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Hello, welcome! Take a look inside kaa. Here's what I have for you today:
The dilemma you encounter at the beach
From "guarding my stuff" → actually enjoying the water
What I wish I knew before my first Songkran
I'm on a beach in Koh Samui. Crystal clear water. Perfect temperature. Paradise.
And I'm just... sitting there. Staring at the ocean. Not going in.
Why?
Because I'm traveling solo. And I have my phone, my cash, and my hotel room key in my bag. On the beach. Unattended.
The moment I swim out, that little plastic bag is just sitting there. For anyone to grab.
Now, let me be clear: Thai people aren't thieves. In years of traveling Thailand, I've never had a local steal anything from me. The culture is incredibly honest.
But beaches aren't just full of locals.
They're full of tourists. Backpackers. Randoms from all over the world. And some of those people? Not so honest.
I've heard the stories. Phone gone. Wallet gone. Passport gone. All because someone went for a quick swim and left their stuff "just for five minutes."
So there I am. Paradise beach. Beautiful water. And I'm sitting there. Overthinking.
The solo traveler dilemma.
If you're with a group, someone stays with the stuff. Easy. But alone? Couple? You're stuck.
Unless you take your stuff WITH you.
That's when I discovered waterproof phone cases. Not the flimsy plastic bags that leak. A proper sealed pouch that's IPX8 rated—tested at 30 meters depth.
Phone goes in. Cash goes in. Hotel key goes in. Seal it up. Hang it around your neck.
Now you swim with everything on you.
The one I use floats, too. Built-in air pockets keep it on the surface if you drop it. So even if it slips off, it's bobbing on the water, not sinking to the bottom.
Twenty-four bucks. Problem solved forever.
But here's where it becomes ESSENTIAL:
Songkran.
Thai New Year. Mid April. The biggest water fight on Earth. For three days straight (more in Pattaya), everyone in Thailand is armed with water guns, buckets, and hoses. You WILL get soaked. There is no avoiding it.
I watched a guy's phone die in his pocket on Khaosan Road. Didn't even take a direct hit—just accumulated splash damage over a few hours. Screen went black. Done.
With a waterproof case? You can get hit point-blank with a bucket and your phone is fine. You can take photos and videos IN the chaos. You're not hiding from the fun—you're in it.
And it’s a waterproof wallet too.
Moral of the story is:
The right cheap gear removes entire categories of worry.
Twenty-four bucks. Now you swim alone without anxiety. Now you survive Songkran with your phone intact. Now you actually enjoy the water instead of guarding your stuff from the sand. Your money is safe, you’re room key too.
Fits any phone including the big ones. Touch screen works through the plastic. Comes with an adjustable lanyard.
If you're traveling solo or planning to be anywhere near Thailand during Songkran, this isn't optional. It's required.
Chokdee!
–Tim
*P.S. Disclaimer: affiliate link. If you purchase something via this link, I will earn a small commission. No additional cost.
P.P.S. I’m starting a Job Newsletter to help foreigners land their dream jobs in Thailand. Sign up for free here.