Bangkok
A bustling metropolis known for its ornate shrines and vibrant street life.
Police
191
Ambulance
1669
Tourist Police
1155
Risk Map & Attractions
Common Scams
Meter-Refusing Taxi Scam
Taxi drivers, especially near hotels and tourist spots, refuse to use the meter and insist on a negotiated, inflated fare. This is illegal and results in tourists paying significantly more than the standard metered rate.
Insist on the meter being used before getting in. If the driver refuses, get out and find another taxi. Use ride-hailing apps like Grab for transparent pricing.
Tuk-Tuk Shopping Diversion
A tuk-tuk driver offers a very cheap or even free tour, but only if you agree to stop at a few shops (tailors, jewelers, souvenir stores) where the driver receives a commission/kickback. The shops often pressure tourists into buying overpriced, low-quality goods.
Never agree to a tour that includes mandatory stops. Negotiate a price for a direct route only. Be firm and refuse any suggested detours.
The 'Attraction is Closed' Scam
A friendly local approaches you near a major attraction (e.g., Grand Palace) and tells you it is closed for a holiday or special ceremony. They then suggest an alternative, usually a tuk-tuk ride to a remote temple and a series of commission-based shops.
Ignore unsolicited advice about attraction closures. Walk directly to the entrance and check the official signs or opening hours. Official attractions rarely close without public notice.
Jewellery/Gem Scam
An elaborate setup involving multiple friendly strangers and a tuk-tuk driver convinces the tourist to buy 'government-approved' gems at a 'special price' that can be resold for a profit back home. The gems are worthless fakes or low-quality stones.
Never buy gems or jewelry from unsolicited sources or shops suggested by strangers/drivers. Only purchase from reputable, established stores with a clear return policy.
The Khlong (Canal Boat) Overcharge
Scammers pose as official ticket agents near canal piers and sell vastly overpriced tickets for short, private boat rides, sometimes demanding more money mid-trip. The official public boats are much cheaper.
Only buy tickets from official, clearly marked ticket booths at the main piers. Ask for the price before boarding and confirm the route. Use the orange-flag public boats for the cheapest option.
Patpong Ping Pong Show Rip-off
Aggressive touts lure tourists into a Patpong bar with promises of a cheap 'ping pong show' and a low cover charge/drink price. Once inside, the tourist is presented with an exorbitant bill (often thousands of baht) and intimidated by bouncers until they pay.
Avoid all bars with touts advertising 'ping pong shows' or similar entertainment. If you do go, confirm the total price for everything in writing before ordering anything. Never go alone.
Pickpocketing and Bag Snatching
Theft is common in crowded areas. This includes pickpockets in markets, children distracting tourists while others steal, and thieves on motorbikes snatching bags from pedestrians or tuk-tuks.
Keep valuables secure in a cross-body bag or money belt. Be wary of anyone bumping into you or overly friendly children. Do not hang bags on the back of chairs or on the side of a tuk-tuk.
Bird Seed Feeding Scam
Scammers near temples or parks forcefully place bird seed in a tourist's hand, encouraging them to feed the pigeons. Once the birds are feeding, they demand an exorbitant price for the seed, often becoming aggressive if the tourist refuses to pay.
Keep your hands in your pockets and firmly refuse any offers of bird seed. Walk away immediately and do not engage with the person.
Jet Ski Rental Damage Scam
While more common in coastal areas, this scam is sometimes reported in Bangkok's surrounding areas. The rental company claims the tourist caused pre-existing damage to the jet ski and demands a huge cash payment for repairs, often using intimidation.
Avoid renting jet skis. If you must, take clear, time-stamped photos and videos of the entire jet ski before and after use, noting any existing damage in the contract.
Fake Police/Drug Plant Scam
A very serious scam where a fake police officer (or real corrupt officer) accuses a tourist of a minor offense (e.g., littering, vaping) or plants drugs on them, then demands a large cash bribe to avoid arrest and jail time.
Always ask to be taken to the nearest police station. Never pay a bribe on the street. Carry a copy of your passport and keep the original secure. Be aware of local laws (e.g., vaping is illegal).
ATM Skimming and Card Cloning
Criminals install skimming devices on ATMs, particularly those in secluded areas, to steal card information and PINs. This allows them to clone the card and withdraw funds from the tourist's account.
Only use ATMs inside banks or major shopping centers. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN. Check the card slot for any loose or suspicious attachments. Use a separate travel card with limited funds.
Safe Attractions
The Grand Palace
A complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand.
Wat Arun
A Buddhist temple in Bangkok Yai district of Bangkok.