Thailand is the country that once you visit, you’ll always wanting to return. The unlimited treasures and gems in Thailand, from the exotic street food to the utmost shopping spree, Thailand never fails to amaze us. No wonder it’s commonly known to be a second home for most of Malaysian and Singaporean.
Thailand which is also known as the land of smile explains why it has earned the heart of many. Thus, it is no surprise for Thailand to be at the top visited destination of all time.
However, the inundation of tourists indirectly stimulated the rise of tourist scams. Especially when you’re there for the first time. The unfamiliarity of cultural difference is one of the reasons why we fell into their traps. Research ahead of the country that you’re visiting the key. But, having to know the reality from a personal experience is even better.
Transportation Scam
1. Taxi
Taxi/ motor taxi in Thailand is one of the most frequently use transportation.
Cases: Once time we stopped a cab to the airport, before entering we asked if it’s a meter taxi and he nodded. So, we just drop our luggage at the back of the trunk and departed from the hotel. As we were on our way, I suspected something wrong with the driver as he wasn’t even wearing a blue uniform like many taxi drivers in Thailand and the meter wasn’t moving. It was in a traffic congestion and we thought because it’s not moving quickly so the meter might at a slower response. After 5 minutes, we know the meter is not on and demanded him to turn it on but the driver was skyping with his girlfriend while driving and ignored us. At that time, we felt insecure and wanted to get out. But he refuses to let us out saying that we need to pay 500 baht to the airport with no negotiation. We insisted to leave and luckily he caught in a traffic so he has nowhere to escape, so we paid him 50 baht and escaped from the hell.
Solutions:
- Always ask if the taxi driver is using a meter if he says no then walk away.
- Check if the driver is wearing a uniform, if he isn't, please don’t enter.
- Avoid any taxi touts at the airport that offers a cheaper price. Generally, authorized taxis from the airport to the city is not expensive in Thailand.
- Be firm, demand to get out of the car if you suspected something wrong.
- Research ahead of your end destination, they might flee with your money at a place that has a similar name.
2. Tuk-tuk
It’s fun for most tourist who came to Thailand for a first time to hop on the tuk-tuk for a ride. It’s fun and there’s a lot to see compared to be in a car surrounded by windows and car doors.
Cases: Tuk-tuk scams happen when your greed overtook your logical mind. The overly cheap prices of a tuk-tuk are often suspicious for us to be aware. Instead of taking you to your destination, they will come out with different excuses to bring you to shops like tailor boutique, jewelry shop and etc where they will force you to buy something in order for them to obtain the commission.
Solutions:
- Be alert and aware when the driver is overly friendly and started asking what is your travel plan, an itinerary of the day and etc. Often they will send you to travel agency to get you buy something expensive.
- Don’t go too far off the city with tuk-tuk, you’ll end up stranded up at a quiet place where he refuses to take you back.
- Always research of the approximate fare for tuk-tuk before making any negotiations.
3. Motorbike Rental
It’s pretty common for tourist to rent motorbike around the island or city to do self-exploring. However, it’s always a trap for people who rent it from an unreliable source and ended up with a hell lot of troubles.
Cases: Damages on the bike you rent is the most common scam in Thailand. Claiming the engine, lights or etc that they say is broken is going to be extremely troublesome as they are going to hold you up at their place until you willing to bill up against the damages that they claimed.
Solutions:
- Never sign the rental contract with your passport! If they want to hold onto your passport, say NO and walk away for other options.
- Take photos of the vehicle and examine the motorbike before you sign any documents to rent.
Sight-seeing Scam
1. Temple scams
If you’re in Thailand and you love doing sight-seeing, then temples are something that you might not want to miss. Especially when they are extremely beautiful looking and the rich histories behind it.
Cases: Taking Grand Palace in Bangkok for an example, the must-see landmark in Bangkok attracted more tourists than ever. This influx usually accompanied by different scams, from driver scams to different tour scams.
Often, when you arrived at the destination, tuk-tuk driver will inform you that the temple is closed and they suggest to bring you to different temples and places that are worth seeing around that area. But instead, they will bring you to one of the souvenir shops or tailor shops for cheating you to buy some of their items.
Also, usually you’ll be approached with very fluent English speaking men or women that seems to be friendly at first and agree to give you a tour with a little tip at the end. Well, if you agree, you practically fell into their trap. These unreliable claimed to be tour guide will twist the story and you ended up paying a big amount of money that they insist you agreed on.
Solutions:
- Never agree to let driver bring you anywhere else except your final destination. Get out of the vehicle, check it out yourself whether or not the temple is closed. If necessary, go further away from tourist hotspot to get your next ride to other destinations.
