15 Scams in Thailand and How to Avoid Them

Updated: 9 November, 2024

Here are the most common scams in Thailand, along with all the details and some tips on how to avoid them.

Before I moved to live in Thailand, people warned me about scams. They told me to be careful because there are many scammers in Southeast Asia or people who want to overcharge you everywhere.

When I arrived, I felt like everyone was overcharging me, but I was wrong.

Eventually, I realized that those were the normal prices because Thailand is not as cheap as other countries in the region, and in recent years, things have gotten more expensive. However, it’s still very cheap compared to Europe, Australia or North America.

After living in Thailand for 3 years, I can say that the vast majority of Thais are hardworking people who earn an honest living with their businesses.

The government has also promoted legal practices to avoid scaring off tourists.

However, there are some things you should be careful about or avoid. In this article, I’ll explain all the details.

1. Renting Vehicles (Bikes and Cars)

Apparently, it’s pretty common to be charged high amounts for any scratch or dent on the car or bike when you return it.

Personally, I've never had problems; whenever I needed to rent, people have always been very fair.

How to avoid it?

There’s a simple way to avoid this scam in Thailand.

When you rent, thoroughly inspect the bike or car and take photos of any damage you see. Take your time and check everything carefully.

Take your time and check everything carefully. That way, if they claim there's new damage when you return it, you can show your photos as proof.

Take your time and check everything carefully. That way, if they claim there's new damage when you return it, you can show your photos as proof.

Even though everything went well, I started taking the inspection and photos process more seriously.

Don't rely on them to take photos because sometimes they're busy with other customers or they just simply don’t take any photo.

Another helpful tip is to check the reviews and ratings on Google Maps before renting from a place for the first time.

👍 Friend's Tip: To rent a car in Thailand, use this car search tool. It helps you avoid problems and offers the best prices. I’ve found cars for less than 20 euros / 22 USD.

Is It Really a Scam?

In my opinion, this isn’t exactly a scam, but some people might try to take advantage of distracted tourists.

If you cause any damage, it's normal for them to charge you, as would happen in any country.

Also, in Thailand, many tourists rent bikes without much experience, so it’s common for them to have small accidents and cause damage to the bikes.

⭐ In this guide about Rent and Drive a motorcycle in Thailand I explain in detail what to do if you scratch or dent the bike while riding.

✅ Friend's Tip: Don’t forget to get travel insurance for your next adventure. I recommend Heymondo,—it’s super comprehensive, and with that link, you’ll get 5% off!

2. Jet Skis

With jet skis, it’s similar to renting cars and bikes. They might try to charge you for damage that was already there, but this is a real scam.

This scam is more common in Patong, Phuket, and Pattaya, even authorities recommend not renting jet skis in those areas..

If you're in one of these places and want to rent a jet ski, ask for a recommendation, like the reception staff at your hotel.

in this case, photos aren't enough because they might threaten you. They may try to take you to an ATM until you give them the money, which can be several hundred dollars.

The only solution here is to call the tourist police at 1155.

👍 My two cents: If you want to try water adventure sports, I recommend these ones at Coral Island near Bangkok. They have jet skis, parasailing, and other fun activities.

3. Taxis and Tuk Tuks

Taxi drivers often take advantage of travelers in almost any country, and Thailand is no exception.

My advice is to avoid taxis whenever possible, though sometimes you won't have another option if there's no public transport and you can't drive yourself.

However, you'll find many honest taxi drivers who charge fair rates.

Tuk tuks, on the other hand, are often worse than taxis because they mainly work with tourists. Unlike taxis, they don't get as many rides, so they try to make the most of the ones they do get.

Tuk tuks also have a wide range of scams to get your money, and some are quite creative. 😅

How to Avoid Getting Scammed

As I mentioned earlier, avoid taxis and tuk tuks if you can.

In cities like Bangkok, always ask taxi drivers to use the meter to avoid being overcharged.

If you want the tuk tuk experience or have no choice but to take a taxi outside of the cities, negotiate the fare upfront.

Make sure the price is clear before you get in. Here's how:

• Written Price: Use your phone's calculator to have the driver write the price, so there's no confusion.
• Negotiate: Always haggle down; they'll usually start with a high price.
• Price Per Trip or Round Trip: Make sure it's clear what the price covers.
• Price Per Ride or Per Person: If you're traveling with more people, even though it may sound odd, clarify whether the price is for the ride or per person.
• Never Accept a Free or Very Cheap Ride from a Tuk Tuk: Remember, nothing is free. More on this in the next point.

