Thailand Scams: 17 Tourist Scams to Watch For (2026)

Let's start with the good news: Thailand is one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia for travelers. Millions of backpackers visit every year and have an incredible time. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare.

Now for the reality check: Scams targeting tourists are common, well-rehearsed, and sometimes sophisticated. The people running these scams do it every single day. They're good at it. But here's the thing — once you know what to look for, every one of these scams is easy to avoid.

This guide breaks down 17 scams you'll encounter in Thailand, where they happen, and exactly how to sidestep them. Think of it as your cheat sheet. Read it before you land, and you'll be walking through Bangkok's streets with confidence instead of paranoia.

For broader safety advice beyond scams, check out our Thailand Safety Tips guide.

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The 3-Second Rule

Before we dive into specific scams, here's the single most useful rule for avoiding scams in Thailand:

If someone approaches YOU with an unsolicited offer that sounds too good to be true, walk away.

That's it. The 3-second rule. Someone walks up to you outside the Grand Palace offering a "special tour"? Keep walking. A stranger at a bar tells you about a "once-in-a-lifetime gem sale"? Smile, say no thanks, move on.

Legitimate businesses in Thailand do not need to recruit customers off the street. Temples don't close randomly. Government gem sales don't exist. The person who just happens to speak perfect English and wants nothing more than to help you — they want something.

Three seconds of skepticism will save you from 90% of scams on this list.

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Quick-Reference Scam Table

Here's every scam at a glance. Bookmark this table for when you're actually in Thailand.

| # | Scam | Location | Risk Level | How Common | |---|------|----------|------------|------------| | 1 | Gem Scam | Bangkok (Grand Palace area) | High ($$) | Very common | | 2 | Tuk-Tuk Shopping Tour | Bangkok | Medium ($) | Extremely common | | 3 | "Temple Is Closed" | Bangkok | Medium ($) | Very common | | 4 | Taxi Meter Refusal | Bangkok, airports | Low ($) | Extremely common | | 5 | Jet Ski Damage Scam | Phuket, Koh Samui, Pattaya | High ($$$) | Common | | 6 | Motorbike Rental Damage | Islands, Pai, Chiang Mai | High ($$) | Very common | | 7 | Bar Tab Scam | Patpong, Pattaya, Bangla Road | High ($$) | Common | | 8 | Ping Pong Show Touts | Bangkok, Pattaya | Medium ($$) | Very common | | 9 | Fake Travel Agency | Khao San Road, tourist areas | Medium ($$) | Common | | 10 | ATM Skimming | Tourist areas nationwide | High ($$$) | Moderate | | 11 | Counterfeit Goods Shakedown | Markets, Patpong | Medium ($$) | Rare-Moderate | | 12 | Currency Exchange Scam | Tourist areas, airports | Low ($) | Common | | 13 | Full Moon Party Theft | Koh Phangan | Medium ($$) | Very common | | 14 | Grand Palace Dress Code Scam | Bangkok | Low ($) | Very common | | 15 | "Friendly Local" Scam | Bangkok, tourist hotspots | Medium ($$) | Common | | 16 | Fake Monk Scam | Bangkok, Chiang Mai | Low ($) | Common | | 17 | Overnight Bus Theft | Nationwide (budget buses) | Medium ($$) | Moderate |

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The 17 Scams in Detail

1. The Gem Scam

Where: Bangkok, especially around the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Khao San Road

What happens: A well-dressed Thai person approaches you on the street, often near a major tourist attraction. They're friendly, speak excellent English, and casually mention that there's a "special government gem sale" happening today — or maybe it's a "one-day-only export promotion" or "factory clearance." They'll tell you gems can be resold in your home country for 2-3x the price. A tuk-tuk conveniently appears to take you there. The "gem shop" looks legitimate. You buy gems for 20,000-100,000 THB ($570-$2,850 USD). Back home, they're worth almost nothing.

How to avoid: There is no government gem sale. There has never been a government gem sale. There will never be a government gem sale. If a stranger on the street tells you about a once-in-a-lifetime gem deal, it's the gem scam. Full stop.

If you get caught: If you paid by credit card, initiate a chargeback immediately. File a report with Tourist Police (1155). Keep all receipts. Unfortunately, cash payments are almost impossible to recover.

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2. The Tuk-Tuk Shopping Tour

Where: Bangkok (especially around Khao San Road and Siam area)

What happens: A tuk-tuk driver offers you a sightseeing tour for an absurdly low price — 20-40 THB ($0.60-$1.15 USD) for a multi-stop tour of Bangkok. Sounds amazing, right? The catch: the tour includes mandatory stops at gem shops, tailor shops, and souvenir stores. The driver earns commission from these shops whether you buy anything or not — but you'll face aggressive sales pitches at every stop. Your "1-hour tour" takes 3-4 hours, most of it in shops.