- Avoid Thai that speaks very fluent English, they are professional that either to approach you to buy something or finding any kind of scamming opportunities.
- If you have no interest in any kind of a tour being offered, reject immediately and walk away. Do not hesitate or have a second thought before these scammers see right into you.
2. Watersport scam
If you’re arriving in Thailand for a beach holiday like Phuket or Pattaya, it’s pretty common that you’ll find all those exotic water sports that you could ever imagine here. From jet ski riding to paragliding, you name it they got it. However, not every time is your lucky day. So, there is something that you really need to take note before it’s too late.
Cases: Same goes to anything that is related to engine/motor, some scammer tends to hold you up at their territory saying that you made some damages to their jet ski. You will have to pay no matter what. It’s also common in this heated argument situation, there will be one or two policemen walk by out of sudden to get your attention. But the truth is they are usually a team, they will help you to try to negotiate in their own language, letting you know that you’ll be able to pay a lesser amount for the damages. The truth is, whatever that you’re paying, they cut a piece of cake from the total amount.
Solutions:
- Never let anyone hold your passport as a deposit.
- Call the correct policemen/authority to deal with cases like that.
- Examine the watersport vehicle before signing up.
- Do research on reliable water sports provider.
3. Lady Boy Scam
Thailand is also known for the ladyboy shows. Ladyboy is a technical name for transgenders. Ladyboy walking on the street is really a common thing in Thailand. However, you might not know that there’s scam hidden in all these popular shows.
Cases: We were deceived in one of those moments when they approach us to touch them or taking a photo without any charges. But, the lesson that one should learn is never take anything for granted. Everything you touch or you do have consequences.
Like Patong strip street, this is where most of the scams happen in a bar. They offer happy hour beers at a cheap price, lure you into their bar and start by making good small conversation with you and slowly fool you into one of their bets. The second you placed your bet, you should just walk away because they absolutely know what they are doing to get your money.
Solutions:
- You can go for streets like this, but, just don’t stay long. Leave to somewhere else for your drinks.
- Anything that people offer you, even though it’s tempting, don’t take it. Just smile and leave.
Food Scam
This is something that I would really like to emphasize because we often underestimated those scams. It might not seems to be serious, but, when you’re ordering a lot, you might be in a trouble.
1. Seafood Stall
Cases: Seafood in Asia countries are reasonably priced especially in Thailand and Vietnam due to the abundant source of it. However, if you are at touristy places like in Phuket or Pattaya, you’ll be touted by many vendors that are offering the same thing. The moment when you’re approached with extremely cheap prices of seafood, you should smell something fishy. They are often really bad quality ingredients used.
Either way, the first brought you to their tanks for fresh seafood, but they switched the fishes back in the kitchen. These unethical business tactics are all over Thailand where tourists should really watch out.
Solutions:
- Read on food blogs of where you should or shouldn’t eat.
Street Scams
1. Pick-pockets
You’re most vulnerable to these attacks especially when you’re at crowded places like night markets, food fair and etc. The more crowded it is, the easier for scammers and thieves to see you as a target.
Solutions:
- Be aware of your belongings, never leave your bag behind as it will make their job easier without you noticing it.
- Spread your money in different pockets, smaller pouches and etc to reduce the damages when it happens.
2. Massages
Street-side massage sound tempting to you particularly when you’re tired of walking, wanting for a massage to relax. These masseurs are often not professional nor they are trained even they claimed that they are. Instead of having a relaxing treatment, you’re putting your life at risks.
Cases:They will promote different packages for you, claiming this is better than the other and persuade you with all their ability to take it. You’re not allowed to leave until you accept it.
Solutions:
- Always research and read reviews online before making a decision.
- Look for a recommended and reliable massage salon.
3. Cashier scam
This happens all the time whether or not you’re at a convenience store like 7-eleven, Familymart or just a street side store. They always take advantage of tourists of not being aware of the currencies. The wrong change is something we need to avoid especially when we are dealing with foreign currencies.
Cases: Cashier took advantage on you when you’re paying with a big note, they try to return you in a small note with the lesser amount so that you wouldn’t notice unless you have the patience to count every single one of them.
Solutions:
- Try to pay with a smaller note and not flash your cash in your wallet. This will attract scammers around you.
- Always count in front of the cashier when you receive your balance before leaving the store.
These are the helplines in Thailand:
Police 191
Tourist Police: 1155
Ambulance 1554
Know your rights, get help from authorized and official authorities. Always be aware of the places that you’re going and do not hesitate to ask for help.
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