What if They Try to Charge More Than Agreed?

Unfortunately, the best thing to do is to accept the loss, pay, and move on to enjoy the rest of your vacation.

These scams usually aren't for outrageous amounts, just expensive by Thai standards. For instance, a trip that should cost 3 or 4 euros might end up being double, or at most 10 euros.

How to Determine the Right Fare?

In cities like Bangkok or Chiang Mai, you can use the Grab app to order cars, which is a great alternative to taxis.

The app also gives you an idea of what a fair price is if you do take a taxi. Tuk tuks charge more, and a reasonable fare is up to double what Grab shows.

A great option is to join this tuk tuk food tour in Bangkok, where you'll visit markets and the best street food stalls. This way, you can enjoy a tuk tuk ride without worrying about getting scammed.

4. Closed Temples or Attractions

When dealing with tuk tuk drivers in Bangkok, a common trick is for them to claim that the place you want to visit is closed and suggest going elsewhere.

They might take you to a distant spot to charge more or to shops they partner with, such as clothing stores, jewelry shops, restaurants, or tailors.

Keep in mind, in Thailand, most places stay open all the time, except for government offices closed on weekends and some markets with specific hours or open only on weekends.

There are also places that close on official holidays.

This scam is frequent when you request a ride to the Grand Palace in Bangkok, which closes only 2 or 3 times a year when the king changes the robes of the Emerald Buddha.

How to Avoid This Scam in Thailand?

If a tuk tuk driver claims your destination is closed, be skeptical and don't accept their suggestions for alternative sites.

Nowadays, it's easy to verify information online with your mobile phone.

If you hire a tuk tuk, use it strictly for transportation rather than for a tour.

Locals typically use tuk tuks for short trips, not city tours; for that, rely on public transport or taxis.

Also, avoid any tuk tuk who offers a free ride or charges a very low fare, like 50 bahts (1.3 euros) or less.

5. Boats

In Bangkok and many other places, boat tours are one of the most enjoyable activities you can do.

However, you might encounter someone trying to overcharge you for the service.

How to Avoid the Scam in Bangkok?

In cities like Bangkok, you need to buy tickets for most boats at the office or counter next to the pier. Prices are fixed depending on the stops and cost just a few baht.

I’ve never paid more than 15 baht (0.4 euros) for short trips.

Then there are cruises with more services, like this dinner cruise with a show, which you can book here.

In Bangkok, the only boatmen I paid directly were for crossing to the small island of Bang Kachao.

In this case, do the same as I explained with taxis and tuk tuks—ask for the price before you hop on.

You don’t need to negotiate because the fare is just 10 baht per trip to cross the river, which is a normal price for such a boat in Bangkok.

How to Avoid Overcharging in Other Parts of Thailand?

In the southern islands of Thailand, places like Phang Nga Bay, and the floating markets near Bangkok, it’s common to find boatmen with high prices if you negotiate directly.

In these cases, it’s better to join a tour. You’ll pay less and get more included.

This happened to me in Phang Nga Bay. I checked with the boatman on my own, and he asked for 10 euros more than the tour, and it was impossible to negotiate a lower price.

In the end, I joined this tour that took me to twice as many places, included lunch, and saved me from driving 154 km round trip from Phuket to the pier.

⭐ Check out this article for further insights on What to see in Bangkok, where I include the visit to Bang Kachao Island and in this other one about Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island.

6. Floating Markets Visit

Another common scam involves the floating markets near Bangkok.

Some travelers prefer to take a taxi to the market.

The problem is that many taxi drivers have deals with boat operators, dropping you off far from the market, claiming it's the closest they can get, and that you must continue by boat.

This isn't true; you can reach the market directly, and once there, you can choose whether or not to take a boat to explore. Those boats are cheaper.

Unfortunately, you can't avoid the taxi driver taking you to this spot. If you want to go on your own, the best alternative is to use public transportation.

Although for this market, I think the best option is to join this tour, which also includes the visit to the train market.

⭐ Here you can read more about the visit to the Train Market and Floating Market, what to see, and the transportation options.

7. Vendors Near Tourist Attractions

In Bangkok, you'll find many vendors outside the main tourist attractions, like Wat Pho and the Grand Palace. Generally, the prices are quite high, and I recommend not buying anything unless you know the normal prices in the city.