How to avoid: No one offers a 3-hour tour of Bangkok for the price of a bottle of water. If the price is too low, there's a catch. Use Grab for transportation, or negotiate tuk-tuk rides to specific destinations at agreed prices.

If you get caught: Just refuse to buy anything at the shops. The driver gets a small commission for bringing you regardless. You'll waste time but not money.

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3. The "Temple Is Closed" Scam

Where: Bangkok, especially outside the Grand Palace and Wat Pho

What happens: You're walking toward a major temple and someone (often wearing an official-looking uniform or lanyard) stops you and says "The temple is closed right now — ceremony/holiday/cleaning. It reopens at 2pm." They helpfully suggest you visit another temple or attraction "nearby" and call a tuk-tuk for you. That tuk-tuk takes you on the shopping tour described in Scam #2. The temple was never closed.

How to avoid: Walk past the person and check the temple entrance yourself. The Grand Palace and major temples post their hours at the gate. If someone outside tells you it's closed, ignore them and walk to the ticket counter. Also, check our Bangkok Backpacker Guide for temple hours and opening schedules.

If you get caught: Turn around and go back to the temple.

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4. Taxi Meter Refusal

Where: Bangkok (airports, tourist areas, outside shopping malls), Phuket, Chiang Mai

What happens: You get into a taxi and ask to go somewhere. The driver says "meter broken" or "no meter for this route" and quotes a flat rate that's 2-5x what the metered fare would be. In Bangkok, a metered ride from Khao San Road to Siam costs around 80-120 THB ($2.30-$3.45 USD). The flat rate offer might be 300-500 THB ($8.60-$14.30 USD).

How to avoid: Before getting in, say "meter, please" through the window. If they refuse, close the door and find another taxi. There are always more taxis. At Suvarnabhumi Airport, use the official taxi queue on Level 1 — they're required to use meters. Better yet, use Grab (Thailand's ride-hailing app) for fixed, transparent prices.

If you get caught: Not much you can do mid-ride. Pay the agreed price and use Grab next time. If the driver tries to increase the price at drop-off, pay what was originally agreed and walk away.

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5. Jet Ski Damage Scam

Where: Phuket (Patong Beach), Koh Samui (Chaweng Beach), Pattaya

What happens: You rent a jet ski. When you return it, the operator "discovers" pre-existing damage — scratches, dents, cracked fiberglass — and demands 10,000-30,000 THB ($285-$860 USD) in repairs. Sometimes, intimidating friends appear. They may threaten to call the police (who sometimes side with the operators). This is one of the most well-known and frustrating scams in Thailand.

How to avoid:

• Take video of the jet ski from every angle BEFORE you ride it, with the operator standing nearby
• Photograph the damage that already exists (there will be some — these machines take a beating)
• Avoid jet ski rentals in Patong and Chaweng entirely — these beaches have the worst reputations
• If you must rent: Go through your hotel or a reputable tour operator, not a random beach vendor

If you get caught: Stay calm. Show your "before" photos and videos. Call Tourist Police (1155) immediately — they're familiar with this scam. Do not hand over your passport as collateral for anything. If you paid a cash deposit, you may lose it, but don't pay extra on the spot under pressure.

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6. Motorbike Rental Damage Scam

Where: Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Koh Samui, Pai, Chiang Mai — basically anywhere tourists rent scooters

What happens: You rent a motorbike or scooter and return it in the same condition. The owner "finds" scratches (sometimes created overnight while the bike was parked) and demands 5,000-15,000 THB ($143-$430 USD) for repairs. Some operators hold your passport as deposit, giving you zero leverage.

How to avoid:

• NEVER leave your passport as a deposit. Leave a photocopy or a cash deposit instead.
• Take timestamped video of the entire bike before riding — every scratch, every dent, the odometer
• Email the video to yourself so you have a timestamped backup
• Rent from reputable shops recommended by your hostel
• Get travel insurance that covers motorbike incidents (World Nomads covers this if you have a license)

If you get caught: Show your evidence. If they have your passport, call Tourist Police (1155). If you left a cash deposit, negotiate — the "repairs" are almost always inflated.

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7. Bar Tab Scam

Where: Patpong (Bangkok), Soi 6 and Walking Street (Pattaya), Bangla Road (Phuket)

What happens: You walk into a bar in a red-light area. Drinks are ordered — for you and for the staff sitting with you. No prices are shown. At the end, you get a bill for 5,000-20,000 THB ($143-$570 USD). Bouncers or large staff members make it clear that leaving without paying isn't an option.

