Thailand’s a dream for a lot of people. The food, the beaches, the chaos. It’s intoxicating. But for every mango sticky rice and sunrise over Koh Tao, there’s some guy in flip-flops eyeing your wallet like it’s his next meal. These scams aren’t just anecdotal, they’ve happened to many people, including friends, ourselves and maybe even you.
This isn’t intended to smear Thailand. We love Thailand. It’s survival. Think of it like talking to a brutally honest farang who’s been around, made the mistakes, and knows how to pivot when the situation calls for it. Here are 30 real scams happening in Thailand right now, straight from the street.
1. Overhead Luggage Theft (Airplane Scam)
Especially, if you’re coming from other Asian countries, this could happen before you even land. You’re tired, crammed in economy, and just want to survive the flight. That’s when a guy with nerves of steel and a carry-on plan of attack helps himself to your overhead stash while you’re dozing off.
Avoid it: Don’t stash the gold in the bin. Keep it at your feet. Thieves love trust and naive travelers.
This is obviously an image we did with Leo.ai. We don't really take pictures of people sleeping. You know, because we aren't creeps.
2. Fake Arrival Card Websites
Imagine Googling "Thailand arrival card" and landing on a site that looks like it was built by government interns. It’s not. It’s a well-dressed thief with a payment gateway.
Avoid it: Only trust sites ending in .go.th. If they’re asking for money for a free form, maybe get off that site. Just sayin’
3. Songthaew "Private Charter" Trick
You're standing on the side of the road, being polite, respectful, and maybe even practicing your Thai. You flag down a red songthaew (those pickup trucks with benches in the back) and ask the driver, "Do you go to Big C?".
At this point, you've unknowingly stepped into a trap. By asking a direct question, especially in English or broken Thai, the driver now frames this as a private charter request, not a hop-on public fare. So instead of the usual ฿20–฿30 shared ride, you get hit with a ฿300–฿500 quote.
Congratulations, you just played yourself.
Avoid it: Just get on. Don’t ask questions. Locals don’t, and they’re not paying tourist tax.
4. Fake Motorbike Theft
This one hurts. You rent the bike, park it by your hotel, and the shop steals it with a spare key. They act surprised. They hand you the bill. You contemplate rage or tears.
Avoid it: Rent from places with real contracts and a Google presence.
5. Phantom Accident Scheme
Your phone buzzes. A guy says you hit his car. You didn’t. But now the shop wants you to settle before the “police” arrive.
Avoid it: Ask for photos. Demand evidence. Say the word "embassy" and watch them flinch.
6. Overcharged Fake Damage
Return the scooter and suddenly you’re being charged for every scratch, dent, and possibly a missing screw from 1998.
Avoid it: Take pictures. Document. Be annoying.
7. Fake Fashion Goods at Tourist Markets
If you fall for this one, you deserve it. Do you really think street vendors or shops around tourist sites are selling real brand items? Get real!
Avoid it: Don’t expect brand names from a guy selling belts next to fried squid.
8. Counterfeit Electronics
You scored a deal on a phone. Turns out it’s a Frankenstein of recycled parts. What did you expect?
Avoid it: Only buy from real stores. If it’s outdoors and doesn’t have a receipt printer, walk away.
9. Parts Swap at Repair Shops
You needed a quick fix. You got downgraded by someone with a screwdriver and no conscience.
Avoid it: Chain stores. Stand there. Breathe down their necks.
10. Fake Art Dealer Scam
They’ll tell you it’s one of a kind. They’re right… it’s one of 10,000. Seriously, you’ll see the same paintings around the country. They aren’t even that bad. The first time you see them, it might make you consider pulling out some baht. We did. But eventually, you’ll spot the formulaic templates and be happy you didn’t.
Avoid it: If it looks too polished, it came from a factory, not a painter.
11. Overpriced Taxi/Tuk Tuk Tours
You say yes to a “tour” and suddenly you’re being paraded past souvenir shops with commission tags.
Avoid it: If you didn’t ask for a tour, don’t take one.
12. Bus Van Detour Tour Room Scam
Your van stops. You’re taken inside. Suddenly, people with clipboards are upselling you on temples and tigers.
Avoid it: If you are a passive person, pretend you already booked everything. Maybe fake a phone call. Use your best actor face. If you’re more confrontational, call them out… or just avoid getting in this mess to begin with.
13. Street Exchange Hustlers
A guy says he’s stuck. Needs baht. Offers a killer rate. You get play money. He gets lunch.
Avoid it: Exchange only at booths. Never from a guy with an urgent backstory. Don’t trust anyone, anywhere… not just in Thailand. Don’t be such a sucker. Gawd.
