How to Avoid Common Bangkok Tourist Scams - Tips on Enjoying a Scam-Free Holiday in Bangkok

As the most popular city in Asia, Bangkok has been considered a rite of passage for backpackers and those who are venturing into the region for the first time. Regardless of the cultural attractions and its reputation as a foodie's paradise, Bangkok is also unfortunately rife with scammers who are intent on causing chaos and taking advantage of unsuspecting travellers. From staying safe to protecting your belongings, here are some well-known scams to avoid in the Thai capital.

1. Tuk Tuk Scam

Those who are visiting Bangkok for the first time must be aware of three-wheelers or tuk-tuks that are parked outside major tourist attractions and resorts. Touting English-speaking chaperones, these drivers are adept negotiators and scammers who wish to rip travellers off with pricey rides around the city. Not only are these vehicles unmetered but the drivers are also likely to make several unrequested stops at shops and attractions that provide commissions for bringing tourists. It is prudent to use the Bangkok MRT and SkyTrain network for all your travel needs in Bangkok as travelling in metered and unmetered tuk-tuks can be an unnecessary hassle and an expensive one.

Shayantani Sarkar, Tuktuk on the streets of Bangkok, CC BY-SA 3.0 

2. Taxi Scam

Similar to the three-wheelers, taxis are also likely to overcharge tourists, especially if they happen to be parked outside well-known hotels, Bangkok shopping malls and other key highlights in the city. When boarding a taxi it is necessary to ask whether it is metered and to demand that the meter be turned on as some drivers claim to have "forgotten" to turn on the meter when it comes time to calculate the fare. Knowing the best route and the distance to your final destination will also help you make a better call when it comes to using cab services as certain drivers are known to take longer routes on purpose.

3. Jewellery Fraud

This scam involves random strangers coming up to you and trying to escort you to a jewellery store nearby. These individuals are very well-spoken, and polite and appear to be taking time out of their day to help you find a worthy piece of jewellery. Most of these so-called jewellery stores sell poor quality accessories at high prices while the scammers and the shop owners make a profit off of the ignorance of the shopping masses.

4. Attractions Closing

Those who are based at the Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel or any other Sukhumvit hotel will find that there are always locals near popular tourist hubs, temples and landmarks chatting up tourists. If one happens to be standing outside the gates of the Grand Palace, for example, these individuals will approach you in a friendly manner and insist that the attraction is closed for the day and suggest a nearby point of interest. A tuk-tuk driver known to them will then appear and suggest that you visit the highlight they recommend instead. The best way to avoid this crime is to avoid talking to locals loitering around such areas and to check online about opening times and closing days before making the trip to a particular temple or park.

5. Khlong Tour Scam

It is best to book a tour of the Khlongs or the channels of the Chao Praya River online instead of hopping on a boat that happens to offer the excursion seemingly to every tourist on the pier. This is due to the fact that some scammers will quote one price for the experience and demand more during the tour so that tourists have no choice but to pay up as they are literally stranded on a boat in the middle of the River of Kings.