Menu
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
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….
Read more…
Temple flower, offering scams in Thailand
1 0How it works: Version 1: outside religious sites, touts will offer you flowers and offerings at a few times the fair price. Version 2: touts pass you offerings to use…
Read more…
Corrupt police officers in Thailand
1 1How it works: Version 1: officers hang around at the Soi Cowboy area in Bangkok catching tourists or motorists who look high/drunk. They ask if you have had drugs/drinks and…
Read more…
Temple sarong scam in Thailand
1 0How it works: At temples, you have to cover certain body parts (e.g. shoulders, above knees) before you can enter. Generally, sarongs/scarves are loaned out at no fee. However, some…
Read more…
Connect four scam in Thailand
1 0How it works: Opening: at bars in Thailand, bar girls will challenge you to a game of Connect Four for money. Set-up: It is not technically a scam, but the…
Read more…
Bangkok boxing ticket scam in Thailand
1 1How it works: Outside stadiums, touts may lie to get you to buy the most expensive tickets. For instance, they claim that the cheaper tickets are sold out, or that…
Read more…