Ethereum Devcon Attendee Robbed at Knifepoint in Thailand

Rooch Network co-founder Haichao Zhu has reported being robbed at knifepoint by two assailants in Bangkok, just days before Ethereum’s Devcon conference.

It marks the latest in a series of security incidents involving crypto conference attendees across major cities.

The incident occurred at 4:30 AM local time when Haichao was traveling alone following a late-night flight arrival. While no injuries were reported, the attackers stole his phone, prompting warnings to other conference attendees about traveling alone during nighttime hours in the Thai capital.

“Generally speaking, Bangkok is still a safe and fun place, but just like all other places, you gotta watch out for the darkness,” Haichao noted in his public warning to fellow conference attendees.

Decrypt has reached out to Haichao to learn more. 

The robbery follows a concerning pattern of similar incidents at major crypto events, notably during the Ethereum Community Conference (EthCC) in Brussels earlier this year.

Multiple attendees reported violent confrontations. Kilt Protocol’s growth head, Rishant Kumar, successfully defended himself against an attacker near the conference venue. Another attendee reportedly sustained a knee injury during a robbery.  

In another severe incident during EthCC, an attendee reported having a gun pointed at their head during a robbery.

The timing is particularly significant as thousands of developers and industry participants prepare to gather in Bangkok for Devcon 7, Ethereum’s premier developer conference, scheduled for November 12-15 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. 

The event is expected to draw prominent figures, including Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin and Ethereum Foundation executive director Aya Miyaguchi.

Edited by Sebastian Sinclair