Safety & Scams

Thailand is generally a safe travel destination — violent crimes against tourists are rare. The biggest risks are scams, theft (pickpockets), and road traffic (the actual greatest danger).

The Most Common Scams

Thailand has perfected some scams that have been working for decades. Knowing them means you won't fall for them:

1. The "Temple is Closed" Scam (Bangkok)

A friendly Thai approaches you near the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, or another attraction: "Oh, the temple is closed today — special holiday / ceremony / cleaning." He offers you a cheap Tuk-Tuk tour to "other temples" instead. The tour inevitably leads to a jewelry store or tailor where overpriced goods are pushed on you. Solution: Ignore it. The temple is NOT closed.

2. The Tuk-Tuk Scam

A Tuk-Tuk driver offers you an incredibly cheap city tour (20–50 Baht). Sounds great, but includes forced stops at jewelers, tailors, and souvenir shops where the driver earns commissions. Solution: Use the Grab app or negotiate a fixed price without stops beforehand.

3. The Jet-Ski Scam (Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui)

You rent a jet-ski, return it, and suddenly a "damage" is discovered that was already there. They demand 10,000–30,000 Baht in repair costs and threaten with the police. Solution: Do NOT rent jet-skis. If you do: Film the handover before and after with video, photograph everything, don't be intimidated, call the tourist police (1155).

4. The Taxi Meter Scam (Bangkok)

The taxi driver refuses to turn on the meter and quotes a flat rate (always too high). Solution: Insist on the meter or get out and take the next taxi. Alternatively: Grab app (price is shown beforehand).

5. Drink Scam (Bars)

In bars (especially Patpong, Nana, Soi Cowboy in Bangkok; Walking Street in Pattaya), drinks for "new friends" are pushed on you. The bill at the end can amount to thousands of Baht. Solution: In suspicious bars, clarify prices BEFOREHAND. Do not order drinks for strangers.