You will find the same products in a market or elsewhere in the city up to five times cheaper.

This isn't exactly a scam but rather taking advantage of newly arrived tourists who haven't had time to learn the real prices and overcharging them.

8. Counterfeits

Thailand is famous for its knockoff sportswear, basketball jerseys, Rolex watches, designer handbags, and similar items. You can find these products in markets, street stalls, and Bangkok's MBK shopping mall.

Many imitations are high quality and can look real, especially to those of us who aren't experts. o, I recommend being cautious when the prices seem too good to be true. If it's too cheap, it's definitely fake.

Whether you choose to buy a counterfeit item in Thailand is up to you, but it's good to know what you're purchasing.

If you want to buy authentic products, better go to official stores

⭐ You may also be interested in this other article about What to see in Bangkok: 21 must-sees where I talk about the MBK shopping center and other shopping spots in Bangkok.

9. Fake Jewelry (Gold, Gems, and Pearls)

In Thailand, shops selling gold jewelry are very popular. If you're not experienced in distinguishing between real and fake gold, it's wise to be cautious.

In some cities, you'll come across Chinese shops painted in red and gold on the outside. These shops used to be completely legal, and I would have recommended shopping there without hesitation. However, a few years ago, it was uncovered that one owner operated multiple shops selling counterfeit gold.

Another common type of fake jewelry involves gems, such as precious stones. Avoid making purchases if you're unsure about identifying authentic gems, especially if a tuk tuk driver has taken you to such a shop.

One reliable way to identify shops selling genuine gemstones is by looking for the Jewel Fest Club seal (similar to the one above), which is issued by a reputable Thai organization that certifies the authenticity of these establishments.

Lastly, another scam involves the sale of fake pearls. I found out about this during an excursion in Phang Nga Bay.

While visiting Koh Panyee, the floating fishing village, the guide warned us about some stalls selling counterfeit pearls.

Keep in mind, products that are surprisingly inexpensive are often counterfeit, so if you're unsure, it's wise to seek advice.

⭐ You may be interested in this article about What to buy in Thailand, offering tips on where to shop.

10. Fake Border Posts with Cambodia

Another common scam occurs at the border between Thailand and Cambodia, specifically at the Poipet border. In this case, taxi drivers are affiliated with an agency that processes visas.

Instead of taking you to the actual border crossing, the taxi driver will direct you to this agency, falsely claiming it's the border post.

While this agency can process visas, they charge more than double the amount you would pay at the legitimate border crossing. Moreover, you can obtain the visa directly without any intermediaries.

11. Bars and Nightclubs

In Thailand, prices are usually clearly displayed everywhere—markets, restaurants, and stores.

However, when it comes to bars and nightclubs, it's a different story. Be cautious of places that:

• Don't clearly display prices.
• Offer free drinks.
• If you're a man, be cautious of overly friendly ladies; here, you'll end up paying for your drink and hers, which will likely be the most expensive on the overpriced menu.

How to Avoid Scams?

The best way to avoid falling victim to this scam in Thailand is to check the menu prices before ordering drinks, so you won't be caught off guard. If they don't have a menu with prices, it's better to find another bar.

12. Ping Pong Show

This is one of the most common scams in red-light districts, especially in Patpong in Bangkok, Pattaya, and Patong in Phuket. It's a show where women display special skills using their feminine parts.

As you stroll down the street, someone from these venues will approach you offering an erotic show and let you check their drinks menu with fairly standard prices for Thailand, starting around 100 to 150 baht (2.5 to 3.8 euros).

Moreover, they'll tell you the show is free. Nothing could be further from the truth; nothing is free.

The problem arises when you ask for the bill; you will find that they have charged you up to 20 times more than the original price. If you ask to see the menu again, they will show you another menu.

Of course, they won't let you leave until you pay, which can lead to an unpleasant situation.

As you can imagine, being a woman, I've never entered these places, but I know people who've had to pay between 1000 and 2000 baht (25.4 and 50.7 euros) just for a beer in order to be allowed to leave.

By the way, I've also heard the show isn't worth it; you don't see much, and it's over quickly.

The best way to avoid this scam is simply not to enter these establishments.

13. Payment for Beach Access

First of all, it's important to note that beaches in Thailand are public by law.

However, there are some islands where you'll need to pay to access the beach. Here's what you might encounter:

1. Access through Private Property

To access many beaches from the main road, you often have to pass through private property such as hotels or resorts.

