While Thailand is generally a safe destination for travelers, there are scams to be aware of, particularly in the most tourist-heavy areas of the country. To avoid falling victim to tourist scams, it's best to familiarize yourself with them before you depart. Here are the main traps and scams to avoid during your trip to Thailand.

Scammers offering to take you to shops

One of the traps to avoid during your stay in Thailand is being taken to shops by a scammer without knowing where you're going. This type of scam primarily occurs in major cities like Bangkok.

Scammers may be pedestrians (who often pose as hotel or shopping mall security agents) or tuk-tuk drivers. They might offer to take you to good deals and bring you to shops (usually selling gemstones) in exchange for a commission if you spend money.

The sales pitches are very convincing: they might claim you can buy gemstones at unbeatable prices and sell them for much more in your home country. The problem? Not only are the gemstones worth far less than advertised, but once you're caught in this trap, it can be difficult to extricate yourself.

How to avoid it:Never let a scammer (whether in a tuk-tuk, on a motorcycle, or on foot) take you to a shop of any kind. Politely decline and continue on your way without getting angry.Also, unless you are an expert in gemstones, stay away from gemstone shops.

Tailor scams

Thailand is known for its many tailor shops offering custom-made suits and clothing at very attractive prices. While most tailors are reputable professionals, some are not always trustworthy.

It sometimes happens that the final result does not match what was initially agreed upon: the fabric may not be as specified, the quality may be worse than expected, or the clothing might not fit properly.

This type of scam is more common in large cities and tourist areas such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Koh Samui, and Phuket.

How to avoid it:Always research a tailor before choosing one and favor shops recommended by others.Never pay the full price of your suit upfront. You can pay a deposit (usually about half of the final price) and pay the rest if you are satisfied with the result.It’s best to place your order as soon as you arrive to allow time for adjustments if needed.

Tuk-Tuk drivers inflating prices

Taking a tuk-tuk is a must-do experience during a trip to Thailand. But be cautious not to get ripped off: while tuk-tuk fares are not fixed, many drivers try to scam tourists by inflating their prices.

How to avoid it:To avoid paying excessive amounts for short trips, always negotiate the price before getting into the tuk-tuk. The fare should be agreed upon based on the total number of passengers. Also, ensure the price is for the entire trip, not per person.Tip: To gauge a fair price, you can check the fare on the Grab app and use it as a reference during your negotiation with the tuk-tuk driver.

Temples claiming to be closed

One of the most common scams in Thailand involves locals telling you that temples are closed for various reasons. To "make up for your disappointment," they offer to take you to other temples that are supposedly open.

In reality, temples are rarely closed. The aim of this scam is to get you to spend money on a tuk-tuk ride or even take you to a partner shop (such as tailor shops or gemstone stores).

How to avoid it:Don’t trust appearances; scammers may dress as security guards, officials, or tour guides to appear more credible.If someone tells you a temple is closed, don’t listen—go check it out yourself. You can also ask your hotel or a trusted person if the temple is truly closed.

Taxis without meters

This is another common scam in Thailand. In most major cities and tourist areas, you'll find plenty of taxis. To inflate the fare and make more money, many drivers exploit travelers' naivety and language barriers.

How to avoid it:Always choose taxis with meters and ensure the driver intends to use it for your ride. If they stop the meter en route, ask for an explanation and take photos of their identification, mentioning that you’ll report them to the police. This should deter them from scamming you.

Vehicle rental scams (scooters, cars)

Planning to rent a scooter or car during your stay in Thailand? Make sure to take precautions before driving off with your vehicle. Some rental agencies may scam you by accusing you of damaging the vehicle when you are not at fault.

The problem? Besides keeping your money, they might threaten to keep your passport (which you gave as a deposit) or even take you to the police, who might be in cahoots with the scammer. In the end, you could find yourself in a tough spot and have to pay a large sum to resolve the issue.

How to avoid it:To avoid this scam, take detailed photos of the vehicle. If there are scratches or other issues, report them to the rental agency, which should note them in the rental contract.It’s also advisable to choose a rental agency with good online reviews or get a recommendation from your hotel.

Jet Ski scams

In highly touristy areas like Pattaya and Phuket, jet ski companies sometimes scam tourists looking for a sea ride. The scam is similar to vehicle rental scams: after the activity, the jet ski operator may claim you damaged the equipment and demand exorbitant repair fees. They may also threaten to keep your passport or involve the police to force you to pay.

How to avoid it:As with any rental vehicle, take photos of the jet ski before using it. Ask to see the jet ski out of the water to check the submerged parts.To avoid unpleasant surprises, choose reputable rental places or check company reviews online before you start.

“Forgetting” to give the full change

Though human error happens, it's common for vendors to shortchange you. Even if it’s a small amount, it can add up over a week or two of travel.

How to avoid it:Be attentive when receiving your change and count it to ensure it’s correct. If not, kindly point it out while maintaining a smile (getting angry with a Thai person will only escalate the situation).

Emergency numbers to know

If you fall victim to a scam, you can contact Tourist Police by dialing 1155 from a Thai phone. Always prefer tourist police, who are there to help travelers and protect tourists' interests, over local police, who might be corrupt.

Here are other emergency numbers to know and call:

• Tourist Information Center: 672
• Local Police: 191
• Ambulance: 1669 or 1646

For an unforgettable and trouble-free trip, check out our article on things to do and avoid in Thailand.

Florine Dergelet