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Hello, welcome! Take a look inside kaa. Here's what I have for you today:​

I'm on the plane to Bangkok. 4 hours in. Finally falling asleep.

But I can't relax.

Because I've got about $4000 in my wallet.

Every time I shift position, I'm patting my pocket. Still there? Still there?

I doze off for maybe 20 minutes. Wake up in a panic. Hand shoots to my pocket.

Still there. But the fear keeps me awake for the rest of the flight.

Here's the thing nobody warns you about:

Arrival day in Thailand involves carrying more cash than you're used to. I always withdraw my whole Thailand budget at home and exchange it at Suvarnabhumi Airport (lowest floor, three banks, all have the same rates). Benefits: I avoid paying fees at the ATM. And my hotel safety box acts as my personal ATM.

The thing is: $4000 in Thai Baht ate a thick stack of notes. Around 124k. That’s what the average Thai earns in 7 months.

Now you're supposed to:

Walk through the airport

Hop on a crowded bus or train

Walk to your hotel

All while keeping that cash secure in regular pants pockets?

Good luck.

I figured this out the hard way. Now I use something different.

It's called a hidden belt pocket. You loop it through your belt, tuck it under your waistband, and it sits flat against your body. Invisible. Secure. The cash isn't going anywhere—not when you sleep, not when you're crammed into the rail link, not ever.

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Moral of the story is:

The problem isn't theft. The problem is logistics.

Thailand is safe. I've never had anything stolen there.

But arrival day is chaotic. You're tired, you're carrying more cash than usual, and your regular pockets weren't designed for this situation.

A cheap fix eliminates the entire problem.

Apply for Bangkok: https://tally.so/r/A7veLo
Apply for Pattaya: https://tally.so/r/44rVNY

Now, how does this apply to you?

If you're flying to Thailand soon, do yourself a favor and grab one of these before you go:

→ Eagle Creek Undercover Hidden Pocket*

Fits passport and cash. Loops through any belt. Nobody knows it's there—including you, most of the time.

I've used the same one for years. It's lightweight nylon, breathable mesh backing so it doesn't get sweaty, and it's small enough that you forget you're wearing it.

Pack it. Wear it on arrival day. Sleep on the plane without waking up every 20 minutes to check your pockets.

That's it. Simple.

Chokdee!
–Tim

*P.S. Disclaimer: affiliate link. If you purchase something via this link, I will earn a small commission. No additional cost.