No one wants to have their vacation disrupted by unexpected disturbances or scams. While Thailand is generally safe, tourists should still be cautious of common scams and pickpockets. We actually saw a few of these happen to tourists during our trip, but thankfully we were prepared and knew what to look out for. Below are the most common scams in Thailand to look out for so you can be prepared before visiting!
1. Tuk-tuk Scam in Thailand
Riding a tuk-tuk is a fun experience that many tourists look forward to in their trips. However if you aren’t careful you might fall prey to one of the most common scams in Thailand. Tuk-tuk drivers may offer to take you on a city tour at an exceptionally low price. However, these tours often include stops at shops where the driver receives a commission. Tuk-tuk drivers may also quote inflated prices, especially if they sense that you’re a tourist. It’s essential to negotiate the fare before starting the ride. In some areas, you can even use ride-hailing apps like Grab to book tuk-tuks. This is what we did since the fare is locked and you see it beforehand!
2. Taxi Scams in Thailand
Some taxi drivers may refuse to use the meter or insist on a fixed fare, which is often higher than the metered rate. Insist on using the meter or agree on a fare before starting the journey. At airports, there may be individuals posing as taxi drivers who approach travelers in the terminal. Always use official airport taxi services and avoid accepting rides from unauthorized individuals. Stick to official taxi stands or use reputable ride-hailing apps. Also consider using Grab, Thailand’s version of Uber. By using Grab, the price is already set and there is no need to haggle or negotiate. We found Grab to be an extremely easy to use and cost effective way to get around.
3. Grand Palace/Closed Attraction Scam in Thailand
This is probably one of the most popular scams in Thailand. Outside popular attractions like the Grand Palace in Bangkok, scammers may tell you that the attraction is closed for the day due to a holiday, special event, or other reason. To compensate for the alleged closure, the scammers suggest alternative tours or destinations that are often less known and might include gem shops, tailor stores, or other places where they earn commissions.
Once redirected to these alternative places, you may face high-pressure sales tactics to make purchases. Common scams include overpriced gemstones, tailor-made clothing, or other goods. We actually encountered this scam when we were walking up to the Grand Palace during our visit, but thanks to the research we had done beforehand we recognized that it was a scam early on.
4. Gem Scam in Thailand
In this scam, friendly locals offer seemingly lucrative deals on gems and jewelry, often selling low-quality or fake items. Tourists are often approached by seemingly friendly locals, often claiming to be students or working in the tourism industry. The scammers then recommend visiting a gem shop, claiming it’s a special promotion day or a limited-time opportunity for tourists.
Once inside the gem shop, you are subjected to high-pressure sales tactics. The scammers may present gems and jewelry, claiming they are of high quality and offered at a discounted price. To add legitimacy, the scammers might show fake certificates of authenticity or valuation reports. Those who decide to make a purchase end up paying exorbitant prices for gems that are often of low quality or, in some cases, entirely fake. Once tourists realize they’ve been scammed, attempting to get a refund becomes extremely challenging. The gem shop might have a “no refund” policy, and even if a refund is promised, it is rarely honored.
5. Jet Ski and Scooter Scams in Thailand
These scams occur in popular beach destinations like Phuket. When you rent one of their vehicles, the tour company will demand your passport and/or a deposit fee as collateral. When you return it, the scammers will claim you damaged the vehicle and will keep your items until you pay a fine. Some agencies will also keep extra keys for stealing scooters locked outside tourist sites, with the goal of getting tourists to pay a replacement fee for the theft. If you decide to rent jet skis or scooters, make sure to do research to ensure you are using a reputable company, and document the vehicles for prior damage.
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