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

Entry fee scams in Thailand
1 1How it works: You may be hassled by touts to pay an entrance fee when it is free to enter. Places to beware: Kanchanaburi: Kanchanaburi War Cemetery What to do:…
Read more…Airport luggage theft in Thailand
1 0How it works: Although uncommon, there have been reports of theft by luggage handlers/security staff. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMwKyeATCkU Places to beware: Bangkok: Suvarnabhumi Airport Phuket: Phuket International Airport What to do: Luggage:…
Read more…Khao San Road drugs set-up in Thailand
1 0How it works: There are tuk-tuk drivers who offer you weed. Once he drops you off however, he rats you out to police officers nearby (who are also in on…
Read more…Longneck Karen Village scam in Thailand
1 0How it works: The “villagers” here are not technically “authentic” – they are actually refugees from Myanmar. Places to beware: Chiang Rai What to do: Go with the right expectations.
Read more…Travel freebies to meth smuggling in Thailand
1 0How it works: Opening: in 2018, a Japanese man fell for a free tour that promised to bring him to Thailand, Shanghai and Frankfurt and with money to boot. At…
Read more…Temple bird release scam in Thailand
1 0How it works: At temples/shrines, someone offers you the chance to release a bird for good fortune. In most cases, the birds are weak and will be caught again or…
Read more…Sukhumvit massage touts in Thailand
1 0How it works: Opening: touts posing as massage shop managers out the streets will offer you a special price. They claim this is because business has not been good recently….
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