Thailand

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

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“Common Scams in Thailand to Watch Out For

Let’s be real—scams exist everywhere, and Thailand is no exception. But here’s the thing: Thailand scams are often served with a friendly smile, making them sneakier than you’d expect! If you’re a seasoned traveler, you already know that stepping into any foreign country puts a target on your back for all sorts of scams.

The good news? Most Thailand scams are more of an inconvenience than a real threat, but knowing how to spot them can save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.

So before you hit the streets of Bangkok or the beaches of Phuket, read this article carefully. Here are the top 9 Thailand scams and how to avoid them like a pro!

Taxi Scam

The Infamous Thai Taxi Scam – Because “Broken Meters” Are Apparently a Thing!

When it comes to Thailand scams, the taxi scam is a classic. But honestly? It’s not the biggest concern—because you’ll probably be using Grab (aka the Asian Uber). With Grab, you see the price before you hop in, so no surprises. The only downside? The app’s GPS is awful—so don’t be shocked if you end up a few blocks away from your actual destination. Just have your translator app ready and double-check with the driver.

Now, if you do take a regular taxi, here’s what you need to know:

🚨 Most taxi drivers will conveniently cover the meter with a hat and tell you it’s “broken.” (Seriously, do all taxi meters in Thailand break at the same time?) True story!

🚨 Never agree to a flat rate—it’s usually 200-300 Baht more than what you should be paying.

🚨 The second you get in, check that meter and tell the driver to turn it on. If they refuse? Smile, say “no thanks,” and get out.

🚨 Watch out for the “long-distance taxi” scam, where the driver takes you on a mystery tour of Thailand before finally dropping you off—at a much higher price, of course.

Moral of the story? Thailand scams are sneaky but avoidable. Grab is your best bet, but if you must take a taxi, stay sharp, know your price, and don’t fall for the “broken meter” routine!

The Tuk Tuk Scam

The Infamous Tuk-Tuk Scam – Because Apparently, You Need a Suit?!

When people talk about Thailand scams, one of the most annoying in Bangkok has to be the Tuk-Tuk trap. At first, hopping in one of these little three-wheeled rides seems like a cheap and fun way to get around—until you realize those 100-200 Baht rides add up fast. And the worst part? The drivers aren’t just after your fare—they’re also after your time.

Here’s how it goes:

➡️ You hop in, thinking you’re headed to your destination.

➡️ Next thing you know, you’re at some random tailor shop, where a “friend” tries to sell you an overpriced suit.

➡️ The driver? Oh, he’s just collecting free gas or food coupons for bringing you there.

And if you don’t buy anything? Well, buckle up, because he’ll beg to take you to another spot… then another… then another. I once spent 45 minutes going in circles before finally ditching the Tuk-Tuk and calling a Grab.

Look, Tuk-Tuks look cool for the “Gram”, but if you actually value your time and sanity, just use Grab. Trust me—this is one of those Thailand scams that’s not worth the hassle!

The Floating Market Scam

Floating Market Scam – Because Paying 3,000 Baht for a Boat Ride Ain’t It!

Floating markets in Thailand? Super cool. Getting scammed at one? Not so much. This is one of those Thailand scams that can turn a fun cultural experience into a ridiculously expensive day—if you’re not prepared.

Here’s the deal: Some floating markets, like Damnoen Saduak, are only accessible by boat. Sounds fun, right? Until you realize they’re charging you 3,000 Baht for a two-hour ride. But here’s the sneaky part—the taxi driver who brought you there is in on it. They take you straight to a private pier instead of the actual market entrance, because they’re getting a cut of the boat fee. (Yep, referral kickbacks are alive and well in Thailand!)

How to avoid this scam:

🚫 Never accept the first boat price—haggle it down to 1,000 Baht or less.

🚫 Tell your taxi driver to take you to the market entrance, NOT the private pier.

🚫 If they act confused or refuse? Call their bluff and tell them to take you back to your hotel.

This is one of the most common Thailand scams, but it’s easy to dodge if you stand your ground. Want to visit a floating market without getting ripped off? Check out these legit tours instead! 🚀

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

The Grand Palace is "closed" scam

The “Grand Palace is Closed” Scam – Because Apparently, There’s Always a Special Event!

