How to Avoid Scams in Bangkok. Three Common Scams I Fell For

Before my first Thailand visit, I researched how to avoid scams in Bangkok. I went on YouTube and found a Bangkok scam video, so I felt prepared. Even though I had done my homework, I still fell into the scam trap. In this blog, I will share my personal experience and 3 Bangkok scams every tourist should watch out for, especially on their first trip to Thailand.

Are Bangkok Scams “Real” Scams?

We must remember that these Bangkok scams aren’t “real” scams where you lose your life savings. They are more of a diversion from your planned epic adventure. Instead of spending the day at the Grand Palace, they take you to five other temples that are far less impressive and mostly empty. You feel deceived and let down.

Be wary of Tuk-Tuk drivers to avoid bangkok scams

Tuk-tuk drivers profit from Bangkok scams by taking tourists to alternative destinations

You’ve just arrived in Bangkok and can’t wait for that first tuk-tuk experience. Nothing beats heading to Khao San Road in a tuk-tuk with a Chang beer in hand. Be careful! The tuk-tuk drivers are shysters who overcharge for your ride and will lie, telling you anything to take you to an alternative destination. Tuk-tuk drivers are Thailand’s best snake oil salesmen! Beyond fares, they earn money by taking you to places where they receive spiffs or commissions. They might offer a free fare if you agree to stop at James Fashion International to look at custom suits. Don’t do it; negotiate your fare and insist on going to your intended destination. To ensure you don’t get tricked like I did, here are the three scams I fell for on my first trip to Bangkok. Hopefully my experiences help you avoid scams in Bangkok.

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1. The Grand Palace Scam

The Grand Palace scam is arguably the most notorious in Bangkok. It goes like this: The Grand Palace is closed for the day, and you are offered a much less impressive experience. I should have been better prepared for this scam. Unfortunately, I wasn’t! Like many first-time visitors to Bangkok, the Grand Palace was my primary destination. I didn’t fall for this scam, but I came very close.

Arriving at Tha Chang Pier, the closest pier to The Grand Palace

Upon Arriving at the Grand Palace Exit

I arrived at the Grand Palace via the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Chang Pier. After disembarking, I crossed the street to the Grand Palace. When I reached the other side, a man approached me and asked if he could pose a question. It turned out to be a tuk-tuk driver, and in my defence, I hadn’t yet had the pleasure of riding in a tuk-tuk. Having your guard up with overly friendly tuk-tuk drivers that act fast will help you avoid scams in Bangkok.

the Grand Palace Is Closed Today – bangkok scam number one begins

Arriving at the Grand Palace despite the scammer’s attempts to lead me to lesser temples.

I was directed to a vacant area with the exception of a few monks and staff passing by. It resembled the office section and some accommodations of the Grand Palace. I was informed that the Grand Palace was closed for the morning while the monks prayed. I thought, well, that’s odd. So, what now? The tuk-tuk driver had the perfect solution. He showed me a map of five temples that he claimed were even better than the Grand Palace. He offered to take me to all five and return me in the afternoon when the monks finished praying. A light bulb went off; recalling the YouTube scam video I had watched. I politely said, “Thanks, but no thanks,” and made my way to the entrance to see for myself. I had an incredible afternoon at the Grand Palace, visiting the Reclining Buddha and Wat Arun.

2. how to avoid The famous bangkok Custom Suit Scam

The custom suit scam is yet another scheme to be cautious of. Most guys on their first trip to Thailand have a custom suit on their list because they are high-quality and inexpensive. Here’s how it works: your tuk-tuk driver offers to take you to the best custom suit shop in Bangkok. He mentions that if you look around the store, he gets a free tank of gas. Of course, once you enter the store, you won’t be leaving without a custom suit or two. The prices are significantly higher than those at most custom suit shops in Bangkok and Thailand.

