Unfortunately, scams are rampant in Thailand as well as many other well-known tourist locations throughout the globe. It is crucial that travelers be aware of these con games and take precautions to avoid becoming their victims.
Keep in mind though that most of these scams are very harmless. Worst case scenario, you would lose $100 – often times less. Nontheless, it can be helpful to know about the different Thailand scams ahead of time.
The following list of frequent scams in Thailand is accompanied by advice on how to avoid them:
1. Taxi scams: Overcharging tourists or leading them on excessively lengthy trips to raise the cost are two popular taxi scams in Thailand. This may be prevented by setting a fare with the driver before boarding the vehicle, or by using a ride-hailing app like Grab or Gojek.
2. Scams involving gems: Untrustworthy sellers who offer visitors the chance to purchase jewels at a discount are a frequent occurrence in Thailand. Most of the time, these stones are of low grade and are not worth the price. It is recommended to always acquire gems from reliable sellers and to do some research on the value of the stones prior to making a purchase in order to prevent this scam.
3. Scam tours: Some tour companies in Thailand could provide costly tours or excursions that fall short of what is promised. Before booking a trip, it is a good idea to do some research on the tour operator and read traveler reviews to prevent this.
4. Scams involving ATMs: Thieves connect devices to ATMs in Thailand in order to siphon card data and PINs. This fraud is known as ATM skimming. Use ATMs located in banks or other respectable businesses to prevent this, and keep an eye out for any strange equipment that may be linked to the ATM.
5. Scams using tuk-tuks: Drivers of tuk-tuks may deceive visitors by promising to transport them to a certain destination for a cheap fare, only to have them stop at a store or other attraction along route and pressure them into spending a lot of money. Before boarding the tuk-tuk, it is a good idea to agree on a fee and route to prevent this.
6. “Friendly” offers: Some scams in Thailand include con artists approaching visitors and making friendly or helpful offers before attempting to steal money or valuables from them. For instance, someone may promise to take a visitor to an inexpensive restaurant or shop only to deliver them there instead of the advertised location. It is essential to be wary of people who approach you and offer assistance or friendship, as well as to do independent research on the finest locations to buy and dine, in order to prevent this.
7. “Free” massages: Offering free massages or other services before charging excessive prices is another fraud common in Thailand. It is advisable to only utilize recognized massage studios or spas and to come to an agreement on a fee before taking any services to prevent this.
8. “Official” fees: In certain scams in Thailand, perpetrators act as officials, staff members of a government organization, or representatives of a utility provider and demand payment for a purported charge or fine. Before paying anything, it is a good idea to check the validity of the person and the price they are asking for in order to prevent this.
9. “Original” souvenirs: Some souvenir vendors in Thailand may attempt to pass off counterfeit or inferior goods as precious or authentic. It is advisable to do market research on the things you are interested in purchasing and to only buy from reliable sellers in order to prevent this.
10. “Accidental” spills: In Thailand, it’s typical for someone to accidentally spill something on a visitor before demanding money for the harm or threatening to make a scene if they don’t comply. To prevent this, it’s a good idea to be wary of anybody who contacts you in this way and to firmly decline payment if you suspect fraud.
11. Overcharging tourists “accidentally”: Some Thai business owners may attempt to overcharge visitors for products or services by either charging more than the agreed-upon amount or by providing the wrong change. To prevent this, it’s a good idea to understand the price beforehand and double-check your change to make sure you’re getting the right amount.
12. “Exclusive” offers: Some scams in Thailand include persons promising visitors exclusive discounts or bargains, only to subsequently demand more cash or put pressure on the visitor to make a costly purchase. It is a good idea to do your own research on the worth of the goods or services being given in order to prevent this, and to be wary of anybody who approaches you with a “exclusive” offer.
13. Selling fraudulent tickets to tourist destinations or events is a common tactic used in certain scams in Thailand. To prevent this, it is wise to only buy tickets from dependable vendors and to be aware of anybody promoting tickets at steep discounts.
14. “Exceptional” services: Some scams in Thailand include con artists promising visitors special services or treatments before subsequently demanding money or pressuring the visitor to make a pricey purchase. It is a good idea to do your own research on the worth of the goods or services being given in order to prevent this, and to be wary of anybody who approaches you with a “exclusive” offer.
15. “Fake” police: One typical scam in Thailand includes con artists posing as police or other government representatives and requesting money for a purported infraction or punishment. Always carry identification with you to prevent this, and if a police approaches you and demands money, ask to see their identity. You might even request to travel to a police station to deal with the situation if you are skeptical about the officer’s authenticity.
16. “Phony” visas: People in Thailand who promise to assist visitors in obtaining fake visas or other papers are the subject of another scam. It is wise to only seek visas and other papers via authorized routes in order to prevent this, and to exercise caution when dealing with anybody who promise to assist you in obtaining documents illegally.
17. “Fake” charity: In certain scams in Thailand, con artists pose as representatives of charities or other nonprofit groups and solicit gifts from unsuspecting foreigners. It is advisable to investigate organizations before making a gift in order to prevent this, and you should be suspicious of anybody who approaches you and asks for money.
18. “Fake” monks: In certain scams, perpetrators in Thailand pose as monks in order to elicit money from visitors. It is a good idea to be wary of anybody who approaches you and requests a contribution in order to prevent this from happening. You should also be aware that genuine monks in Thailand do not seek for money from visitors.
19. “Fake” ticket touts: In certain scams in Thailand, individuals who pose as ticket touts sell phony or exorbitantly priced entrance tickets to tourist sites or events. To prevent this, it is wise to only buy tickets from dependable vendors and to be aware of anybody promoting tickets at steep discounts. If a ticket tout approaches you, it is better to respectfully ignore their offer and do your own research on the most effective manner to get tickets.
20. “Fake” guides: In certain scams in Thailand, con artists pose as tour guides and offer to take victims on excursions or show them about a specific area. These advisors could push visitors into making pricey purchases or demand extravagant prices in exchange for their services. Use only respected tour companies to prevent this, and be wary of anybody who approaches you with an offer to be your guide.
You may help guarantee that your vacation to Thailand is pleasurable and free of unpleasant surprises by being aware of some typical scams and taking precautions to protect yourself.
Always be wary of anybody who approaches you with an offer or a request; if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. It is wise to inform the authorities or a reliable body, such your embassy, if you come across a scam or believe that you are the victim of one.