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Thailand is famous for being a friendly country, the land of smiles. Thai people are very hospitable, open and enthusiastic. However, travelers should still be mindful of common scams that could drain their wallets. To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, here are some of the most “sophisticated” tricks to watch out for during your visit.
This is one of the oldest and most common scams in Thailand. However, it still works well on unsuspecting tourists.
The scam starts with the tuk-tuk driver telling the tourist that the Grand Palace is closed for the day and offering to take them to other attractions. It ends with the tourist being taken to a gem or jewelry store where the products are sold at very high prices.
How to avoid it: Double-check the information with the staff at the site or consult Google. Remember that the Grand Palace rarely closes without prior notice. Stick to your original plans.
The “Closed Grand Palace” is one of the most common scams in Thailand. Source: Matt’s Next Steps
Tuk-tuks are fun, but be careful if a driver offers a very cheap tour. They might take you to shops where they get money if you buy something. These shops might try to make you buy things you don't want.
How to avoid it: Negotiate and agree on the price before starting the journey. Alternatively, use ridesharing apps like Grab, which offer clear pricing and reliable service.
Tuk-tuks are fun, but be careful if a driver offers a very cheap tour. Source: Matt’s Next Steps
Taxis are the most popular means of transport for international visitors to Thailand. The cost of this type of vehicle is not expensive if the driver follows the meter. However, not all drivers are honest like that, some taxi drivers might not want to use the meter and instead ask for a high set price for the ride.
How to avoid it: Before getting into a taxi, make sure the driver agrees to follow the meter. In case the driver suddenly stops the meter mid-ride, stay calm and take a photo of their information, and threaten to call the police. Most drivers will be scared and quote a reasonable price.
The cost of a taxi is not expensive if the driver follows the meter. Source: www.thailand.go
Jet skiing is a great experience in Phuket and Pattaya. However, visitors may be charged extra for scratches and dents that may have been caused by the wrongful accusation, even if the damage was already there.
How to avoid it: To avoid losing money, tourists must take photos of scratches and damage immediately upon rental. Opt for reputable rental companies, and never hand over your passport - use a photocopy instead.
Jet skiing is a great experience in Phuket and Pattaya. Source: Private Boat Rental Phuket
This is a common scam in places like Pat Pong. The scammer promises to take you to a bar with cheap drinks and a free show. However, you end up paying an exorbitant bill, the drinks are expensive, and the show is not free as originally advertised.
How to avoid it: You should avoid these offers or stick to the first floor of the bar.
Cheap Bar Scam is a common scam. Source: Tripadvisor
When traveling to Thailand, you need to be wary of counterfeit money. When you pay with paper money, if you are not careful, the seller will trick you into saying that it is counterfeit. While you are not paying attention, the seller will take your money away, claiming to check it, and then replace it with a counterfeit bill.
How to avoid it: You should know how to identify real and counterfeit money, exchange foreign currency at authorized counters, and not at small establishments on the street.
When traveling to Thailand, you need to be wary of counterfeit money. Source: Laotian Times
This money-losing trick often occurs at travel agencies and shops on Khao San Road in Thailand. They will sell extremely expensive items and advertise that these are genuine Thai products. In reality, the products on sale are just fake or poor quality goods.
How to avoid it: If you want to buy items as gifts for friends and relatives, they must be very careful. Especially, you should consider the price, item, origin, and brand value before deciding to pay.
In reality, the products on sale are just fake or poor quality goods. Source: Vnexpress
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Pickpocketing is very common in Thailand, particularly in crowded tourist areas such as markets, temples, and transportation hubs. The scam involves thieves stealing money, passports, and other valuables from unsuspecting tourists.
How to avoid it: Keep valuables close to your body, use an anti-theft bag or concealed money belt. Be alert in crowded places, avoid carrying items in back pockets and do not display your possessions.
Pickpocketing is very common in Thailand. Source: Men's Journal
The scammers will approach and ask where the tourists are going and pretend to be "nice" to take you to the ticket counter. Next, they will show concern, be anxious and inform you that your train is sold out. Finally, they will suggest you to book a taxi for a cheaper price than taking the train. However, when you arrive at your destination, the driver will ask for a fare many times higher than the agreed price at that time. In case you do not agree, they will become aggressive and irritable, making you panic and have to pay.
How to avoid it: Buy tickets directly at the main counter or book through the official website, avoid asking strangers. If you need a taxi, use the Grab/Bolt app to ensure transparent pricing.
Scam at Hua Lamphong Train Station. Source: Linkedln
Final Tips for Staying Scam Smart. Source: Visasnews
Unfortunately, even the most cautious travelers can fall victim to scams. If this happens to you, here are steps you can take to report the incident, protect yourself, and potentially recover your losses:
What to Do if You’ve Been Scammed in Thailand. Source: TourRadar
Thailand is a wonderful country to explore. Just keep these tips in mind to avoid scams. This way, you can have a great time without any worries.
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