Scams of tourists in Thailand: top 10 known tricks
Wherever you go on holiday in the world, you will find scammers everywhere who prey on tourists. Likewise in Thailand.
This article provides insight into the most common scams in Thailand. It is mainly intended to warn the unsuspecting tourist.
Avoid being scammed
Thailand is a fantastic country with friendly and hospitable people. You will soon feel at home. The Thai people are helpful and do their best to give you a nice holiday. These stories are almost well known. Unfortunately, scammers take advantage of these facts. They are very helpful and quickly manage to arouse your sympathy.
Of course, this doesn't mean that every Thai person who is nice and helpful can be a potential scammer. On the contrary and fortunately. Still, you have to be on your guard. It would be very annoying if you become a victim of scams and therefore get a negative image of Thailand. When you come home you will tell your experiences to others who will also get a negative image of Thailand. Perhaps they choose not to go to Thailand for that reason. That would be a shame, because believe me Thailand is one of the most beautiful holiday countries in the world.
Scam tourists
Tourist scams are just as difficult to tackle as corruption in Thailand. It occurs daily and will never be completely eradicated. There are many forms of scams in Thailand, from fairly innocent to very serious. There are also known cases where violence has erupted and tourists have been injured. Also, don't assume that scams only occur in the sex industry or in the poorer neighborhoods. Most scammers are neat and tidy Thai people who speak fair to good English and are well mannered. Some even look like government officials with permits and ID pinned ostentatiously on their clothes. Not infrequently they walk in a kind of uniform and therefore look extra reliable.
Grand Palace scam
Nor are you stupid or naive if you have been the victim of a scam. It happened to me too, although it was rather harmless. The first time I celebrated a holiday in Bangkok with friends, we were also cheated. And with the most famous trick that Tuk-Tuk drivers apply: “the Grand Palace is closed. But I will take you to another place of interest”. Pretty innocent but it continues to lie and cheat. You will be driven to seedy tailors and jewelery shops. If you complain about that, the Tuk-Tuk drivers say they get petrol coupons from the shopkeepers. They try to arouse pity and say that this is how they can keep their heads above water. Of course they know that tourists are sensitive to that. For example, you are annoyingly driven to shops where you do not want to be in the hope that you will buy something, because then the Tuk-Tuk driver will receive his commission from the shopkeeper.
We have listed the ten most famous scams. There are of course more. If you have an unpleasant experience yourself and want to warn other tourists about it, you can respond to this article.
Top 10 scams in Thailand
1. The Grand Palace is a closed scam
This scam can happen at any tourist attraction, but is most common at the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Someone comes to you and tells you that the palace is closed for some reason. Ignore them or your day will be as described, a boring ride past tailors and gold and jewelery shops.
2. Thai gems and jewelry scam
If you're not an expert on gems or jewelry, don't buy them from a complete stranger. Every day many tourists fall for it. In most cases you buy a fake or pay too much. Please note, this is one of the most common scams in Thailand.
3. Money exchange trick
This occurs in the tourist areas and especially at the shops such as 7-Eleven and Family Mart. You pay with 1.000 baht and you get change of 500 baht. It works fine late in the evening for tourists who have had a bit too much booze. But also with others because you are not familiar with Thai money. So pay attention to what you give and how much you get back.
4. Jet Ski Scams
Pattaya and Phuket are notorious for this. You rent a jet ski and when you come back from your ride, the rental company will point out scratches and dents on the jet ski. They say you caused it and demand large sums of money. Often accompanied by some threat. Those scratches and dents were of course already on the jet ski and others who were ahead of you have already paid for them. Always choose a jet ski that is undamaged and check this beforehand. In case of problems, call the tourist police immediately. An even better advice: never rent a jet ski!
5. Patpong Sex Show Scams
You will be approached on the street on Patpong with the offer of a free sex show and drinks for only 100 baht each. When you go in you enter a seedy place (usually top floor), you have a drink and want to leave. When you ask for the bill, there is six thousand baht on the bill. Protesting will not help in this case. These are dangerous situations because these Thai opt for gross intimidation and do not shy away from violence. It won't be easy to get out of that. So pay and go. It is better not to go there.
