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Thailand Scams & Safety Guide

Thailand is generally a very safe country for tourists, but like any popular destination, there are scams and safety issues to be aware of. This guide covers the most common tourist scams, how to avoid them, and practical safety advice to ensure you have a trouble-free trip. Being informed is your best protection.

Common Tourist Scams

Tuk-Tuk Gem Shop Scam

Drivers offer an extremely cheap ride (10-20 THB) around Bangkok's temples, but insist on stopping at a gem or tailor shop. At the shop, you are pressured into buying overpriced, low-quality jewelry or suits with promises of huge resale profits. This is one of Bangkok's oldest and most persistent scams.

How to avoid: Never accept suspiciously cheap tuk-tuk rides. Agree on a price and destination before getting in. Refuse any stops at shops. If the driver insists, get out and find another ride.

Temple/Palace Closed Scam

A friendly stranger near the Grand Palace or a major temple tells you it is closed today for a ceremony or holiday. They then helpfully suggest a different temple and offer to arrange a cheap tuk-tuk, which takes you to gem shops or overpriced attractions instead.

How to avoid: The Grand Palace and major temples are open every day. Ignore anyone outside telling you it is closed. Walk directly to the entrance and check yourself. If it truly is closed, the guards at the gate will tell you.

Jet Ski Damage Scam

Common in Phuket, Pattaya, and Koh Samui. After renting a jet ski, the operator claims you caused damage (often pre-existing) and demands an inflated repair fee of 10,000-30,000 THB. They may hold your passport or become aggressive.

How to avoid: Take photos and videos of the jet ski from all angles before renting. Never leave your passport as a deposit - only leave a copy. Consider avoiding jet ski rental altogether, or use reputable operators recommended by your hotel.

Taxi Meter Refusal

Taxi drivers, especially at airports and tourist areas, refuse to use the meter and quote inflated flat fares. A metered ride from Suvarnabhumi airport to central Bangkok should cost 250-400 THB, but some drivers demand 500-1,000 THB or more.

How to avoid: Always insist on using the meter. If the driver refuses, say 'meter please' or simply get out and find another taxi. Better yet, use Grab or Bolt app for transparent pricing. At airports, use the official taxi queue with metered taxis.

Bar Bill Scam

In entertainment areas like Bangkok's Patpong or Pattaya's Walking Street, you may be lured into a bar with promises of cheap drinks, only to receive a massively inflated bill at the end. Security may prevent you from leaving until you pay.

How to avoid: Check drink prices before ordering. Avoid bars with aggressive touts outside. Stick to reputable, well-reviewed venues. Keep track of what you order. If you feel unsafe, call the Tourist Police at 1155.

Fake Travel Agencies

Unofficial travel agencies on Khao San Road and other tourist areas sell bus, train, or tour tickets at inflated prices, or sell tickets to substandard services. Some issue fake tickets that are not honored by the actual operator.

How to avoid: Book transport through official channels: trains at the SRT website, flights on airline websites, buses at official bus terminals. Use reputable booking platforms like 12Go Asia for verified operators.

General Safety Tips

Road Safety

Thailand has one of the highest road accident rates in the world. Motorbike accidents are the leading cause of tourist injuries and deaths. Renting a scooter without experience, driving without a helmet, or driving under the influence are extremely dangerous.

How to avoid: Always wear a helmet. Only rent a motorbike if you have experience and a valid license. Check your travel insurance covers motorbike accidents (many do not). Use Grab for safe transport in cities.

Drink Spiking

Cases of drink spiking have been reported in bars and nightclubs, particularly in party areas. This affects both men and women. Victims may wake up robbed or in dangerous situations.

How to avoid: Never leave your drink unattended. Watch your drink being poured or opened. Avoid accepting drinks from strangers. Travel with friends and look out for each other. If you feel unexpectedly intoxicated, seek help immediately.

Swimming and Water Safety

Strong currents, riptides, and jellyfish are hazards at many Thai beaches. Drowning is a leading cause of tourist deaths. Red flags on beaches indicate dangerous conditions. During monsoon season (May-October on the west coast), waves can be very powerful.

How to avoid: Always obey warning flags and signs. Do not swim alone or when intoxicated. Be cautious of currents, especially at beaches without lifeguards. Wear water shoes to protect against sea urchins and rocks.

Emergency Contacts

Tourist Police

Call 1155 - Available 24/7 with English-speaking operators. They can assist with scams, theft, accidents, and any tourist-related issues. They also have a LINE app for non-emergency communication.

How to avoid: Save this number in your phone before your trip

Emergency Services

Police: 191. Ambulance/Medical: 1669. Fire: 199. These are Thai-language hotlines. For English assistance, call the Tourist Police at 1155 first.

How to avoid: Program all emergency numbers into your phone

Dutch Embassy in Bangkok

Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands: 15 Soi Tonson, Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Bangkok 10330. Phone: +66 2 309 5200. For emergencies outside office hours: +31 247 247 247.

How to avoid: Register your trip at informatieservice.nl before departure

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Thailand safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, Thailand is generally very safe for solo female travelers and is one of the most popular solo travel destinations in the world. Exercise the same common-sense precautions you would anywhere: avoid walking alone in dark areas late at night, be cautious with alcohol consumption, inform someone of your plans, and trust your instincts. The biggest risks are typically motorbike accidents and petty theft, not violent crime.

Should I buy travel insurance for Thailand?

Absolutely yes. Travel insurance is essential for Thailand. Medical care, especially at private hospitals, can be very expensive. A simple motorbike accident can result in bills of 100,000+ THB. Make sure your policy covers: medical evacuation, motorbike accidents (if you plan to ride), theft, and trip cancellation. Good policies cost $30-100 for a month of coverage.

What is the Tourist Police and when should I call them?

The Tourist Police (1155) is a special police unit dedicated to helping foreign visitors. Call them if you are scammed, robbed, involved in an accident, have a dispute with a vendor, or need any assistance. They have English-speaking officers and can mediate disputes. They are generally more helpful and responsive than regular police for tourist issues.

Are drugs really that dangerous in Thailand?

Yes. Thailand has extremely strict drug laws. Possession of even small amounts of hard drugs can lead to lengthy prison sentences. Trafficking carries the death penalty. Cannabis was decriminalized in 2022, but as of 2025 new regulations re-restrict recreational use in public spaces. Never accept packages from strangers and be aware that some party areas may have undercover police. Thai prisons are harsh and your embassy has limited ability to help.

Is it safe to eat street food in Thailand?

Yes, Thai street food is generally safe and is one of the highlights of any trip. Look for stalls that are busy with locals (high turnover means fresh food), that cook food to order in front of you, and that appear clean. Avoid pre-cooked food that has been sitting out. Drink bottled water only. If you have a sensitive stomach, start gradually and avoid very spicy dishes in the first few days.

Quick Tips

💡Save the Tourist Police number (1155) in your phone before your trip.
💡Use the Grab app for taxis instead of hailing taxis on the street - prices are fixed and rides are tracked.
💡Keep a photocopy of your passport separately from the original - it makes replacement much easier if stolen.
💡Be respectful of the Thai monarchy - lese-majeste laws are strictly enforced and carry heavy penalties.
💡Register your trip with your embassy (informatieservice.nl for Dutch travelers) so they can contact you in emergencies.