Gym Locker Theft in Bangkok

I go to one of those gyms in Bangkok where you have to bring your own lock.  This gym is located in a popular shopping mall and it has a small locker room which gets pretty crowded during rush hour.  Last Sunday, I was halfway through my workout and saw my friend talking a front staff, so I walked over to say goodbye.  His locker had just been broken into.  They took his cash (about $300) from his wallet, his mobile phone and BTS skytrain card.  The staff said “Yours was the third one today.” (The gym wasn’t very crowded that afternoon.)  And while my friend was filing a report in the office, another guy walked in.  His stuff got stolen too!  They also took his mobile phone and cash (about $200).  Luckily, his iPad was safe (assuming they didn’t see it).  Apparently, these thieves didn’t want wallets or credit cards.  They were mostly interested in cash and mobile phones.

I immediately went back inside to check my bag as I had left my good watch in the locker.  I took it out and put it on.  I always carry my iPhone with me at the gym to listen to the music, play Scrabble between sets, and of course, pretend to check it to avoid awkwardness and eye contacts.

These burglars usually pick the right lockers to break into.  (If they got to my wallet, they would have found $30 at the most.)  Never leave your valuables and a lot of cash in your locker.  Besides your gym clothes, you should only bring your energy, a little bit of smile and perhaps a bottle of water.  Enjoy your workout, guys.