comments below: What was Bangkok like beforehand? Was it really any different?
🛡️ What Does This Mean for You?
Remember I mentioned some guards might politely command you to keep it moving?
I’ve found myself being gently hushed away a handful of times, usually when loitering in front of condo or hotel driveways. They do have a job to do, after all.
But most guards smile—even if they don’t at first, a simple “sawadee” is usually the perfect icebreaker.
I want to give a shout-out to the security team at my condo building.
Over time, a friendly rapport has developed, the kind you’d expect from daily, casual interactions with members of staff anywhere.
These guards do way more than stand around—they help with deliveries, manage traffic, run the shuttle service, I’ve even seen them work an entire 12-hour day shift, and straight into a whole 12-hour night shift.
Grafters.
💭 Final Thoughts
Whether they’re necessary or not, I honestly don’t mind.
What I do know is that their presence is a welcome one.
I hear endless stories about safety worries in other cities—London, my home capital, being a prime example.
Bangkok, on the other hand? It feels unbelievably safe.
And if these security guards add to that feeling, even ever so slightly, well, I’m all for it.
📌 Facts to Note
- ✅ Everywhere You Look → Guards are stationed at malls, condos, offices, banks, even 7-Elevens — part security, part welcoming committee.
- ✅ Modest Pay → Average salary is 10,000–15,000 THB/month (~$270–$410 USD), higher at fancy places.
- ✅ Huge Workforce → Over 400,000 guards work across Thailand, with a big chunk in Bangkok.
- ✅ Required Training → Since 2016, guards must complete training and pass an exam to be licensed.
- ✅ Friendly Salutes → It’s totally normal for guards to salute cars or greet people entering buildings — it’s part security, part politeness!
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