Thailand

Thailand Scams – The 9 Worst Scams you Need To Know About!

Watch Out for These Thailand Scams!

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Thailand scams have been around for a long time, and any well-traveled individual knows that when traveling to any foreign country you are bound to be a target for all types of scams. Thailand is no different, they just seem to do it very passively and with a smile.

There are various scams in Thailand, and knowing how to avoid them might save you money and time, because some of these “scams” are more of a nuisance than anything else.

Read this article thoroughly before venturing out into this country.

Here are the top 9 Thailand scams and how to avoid them.

Taxi Scam

The famous Thai taxi scam. Not a huge thing to watch out for as you will probably take a GRAB (the Asian UBER) Meaning you will be able to see exactly what your trip will cost you before you get into the vehicle.

Just know that the GPS on this app is terrible and you might end up a few blocks away from your destination. So make sure you communicate with the driver with your translating device.

If you decide to take a taxi, here is what to watch for. Most taxi drivers will put a hat on the meter telling you it’s broken… Seems like all meters are broken in Thailand when it comes to foreigners. True Story!

So, if you take a taxi, never accept a flat rate as it might be 200-300 Baht more than you should be paying. As soon as you get into the taxi, make sure you can see the meter and tell the driver to turn it on. If he/she does not turn it on, politely leave.

Beware of the “long-distance taxi” scam as well. It’s very common in Thailand. This is when a taxi driver will offer to take you to a certain destination, but then take you on a long detour and charge you more money.

Tuk Tuk Scam

Know as one of the most annoying Bangkok scams…the Tuk Tuks! Getting around Bangkok may seem cheap at first until you add up all the 100/200 Baht rides you took, especially when it comes to Tuk Tuks as they charge a flat rate, not only that, these drivers will purposely waste your time for their benefit.

They will bring you their “friends” place to sell you an expensive suit, and In exchange, they seem to get these food and gas coupons simply to bring you to these random places. (it’s very frustrating)

If you did not buy anything at the first place, they will beg to bring you to another spot and another and another! I once spent 45 minutes going in circles with this Tuk Tuk driver in Bangkok. I eventually ran away and took a GRAB.

Don’t get me wrong, Tuk Tuks are cool and all, but if you value your time, get a GRAB.

Floating Market Scam

If you’re heading to a floating market, do your research as some of these floating markets can only be accessible by boat, especially the Damean Saduak floating market. This boat tour is not cheap either, it’s around 3000 Baht for a two-hour ride.

If you do end up at one of these markets, do not accept the rate because the taxi company who brought you there is getting a piece of the pie. (referral fee) Bargain your way down to around 1000 Baht.

Note as well that the taxi driver will bring you directly to the port to grab a boat and not tell you about the main entrance to the market.

Do not get caught in this scam as it usually equals an expensive day. Ask the driver to bring you to the entrance of the market, if he keeps playing stupid, tell him to take you to your hotel. Stand your ground if you get caught in this situation.

If you want to visit some floating markets and not get scammed, here are a few tours I recommend.

In order to not get scammed into paying CRAZY fees, here's a tour I recommend Chatuchak Tour

The Grand Palace is "closed" scam

This is one of my favorite Thai scams. Here’s how it works. Local Thai scammers will stand out in front of The Grand Palace and tell you that it’s closed, saying “there’s a special event happening today”.

They will then say “I take you to a better temple” only to bring you around Bangkok for hours with no end in sight and make you visit every suit store there is, in order to get coupons for fuel and food. Don’t listen to anyone outside the palace walls unless they try to sell you elephant pants. The guards will not let you in without a pair of pants. Do not try to enter in shorts they will stop you cold in your tracks.

Jetski Scam

This is probably one of the most expensive Phuket scams. If you rent a jet ski, take pictures of it before entering the water and make sure there are no dents, scratches, etc…

Because once the jet ski is in the water, you are liable for any damage. Once you return the jet ski beware of the sales guy, he will most likely try to scam you one way or another by finding one small scratch. Note: not all jet ski renters are scammers.

The best way to avoid this scam while in Phuket is to have a Thai friend there with you in case any miscommunication happens. Do not fall victim to this Thai scam.

Ping Pong show scam

Sexy girls! Drinks 200 Baht, free entry! Be prepared to hear this over and over as your approach the shows.

If you’re thinking of checking out a world-famous Ping Pong show. Here are a few things to know.

If you’re walking down let’s say… Bangla Road in Patong and someone says “sexy girls for you upstairs” NEVER go upstairs when asked in Thailand. Always stay on the bottom floors. If you do end up upstairs at a Ping Pong show, just know that it will be expensive. Make sure to ask these questions, how much are the drinks, is there a show fee and is there an exit fee, because when it’s time to leave you will be ready.

When trying to leave these shows, your bill might come up to 3000 Baht and you will be forced to pay the fee by some big tough greasy looking guys that are ready and waiting to take your money.

Last but not least, do not go alone in these places. As tempting as it seems!

Fake Monk Scam

The “fake monk” scam is also common in Thailand. This is when a person dressed as a monk will approach you and ask for money. They may also offer to bless you or give you a “lucky charm” in exchange for money.

The friendly person scam

This applies anywhere in the world. If ever you get approached on the street by some very friendly person trying to sell you a tour or anything else, just know that they are getting a kickback. Thailand seems to revolve around referrals for everything and there’s nothing wrong with that, just be aware of it.

Thai Bar girl Scams

If you are a single guy in Thailand, this one is hard to avoid. As you walk down any busy party street in Thailand (Bangla road, Patpong, etc…), you will be get pounced on by all these women who want to drag you into the bars. So if a young lady in tight hot pants approaches you, feel free to join her, but just know that you will be paying for her time and drinks.

Second, they might just be sex workers trying to get you to take them back to your hotel. So, just keep walking unless you want to be stuck paying a bill you did not intend on paying.

What to do if you do get scammed

If you do fall victim to one of these scams there’s not much you can do, the best thing I can tell you to do is to keep your cool and keep walking. You do not want to make a scene in Thailand.

As a Buddhist country, making any kind of scene in public will only make you look stupid.

You are now all set and ready to experience Thailand feeling safe and educated.

Comment below to let me know if you encountered any of these scams.

Comment below if you were ever a victim of any local scams listed in this article.

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