Recognizing Street Scams In Bangkok

Thailand is one of the most unique melting pots in Southeast Asia, rich in diverse culture and experience. People from all over the world come here to exchange ideas and learn unfamiliar traditions. For this reason, many locals have made a business of exploiting these travelers and scamming them for their money.

Gem Scams

One of the most common cons in Bangkok is the gem scam. The tourist will be prompted to enter a jewelry shop by an apparent third party (often a taxi driver or guide). Once inside, the tourist is persuaded to buy a priceless gem for cheap with the implication that they can sell it once returning to their home country. However, the gems are worthless and a waste of money.

The “Grand Palace is Closed”

As you near a popular tourist attraction — for example, Bangkok’s Grand Palace — someone will approach you, informing you that the location is closed for the day. He will offer a consolation tour to a different part of the city, where he will eventually try to sell the traveler a service or unwanted goods.

Overpriced Taxis

When traveling by taxi, it is crucial to make sure the meter is running from the start. Drivers will park outside a hotel or airport in hopes of picking up unsuspecting tourists. They won’t use their meter and charge the passenger sometimes twice as much as the trip should cost if compared to a legitimate taxi. If a taxi has been waiting idly for any large amount of time, it is likely a scam — they are never as busy as they should be because locals know better than to use their services.