6. Train Station Scams
Outside the train station you will meet official looking people who say they will help you book a seat on the train. They take you to an office near the station and pretend to book a train ticket for you. Then they say the train is full and you can go alone journey by bus or minibus. Right, those buses belong to the organization they work for.
7. Theft on night buses
Watch out for theft and pickpockets during a stopover and bathroom break. Tourists regularly report theft during a night bus ride. Some were even drugged and robbed after waking up.
8. Airport Taxi Scams
Official looking Thai will claim they will arrange a meter taxi to Bangkok for only 500-1000 baht. You pay way too much. The Thai police is cracking down on these types of figures, but it is a persistent problem. Ignore anyone who asks if you want a taxi in the arrivals hall. The official taxis are outside and the taxi drivers are also waiting outside their car.
9. GoGo bar scam
Works well with tourists who have already had a lot of booze. The receipt of your order goes in a (wooden) tube. Every time you order something after that, your order will be added to the receipt. Check that, they often make mistakes and put more lines than you have consumed.
10. Bargirls scam
Ranging from 'I'm pregnant' to my mother/child is sick and needs surgery or she will die. All these forms of fraud are aimed at extorting money from the (sex) tourist. A sleeping pill in your drink also occurs. Once in you hotel room you wake up without your wallet. Be extra careful with freelancers and ladyboys. Leave expensive jewelry at home and put your passport and money in a safe.
General advice
Most decent Thai people don't just approach a foreigner. If you are approached on the street by a complete stranger Thai, you should be wary, especially if they speak reasonable to good English.
Tuk-Tuk drivers and taxi drivers pose an above average risk of fraud. You should always make good arrangements with a Tuk-Tuk driver in advance. Always ask taxi drivers if they turn on the meter, otherwise you will pay too much.
Remember, most scammers are successful because they capitalize on their victims' greed. If something is too good to be true then it is not true. Or you must enjoy fooling yourself.
Tourist police
Always have the number of the tourist police in your mobile (Tourist Police Telephone: 1155) or the installed a new app. The normal police are usually corrupt and that is of little use. Call the tourist police if there are any problems.
When Thai threaten to become aggressive, choose eggs for your money. Even if you are a big strong guy you lose it. Avoid fighting and violence.
Also be wary of Westerners who live in Thailand for a longer period of time.
Profitable businesses and beautiful homes are offered for real friendly prices.
Be completely careful with those who are "cramped for a while" and want to borrow money.
M.vr.gr.
Agree, the biggest chance of being scammed is simply by long-term resident “farang” the so-called expats with their “little businesses”. Also do business with normal companies with a company address, avoid “companies” that try to sell their wares via face book groups, such as car and scooter rental, which are delivered to the hotel. Often fake damage, deposit (partly) gone, ect.
The ordinary Thai will scam you less quickly, in Buddhism there is a good chance that they will return in a "next life" as a cockroach or something 🙂
“Ordinary Thais are less likely to scam you, in Buddhism there is a good chance that they will return in a “next life” as a cockroach or something like that”
Or as “Farang…. imagine 😉
That's why there are so many cockroaches in Thailand
You already give the best tip yourself,
Most decent Thai people don't just approach a foreigner. If you are approached on the street by a complete stranger Thai, you should be wary, especially if they speak reasonable to good English.
Very good this tip, always works, have never been scammed in Thailand for 20 years, I also think it is a good thing that if you go after a country, you read it carefully.
Saw another question on Facebook yesterday, we landed in Bangkok, how can we best get to our hotel 40 kilometers from here.
You won't believe it if you read this these people go on holiday completely disinterested.
True, totally unprepared and not a speck of empathy with the culture.
Example: Sitting in a bar without a t-shirt, and ladies topless on the beach. Totally disrespectful and no booklet or travel guide about Thailand opened.
That seems strong Harry that you have never been scammed in Thailand, Do you like a lady drink
treated for roughly 120 Bath? it must be a drink, but often it is ranja!