How to avoid: Ask for drink prices before ordering anything. If there's no menu with prices, leave. Avoid bars that touts aggressively pull you into. Stick to well-known, reviewed venues. If you're visiting Patpong night market, the market stalls are fine — it's the upstairs bars that run this scam.

If you get caught: Negotiate. Offer to pay a reasonable amount for what you actually ordered. If they won't budge and you feel threatened, pay and file a report with Tourist Police afterward. Keep the receipt.

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8. Ping Pong Show Touts

Where: Bangkok (Patpong, Nana), Pattaya, Phuket (Bangla Road)

What happens: Touts on the street hand you a laminated card listing show prices — 100-200 THB ($2.85-$5.70 USD) entry. Sounds cheap. Once inside, drinks are mandatory and priced at 500-1,000 THB ($14.30-$28.60 USD) each. The real bill is 2,000-5,000 THB ($57-$143 USD) per person. Bouncers ensure you pay.

How to avoid: If you choose to attend these shows, go to venues recommended by other travelers (check hostel bulletin boards or recent forum posts). Never follow a tout. The laminated card price is never the real price.

If you get caught: Same as the bar tab scam — negotiate firmly, pay, leave, report.

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9. Fake Travel Agency Scam

Where: Khao San Road (Bangkok), tourist areas in Chiang Mai, Koh Phangan, Krabi

What happens: A travel "agency" (sometimes just a desk in a shopfront) sells you bus, train, or ferry tickets — often combo tickets like "bus + ferry to Koh Tao." The tickets are either fake, or they put you on the cheapest possible transport while charging premium prices. Some buses drop you in the middle of nowhere, where a "taxi" appears charging 500+ THB for the last leg. Worst case: your bags are rifled through during overnight bus journeys.

How to avoid:

• Book through 12Go.asia (legitimate transport booking platform)
• Book at official train stations or ferry operator offices
• Ask your hostel to book for you (they know the reputable agencies)
• Never buy from random street-side desks, especially on Khao San Road
• Check reviews on Google Maps before buying from any agency

If you get caught: If the ticket is fake, file a Tourist Police report. If the bus is just bad quality, chalk it up to a lesson learned and book direct next time.

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10. ATM Skimming

Where: Tourist areas nationwide, especially older standalone ATMs in Patpong, Khao San Road, Pattaya

What happens: A skimming device is attached to an ATM card slot, copying your card details. A small camera records your PIN. Days or weeks later, your bank account is drained. Additionally, many Thai ATMs offer "conversion" at checkout — accepting this means the ATM operator sets the exchange rate (always worse than your bank's rate). This isn't a scam exactly, but it costs you 3-5% extra.

How to avoid:

• Use ATMs inside banks (harder to tamper with, monitored by cameras)
• Wiggle the card slot before inserting — skimmers are usually loose
• Cover your PIN when entering
• Always decline conversion when the ATM asks "convert to your currency?" — select "Thai Baht" instead
• Use Bangkok Bank, Kasikornbank, or SCB ATMs (most reliable)
• Set up bank alerts for transactions over a certain amount
• Consider Wise or Revolut cards for travel (easy to freeze instantly via app)

If you get caught: Freeze your card immediately through your banking app. Contact your bank to dispute unauthorized transactions. File a police report (you'll need this for the bank's investigation). For broader money advice, see our Thailand Budget Breakdown.

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11. Counterfeit Goods Shakedown

Where: Markets in Bangkok (Patpong, MBK), Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

What happens: You buy a counterfeit designer item — fake Rolex, fake Louis Vuitton bag — from a market stall. As you walk away, someone who appears to be a plainclothes "police officer" stops you and says you've committed a crime by buying counterfeits. They demand an on-the-spot "fine" of 5,000-20,000 THB ($143-$570 USD) or threaten arrest. The "officer" may or may not be real police — either way, the fine is not legitimate.

How to avoid: Don't buy obvious counterfeits. If you're buying souvenirs at markets, stick to non-branded local goods, Thai crafts, and clothing without fake logos.

If you get caught: Ask to see official police ID. Say you want to go to the police station to pay the fine officially. Real officers will take you there; scammers will back off. Call Tourist Police (1155) if pressured.

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12. Currency Exchange Scam

Where: Airports, Khao San Road, tourist area street booths, hotel lobbies

What happens: Exchange booths display attractive rates but apply hidden fees, commissions, or simply miscalculate the amount. Airport exchanges are the worst — rates can be 10-15% below market rate. Some street-side booths shortchange you when counting bills.

