#bangkokscams #thailand2023 #bangkoktravel
How to Avoid Scams When Traveling in Thailand
Top 10 Bangkok Scams You Should Avoid.
Hello everyone, and welcome back to Travel thailand.Today, we have an important topic to discuss, especially if you're planning a trip to the beautiful city of Bangkok, Thailand. We're going to delve into the world of scams in Bangkok and how to avoid them. But before we get started, if you're new here, don't forget to hit that subscribe button and ring the notification bell so you never miss an update on travel tips and advice."
Scams that target tourists the world over have been around for as long as tourism itself, and Thailand is no exception of course. But it certainly doesn’t have to be scary, navigating your next dream holiday in this South East Asia paradise! In fact, you might even enjoy being one step ahead of the tricksters, and this list is designed to do just that.
1. Taxi parked in front of your hotel scam.
So you’ve just unloaded your bags at the hotel, and want to hit the streets for some sightseeing. OK, you’re smart and pretty independent, so we already know you’re avoiding those over-priced ‘cookie cutter’ group tour busses.
2. Tuk Tuk scam.
Again, these guys hang around outside hotels and tourist hot spots, often with well spoken chaperones persuading you over to the drivers. Once underway, these skilled negotiators will prey on your kindness and happy holiday mood, by asking if you’d mind stopping off at a shop or attraction (so they can receive a kickback). The stores might sell anything from clothing and jewellery, to food and entertainment, but there’s a fair chance it’s low quality fakes or just plain rubbish.
3. Jewellery scam.
This scam usually involves an elaborate series of people, ‘meeting’ you strategically along the way… to an unplanned visit to a jewellery store.
4. The Khlong scam.
Similar to the taxi and tuk tuk scam, this time you’re on the water, so unless you’re keen on swimming back they can demand more money, leaving you stuck. Traveling by boat through Bangkok is highly recommended though, not only because it’s usually cooler, barely congested, it’s also a whole lot more fun! So always book at the piers or via your tour company.
5. Attractions closed scam.
This one’s common at the popular temples and tourist attractions, often starting with an overly friendly local asking where you’re from, how long have you been in town, what are you here to see etc. At some point, they’ll deliver the disappointing (but fake news) that the attraction you’re here to see is closed! The reasons given can be quite ridiculous, so if you’re expecting the scam, you might even get a laugh out of the excuse.
6. Getting tricked out of your money.
Perhaps less elaborate than other scams, it’s simple, but unfortunately works by preying on your good will. From simple beggars, to tricksters who’ll isolate you, and then convince you to willingly part with some of your money.
7. Pickpocketing/Bag Snatching/Theft
Hardly unique to Thailand, pick pockets and snatchers can be found from shopping malls to tourist attractions the world over. For example, if small children gather around you trying to sell cigarettes or chewing gum, then watch your pockets! These kids can be quite accomplished at this ancient sport. People coming into your personal space should be a red flag anyway, but often a bump on the way past is all that’s needed. Even motorbikes riding past tourists in tuk tuks have been known to snatch bags.
8. Tailor tricks.
Sometimes part of the ‘tuk tuk’ or ‘attraction closed’ scam, this one is well known, and may see you buying a suit worth far less than what you paid for it. Don’t get me wrong, Thailand is a great place to get some tailored clothing relatively cheap, but only shop on recommendations from people you already know and trust.
9. Bird food seed.
Again, this one happens all over the world as tricksters hang around busy tourist spots, and trick you into the purchase of birdseed. Around the Grand Palace in Bangkok, it’s usually based around somewhat forcefully getting you to join in feeding the birds, for which they will later ask for more money that it costs to feed your family an awesome street food.
10. Fake tourism officials.
Thailand has legitimate tourism boards, but they don’t send agents out into the street to assist random tourists with offers of cheap goods and attractions. If someone flashes a ‘Tourism Authority’ badge at you and tells you something unusual like ‘the train is full’ then steer clear and head for a crowd. Even a full Tourist Police uniform is no guarantee.
"we hope this video will helpful for you. If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences in Bangkok, feel free to leave a comment below. And remember to subscribe to our channel for more travel tips and guides. See you in the next video!"
follow our Face Book Page
web.facebook.c...