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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
Pattaya Floating Market photo scam in Thailand
3 0How it works: At the Pattaya Floating Market, there is someone dressed as a mascot who will pull you close to take a photo together. Payment will then be demanded….
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Somboon Seafood copycats in Thailand
4 0How it works: Situation: the Somboon Seafood Chain is very popular for good food at affordable prices. This has given rise to a number of copycat restaurants with similar sounding…
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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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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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Bird poo scam in Thailand
2 0How it works: Someone spills a liquid resembling bird poo on your clothes or jacket. Next, strangers appear to help you clean it. While you are distracted, they pick your…
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Drink spiking in Thailand
2 2How it works: There have been reports of drink spiking and the perpetrator can be anyone – an attractive lady, a ladyboy, a member of a crime syndicate, a staff…
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