Scam in ThailandOther tricks
Driver commission recommendations in Thailand
How it works
A driver recommends a business because it pays commission. The recommendation serves the driver rather than your needs.
Warning signs
- The driver strongly pushes one business.
- They suggest changing your planned destination.
How to avoid it
- Choose businesses through your own research.
- Do not rely on drivers for shopping recommendations.
- Keep the journey to your chosen destination.
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.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/ThailandTourism2023I enjoyed the tuk tuk "scam"A visitor says their driver added souvenir and tailor stops and explained that bringing tourists earned him fuel rewards.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/traveladvice2026What's a tourist scam you fell for that you wish someone had warned you about?A couple reports that van guides took them to businesses charging doubled prices to fund kickbacks.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the driver commission recommendations scam in Thailand?
A driver recommends a business because it pays commission. The recommendation serves the driver rather than your needs.
How can I spot it early?
The driver strongly pushes one business. They suggest changing your planned destination.
How do I avoid driver commission recommendations in Thailand?
Choose businesses through your own research. Do not rely on drivers for shopping recommendations. Keep the journey to your chosen destination.
Where in Thailand does this happen?
Taxi and tuk-tuk journeys It has been reported in Bangkok.
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.
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