Hello Steve,
That is not a scam but wise, you offer them a drink and they receive a fee for that drink, they can certainly decide for themselves what they drink. Fortunately, the realization is also growing in Thailand that the daily use of alcohol can have serious consequences.
Give them their fairy and offer another drink.
Ruud
Do you think this is scammed? Paid often enough, the ladies often say this, as well as the fact that they get 50 baht or something like commission from this drink, no problem, is known information. Can't stand this? then off to a restaurant
That doesn't matter Steve,
Because it remains a lady drink, even if it contains water.
The person who drinks it must feel cheated.
Indeed, if a stranger approaches you, don't respond and move on. Solves everything.
Calling in the tourist police (TAT) is also no guarantee not to be scammed. They often play under the same hat. You rent a jet ski and when you return it they charge an exaggerated damage of 6000 Bath. You bring in the TAT, usually a European who speaks Thai, who negotiates (?) with the landlord a sum of 3000 Bath. Later, TAT and landlord share the proceeds. This story comes from a good acquaintance employed at the TAT.
And please note that we have exchange offices. What happened to me.
We an exchange office I wanted to exchange money but was approached by a Westerner. Did I want to exchange money? Yes was my answer. His story; he was a tourist and was about to go home. He wanted to exchange his too much Baths, but then he got a bad rate. He asks; how much do you want to exchange, i will give you a good rate. A thousand guilders was my answer (it was still in the golden period). I agreed, what could go wrong, he only got my thousand guilders after I had the Baths in my hands.
Looking around constantly, he counted a stack of bills worth a thousand Baths. I counted with suspicion, he wouldn't cheat me. The count started again with looking around again. I watched his hands, fingers, and the number of notes. It couldn't go wrong. The count was correct, but it was counted again. Then, after the third count, he quickly hands the wad of money to me, receives his thousand guilders and immediately disappears into the crowd.
I had made a good deal and wanted to put the wad of money in my pocket, but………and what do I see……….a pile of twenty Bath notes! Of course he had it in his hand all along, but had to wait for a moment of inattention. A thousand guilders, that hurt. I was scammed by a purebred magician and never thought this would happen to me.
Indeed, many tourists travel unprepared. Sometimes they don't even know which place they are staying or which hotel. And when you see how many tourists are sent back at a temple because they are poorly dressed.
when I flew back in October, there were young tourists, dressed in winter clothes, because winter time started in Thailand. Have a good laugh to myself. Thought you'd figure it out.
many tourists also openly show off their money bags. many problems would not be necessary.
By the way, another very important tip: if you have clothes made, have them come to your hotel. If the clothes are not to your liking (which often happens) you can refuse to pay. Security is usually present in a hotel. If you are in their clothing store, you are on your own with often the whole family against you.
When you flew back there were "young tourists who had dressed completely in winter," I think it's an exaggeration that winters, they probably foresee that the temperature will be slightly cooler on arrival than on departure in Bangkok. Seems like sensible people to me.
How else would you know those young people are arriving when you leave?
If you travel by bus, keep an eye on your luggage that is in the hold on every trip.
I experienced that someone had lost his suitcase and had nothing left, there was no point in getting a story from the drivers, they suddenly no longer understood English and just drove away.
Also don't get involved in gambling / poker because that is also a shadowy world.
Also experienced something nice, I wanted to change 7 bath at 1000eleven and asked the girl, while I put the 1000 bath note on the counter, can you change this for me?.
She took the bill from the counter and replaced it with a mars bar and looked at me questioningly.
She probably saw on my face that I was stunned and looked pretty silly because she burst into an unstoppable laugh, of course she still changed the note.
Furthermore, don't throw cigarette butts on the street at Nana in Bangkok because that will cost you 2000 baht and you won't get a receipt in return and don't pay with 1000 baht at a busy gas station because then it can also happen that your change is too little.
Which I have seen several times myself. Mc Donald on the highway from Bangkok to Pattaya.