This is hands-down one of my favorite Thailand scams—not because it’s fun (it’s not), but because it’s so ridiculously predictable. Here’s how it goes:

You roll up to The Grand Palace, excited to check it out, when a friendly local (aka scammer) stops you and says,

“Oh no! Grand Palace closed today. Special event happening!”

But don’t worry, they have a solution (how convenient!):

“I take you to a better temple!”

Next thing you know, you’re not at a better temple—you’re on an endless tour of Bangkok’s sketchiest suit shops, while your driver racks up fuel and food coupons for every stop you make. Hours wasted, nothing gained.

How to avoid this scam:

🚨 Ignore anyone outside the palace trying to give you “helpful” info.

🚨 The Grand Palace is almost never randomly closed—check for yourself.

🚨 The only people you should listen to? The ones selling elephant pants. (Seriously, you need pants to enter—shorts are a no-go.)

This is one of those Thailand scams that’s easy to dodge—just walk right past the scammers and enjoy the palace like you planned!

Jetski Scam

Phuket Jet Ski Scam – Because Apparently, Scratches Appear After You Ride!

Ah, the classic Phuket jet ski scam—one of the most expensive Thailand scams out there. Here’s how it goes: You rent a jet ski, and everything seems great, right? But before you take it out on the water, take pictures of that jet ski—every angle, every dent, every scratch. 📸 Why? Because once that jet ski hits the water, you’re liable for any damage. Sounds sketchy, right?

Here’s the trick: When you return the jet ski, the sales guy will probably try to find some tiny scratch or dent (that might not even be your fault). And guess what? You’re on the hook to pay for it. Not all jet ski rentals are scams, but a lot of them definitely try to pull this stunt.

How to avoid this Thailand scam:

✅ Take pictures of the jet ski before you even sit on it.

✅ Have a Thai friend with you if possible—miscommunication can happen, and they’ll help you avoid being scammed.

✅ Don’t let them pressure you into paying for damage that wasn’t your fault.

Phuket’s beautiful, but don’t let these Thailand scams ruin your fun. Stay sharp, enjoy the ride, and know how to protect yourself!

Ping Pong show scam

The Ping Pong Show Scam – Because “Sexy Girls” Are Never Really Free!

If you’re thinking of checking out a world-famous Ping Pong show in Thailand, brace yourself for some classic Thailand scams. You’ll probably hear things like, “Sexy girls! Drinks 200 Baht, free entry!” as you walk down places like Bangla Road in Patong. Sounds too good to be true? Yeah, it definitely is.

Here’s what you need to know:

The Rules of the Ping Pong Show Scam

🚨 Never go upstairs when someone says, “sexy girls for you upstairs.” Stick to the bottom floors—trust me, you’ll be glad you did.

🚨 The show is not cheap—if you end up upstairs, expect to pay big time. Always ask how much drinks cost, if there’s a show fee, and if there’s an exit fee—because when it’s time to leave, you’ll want to be prepared.

🚨 When you try to leave, don’t be surprised if your bill suddenly jumps to 3,000 Baht—and you’ll probably have a couple of big, tough guys waiting to make sure you pay it.

Pro Tips to Avoid This Thailand Scam

✅ Go with a buddy—never go alone!

✅ Always ask for the total price upfront—don’t wait until it’s time to leave.

✅ Trust your gut—if something feels off, it probably is.

These Thailand scams might be tempting, but with a little awareness, you can enjoy your trip without falling into these traps. Stay sharp and keep your wallet intact!

The Fake Monk Scam

The “Fake Monk” Scam – Because Not All Blessings Are Free!

One of the sneakiest Thailand scams you might run into is the “fake monk” scam. Here’s how it works: Someone dressed in full monk attire will approach you and ask for a donation. They might even offer to bless you or hand you a “lucky charm”—but don’t be fooled.

They’ll make it sound super legit, but the catch is that the whole thing is just a scam to get you to hand over some cash. Sometimes they’ll even act all spiritual and give you a blessing to make you feel guilty for not donating. 🙄

How to avoid this scam:

🚫 Never give money to anyone just because they’re wearing monk clothes. Monks in Thailand typically don’t ask for money.

