Bangkok

Public Safety

Bangkok is one of the world's most populated and crowded cities, and like most major cities, Bangkok has problems with crime. As Bangkok's population grew in the latter half of the twentieth century, so too did its crime rate. The number of murders, assaults, thefts, and armed robberies all increased. Smuggling is widespread in Bangkok, with drugs, endangered animal products, and stolen antiques all passing through the city.

International pressure has been exerted to urge Thailand to deal with two major criminal problems: child prostitution and the opium drug trade. With prostitution having a semi-legal status in Thailand, advocacy groups have been formed to address childhood prostitution and pornography. As for opium, rural Thailand is one of the world's major growers of poppies, used to make opium, and many nations have been pressuring Thailand to more aggressively combat the drug trade.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Police are responsible for providing law enforcement services for the city and its suburbs. The urban police force is operated by an appointed commissioner.