Top 10 Tourist Scams in Bangkok + How to Avoid Them
Bangkok is generally safe but scammers target tourists. Here are the 10 most common + how to spot them.
1. Tuk-tuk ‘temple closed today’ scam
Driver insists Grand Palace is closed, offers ‘special tour’ = gem store + commission. Walk away.
2. Gem store scam
‘One-time export day’ gems = worthless glass at 100x markup. Don’t buy gems from tuk-tuks.
3. Friendly ‘fellow tourist’ offers temple advice
Recommends ‘better’ temple = his cousin’s gem shop. Skip strangers offering directions.
4. Long-tail boat overpricing
Boat captains quote 5x normal rate at piers. Negotiate firmly or skip + use river taxi.
5. Patpong drink-spike scam
Bargirls ‘comp’ a drink that’s actually billed at $300 + GO-GO bars charge $200 ‘check’. Avoid Patpong bars.
6. Massage room upsell
Advertised $5 foot massage = $50 ‘extras’ charged after. Use spas with posted prices.
7. Tailored suit promotion (Khao San)
‘Custom suit’ sold cheap = poor quality + altered later. Skip street tailors.
8. Taxi ‘meter broken’ from airport
Demands fixed price ฿500-800 (real metered ฿250-350). Use Grab or official rank.
9. Jet ski damage scam (Phuket)
Rent jet ski, return = charged for pre-existing damage. Photo + video before renting.
10. Karaoke bar ‘companion fee’
Companion drinks billed at $200 each. Stay out of unfamiliar karaoke bars.