Bangkok Thailand’s Most Common Scam
If you follow along on YouTube, you know that we aren’t particularly proud of the fact that we got tricked into one of the most common scams in Bangkok. But, I’m here to share our story to help you avoid this fate for yourself… spoiler alert: this is some Ocean’s 11 type shit right here, seriously. Better yet, it’s practically the Thai version of The Godfather. Think I’m exaggerating?
These scammers are professionals who have been successfully prying money out of the hands of tourists for decades, cloaking themselves behind a thick veil of Buddhism. If you’d prefer to watch vs. read, catch our full scam explanation on video. Otherwise, let’s get started.
The Bangkok Scam Set-up: The Good Samaritan
All scams start like this: You’re walking down the street and suddenly a “Good Samaritan” approaches you for any reason at all. Got a camera in hand? “Hey, I’m a photographer too!” (This was our set-up). Looking for that famous temple you’ve always wanted to see? “Sorry, it’s closed today. Let me take you to a better one that is open now”. Need a ride? “I can take you to all of the major tourists spots for only 40 Baht!”. Well guys, I only have one word for you: SCAM.
In a country that many believe to be a spiritual epicenter filled with Buddhas and friendly faces, it feels counterintuitive to keep your guard up. If you’re anything like us, you accept new conversation with open arms. Unfortunately, anyone who approaches you on the streets of Bangkok is likely trying to get something out of you (hint: it’s your money). A disappointing reality, but a reality none the less, these scammers can smell tourists from a mile away.
Inside the Bangkok Scam: The Taxi Driver & Public Servant
Let’s say you let your guard down and you’re now in conversation, taking advice from this street-side “Good Samaritan”. He’s writing down a list of places in Bangkok that you just can’t miss! Funny enough, his friend drives a taxi or tuk-tuk and he’s just right down the street waiting to whisk you away for a magical day. So, you get in the car and the driver is seemingly one of the most friendly people you have met thus far in Bangkok. You see pictures of his kids and share a few laughs as you effortlessly arrive at your first destination: your own private temple. What luck, you think, as you wander the temple grounds without hoards of tourists swarming the grounds.
Your trusty driver leads you inside the temple, with only one other observer inside, to see Buddha in all of it’s golden glory. The lone observer strikes up conversation and you learn he is a successful public servant who has come back to his homeland of Thailand after working abroad in Europe for many years. You trust him because what person would try to scam you in the presence of monks, right? Wrong. The public servant that you meet inside of the temple is not happenstance: In fact, this man plays an integral role in the common Bangkok scam. He will ask your plans for the day and try to boost your confidence by talking about how incredible the spots you chose were. He may even pull out a map of Bangkok or tell you how the suit/jewelry store you are heading to next is having their “last day anniversary promotion”. But remember, no pictures inside the temples! This is how the faces of these “Public Servants” go unrecognized by authorities for many years.
PRO TIP: Scammers often speak more fluent English than average Thai citizens
What’s in it For Them: The Salesman
After a fantastic temple experience, you find yourself back inside the air conditioned taxi because it’s time to go shopping! You arrive at the “shopping center” which is actually just a tailor or jewelry store, depending on which business is paying your driver. You are instantly greeted, taken to a comfortable couch, offered a beer or beverage, and before you know it you are talking suits/gems with an incredibly persuasive salesman with a never take no for an answer attitude. These guys are so good they could convince the devil to buy a hand tailored suit with custom flame lining and when he tried it on they would say “It’s Lit, buy another” and he would. They’re that good.
If you can get out of the store alive with all of your money, your driver will receive a fuel credit for bringing you there. However if you make a purchase like we did, your taxi driver gets a pretty nice pay day of 15-20% of your purchase price. That payout is split between all of your new friends, a.k.a. the operations key players: The Good Samaritan, the Taxi Driver, and the Public Servant.
Usually, the scam doesn’t end at a suit/jewelry shop. We were brought to two other locations after the tailor including a ridiculously overpriced long tail boat operator and a seedy back alley restaurant. We declined both of these destinations because we had long recognized the scam. At this point, we were dying to get back to our hotel room to eat pizza while cowering underneath the sheets where no more bad guys could find us.
How to Avoid a Scam in Bangkok:
- Keep walking. Don’t indulge anyone on the street who attempts to make conversation with you. They will be friendly, simply asking you where you’re from and talking about the weather, but eventually they will try to sell you something. Just keep walking, always.
- Never use taxi’s or tuk-tuks for public transportation. Most of them are unregulated and a large number of drivers are involved in dangerous tourist scams. Download the GRAB App (similar to Uber) and use it. Public transportation systems like the BTS and MRT are also clean, safe, and easy to use.
- Temples are always open. Scammers will try and use the many Thai Holidays as leverage to convince you that Bangkok’s Temples are closed in order to take you elsewhere. Trust me, they aren’t closed.
- Plan your day before leaving your hotel and stick to your own itinerary. It’s much easier to get sucked into a scam when you don’t have a plan.
- Assess the scam early. If you fall victim to a scam, do your best to assess it early. Take pictures of the license plate and driver if possible and report the event to the authorities.
All in all, Bangkok is a beautiful city rich with history making it a must-see destination during your vacation in Thailand. Like many major cities, there are plenty of people looking to make a quick buck off the average tourist, so just watch your back. I hope this article helped you become more aware of the most common scam in Bangkok so you can avoid getting ripped off during your stay. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below!
That’s not a “Good Samaritan”—-i call him the innocent “wolf”….😄….keep safe my friends. .