Bus with tourists makes a stopover. People pop into Mc D's and order from there. Bus driver says in advance that the customers should hurry up, that the bus will leave soon. Customers crowd at the checkout and most pay with 1000 baht (just changed at the airport). Because of the rush they do not pay attention and do not know the money yet. Many then get 500 baht back and only notice in the bus that they have been cheated. Game together with driver? A real shame for Mc D.
The penultimate time I was at Big C in Khon Kaen, I noticed that many packages of cleaned fruit were exactly the same weight.
When I asked to weigh those packages, not all of them turned out to be different in weight, but also all much lighter than indicated.
That made a difference of about 30 percent.
An explanation was given that they weigh the fruit before cleaning and that is what is put on the package as weight.
My comment that what is on the package must be the same as what is inside was only responded with thank you and.
The last time I was there nothing had changed.
Also common in TH. Just buy durian, if you have more waste than fruit you paid for.
What you're saying isn't correct
You pay for the durian not for the contents
In Belgium or the Netherlands in the store you pay for the pomelo, for example, not for the contents, so you have been scammed there, but you don't say anything about it
What you can do is buy the durian that they have already pitted and you will be satisfied
Good evening,
One of the first times I was in Bangkok I was sucked into a clothing store / tailor shop by smooth guys with sweet talk.
I come from the menswear business, so I thought: let those guys do their best.
But when I took a look at the fake buttonholes id sleeves, intermediate and inner lining of the trousers and the jacket of made suits, I was kicked out the door faster than the gentlemen had talked me in. Hahaaaa
Peer
Swindling by your own so-called friends and compatriots is the most common scam practice among Dutch and foreign expats in Thailand.
These natural liars use all means to get money, they go so far as to believe in their lies (Pseudologia phantastica)
The most common lies to get money are;
Borrow some money to pay for insurance.
Borrow some money to pay for the hospital.
Borrow some money to pay school fees for his children.
And so there are a dozen more lies with the aim of getting money, in most cases it concerns amounts between 10,000 and 100,000 Baht.
What they all have in common is the promise to make a refund in the short term, but this will never happen.
The unsuspecting tourist in particular is an easy target, who meet such a person and have already heard so many beautiful stories from him that they lend him some money without any suspicion if he asks for it.
Borrowing money is a risky business in Thailand anyway, the expats are almost all 60+ and need money to make a visa 800,000 Baht and 400,000 Baht for married people, but many do not have this amount and then borrow something from someone. but if this person dies, his Thai wife will not be able to pay it back or will not want to pay it back.
Good and sincere advice do not lend money to anyone.
realist
30 years ago I helped a few young Dutch people on Don Muang who did not have 500 Thb to pay the tourist tax at the airport. Then gave them 2000 Thb for the beasting and some food.
They asked my bank number and would transfer the money in NL. Two days later the money was already transferred. So there may be some confidence.
In the case of No. 5, don't protest, pay the bill and take a good look at the name of the bar at the exit. Then directly to the tourist police who are usually at the beginning of Pat Pong and report it. An agent will walk you back to the bar in question and help you get your money back.
At least that's how it was in the past!
As for 1 to 3, sometimes a foreigner joins in who kindly tells you about what a great man this Thai man is… Many tourists then immediately assume that it is all right, not so!
And in a very gray past I remember stories about tourists who were invited to participate in gambling by means of cards, winning a lot in the beginning and later losing everything (including their own money), a matter of (literally) punched card…
experienced twice in the last month at the official taxi in Suvarnibum airport after pulling a number that the taxis ask a fixed price 2000 bath to Pattaya. Once I arrived I saw that the counter did work, I secretly submitted a cloth and I saw the meter at 1135 bath. Still have to pay the 2000 bath. Fell as good as asleep on the way and was barely able to save himself from crashing into the guardrail….
