just booked a hotel in bangkok. they said they will want to have my credit card when i arrive. is this a con?

one of the terms+ conditions is that i hand my credit card over at check - in to cover the cost of additional things like laundry. what's going on here? i dont feel comfortable handing my credit card over

This happens in most hotels in the UK, they take your details iin case of damage to the room etc. I guess it depends on the sort of hotel, if its a little sleazy one I wouldn't want to hand it over either.

It is normal whenever you check into a hotel to give your credit card information to the clerk, that way they have the number to cover any incidentals such as movies, food , phone .. etc.. They never will KEEP your card, if they insist they do, than there is a problem

I personally wouldn't. Just let them know that at the end of your stay you'll be more than happy to pay additional costs with cash only.

If they won't accept that, then before you hand over anything get them to put down in writing that they will only use your credit card for these additional costs and not any other costs. That way if they do screw you, you've got it in writing (and signed) so you'll be able to claim fraud and get your money back.

would not be happy to that either, maybe you could give a deposit , and they could return it if you dont spend it..

YES!

never use your credit card in Thailand unless you absolutely have to.

There is a credit card skimming device that is used to read your card and its attached to someones belt, looks harmless until you get your statement.

Always let your credit card carrier know that you will be in a certain country and only accept charges from your home country and the counties you visit, that stops the clowns from selling your numbers, they only make $6 a day working in a hotel, but if they sell your credit card, they get $30

Pay cash, use debit card at ATMs!

This is a common practice in a lot of places. No you don't give them your credit card to keep. They just record the information in case you try to skip without paying.

I travel extensively and in my experience it is standard practice in most hotels around the world. There is usually nothing to worry about. I always hand in my card when asked and have (touch wood) never had a problem. BTW they only take it to swipe it and hand it straight back - they don't usually keep it. I cannot vouch for the hotel you're going to though as I don't know the standard of it.

Quite normal.
They don't keep your card, just take an imprint.
If you then do a moonlight they can charge your card!