How to avoid:

• Never exchange at the airport (beyond a small emergency amount)
• Use SuperRich (green or orange logo) — Thailand's best-known fair exchange chain
• Compare rates on Google before exchanging (search "USD to THB" for current market rate)
• Count your money before walking away from the counter
• Withdraw from ATMs inside banks for reasonable rates (there's a 220 THB fee per withdrawal, but the exchange rate is fair)

If you get caught: Not much recourse once you've exchanged. Count your money at the counter, not afterward.

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13. Full Moon Party Theft

Where: Haad Rin, Koh Phangan

What happens: During the chaos of the Full Moon Party, pickpockets and bag slashers work the crowd. Phones disappear from pockets. Bags get slashed open from behind. Drinks get spiked while you're dancing. Belongings left "hidden" on the beach vanish. This isn't an organized scam — it's opportunistic theft in a chaotic environment with 10,000+ intoxicated people.

How to avoid:

• Bring only what you need: Cash (in a waterproof pouch), one phone, hostel key
• Leave your passport and valuables in your hostel safe
• Wear a waterproof belt bag strapped under your shirt
• Don't bring a backpack to the party
• Never leave a drink unattended
• Go with people from your hostel and check in periodically
• Avoid the very dark areas at the edges of the party

Check our Koh Phangan Full Moon Party Guide for the full breakdown on staying safe while having a great time.

If you get caught: Report to Tourist Police at the Full Moon Party (they have a temporary station at Haad Rin during events). If your phone is stolen, use "Find My Phone" from another device ASAP.

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14. Grand Palace Dress Code Scam

Where: Outside the Grand Palace, Bangkok

What happens: You arrive at the Grand Palace wearing shorts or a sleeveless top. Someone outside (not an official) tells you that you don't meet the dress code and directs you to a nearby shop to buy "proper clothing" — overpriced sarongs and pants at 300-500 THB ($8.60-$14.30 USD) when they should cost 50-100 THB ($1.40-$2.85 USD). Sometimes they combine this with the "temple is closed" scam.

How to avoid: The Grand Palace does have a dress code — shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women. Dress appropriately before you go (long pants or a maxi skirt, a t-shirt with sleeves). If you forget, the Grand Palace itself provides free coverings at the entrance. You do not need to buy anything from vendors outside.

If you get caught: Return the sarong and go to the Grand Palace entrance, where free coverings are available. For more on temple visits, see our Bangkok Backpacker Guide.

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15. The "Friendly Local" Scam

Where: Bangkok (around tourist attractions), Chiang Mai (old city), occasionally at bus stations

What happens: A well-dressed person approaches you speaking excellent English. They're incredibly friendly — asking where you're from, recommending restaurants, sharing stories about their travels. After 5-10 minutes of genuine-seeming conversation, they casually mention a gem shop, a tailor, a "secret" bar, or a card game where you "can't lose." They might claim to be a university student practicing English, a government employee, or a teacher.

How to avoid: Be friendly back if you want, but the moment they suggest going somewhere with them — especially to shop, gamble, or visit any business — politely decline. Real friendly locals exist in Thailand (they're the majority, actually), but they won't steer you toward a business.

If you get caught: Walk away the moment you realize you're being directed to a commercial situation. No explanation needed.

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16. Fake Monk Scam

Where: Bangkok (tourist areas), Chiang Mai (near temples), Phuket (Patong Beach)

What happens: Someone dressed in monk robes approaches you on the street, offering a blessing, a bracelet, or a prayer bead. After the "blessing," they ask for a donation — and make it clear that 20 THB won't cut it. They expect 200-1,000 THB ($5.70-$28.60 USD). Real Thai monks do not approach tourists on the street to solicit donations. They don't hang around tourist shopping areas. And they definitely don't handle money directly.

How to avoid: Politely decline and keep walking. Real monks collect alms (food, not money) in the early morning in residential areas. If someone in robes approaches you outside a 7-Eleven asking for cash, they're not a monk.

If you get caught: You've lost a small donation. Don't feel bad — just know for next time.

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17. Overnight Bus Theft

Where: Budget buses on popular tourist routes (Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bangkok to southern islands)

What happens: You take a cheap overnight bus and stow your main bag underneath. During the night, someone (sometimes bus company staff, sometimes organized crews) goes through the luggage compartment and takes valuables from bags — electronics, cash, even clothing. You arrive at your destination and discover things are missing.