The resourcefulness of tuk-tuk drivers is something I once again witnessed this year. We got off the skytrain at Saphan Taksim station to take the boat to Ratchawong pier as we had done many times before. Offer us a friendly tuk-tuk tuk driver gave us a ride to our hotel for 1 dollar, without knowing where we were staying. I kindly say back that we take the boat. You won't believe it but he replies that there are no boats because the water is too low. Got him kindly laughed at me and said that I would not let myself be scammed. I must admit that I have already fallen into the trap several times before, without suffering any real (time) loss. I have also approached the street several times to help us, even once two days in a row by the same person, then I also taught him quite a lesson. Afterwards, these are nice anecdotes.
number 3 I know, 7-11 in phuket, bought some and too little money back. Responded properly to this, after which I got the money back which was already in the bra! Cash register was also suddenly defective. Think they just started it and so just gave back, job loss?
Taxi ditto. no meter taxi. From experience I already knew that I had lost 200 baht for the ride with a real driver. now it became 400 bath, no meter taxi, didn't feel like making a lot of noise for this and accepted, too tired. Just don't get a tip.
Also the free taxi to "places of interest". But also know this one from Indonesia. Tour in rickshaw Yogyakarta, but along many shops.
The money exchange trick in Indonesia Bali, but I was awake enough.
Worse is the government, where as an alien you pay much more entrance than a native. Eg Borobodur, Indonesia, there you have a separate entrance for foreigners, air-conditioned and you can sign a logbook, but the price is much higher than the other side where the natives enter.
In Thailand, for example, at a national park, where the price is 5 X higher than a native. My girlfriend paid 40 bath and I as an alien 200 bath. take it or leave it.
Also when buying a colored grass bracelet (changmai), according to a female of about 80 years old, 1 bath, paid with 10 bath and did not receive a refund. I responded, but suddenly she no longer understood English, 555, so what, then eat some of those 9 bath extra. But …. However ! 80 years or so!!
In Indonesia even once paid extra double for a fan. Man how happy that woman was, left immediately, I think to buy food. Afterwards I regret that I had not paid 3 times double. 3x nothing for me, made her 3 times as happy with a …..filled stomach.
Going to sit around a table like that in Pattaya with about 8 girls, of course she wanted to drink, but that was soft drinks! One wanted a beer and asked for it! Thought I was going to be cheated and asked about the bills much later. Immediately all receipts were collected and I could see if they were correct. To my calculations it was correct and had a great evening, girls happy, earned 30 euros and I was happy, cheated ? I do not think so.
Well, with a barmaid, who took an alcoholic snack and did not contain alcohol, tested 555. Well, the price, which didn't matter much either.
Currently acquainted, already 2 years with a sweet Thai wife, ok occasionally ting tong, but have to “fight” to pay something. I feel really burdened sometimes, I've never been pampered by a woman. She has a good job, but still.
This phenomenon - for over 25 years! actually only occurs in the tourist-only night buses from KhaoSarn rd/BKK-or there. Virtually never-say never in TH-on the official government-controlled buses-always blue/white with major line/bus numbers on the side, which only depart from major bus stations.
Yes - the best thing is indeed, as so many have already agreed, NEVER go in or even listen to too good English speaking persons on the street at almost any major tourist spot. No, it's not rude to ignore completely.
I got off in front of a tuk tuk driver in Central Bangkok hotel. I have to go to the hospital there and there. Oh… 1000 bath.
I say fine, hand me the keys but then I'll drive there myself in my new tuk tuk.
No, that was not the intention. What I wanted to give him. I said I had no idea. 200 bath. OK… seems reasonable to me.
It was a lot faster than the taxi, I admit, but on the way back I was in a taxi (meter), had air conditioning and was ready for 64 baht. Oh yeah. The next day he was there again and told me that the taxi was a lot cheaper. Walked to the road, hailed the first taxi, he shouted something to the driver and he stepped on the gas and was gone. He laugh. I laugh.
Walked a bit from the hotel and still got into a taxi.
Incidentally, sometimes with suitcases and already loaded in the taxi when he refused to turn on the meter to the airport. I said JOET (stop). He stopt. The next one took me on the meter.
It's a matter of live and let live, but you don't have to take everything.
My dyed-in-the-wool Thai wife; knows most tricks and acts rather harshly against scammers.
Slamming the taxi door and shouting at the taxi driver to keep the money for the door repair is one of the things she has ever done.
We always give a tip of 100 baht to taxi drivers who treat us correctly.
