6 common scams in Thailand

Thailand is a great city with extreme safety compared to any other country in the world. However, just like in other places, there are a few unscrupulous people who take advantage of and mislead the tourists

Most tourist destinations around the world have scammers, so do Thailand. Although most Thai people are very hospitable, not everyone is. This percentage is small, insignificant, but if you are not alert, you may be the next victim.

1. Scams with Tuk Tuk / Taxi cars

"To buy time" is one of the most common scams that you need to be aware of if you choose tuk-tuk as a means of transportation. This type of vehicle does not usually have a meter as a taxi, so drivers will take you through detours for the purpose of earning extra money from you.

In addition, the fraudster will park the tuk-tuk/ Taxi cars in front of tourist destinations, hotels, shopping centers, and other tourist places, they will demand an unreasonable price for a short distance.

Or they will serve you as usual. They will ask you some questions to entice you like "Can you please help me get my gas for free by stopping for a few minutes at the gem shop?" You don't need to buy anything, just look around for a while and leave. If you are a very kind person, you will be happy to help him. However, the end result is that most people will eventually buy something. Some tuk-tuk drivers at night even take you straight to night clubs and refuse to take you home at exorbitant prices.

To avoid this scam in Thailand, it is best to avoid Tuk Tuk or Taxi cars parked near shopping centers and hotels or to refuse to stop at any point on the road. On the other hand, you should take public transportation or just take the tuk-tuk during the day.

Another tactic used by taxi drivers and tuk tuks is to lie to guests that the requested destination is closed. They will offer to take you to a similar but cheaper place (actually more expensive). These facilities have often cooperated with drivers to cheat visitors. When visitors are cheated, these taxi drivers and tuk tuks can receive commissions.

"To buy time" is one of the most common scams that you need to be aware of if you choose tuk-tuk as a means of transportation

2.  Jet ski rental

There is no denying that to have a great experience when coming to Thailand, You can rent a Jet or a ski. However, you may have to pay extra because you are wrongly accused. You will be responsible for any pre-existing damage to the device.

In order not to lose money, you must capture the scratches and damage that you have right away when renting and notify the owner. You should find reputable rental locations and do not give your passport to anyone.

There is no denying that Jet Ski Rental is a great experience when coming to Thailand

3. Jewelry (gem scam)

When you go by Tuk Tuk, the driver will stop at the prepared gem shop where someone will take you to see the gems including real gems and fake ones. But because of tax exemptions, the gems you buy will have to be delivered to your home address. In fact, the jewelry or gem will be delivered as well, but the value of those stones will be incredibly low. So be careful and do not let anyone seduce you. You should only buy gems in famous, licensed centers such as Thai Gem or Jewelry Trader Association.

Because of tax exemptions, the gems you buy will have to be delivered to your home address

4. Motorbike scam

If you want to save money when traveling to Thailand, renting a motorbike is a good choice. You can go anywhere, anytime you want.

However, be careful with these common scams. You may lose money because of an injustice by the owner that you damage or scratch their motorbike. Even they can hire a person to steal their motorbike and make you pay money. You should find reputable car rental locations and do not give your passport to anyone.

If you want to save money when traveling to Thailand, renting a motorbike is a good choice.

5. Tailor scam

Thailand is famous as a shopping paradise in Southeast Asia. Coming to Thailand, you will definitely want to buy clothes in some markets and streets. When you come here, be careful when you receive invitations from scammers.

Thailand has many reputable tailors, but there is no shortage of unskilled seamstresses. If you do not observe, you will receive products that are not suitable for the money you spend. If you intend to make suits or shirts in Thailand, do your research first.

Thailand has many reputable tailors, but there is no shortage of unskilled seamstresses

6. "The temple is closed"

As you know, Thailand is a country of temples and it would be a mistake to travel to Thailand without visiting temples here. However, when you are on your way to a temple, someone approaches you saying "The temple is currently closed" for some compelling reason and offers to take you to another temple or place, they said they would help you buy tickets at an affordable price. Do not believe them! In fact, this is an organized scam in Thailand. These scammers often gather in Wat Pho Temple, Royal Palace, even Khao San Road.

Thailand is a country of temples and it would be a mistake to travel to Thailand without visiting temples here

Before traveling to Thailand, you also need to equip yourself with the basic knowledge and improve vigilance with unusual invitations to have a safe and economical trip. Hopefully, the article above will help you avoid unnecessary losses and choose best suitable tour in Thailand.

Hang Moon

Image sources: Internet