How to avoid:

• Keep valuables in your daypack with you on the bus (not in stowed luggage)
• Use a luggage lock on your main bag zippers
• Book through reputable companies (Nakhonchai Air, Transport Co., or book via 12Go.asia)
• Avoid the cheapest Khao San Road bus tickets — they use the sketchiest operators
• Consider taking trains instead for overnight trips — safer and often more comfortable

If you get caught: File a police report at your destination. Contact your travel insurance company. Unfortunately, stolen items from bus storage are rarely recovered.

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What to Do If You Get Scammed

Even experienced travelers get caught occasionally. If it happens to you, here's your action plan:

Step 1: Stay Calm

Don't escalate. Don't get aggressive. In most scam situations, your safety isn't at risk — just your wallet. Losing a few thousand baht is frustrating but fixable.

Step 2: Call Tourist Police (1155)

The Tourist Police are specifically trained to help foreigners. They speak English (and often other languages), they know every scam on this list, and they take complaints seriously. Available 24/7.

Step 3: Document Everything

• Take photos of the location, the people involved (if safe to do so), and any receipts
• Write down the time, date, location, and exactly what happened
• Save any evidence (texts, receipts, business cards)

Step 4: File a Police Report

Go to the nearest police station and file an official report. You'll need this for:

• Travel insurance claims
• Credit card chargebacks
• Embassy assistance (if needed)

Step 5: Contact Your Bank

If your credit card was involved, initiate a chargeback. If your card was skimmed, freeze it immediately.

Step 6: Contact Your Embassy

For serious situations involving large amounts of money, threats, or safety concerns, contact your country's embassy in Bangkok.

Key Emergency Numbers

| Service | Number | |---------|--------| | Tourist Police | 1155 | | Emergency | 191 | | Ambulance | 1669 | | Fire | 199 | | Highway Police | 1193 |

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The Bigger Picture: Thailand Is Not a Scam

After reading 17 scams, you might feel nervous about visiting Thailand. Don't be.

Here's perspective: these scams exist in every major tourist destination in the world. Paris has the bracelet scam. Rome has the fake petition scam. New York has the CD scam. Barcelona has pickpockets. Thailand's scams are well-documented precisely because millions of travelers visit and share their experiences.

The vast majority of Thai people you'll meet are genuinely warm, helpful, and hospitable. The food vendor who makes your pad thai, the hostel owner who draws you a map, the stranger who helps you find the right bus — they're the real Thailand. Scammers are a tiny, visible minority clustered around the most touristy areas.

Being aware of scams doesn't mean being paranoid. It means being smart. Know what to watch for, trust your gut, and you'll navigate Thailand like a pro.

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Tips to Stay Scam-Free

1. Use Grab for all taxi and tuk-tuk rides — fixed prices, GPS-tracked, no negotiation
2. Book transport through 12Go.asia instead of street agencies
3. Never leave your passport as a deposit for anything
4. Take photos and video before renting any vehicle
5. Use ATMs inside banks and always decline "conversion"
6. Keep valuables minimal — you don't need 5,000 THB in your pocket at the Full Moon Party
7. Trust your gut — if something feels off, walk away
8. Save 1155 in your phone on day one

For a complete safety overview including health, transport, and natural hazards, read our full Thailand Safety Tips guide. Planning your first trip? Start with Thailand First-Time Guide for the full picture.

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Scam-Prone Areas vs. Safe Zones

Not all areas of Thailand have the same scam risk. Here's a quick comparison:

| Higher Scam Risk | Lower Scam Risk | |-------------------|-----------------| | Grand Palace area (Bangkok) | Chiang Mai Old City | | Khao San Road (Bangkok) | Pai | | Patong Beach (Phuket) | Koh Lanta | | Chaweng Beach (Koh Samui) | Railay Beach | | Patpong / Nana (Bangkok) | Sukhothai | | Haad Rin during Full Moon | Chiang Rai | | Pattaya Walking Street | Koh Chang |

Higher scam risk doesn't mean "avoid these places." It means keep your wits about you. Bangkok's Grand Palace area is one of the most incredible things you'll see in Thailand — just don't buy gems from a stranger outside it.

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Final Thought: The 3-Second Rule

Remember: if someone approaches you unsolicited with a deal, give it three seconds of thought. Is there any reason a stranger would want to help you make money or save money? No? Walk away.

Thailand is an extraordinary country. The food, the temples, the islands, the people — all of it is real and waiting for you. Don't let a handful of scam artists define your experience. Be informed, be smart, and go have the trip of a lifetime.

Ready to plan your trip? Check out our Thailand Budget Breakdown and Essential Thai Phrases to get started.