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Thailand
47 scams
Coronavirus update (6 Feb 2020): 25 cases. Please take the necessary precautions – e.g. wash hands with soap and wear a mask if you are sick.
Also known as the land of smiles, Thailand has always been a top tourist destination with its stunning coastlines, majestic temples and colorful markets.
However, there are some infamous tourist targeted scams around temples, transport, nightlife as well as petty crime to watch out for.
Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.
Emergency number
- Tourist police: 1155
- Police: 191
- Ambulance: 1554; medical: 1669
- Fire: 199
Travel guide
Home gambling scam in Thailand
4 1How it works: Opening: a stranger asks where you are from and claims to have a relative going there (e.g. for work). He invites you to his house for a…
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Unofficial guides in Thailand
4 1How it works: At temples, touts will latch on to you to provide an unsolicited tour, seemingly for free. This is likely going to be a short, low quality tour…
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Snatch thefts in Thailand
3 7How it works: Two versions: strike and run; distract and grab. Possible scenarios: Bike/moped: riding past with a pillion rider doing the snatch. Street, mall, shop, park, transportation hub: distracting…
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Would you like a drink bar scam in Thailand
3 0How it works: Opening: perpetrated by young local girls, they target single male travellers by approaching them and getting them to go to a local bar or café. Set-up: they…
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Timeshare scam in Thailand
3 0How it works: Situation: This has been going on for years, even as far as back as in 2005! Opening: Version 1: at the airport, touts offer you a free…
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Bar overcharging scams in Thailand
3 0How it works: At Pattaya: when you order a new drink, a bill is added into a bucket by your table. Extra bills may be thrown in there if you…
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Pickpockets in Thailand
3 1How it works: Version 1: they work in a gang – one onlooker, one blocks, pushes, distracts, or engages you, one grabs and the final hides the loot under a…
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Fraudulent tour agencies in Thailand
3 7How it works: Opening: touts dressed in official looking uniform or claiming to be affiliated to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will offer you low priced tours. Set-up: more…
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Airport express passage tip in Thailand
2 1How it works: Situation 1: it has been alleged that there is a practice of paying unofficial payments/tips to immigration officials to fast track visa application. Situation 2: it has…
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Hua Lamphong train station scams in Thailand
2 0How it works: Version 1: an “official” looking person asks where you are headed. He then goes to the counter and pretends to look through the system. Next, he claims…
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