🚫 Don’t accept random “lucky charms” from strangers—they’re just a way to guilt you into paying.

🚫 If someone’s offering you a blessing in exchange for cash, just politely walk away—your karma will thank you. 😇

Keep your eyes peeled for this one. It’s a common Thailand scam, but with a little awareness, you’ll know when to say “no thanks”!

The friendly person scam

The Friendly Street Vendor Scam – Because Everyone’s Got a Kickback!

This one’s universal, but it’s especially common when you’re traveling in Thailand. If you’re strolling down the street and some super friendly person approaches you trying to sell you a tour or some “amazing deal,” just know that they’re probably getting a kickback for sending you to wherever they want. Thailand’s all about referrals, and while there’s nothing inherently wrong with that, it’s still one of those Thailand scams to keep an eye on.

Here’s the thing: these friendly folks aren’t just offering you a tour out of the goodness of their hearts—they’re likely getting a commission or some kind of reward for bringing in new customers. So, while you might be getting a “deal,” someone’s definitely profiting from your interest.

How to avoid this scam:

🚫 Stay skeptical if the offer seems too good to be true.

🚫 Ask questions about the price, quality, and what’s included.

🚫 If the person is a bit too friendly, it might be a sign—trust your instincts!

This is just one of those Thailand scams that’s super easy to spot if you know what’s going on. Stay sharp, and don’t let a friendly face lead you into a trap!

Thai Bar girl Scams

The “Thai Bar Girl Scam” – Because You Might Be Paying for More Than You Think!

If you’re a single guy in Thailand, this one’s hard to miss, especially if you’re cruising down the bustling party streets like Bangla Road or Patpong. You’ll quickly find yourself surrounded by women trying to drag you into bars, offering a “good time.” Now, don’t get me wrong, Thailand scams don’t always involve bad intentions, but here’s what you should know before you get swept up in the moment.

If a young lady in tight hot pants approaches you with a friendly smile and a suggestion to come hang out at the bar, sure, go ahead—but don’t be surprised when you end up paying for her time and drinks. That’s the deal, and it can get expensive fast.

Second, watch out—she might just be a sex worker looking to get you to take her back to your hotel. If that’s not what you’re looking for, keep walking. You’ll save yourself from a hefty bill you never planned on paying.

How to avoid this Thailand scam:

🚫 Know the game: Drinks and time usually come with a price.

🚫 If you’re just looking to enjoy the night, don’t follow her back to your hotel—unless you want your wallet to take a hit.

🚫 Keep walking if the vibe feels off—it’s better to save your money for something more enjoyable!

Stay sharp out there, and keep in mind that not everything that glitters on Bangla Road is gold. This is one of those Thailand scams that’s tough to avoid, but with a little awareness, you can keep things light and fun without paying for something you didn’t expect.

What to do if you do get scammed

Okay, so you’ve found yourself tangled in one of the Thailand scams we’ve talked about—don’t panic. First rule? Stay cool and keep walking. There’s not much you can do to reverse it at that point, so the best move is to keep your head up and move on.

Here’s the thing: Thailand is a Buddhist country, and making a scene is not only embarrassing but can also make you look pretty foolish. If you’re upset, it’s better to keep it together and save your energy for something more productive (like enjoying a cold Singha beer at the beach).

Pro Tips for Avoiding Drama:

🚫 Don’t argue—it’s not worth it.

🚫 Stay calm—don’t let these scammers get under your skin.

🚫 Keep walking—it’s the quickest way out of a sticky situation.

Now that you’re armed with all the knowledge on Thailand scams, you can step out into this beautiful country feeling safe, educated, and ready to enjoy everything it has to offer. Enjoy the adventure, and don’t let these scams steal your fun!

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

Final Thoughts on Thai Scams

If this is your first time visiting Thailand, be aware of common Thai scams to keep your trip hassle-free. From overpriced tuk-tuk rides to fake gem deals and the infamous “closed temple” trick, staying informed will help you avoid unnecessary stress. Trust your instincts, research in advance, and always double-check prices to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience in the Land of Smiles!

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