Thailand Law Library

by Thailand Lawyer

Travelers exploring Thailand should be aware of the common scams targeting unsuspecting tourists. By understanding the tactics employed by scammers and learning how to steer clear of them, you can enjoy a safer and more pleasurable vacation in Thailand.

Tuk-Tuk Scams

Tuk-tuks are small, 3-wheeled, open-air taxis. These motorized tricycles are a fun way to travel in Thailand and have gained popularity among foreigners due to their novelty and convenience. However, they are also infamous for scams. Drivers may entice you with low fares to popular attractions, only to redirect you to gem stores or tailors where you are pressured to buy low-quality goods at inflated prices. Tuk-tuk drivers who take you to these shops receive a commission or other financial incentive. 

Alternatively, drivers may demand exorbitant fares or take indirect and long routes to inflate the price. The following tips can help you avoid a tuk-tuk scam:

• Insist on Direct Routes: Always request a direct route to your destination without any stops and refuse additional sightseeing or shopping excursions.
• Agree on Fare Upfront: Negotiate and agree on the fare before starting the journey.
• Avoid Tuk-Tuks Near Tourist Spots: Tuk-tuks parked near major tourist attractions are more likely to engage in scams. Finding one in a more local area or using a ride-share app is less likely to result in a scam.
• Be Cautious of Low Fares: If the fare seems unusually low, it is likely because the driver intends to make a bigger profit from you later. Fares typically range from 30-100 baht for shorter distances up to 1-3 kilometers but may be higher if you’re heading to famous tourist hotspots. These rates can be mutually negotiated between you and the driver at first to avoid any problems that may arise later. Trust your instincts and consider alternative transportation options.

Taxi Scams

Taxi drivers sometimes con foreign passengers by refusing to turn on the meter, demanding an expensive flat rate much higher than the metered fare. Some drivers take unnecessarily long routes to jack up the prices, particularly if forced to turn on the meter. To avoid overpaying for your taxi ride, keep in mind the following:

• Insist on Meter Usage: Always insist that the taxi driver use the meter for fare calculation. This ensures transparency and prevents drivers from quoting inflated flat rates.
• Walk Away: If the driver refuses to use the meter and insists on negotiating a flat rate, politely decline and find another taxi or opt for reputable ride-share apps that provide extra security and transparency.
• Explore Public Transportation Options: In areas prone to taxi (and tuk-tuk) scams, consider using public transportation such as buses or trains. 

“Attraction Closed” Scam

In this clever scam, individuals approach you at a tourist attraction, such as a temple, museum, or the Grand Palace in Bangkok, and claim that the site is closed. They then offer an alternative destination, and often a conveniently located tuk-tuk to drive you. The destination is typically a store such as a gem shop or tailor, where you are pressured to purchase overpriced goods and the scammer receives a commission. 

Scammers often use this tactic in conjunction with a tuk-tuk scam to earn even more profit. To avoid falling for this scam, remember the following:

• Don’t Trust Unsolicited Advice: Be wary of strangers who approach and offer unsolicited recommendations or tips, particularly at popular attractions.
• Research Opening Hours: Before setting out to visit any attractions, take the time to research their opening hours. Most popular temples, museums, and tourist sites have fixed operating hours, which you can verify online or through reputable travel guides. Be cautious of people who claim that the attraction is closed for lunch, public or religious holiday, or monk prayer time.

Jet Ski and Scooter Scams

Jet ski and scooter scams are prevalent in popular Thai beach destinations such as Pattaya, Phuket, and Koh Samui. These scams typically involve rental operators who overcharge you for pre-existing or fabricated damages to the vehicles or force you to purchase unnecessary insurance or add-ons. To avoid these scams, be sure to:

• Avoid Pressure Tactics: Be wary of rental operators who pressure you into purchasing unnecessary insurance or add-ons. Scammers may use aggressive tactics to upsell these extras, significantly inflating the rental cost.
• Use Reputable Rental Services: Choose reputable rental services with positive reviews and a track record of fair business practices. Research rental companies online or ask your hotel’s concierge for recommendations.
• Inspect Vehicles Thoroughly: Before renting a jet ski or scooter, thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any pre-existing damages. Take note and photos of any scratches, dents, or mechanical issues and ensure that the rental operator acknowledges them in writing.
• Clarify Terms and Conditions: Take the time to read and understand the rental agreement, including insurance coverage, liability clauses, and refund policies. Clarify any ambiguities or concerns with the rental operator before signing the contract.

“Good Intentions” or Charity Scams

People and groups soliciting financial assistance in Thailand often intend to manipulate tourists into wiring or donating large sums of money under various pretenses. To avoid falling prey to these scams, follow these steps:

• Be Skeptical of Solicitations: Approach any requests for financial aid with skepticism, especially from strangers or individuals you’ve just met.
• Verify Charitable Organizations: Before donating money to any charitable cause, take the time to research and verify the legitimacy of the organization. Look for official websites, reviews, and independent assessments to ensure that your donation will be used for its intended purpose. Scammers often prey on tourists’ generosity by fabricating stories or creating fictitious charities.
• Avoid Emotional Appeals: Beware of individuals who use emotional appeals or guilt-tripping tactics to solicit funds.
• Exercise Caution with Online Requests: Be cautious of online requests for donations, especially those received via email or social media. 

Money Exchange Scam

Money exchange scammers provide unreasonable exchange rates, significantly underpay you, and sometimes give you damaged or unusable currency. You can avoid these tactics if you:

• Use Reputable Money Exchange Services: Choose reputable money exchange services like established exchange bureaus or banks that display official signage and have positive reviews from other travelers.
• Double-Check Exchange Rates: Before exchanging your money, double-check the current exchange rates through reliable sources such as reputable financial websites or currency conversion apps.
• Inspect Currency Carefully: Thoroughly inspect the currency you receive after the exchange. Watch out for old or torn bills, as these may not be accepted by other money exchanges or banks. If you notice any discrepancies or irregularities, raise your concerns with the exchange service immediately.
• Count Your Money Carefully: Take the time to count the money you receive before leaving the counter. Be vigilant for any attempts to give you less money than you are owed.

Email Impersonation Scams

Email impersonation scams are fraudulent emails or messages from scammers posing as friends or family members in urgent need of financial assistance. Protect yourself by taking the following steps:

• Don’t Send Money Based on Emails: Be cautious of unsolicited emails claiming emergencies from loved ones, especially if they request funds to be wired. Scammers often exploit emotional appeals to deceive victims into sending money without verification.
• Verify the Situation Directly: If you receive an email requesting financial assistance from a friend or family member, take the time to verify the situation directly, either in person or over the phone. Avoid using the contact information provided in the email, as it is likely the scammer’s information.
• Look for Inconsistencies: Pay attention to red flags in the email such as generalized content, lack of personalization, poor grammar or spelling, or unusual requests for financial assistance. Scammers often use generic language and may not address you by name, even if they claim to be a close relative or friend.

What to Do if You’ve Been Scammed in Thailand

Even the most experienced travelers can unfortunately fall victim to scams. If you find yourself with significant losses, reach out to a lawyer specializing in Thai law. They can advise you on your legal options including taking action against the scammer and recovering losses.

At Siam Legal International, we understand the emotional and financial hardship caused by scams. Our team of expert lawyers specializing in fraud can help. With over 20 years of experience in Thai law, we provide personalized and compassionate support to victims of scams. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you recover from your experience, please reach out to an advisor at Siam Legal today.