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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
Currency switcheroo in Thailand
2 2How it works: There have been reports of tourists handing over a 1,000 THB bill, only for the cashier to swap it to a 100 THB bill via sleight of…
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Black henna scam in Thailand
2 1How it works: Black henna is not made from the henna plant like regular henna, but is made of a chemical paraphenylenediamine (PPD), which is used to dye hair. It…
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Jet-ski scam in Thailand
2 2How it works: Situation: after returning your jet ski, the operator finds certain “damages”. He then demands you pay a substantial repair fee and a bunch of burly men will…
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Sob story scam in Thailand
2 0How it works: Basically, someone seemingly in need tells you of a sob story (e.g. being robbed; needing bank account to receive money, etc) and asks if you can spare…
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Grand Palace bird food scam in Thailand
2 1How it works: A scammer approaches you with a bag of bird seeds, pours the seeds into your hands and then scatters them on the ground to feed the birds….
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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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Rental motorbike scams in Thailand
2 1How it works: Version 1: compensation is demanded for non-existent damages” or those not caused by you. Version 2: the company sends someone with a spare key to steal your…
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Fake police in Thailand
2 2How it works: Version 1: two fake officers ask to see your passport. Something wrong is found with your visa and you will be asked to pay a fine on…
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Cambodia – Thailand border crossing scams
2 8How it works: Version 1 (on a tuk-tuk/taxi to the border): You will be brought past a sign showing “Cambodian Consulate” and dropped at a house. This “consulate” is fake…
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