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Most tourist destinations around the world have their scammers.
Thailand is no different. However, what is more tragic here is that
Thai people are naturally very hospitable. They love playing the host
and welcoming guests to their country. I am sure many of us have seen
this generosity on long train journeys when families share their meals
with you. At my school, we often have tourists visiting for a tour. The
school administration always welcomes the visitors and even gives them
presents. In the early days, when it was still a novelty, we even took
them to local tourist attractions and paid the admission costs for
these complete strangers. That is how generous Thai people normally
are. But, it is unfortunate that once they start to have prolonged
contact with foreigners, they begin to change. It is no longer "be our
guest". They will lie, cheat and even blindly rob you into order to get
as much money from you as they can.
We started the website www.BangkokScams.com
in order to make people aware of some of the more common scams that
take place in the Kingdom of Thailand. But, even we were overwhelmed by
the large number of scams and comments that were being posted every
day. These are not isolated incidents. Despite the warnings in
guidebooks and in websites like ours, these scams are still happening.
It is really tragic because some tourists get hurt so much that they
will never return to Thailand again. Even worse, they will tell their
friends to avoid our adopted country like the plague. I really feel
sorry for the tourists who go to the Grand Palace on their last day
only to be told by scammers that the palace is closed. I was there the
other day with my sister and her family and we were told several times
that the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun were all closed on that
day. They said that it was our lucky day as they knew a temple called
the Big Buddha which was open. What they didn't mention was that they
would drag us to a gem store where we would get a hard sell to buy
worthless gems.
To help you be more street savvy on your next holiday in Thailand,
we have decided to put together a top 10 of scams in Thailand. It is by
no means definitive. If you have any scams that you would like to
report, then please post them at www.BangkokScams.com.
1. The Grand Palace is Closed Scam - This scam can
happen near any tourist attraction but still happens a lot outside the
Grand Palace. As you approach, someone will tell you that the palace is
closed for various reasons. Ignore them as you will end up in either a
gem store or a tailor shop.
2. Thai Gem Scam - If
you are not an expert on gems then I strongly urge you not to take the
word of other people on how much money you can make if you sell these
gems on return to your home country. People are losing a lot of money
every day. Don't make the mistake that you are different.
3. Wrong Change Scam
- A common scam at places like 7-Eleven and Family Mart in tourist
areas is to give you change as if you gave them a 500 baht note instead
of a 1,000 baht note. Many tourists are not familiar with Thai money
and often give the wrong money or don't notice that their change is
incorrect. Most shops will say out loud the denomination of any paper
money you give them. Check your change!
4. Jet Ski Scam
- Many people in Pattaya and Phuket are being scammed after renting jet
skis. When you come back after your fun, they will point out scratches
and dents in the jet ski and they will demand large sums of money. What
they fail to mention is that a dozen other customers have already paid
for those scratches. If you rent anything, be it motorcycle, car or jet
ski, make sure all scratches and dents are documented.
5. Patpong Sex Show Scam
- Don't believe the touts outside who say free sex shows and drinks for
only 100 baht each. You will end up paying a bill in the thousands.
Stay clear if you are alone as they can turn violent if you refuse to
pay.
6. Hualamphong Scam - Outside the train
station you will meet official looking people who will say they will
help you book the seats. They take you to their nearby travel agent and
pretend to ring the train booking office. They then say the train is
full and your only way to travel is on one of their buses.
7. Long Distance Bus Scam
- Many people have had things stolen from their bags on overnight bus
trips. Some have even reported they were drugged and found their money
missing when they woke up.
8. Airport Taxi Scam -
Official looking touts will pretend that they are meter taxis and tell
you that it is 500-1000 baht to go into town. The meter taxi outside is
less than half this. The police have tried to crack down on them but
they are back. Ignore anyone who asks if you want a taxi. The real taxi
drivers are waiting outside by their cars.
9. Blackjack Scam
- This usually starts when someone asks you where you are from. If you
say, New York, then he will say he has a sister who will be going to
study there. He then asks if you can go and meet her as she has some
questions. At their house, you somehow end up playing blackjack with
them. They then ask you to help cheat someone out of their money. Don't
get tempted as it is you who is being scammed.
10. My Girlfriend is Pregnant Scam
- A popular scams these days is your long distance girlfriend writing
to you to say she is pregnant with your baby. She either asks for help
to pay for the aboriton or for money to raise the baby. What she
doesn't tell you is that she has already written to five other
foreigners telling them that they are the father too. The latest
gimmick is some medicine circulating in Isaan that swells their belly
to make them look pregnant in case you fly in to visit them. The only
way to know for sure is to go with them to the doctors to get an
ultrasound.
Please remember, most scammers are successful because they play on
the greed of their victims. If something is too good to be true then it
probably is. As kind as Thai people are, they are also very shy. If you
are approached by a well spoken Thai person on the street then the
chances are high that this person is a scammer. Thai people are not
normally so forward. However, please give them the benefit of the doubt
unless, of course, they give you the codeword "Big Buddha" or "Lucky
Buddha". This is then their admission of guilt. Finally, it is sad to
report that there are now foreigners praying on helpless tourists. So,
be weary of any unsolicited help.
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