Top Tourist Scams in Thailand and How to Avoid

1. Gemstone scam

This scam is mostly common around Bangkok and Chiang Mai. In this, local people fake themselves as the original and certified gemstone sellers and, in turn, sell fake, low-quality stones to the tourists. They sell these gemstones at inflated prices, fooling their customers and trapping them in the scam. Be cautious before you buy any gemstone from Thailand, and make sure to check the authenticity certificate of the seller. Also, for a stress-free vacation, make sure you carry international travel insurance with you.

2. Tuk–Tuk scams

Like traditional taxi and cab services, Tuk-Tuk are the common mode of travel in Thailand. Since most of the visitors use tuk-tuks to travel from one place to another in Thailand, the tuk-tuk drivers sometimes overcharge. They also take the tourists to fake gemstone sellers and are paid commission for every sale. There are instances of tuk-tuk scams where, at the start, the driver would charge less, but at the time of completion of the journey, they would ask for a higher price for a ride. It is always advised to be wary of these scams. Always get yourself the best travel insurance before visiting Thailand.

3. Rigged taxi meter scam

You can be scammed and fooled in Thailand as soon as you land at their airport. There are some taxi drivers who would refuse to take you to your destination by meter. They will instead charge higher prices for the rides and can trap you in their scam. They also might take longer routes and demand extra pay. It is therefore always advised to plan your ride carefully and beware of this scam. With the right international travel insurance, you can roam in the country tension-free.

4. Nightlife scams

Thailand is most famous for its nightlife on the streets. In tourist areas, there are many bars and clubs wherein the owners may charge you exorbitantly high prices for drinks and food. There are cases where the clubs and bars even stage a fake raid by police and then ask you to pay extra money. During these times, do not be afraid, ask for the official authentication from the police and be cautious. In crowded places, there might be pickpockets, so be very careful about your wallet and currency.

5. Damaged jet ski scam

Water activities like skiing and snorkelling are very common on the beaches of Thailand. Yet another scam that happens in Thailand is that the people are given faulty jet skis, and upon return, they are blamed for damaging the ski. The tourists are then charged a penalty and are fooled. There are some operators who may also trap the tourists by offering unnecessary insurance and benefits, such as fuel costs, which can raise the rental amount. Do not fall into the operator's trap and be cautious of these tourist scams in Thailand.

6. Tailor tricks

Tailors and shopkeepers might sell cheap material clothes, claiming them to be branded and high quality. They usually raise the prices by tailoring fake brand logos and convincing customers to buy the clothes at higher prices. Before you shop for your favourite clothes from Thailand, make sure to be satisfied with the quality of the clothes. To have the best of your vacation in Thailand, it is always advised that you carry Thailand travel insurance.

1. What are 5 of the most common scams in Thailand?

The most common scams of Thailand are tuk tuk scams, temple closure scam, tailor trick scam, gemstone scam and damaged jet ski scam.

2. What are the crimes in Thailand for tourists?

Tourists and travellers should be very cautious during their stay in Thailand. Some of the recent crimes and scams in Thailand are ATM fraud, pick pocketing, robbery and drink spiking.