The “Free Tank of Gas” Trick

I was headed to my hotel at the Lebua State Tower when my tuk-tuk driver asked if I planned to get a custom-fitted suit in Bangkok. Foolishly, I said yes, and the sales pitch began. He informed me that his friend owned the best custom-fitted suit shop in Bangkok and could offer me a great deal. I declined, saying, “Not today.” He told me if I just looked, it would help him since he would receive a free tank of gas. I bought two beautiful suits, and the tuk-tuk driver received his payment even though I paid double what I would have on Khao San Road. It’s a scam that you overpay, but it’s not a total loss. This is one you should stay clear from if you are looking to avoid scams in Bangkok.

Buying custom-fitted suits at James Fashion International. I was the victim of the tuk-tuk suit scam

3. avoid The bangkok Muay Thai Scam

I had to check out the professional Muay Thai fights in Bangkok. After researching, I decided to attend the live events at the Channel 7 studio, which offered an authentic Muay Thai experience. The fights are televised nationally every Sunday in Thailand, which is Muay Thai’s equivalent of Hockey Night in Canada.

I started to walk to the Channel 7 Muay Thai Stadium

I started the 40-minute walk to the Channel 7 stadium from my hotel. Naturally, I ran into a tuk-tuk driver who spotted me coming from a mile away. He wanted to know where I was headed, so I told him. “They’re sold out; you’ll never get in now was his response”. I knew I had to arrive at the stadium at least an hour before the fights, and I had left myself enough time. He did his job and convinced me I wouldn’t get in. Fortunately, he had a friend who could get me tickets to a much larger Muay Thai event that night. Insert eye roll.

The Tuk-Tuk driver took me to a Tourist Office

Check out the series of events on YouTube detailing how I was duped by the Muay Thai and custom suit scams in Bangkok.

After some encouragement, I hopped into the tuk-tuk, and we picked up the Muay Thai tickets. I already felt like I was being duped, as the tourist office was too fancy for Bangkok. The fast-talking agent showed me the event on his wall and handed me a brochure. I ended up buying a ticket that cost CAD 70. Compared to the free Channel 7 fights, this was a rip off. I knew the Channel 7 fights were the real deal, but I wasn’t sure about this event.

How The Muay Thai Fight Night Turned Out

Arriving at the Stadium

First-class transportation to the fight venue was provided by a tuk-tuk; insert sarcasm here. The venue, located in the suburbs of Bangkok, was impressive. Its entrance featured a massive marquee that captured the vibe of a Vegas prizefight. I approached the ticket booth, picked up my tickets, and climbed the stairs to enter the venue. It was indeed stunning, with a capacity to accommodate around 10,000 people. However, it was empty, likely because I arrived early. The venue never filled to more than 20 percent capacity throughout the night. But at least the fights were good, right?

The Muay Thai Fights

The fights featured international competitors from various countries, including Canada. There were no more than two Thai fighters, which raised a red flag. Over the years, I’ve learned that the real fights at Rajadamnern Stadium generally showcase top-ranked Thai fighters, and that wasn’t the case here. That night turned out to be an exhibition that lacked any legitimate Muay Thai fighters. It resembled the exhibitions typically found at Patpong or Soi Cowboy bars. I got my first taste of Muay Thai, but it didn’t offer the authentic experience one would expect at Rajadamnern Stadium or the Channel 7 fights. You live and learn, and I eventually did get to experience genuine Muay Thai at Rajadamnern Stadium. If you are approached by a tuk-tuk driver to sell you Muay Thai tickets or anything other attractions say no thanks. This will increase your odds greatly to avoid scams in Bangkok.

The Tuk-tuk experience is fun; these folks are just trying to make a living. Be clear about where you want to go, and don’t allow them to persuade you to make any “extra” stops. I hope my experiences will help you avoid scams in Bangkok. Now, get out there and enjoy Bangkok, one of my favourite cities and the place that first inspired me to travel the world.

Do you need help planning for your trip to Thailand? Check out my Ultimate 3-Week Thailand Itinerary blog.

How to Avoid These 3 Common Scams in Bangkok