Crime news and various social issues occur daily and seem to be escalating in severity. Part of it is due to the low economic conditions, leading to higher living costs and increased unemployment, and some individuals may seek improper solutions to problems. We cannot know when such serious events will happen to us. Today, we invite everyone to invest in life security and financial planning with 'life insurance' to support each other in financial risks.
Before we invest in life security and financial planning together, let's look at the current level of crime severity, how much it has increased, and what is around us.
How much has the crime rate increased?
From the criminal statistics in 2023, there was an increase compared to 2022 in terms of murder, attempted murder, and rape. In 2023, there were 17,848 cases reported related to life, body, and sex in Thailand, with 16,678 cases successfully apprehended involving 22,045 offenders.
The most common offence is physical assault with 9,616 cases, followed by attempted murder with 2,241 cases, rape with 1,885 cases, and homicide with 1,308 cases.
For the most common criminal cases, theft is the highest at 27,148, followed by fraud (excluding online cases) at 11,874 and embezzlement cases at 6,218.
From the statistical data, it can be seen that the increasing crime rates are all violent crimes and can happen around us all the time. Before we invest in life security and financial planning together, we would like to take everyone to see the causes of violent crimes to understand the current situation better.
Possible factors that may lead to an increase in the crime rate
Thailand is currently facing economic challenges that are leading to rising unemployment. According to the Director-General of the National Statistical Office (NSO), the survey on the employment status of the population in the first quarter of 2024 revealed approximately 410,000 unemployed individuals. Among them, those with tertiary education have the highest unemployment rate at 1.67%, followed by those with high school education at 1.28%. This has resulted in many Thais experiencing income shortages.
In addition, the economic downturn also affects the cost of living, such as expenses for various consumer goods, including food, transportation, clothing and shoes, sports and recreation, and public utilities (excluding housing rent). Adjustments have increased significantly, with Thailand's cost of living index currently ranked 5th out of 9 ranked countries, higher than the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia, making it more challenging for businesses to sell these goods.
As a result of these two factors, many people experience stress, leading some individuals to turn to criminal activities to pursue more wealth. Alternatively, some individuals may cope with stress by using addictive substances, causing confusion and loss of self-control, eventually leading to criminal behaviour. Some may even transform into drug dealers, forming a network of drug trafficking unintentionally, resulting in a growing crime problem.
Due to factors that may lead to increased crime rates, crimes can occur at any time, even when we are at home or may not be directly affected. Accidents can occur from being hit by stray bullets in various situations. Therefore, we invite everyone to invest in safety in life.
Invest in safety in life.
● CCTV cameras - nowadays come in various types and not only record images but also can detect motion and send alerts. Some models can even speak through smartphones with the sound of a CCTV camera. They can control the camera direction and receive notifications when motion is detected through smartphones.
● Digital door locks are increasingly popular security innovations, especially in condos and modern homes. The highlight of digital door locks is that we no longer need to use keys to open doors. Enter a code, use a key card, or scan a fingerprint. Authorised individuals can access the house, and an alert will be triggered immediately if there is any tampering, making it a highly cost-effective security innovation. Additionally, it helps reduce the problem of forgetting house keys, making our lives easier.
● Video Door Phone or intercom system with video display is a modern doorbell technology that allows residents to see visitors’ faces without opening the house or condo door. If we do not know the person ringing the doorbell, we can inquire about the purpose of the visit through the speaker. This device is especially suitable for women living alone, and we can also reject opening the door through the video door phone system.
● The Intruder Detection System is the development of an intruder detection system that has led to the current system being able to notify homeowners through smartphones, notify security personnel in housing and condominium projects, or notify security control centres and police immediately. The system detects intruders using sensors, such as door/window tampering sensors, and can also be used with CCTV cameras. This system will alert immediately when a door or window is opened.
Investing in safety in life with this technology is just one way to help protect us. However, if a real accident occurs or we are impacted by economic conditions, financial planning is equally important.
Plan your finances with 'life insurance' to mitigate risks.
● Help strengthen financial stability.
Life insurance is an investment that helps create financial security for us. If any day we experience a serious accident resulting in injury or permanent disability, we will receive medical treatment expenses and compensation according to the terms of the life insurance policy we have taken out.
● Help with estate planning and family care.
Life insurance can be used for estate planning. In the event of a serious incident befalling us and causing our death, by simply specifying the beneficiary when purchasing the life insurance, that person will receive the benefits without having to pay inheritance tax. This money is considered safe and secure from theft.
● Tax deductions
Life insurance premiums can be used to reduce personal income tax for individuals up to a maximum of 300,000 baht per year.
However, investing in life insurance, which we recommend, is only a way to reduce risks within the home. Danger to life can still occur anywhere, especially in the current economic situation. Therefore, financial planning with life insurance may be one way to help support expenses and provide peace of mind for your family right now.