So, in these situations, it's normal for them to charge a fee. Typically, they offer services that justify this cost because they can't charge solely for access to the beach itself.

Usually, they offer services like WiFi, lounge chairs, umbrellas, showers, restrooms, and they keep the beach clean.

If you want to visit these beaches, your only options are paying the fee (which I find completely fair) or finding an alternative route that doesn't pass through their property.

2. Transportation Service

In other locations, they provide transportation services using 4x4 vehicles or vans to get to the beach. This is typical for beaches with steep terrain, sparing you a long, sunny walk.

However, in some places, they might demand payment even if you prefer to walk, though legally they may not have the right to do so.

Unfortunately, some of these places employ coercive tactics and may threaten visitors.

In such situations, if you prefer not to pay, your best bet is to choose another beach.

😎 You may also be interested in this article about 9 Best Beaches in Thailand.

14. Dangerous Access

This is a specific scam from Koh Samui when visiting the Overlap Stone

As you climb the mountain, there's a spot before reaching the viewpoint where a homeowner has posted a sign falsely claiming it's unsafe to proceed by car or motorcycle.

Conveniently, they run a paid parking lot, though the fee is quite reasonable. However, I feel it's unfair for those who may struggle with walking or simply prefer to drive up.

In this scenario, if you proceed, nothing will actually happen; they can't enforce much.

To avoid such situations, it's wise to research your destination beforehand. Personally, I often highlight these issues in my articles.

⭐ Check out this article for further insights on What to see in Koh Samui: 10 best plans, including the viewpoint at the Overlap Stone.

15. Charging for Access to Natural Areas

I've encountered this in two places, Koh Samui and Koh Tao, and there are likely other places in Thailand where this happens.

Please note that what I'm talking about doesn't concern national parks that charge entry fees, as those fees are for maintaining the parks.

Koh Tao - Access to Two View Points

On Koh Tao, one of the most popular hiking trails leads to the Two View Points.

Along the path, there's a woman who lives nearby and has put up a metal gate as a barrier, charging a fee to pass through.

I hiked the trail early in the morning and passed without paying, so I'm not sure how much she charges.

Keep in mind, the trail and the mountain aren't her property.

But if she insists on charging, you might need to pay to avoid any trouble.

🌴 In this guide you can read more about What to do in Koh Tao: 11 Epic Plans, including this hiking trail to the viewpoints.

Koh Samui - Access to Overlap Stone

In Koh Samui, a similar situation happens at Overlap Stone. Near the viewpoint, there's an abandoned house where locals have set up and charge a fee to access the viewpoint. Although they clearly don't have the right to charge, they do, and it's a modest fee of 20 baht (0.5 euros).

When I visited, after the effort to climb up, I didn't want to miss seeing the viewpoint and this fantastic rock, so I willingly paid.

As I was about to leave, a couple refused to pay and tried to pass through without paying, which led to a confrontation with the locals. 🙈

I understand it can be frustrating to be charged for things that shouldn't have a fee. However, I believe it's not worth arguing or getting into a fight over less than 1 euro and ruining your day with a bad experience.

👍 My two cents: If you’re looking to stay connected during your trip, 🤳 I recommend this eSIM for Thailand or this one for Asia both with unlimited data and work perfectly. Just use that link for a 5% discount.

Final Recommendations and Conclusion

As you can see, in Thailand, people can be quite inventive with certain scams, overcharges, or charging for things that should be free.

If you happen to encounter one of these scams, in most cases, it's better to pay up and continue enjoying your vacation.

Many foreigners get upset and refuse to pay, but in Thailand, you often won't end up winning. Even if the police get involved, they usually side with the taxi driver or the scammer, even when you're right.

Avoid shouting because any form of aggression, even raising your voice, is highly frowned upon in Thailand and won't lead to a positive outcome.

If you do find yourself in a dispute (try to avoid it at all costs) or dealing with a serious scam, you can call the tourist police at 1155; they'll help by translating and mediating.

As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, most people in Thailand aren't out to scam tourists; they earn their living honestly.

They may try to make a little extra by charging foreigners higher prices, but that's not necessarily a scam. That's why it's crucial to negotiate firmly.

And you should stay alert for signs of a scam.

Before I wrap up, want to make sure you don't leave with a negative impression of Thailand or any doubts about traveling because of these issues. Scams in Thailand are very rare, and when you compare all the great things this country offers, they far outweigh the negatives, which is why most people return.

If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘

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