Travel
Common tourist scams in Thailand and how to avoid them
Last reviewed: 2026-07-18
Written by Ricardo Dos Santos
The handful of scams that catch out visitors again and again in Thailand — scooter and jet-ski deposits, the gem scam, and the "temple is closed today" trick — and how to protect yourself, including the tourist police number to call.
Scooter and jet-ski rental: never leave your original passport
Never hand over your original passport as a deposit when renting a scooter or jet-ski — offer a photocopy plus a cash deposit with a signed receipt instead. Photograph or film every angle of the vehicle before you drive off, including any existing scratches or damage: this is your protection against a common trick, especially in Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui, where an operator claims pre-existing damage was caused by you and demands payment on return. Choose rental shops with strong, verifiable online reviews.
Street "miracle" cosmetics
Be sceptical of street vendors selling heavily discounted "miracle" skincare or cosmetic products — quality and safety are not guaranteed.
The gem scam
A stranger — often relayed by a friendly tuk-tuk or taxi driver — claims there is a special, government-backed one-day sale on gemstones or jewellery at a specific shop. There is no such thing: the Thai government and royal family do not own or operate any jewellery business. Walk away from any version of this pitch.
"The temple is closed today"
Touts sometimes tell tourists near a temple that it is closed for the day (a holiday, a private ceremony) and offer to take them somewhere else — usually a commission shop. If a major temple appears closed with no official signage confirming it, check with temple staff directly rather than trusting a stranger outside the gate.
Suspiciously cheap tuk-tuks
An unusually low tuk-tuk fare is often followed by unrequested "quick stops" at shops that pay the driver commission, stretching a short trip into a long, unwanted shopping detour. Agree on price and destination clearly before getting in, or use a metered taxi or ride-hailing app instead.
If something goes wrong: call the Tourist Police
Thailand's Tourist Police operate a dedicated hotline — 1155 — for exactly these situations. It is free, available for visitors, and the right first call if you believe you have been scammed or need help resolving a dispute with a vendor or driver.