Worst Scams in Thailand

Thailand is a popular tourist destination, and with that popularity comes a number of scams that target unsuspecting visitors. Here are the top 10 worst scams facing tourists in Thailand:

1. Broken taxi meter: This is a classic scam that involves taxi drivers refusing to turn on their meters or claiming that they are broken. This can lead to tourists paying hundreds of baht for a trip that’s barely a couple of kilometers in length.
2. Fake gem scam: This scam involves vendors selling tourists fake gems at inflated prices. The vendors will often use high-pressure sales tactics to convince tourists to buy the gems.
3. Beach vendors: These vendors will often approach tourists on the beach and offer them souvenirs, massages, or other services at inflated prices. They may also try to sell tourists counterfeit goods.
4. Restaurant scams: This scam involves restaurants overcharging tourists for their meals. The restaurants may also try to add hidden charges to the bill, such as a service charge or a mandatory tip.
5. Bar scams: This scam involves bars overcharging tourists for their drinks. The bars may also try to trick tourists into buying expensive shots or cocktails.
6. ATM scams: This scam involves tourists being tricked into withdrawing money from ATMs that have been tampered with. The ATMs will often dispense fake money or charge tourists exorbitant fees.
7. Romance scams: This scam involves scammers posing as attractive Thai women who are looking for foreign husbands. The scammers will then build a relationship with the victim and eventually ask for money.
8. Golden Buddha scam: This scam involves tourists being taken to a fake temple where they are told that they can pay to have their picture taken with a golden Buddha. However, the Buddha is actually made of plastic and the tourists are never given their photos.
9. Snake oil salesmen: These vendors will often approach tourists on the street and offer them miracle cures for a variety of ailments. However, the products that they sell are often ineffective or even dangerous.
10. Pickpockets: This is a common scam in Thailand, and it can happen anywhere, from crowded markets to busy tourist areas. Pickpockets are experts at their craft, and they can often steal wallets, purses, and other valuables without the victim even realizing it.
11. Jet Ski Rentals – Jet ski operators claim you damaged their jet ski during your rental and demand ridiculously high sums to give you back your passport.
12. Property Scams – Never get involved in a property transaction without a lawyer or you may lose all your money.
13. Sick Buffalo – You meet a Thai girl you are sweet on, however, she only wants your money and will tell you kinds of stories how people in her family are ill and need money.
14. Job Scams – Any company that wants you send money in advance for a job is a scam. Do not send money!
15. Call Scams – It seems easy that call scam gangs can get your phone number and trick you into your account details or other things too good to be true. If they are calling you, it is a scam.

How to Avoid Tourist Scams in Thailand

There are a number of things that tourists can do to avoid falling victim to scams in Thailand. Here are a few tips:

• Be aware of your surroundings: This is the most important tip. If you are aware of your surroundings, you will be less likely to become a victim of a scam.
• Trust your gut: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you have a bad feeling about a situation, walk away.
• Do your research: Before you travel to Thailand, do some research on common scams. This will help you to be more aware of the risks.
• Be confident: If you are confident, you will be less likely to be targeted by scammers.
• Be careful with your belongings: Keep your valuables close to you at all times. Do not leave your bags unattended.
• Use ATMs in reputable locations: Only use ATMs that are located in well-lit, busy areas.
• Be wary of strangers: Do not talk to strangers who approach you on the street.

By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself from falling victim to scams in Thailand.

Additional Tips

• Learn some basic Thai phrases: This will help you to communicate with locals and avoid being taken advantage of.
• Carry a copy of your passport with you: This will help you to prove your identity if you are stopped by the police.
• Stay in reputable hotels: This will help to ensure that your safety and security are taken seriously.
• Report any suspicious activity to the police: If you see something, say something. The police can help to protect you and other tourists from scams.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your trip to Thailand is safe and enjoyable.