Scam in ThailandTours and guides
Airport sightseeing tour with forced shopping in Thailand
How it works
A sightseeing tour becomes a short temple visit followed by many commission-paying shops. Operators may refuse to take you back until you visit every shop. They may also pressure you to buy more tours.
Warning signs
- A sightseeing tour is sold to you at the airport.
- The itinerary is vague about shopping stops.
- The operator repeatedly calls your hotel to push the tour.
How to avoid it
- Do not buy sightseeing tours at the airport.
- Check the full itinerary before paying.
- Choose a tour with clear stops and return arrangements.
If it happens to you
- Move to a safe public place. Avoid arguments, physical confrontation or chasing thieves.
- Save receipts, tickets, messages and payment records. Write down what happened and any useful descriptions.
- If cards or a phone were stolen, contact your bank and mobile provider. Block affected cards and secure your accounts.
- Report the incident to police or the Tourist Police. Ask for a copy or reference number for the report.
- Contact the seller, booking provider or card issuer about a refund or payment dispute. For a gem scam, act immediately, especially if goods were mailed.
- Contact your insurer where relevant. Ask your embassy for help if your passport was stolen or you face a serious accusation.
Questions
What is the airport sightseeing tour with forced shopping scam in Thailand?
A sightseeing tour becomes a short temple visit followed by many commission-paying shops. Operators may refuse to take you back until you visit every shop. They may also pressure you to buy more tours.
How can I spot it early?
A sightseeing tour is sold to you at the airport. The itinerary is vague about shopping stops. The operator repeatedly calls your hotel to push the tour.
How do I avoid airport sightseeing tour with forced shopping in Thailand?
Do not buy sightseeing tours at the airport. Check the full itinerary before paying. Choose a tour with clear stops and return arrangements.
Where in Thailand does this happen?
Tours sold at airports
How common is this scam in Thailand?
Occasional. Tourist scams are common in Thailand, especially around major sights, transport stops and tourist shopping areas. Most involve inflated prices, misleading offers or unwanted shop visits. Theft also happens, including bag-snatching by people on motorbikes.
Are there similar scams in Thailand?
Yes: overpriced kantoke meal and show tickets, minibus handoff to an overpriced temple tour.
Who can I report it to?
Tourist Police: call 1155. In Chiang Mai, 053-278559 is also listed. A Tourist Police office is located in Terminal 2 at Arcade Bus Station. Police: report theft or fraud and request a written report. The listed police emergency number in Chiang Mai is 191. Tourist Authority of Thailand: for the gem scam, call +66 2 694-1222 immediately and seek help pursuing a refund. Bangkok Mail Centre: if scam gems were mailed, call +66 2 215-0966 (-195) immediately. Have the shop name, address and mailing date ready. Your embassy: use its official contact details for help with a stolen passport or serious accusation. For the airport duty-free scam, ask for its lawyer or translator. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to block stolen cards and discuss disputed payments. Travel insurer: contact the claims service listed in your policy. Keep police reports, receipts and other evidence.
What number do I call in an emergency in Thailand?
Tourist Police: 1155, Chiang Mai Tourist Police: 053-278559, Police emergencies, listed for Chiang Mai: 191, Chiang Mai Rescue Team: 053-218888, Chiang Mai Fire: 053-241777.
Reviewed by @snuck