But wherever possible we avoid taxis.
Paid 1 time at the 7 / 11 with 1000 baht where I did indeed get too little back.
The male cashier was clearly angry when I said something about it and opened the cash register to show that there was only a 500 baht note inside and no 1000 baht note.
Those 1000 baht notes were of course under the drawer.
At that moment you can of course no longer prove that you paid with a 1000 baht note.
It is probably best to tell the cashier beforehand.
Often they say so themselves the note you pay with.
My first time thailand 15 years ago with my brother and our wives on koh chang for a week. Walked into a 7 the first day, bought something for 200/300 baht, paid with 1000 baht and got 500 back. So made a fuss, the cashier insisted that I had only paid 500 but not accepted. The manager was called in, he would check the greenhouse in the evening, if I could come by again the next morning.
The next morning I walk in and without a word or apology I got my missing 500 baht back.
THB 100 tip for a taxi ride? That generally seems absurd to me in the city, given the average price of the ride itself. In this way you contribute to the increasingly higher expectations of the drivers. Know that many tuk-tuk drivers no longer even take Thai people to places where many foreigners hang around. They would rather wait for some high-paying foreigners than drive for a few Tbh for locals. So keep it very moderate EVERYWHERE with tipping, etc. It ruins the “climate” for other travelers, but also for the locals
Is Koen correct about that gambling.
In the early 90s you were approached on beachroad to gamble (cards)
To drain you completely at the end of the card.
I stepped in to go along.
But when they said now you have to put in your own money I left.
Or rather, I was brought back by scooter from the darkside to beachroad.
I was a kid then.
Now a seasoned Thailand goer.
The funniest thing was the time we went from the airport to our hotel in Bangkok by taxi and I kept insisting that he turn on his meter, until the driver got so angry that I had to determine the amount myself. No sooner said than done. On arrival I decided what I paid. (roughly knew the amount from previous rides)
The worst case of fraud is allowed by the government
Foreigners who have to pay 10 times more for an income ticket
Even hospitals are allowed to ask double
You can be scammed in every street, for example at a fruit stall
Taxi no meter ?? Easy to get out
Agree. Don't turn on a meter? Stop immediately, get out and then leave the door open. Do they have to get out themselves? An eye for an eye, a tooth for... Wonderful to see that evil look...
Another tip when checking out, always ask for a proof of the bill at 0.
Have it happened in Thailand Beijing and America that credit card was charged afterwards.
With a proof you can inform the hotel and you will receive a refund of the wrongly charged amount on your credit card.
I experienced something like that in Chiang Rai.
The bill was adjusted manually. And they didn't want to give the excess back.
Went to the tourist police and it was straight up. When I got back to the hotel, the manager's secretary came and looked at the bill and went to get the money
In Chang Mai the same thing happened with a tour operator, with the difference that he had to pay me 1000 bht in addition to a refund of the tour price.
The tourist police thought the 1000bht was reasonable.
The operator protested strongly but still had to pay
Ben
The technology stands for nothing:
Last February, late in the evening, I did some shopping at the Family Mart on the corner,
where I came almost every day.
The regular cashier, who greeted me warmly when I came in, was in a cheerful mood with her colleague
when I wanted to pay.
I gave a 1000 Bht note. (the only thing I had left in the cut), and got back 500 Bht.
Of course I said this was wrong.
She immediately turned to her colleague (I suspect her superior), who immediately looked at her computer screen
checked the transaction and agreed with me.
What turned out? There are cameras above the counters (which you as a customer never see) and she could see on the spot
what money is handed over/returned.
I left the store with a hearty smile, after her thousands of apologies,
I was still able to sleep well that night.
Tip!! Always pay for your drink immediately in a bar to avoid mistakes...
Regards Jan.
I searched for Tourist Police I Lert U, this app was made for the old version of Anroid.
Can someone please tell me which app is currently in use for the Thai tourist police
I actually experienced that gogo bar scam differently once.
So I ordered a beer, but no receipt came. They just forgot about me? I then put 100 Baht in my empty glass before I walked out the door.