1. "The temple or palace is closed today"
How it works: A friendly stranger near a major sight says it is closed for a ceremony and offers a cheap tuk-tuk tour instead.
How to avoid it: Opening hours are posted at the gate and on the official site. Ignore unsolicited advice and walk to the entrance yourself.
2. Tuk-tuk shop detours
How it works: Very cheap rides that stop at gem, suit or souvenir shops where the driver earns a commission.
How to avoid it: Agree the price and the destination before you get in, and say clearly that you do not want to stop anywhere else.
3. Taxi without a meter
How it works: Drivers who refuse the meter and quote a high fixed fare, particularly near tourist spots.
How to avoid it: Ask for the meter before you sit down, or use a ride-hailing app. At the airport use the official taxi queue.
4. "Government-approved" gem deals
How it works: Claims that gems bought here can be resold abroad at a profit.
How to avoid it: Do not buy gems as an investment from a stranger's recommendation.
5. Rental damage disputes
How it works: Common with jet skis and scooters in beach destinations: you are billed for damage that was already there.
How to avoid it: Photograph and film every panel before you ride, and never leave your passport as a deposit.
6. Bar and show-ticket touts
How it works: Touts promise a cheap show or drink, then a large bill appears on exit.
How to avoid it: Do not follow touts. See a printed menu with prices before you order, and keep your drinks in sight.
7. Card and ATM fees
How it works: Thai ATMs charge a fixed fee for foreign cards, and machines may offer to convert the amount into your home currency at a poor rate.
How to avoid it: Check the fee on screen, and always decline "convert to your currency" so you are charged in baht.
Bangkok scam FAQ
Are tuk-tuks in Bangkok a scam?
No. They can be fun and fair when you agree the price in advance. The problem is unsolicited offers that include hidden shop stops.
Should I use taxis or ride-hailing in Bangkok?
Both work. Insist on the meter in a taxi, or use a ride-hailing app where the fare is shown before you accept.
What happened in Bangkok this week?
Open WarnPack and read recent warnings from travelers, or post your own to help the next person.
More scam guides
Bali
Money changers, scooter-damage claims, ATM skimmers and fake portals.
Hanoi
Fake taxi meters, shoe-repair tricks, photo-pole vendors and copycat tour brands.
Kolkata
Taxi fare disputes, station touts, unofficial guides and UPI collect-request fraud.
Delhi
"Station exit is closed", fake tourist offices, auto-rickshaw detours and refilled bottles.