Top 10 Scams in Pattaya and How to Avoid Them

Pattaya, a popular beach resort city in Thailand, attracts millions of tourists each year with its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and diverse entertainment options. However, amidst the fun and excitement, tourists should be cautious about the prevalent scams that target unsuspecting visitors. Here are the top 10 scams to watch out for and how to protect yourself:

1. The Jet Ski Scam

How to Spot: Operators accusing you of causing damage to a rented jet ski that was already damaged before.
How to React: Remain calm and refuse to pay for any pre-existing damage.
How to Avoid: Take pictures or videos of the jet ski before renting it, and only rent from reputable establishments.

2. The Tuk-Tuk Overcharge

How to Spot: Tuk-tuk drivers insisting on a fixed high price for a short trip.
How to React: Negotiate the fare before getting in or opt for metered taxis instead.
How to Avoid: Ask locals or your hotel about reasonable fares for specific destinations.

3. The Gem Scam

How to Spot: Strangers offering unbelievable deals on gemstones or jewelry.
How to React: Politely decline and avoid engaging with the scammers.
How to Avoid: Purchase gemstones only from reputable stores and request a certificate of authenticity.

4. Rental Deposit Scam

How to Spot: Watch for too-good-to-be-true low prices, high-pressure tactics, incomplete agreements, unprofessional communication, and no property viewing.
How to React: Take time for research, demand complete agreements, visit the property before any payment, and avoid rushing payments or sharing personal info.
How to Avoid: Verify details from multiple sources, use trusted rental platforms, meet landlords in person, confirm ownership, use secure payment methods, and seek advice from locals to steer clear of rental scams in Pattaya.

5. The Ping Pong Show Scam

How to Spot: Promoters luring tourists with free tickets to explicit ping pong shows, then charging exorbitant prices for drinks.
How to React: Refuse any free offers and avoid such establishments.
How to Avoid: Research and enjoy legitimate entertainment options in Pattaya.

6. The Temple Donation Scam

How to Spot: Fake monks or guides aggressively asking for donations at temples.
How to React: Politely decline and walk away.
How to Avoid: Offer donations only at temple donation boxes or legitimate monks.

7. The Bar Bill Scam

How to Spot: Receiving inflated bar bills with hidden charges.
How to React: Refuse to pay any additional charges not agreed upon beforehand.
How to Avoid: Keep track of your orders and prices, and choose reputable bars.

8. The Motorbike Rental Scam

How to Spot: Rental agencies claiming damage to the motorbike and demanding excessive repair fees upon return.
How to React: Stay calm and negotiate firmly if you’re sure there was no damage caused.
How to Avoid: Take photos or videos of the bike before renting and rent from trustworthy agencies.

9. The Fake Tour Agency Scam

How to Spot: Bogus tour agencies offering discounted packages with hidden fees.
How to React: Decline their offers and book tours directly with reputed agencies or your hotel.
How to Avoid: Research and read reviews of tour agencies before making any reservations.

10. The “Helpful” Local Scam

How to Spot: Locals offering unsolicited help or guidance and then demanding payment.
How to React: Politely decline any assistance you didn’t request.
How to Avoid: Be cautious of overly friendly strangers and approach official sources for information.

How to Get Help:

In case of scams or emergencies, contact the Tourist Police by dialing 1155 or visit the nearest police station. Inform your hotel staff or local authorities about any incident to seek assistance and report the scammers.

Make sure to check out our other scam guides.

Remember, staying informed and vigilant is the key to enjoying a safe and memorable trip to Pattaya. With these tips in mind, you can protect yourself from falling prey to common scams and fully enjoy the city’s wonders.