Tourist Scams In Thailand

Tourist Scams In Thailand
Alyssandra Raiza
Alyssandra Raiza 
Updated
| 6 min read

Thailand boasts gorgeous beaches, breathtaking architectural wonders, warm and welcoming locals, as well as a rich history and culture. It is little wonder that it remains one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia. Traveling to Thailand is indeed exciting, but, in addition to planning all the activities and sights to enjoy, you should also educate yourself about the different tourist scams and take precautions to avoid them. Visiting Thailand soon? Be sure to check out our list of the most common tourist scams, to help you keep safe during your trip!

1. Jet-ski scam

Jet ski scam
Source: Pixabay

Jet-skiing is a popular activity in Thailand, particularly in Phuket. However, this also makes it easy for unknowing visitors to be taken advantage of. One of the most notorious scams in Phuket is the jet-ski scam. This is usually done by a local who hires out jet-skis to tourists.

Once the jet-ski is returned by the renter, the jet-ski owner will angrily accuse the renter of causing damage to the jet-ski, not letting them know that the jet-ski may have already been previously damaged. The owner will then demand the renter to pay to have the damages repaired, threatening to call the police - who may sometimes even be in on the scam! The best way to avoid this scam is to enjoy other activities instead. However, if you really must go jet-skiing, be sure to check the body of the jet-ski for any damage before renting it!

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2. Bird food scam

Bird food scam
Source: Maxipixel

When visiting the Grand Palace, one of Thailand’s most popular destinations, you should definitely be wary of the bird food scam. This is usually done by a scammer who will come up to you, forcibly grab your hand, pour bird seed onto your palm, and then urge you to scatter it on the ground. Should you decline, the scammer will insist that it is an auspicious gesture and totally free. Of course, once you scatter enough bird seed, the scammer will then insist that you pay for the seeds.

They may also be working with accomplices, who will also insist that this is done by everyone at the site. The only way to keep yourself from falling prey to this scam is to firmly reject offers to feed the birds and calmly walk away.

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3. Tailor scam

Sampeng Lane, Chinatown
Source: Photo by Flickr user Fabio Achilli used under CC BY 2.0

Thailand is also known for its gorgeous textiles and fashionable clothes at affordable prices. However, you should definitely be careful of the tailor scam - another common scam in Thailand’s tourist hot spots. Typically, unsuspecting victims are approached by someone claiming to be selling clothes made of high-quality textiles, at prices much lower than those sold in retail stores. After the victim pays upfront, they are given shoddy, ill-fitting clothes made of much lower quality textiles.

Some known scam tailor shops include Nakorn Sawan Collection (or Vasana), Ram Fashion International, and B.B. Fashion (or Thai Fashion). The best way to avoid this scam, of course, is to do your research before ordering tailor-made clothes in Thailand. Should a local offer you this service, you can also insist that you will not be paying the full amount upfront.

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4. Gem scam

Gems in a shop in Mae Sot (Thailand)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user User: Asfintesco... used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Gem/jewelry enthusiasts often visit Thailand for its great finds. Unfortunately, there are also scammers looking to take advantage of those with an interest in gems. The gem scam is one of the most reported in recent years, according to local officials. This is usually done by taxi drivers who will offer to take you to a jewelry shop for little to no fare. The driver and the shop owner will then try to sell you the gems, which are fake or grossly overpriced.

Taxi drivers involved in this scam receive a commission when their victims are convinced to buy. To protect yourself from this scam, be sure about the value of any gems that you are considering buying. If you are not knowledgeable enough or if the offer seems too good to be true, you should probably decline it.

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5. Tuk-tuk scam

Chiang-Mai Thailand Tuk-Tuk-01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user CEphoto, Uwe Aranas used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Tuk-tuks are one of the main forms of transport in Thailand. Tuk-tuk drivers are generally friendly and accommodating, but there are some looking to take advantage of travelers always looking for a discount! Some of the most common tuk-tuk scams include drivers purposefully taking you far from your destination and then charging exorbitant fees to take you back. Others will even try to sell fake bus tickets and hotel bookings, claiming these are discounted!

To protect yourself from these scams, be sure to carefully research and plan your itinerary - know where you want to go and how much it costs - before you even get to Thailand.

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6. Extra bills scam

Pattaya-Nightclub
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user en:Mjanich used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

The extra bills scam is common in Pattaya, which is popular for its nightlife and bar scene. Typically, this is done in nightclubs, where customers are given a new bill, placed in a bucket at the side of the table, every time they order a drink. Should you get too inebriated or distracted, some servers may put extra bills in your bucket without you noticing!

While you should definitely not let this scam keep you from having a good time, it would be wise to avoid falling victim to it by paying close attention to your order and what your total should be. You should also request to pay after each order, instead of having the staff give you multiple bills per visit.

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7. Spiked drinks

Drinking in Pattaya
Source: Photo by user lynhdan used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Another scam that is common in nightclubs is drink spiking. This type of scam is especially dangerous. Anyone, from attractive women at the bar to the staff themselves, can slip a sleeping pill into your drink without your knowledge. Once you are knocked out by the pill, they will take all of your belongings. To avoid this, it is important for you not to leave your drinks unattended or to accept any drinks that were not prepared in front of you. Your safety should be your priority, even when partying!

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8. Tour agency scam

Street scene in Chinatown. Thanon Yaowarat, Bangkok, Thailand
Source: Photo by user Nicolas Lannuzel used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Though it is much easier to plan a trip with the help of a tour agency, you should also be careful about the agencies you trust. Several tour agencies, especially those along famous streets or close to local attractions, have been known to scam thousands of tourists every year! They offer tours and accommodation at unusually low prices, which actually turn out to be of very poor quality. They also sell transport tickets at inflated prices.

To avoid falling prey to this scam, be sure to check whether the tour agency is licensed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. You should also avoid taking recommendations from tuk-tuk drivers or agents on the street and instead consult hotel staff and official websites.

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9. Bar/café scam

Walking street,pattaya,THAILAND - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Biswajit Majumdar used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Young, male solo travelers, in particular, have been the target of the bar/cafe scam. Men are randomly approached by an attractive local and invited for coffee or drinks. They are then coaxed into ordering plenty of drinks and, when the bill arrives, the girl flees. Guys who refuse are often intimidated by a group of large, burly men into paying the bill.

Though you should try and meet new people on your trip, you should also avoid falling prey to these scams. It would be best to refuse these invitations, but if you want to take a chance, be sure to leave your valuables in your hotel, secured with safety measures. Also, try to leave some money in a spare wallet, which you can give when threatened.

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10. Pickpockets

Pick pocket
Source: Photo by user AntoineMeu used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Pickpockets can be found in almost every country, including Thailand! Some of the most notorious places for pickpockets in Thailand include Pratunam Market and Chinatown - popular locations that draw in crowds. Pickpockets often work in gangs, spotting targets and surrounding them.

To avoid being a victim of pickpocketing, it is best to avoid visiting popular attractions at peak times. Though, if you must, be sure to remain alert at all times. Leave your valuables at the hotel and carry a photocopy of your passport, instead of your actual one. You can also use anti-theft bags and pouches. Finally, be sure to invest in travel insurance.

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Keeping safe in Thailand

Thailand is undoubtedly a wonderful place to visit and even though there are people who take advantage of tourists here, this should not put a damper on your trip! As long as you remain vigilant and do your research beforehand, you should be able to keep safe and enjoy your trip to Thailand without a hitch!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Aly is an ever-curious wanderer who enjoys constantly learning and exploring the world. With more than five years of experience as a travel writer based in Manila, she enjoys writing about her...Read more

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