14. Miracle Acne Cure Salesmen
You’re told your face can be fixed. All it takes is one cream and some blind faith. The truth is you’re just a mess and nobody can ever fix it. Especially not with some magic cream.
Avoid it: Nobody on the street can fix your skin... or your life.
15. Currency Sleight-of-Hand Trick
He asks to see your dollars. You hand it over. He does some Vegas stuff. You leave lighter.
Avoid it: Your money stays in your hands, guys. Pretty simple.
16. Friendly Stranger Approach
You chat. You bond. He invites you somewhere. You walk in and now you owe someone 1,500 baht for iced tea.
Avoid it: Kindness is nice. But this isn’t kindness. It is a setup. Didn’t your parents teach you not to go with strangers? It still applies as an adult, champ.
17. Phone Theft Followed by Phishing
This scam blends pick‑pocketing with phishing: a thief lifts your phone, then texts or calls you pretending to be Apple Support (or a “service center”) to say your device has been found. The crook’s real goal is to get you to log in to a fake iCloud site or remove the handset from your account so they can bypass Apple’s Activation Lock and resell it.
Don’t fall for it! Apple will never ask you to disable security features. Mark your phone as lost, remote‑erase it and leave it on your account, and ignore any texts or calls urging you to click a link or unlock the device
Avoid it: Secure your cloud. Never click on mystery links. C’mon, guys! We are better than this.
18. Fake Rescue Texts
"Send 3,000 baht and we’ll return your phone." They won’t. But you’ll be poorer.
Avoid it: Don’t negotiate with phone-nappers. Move on.
19. Fake Restaurant Invite Scam
"Just a coffee," they said. But now there’s a fish platter and a bill that makes you sweat.
Avoid it: Pick the place. Always.
If island hoping is the game you want to play, know what to expect before you arrive
20. Date Drug Setup
That Tinder date seemed amazing. So did your drink. Until it didn’t.
Avoid it: Watch your drink. Meet in public. If it feels fast, it’s a setup.
21. Kidnapping by Job Scam
That job offer online? Turns out it’s a ticket to a scam center across the border. I mean, if the situation seems too good to be true maybe consider living in reality?
Avoid it: If they ask for your passport before you’ve met them, run.
22. Scammy SIM Card Registration = Call Center Spam
Get a SIM. Get a call. Now you’re being told your package is illegal.
Avoid it: Ignore calls from unknowns. Or develop a Thai accent and prank them back.
23. Fake Job Interview Pay-to-Play
"We just need a processing fee." Then the office disappears like your common sense.
Avoid it: Real jobs pay you. Not the other way around.
24. Romance Investment Scams
They fall in love fast. Then ask you to invest. Not in crypto. In a water buffalo! C'mon boys. Not every girl has a sick water buffalo at home. Be real!
Avoid it: Love that asks for money is a transaction. I think of the word but it rhymes with trostitutes.
Another thing we don't take pics of is ladies of the night so ya, obviously this is thot.ai
25. Fake Expat Mentor
He’s cool. Wise. Then he asks for a “favor.” Or $500.
Avoid it: Real mentors don’t pitch you. Just stick to our platform and you’ll be fine.
26. Fake Condo Listings
The condo you booked? Doesn’t exist. Or is now a chicken shop.
Avoid it: See it first. Or book through platforms with actual humans behind them.
27. Fake Visa/Relocation Agencies
Looks legit. Slick website. But once you pay, your visa and your dignity vanish.
Avoid it: Reviews. Forums. Skepticism.
Have you ever been scammed while traveling in Thailand?
Have you ever been scammed while traveling in Thailand?
28. Bait-and-Switch Condos
Photos were dreamy. Reality is moldy.
Avoid it: Demand refund policies. And trust your nose.
29. Facebook Marketplace Scams
Seller’s “abroad.” Wants a deposit. You send it. Crickets.
Avoid it: No meet, no money.
30. Fake Land Titles
You buy a home. So do three other people. Oops.
Avoid it: Land Office. Lawyer. Patience.
Pros and Cons of Scam Awareness
Pros:
You save cash.
You gain street cred.
Cons:
You become suspicious.
You might walk past a genuinely nice person.
FAQ
Q: Are Thai scams violent?
A: Rarely. But some can escalate. Don’t be too trusting.
Q: Should I report scams to the police?
A: You can if you want but you know nothing is going to be done about it, right?
Q: Is Thailand still worth it?
A: Always. Just bring common sense, and maybe an extra lock.
Final Word
Thailand is stunning. It’s wild. It’s filled with people who’ll change your life—and others who’ll change your credit score. You can have the time of your life here, just don’t let your guard down completely.
Trust, but verify. Smile, but hold onto your wallet. And if someone offers you a great deal, it’s probably for them, not you.
Enjoy the ride. Just do it with your eyes open.