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Occasional in Thailand

Scam in ThailandBuses and trains

Extra charge on the bus-terminal shuttle in Thailand

Songthaews between Old Bus Station and New Bus Station

How it works

Some drivers demand more than the posted fare when there are fewer than 10 passengers.

Warning signs

  • The requested fare is higher than the price list inside.
  • The driver says a small passenger count means you must pay extra.

How to avoid it

  1. Check the posted fare.
  2. Confirm the price before travelling.
  3. Wait for the next vehicle if extra payment is demanded.

If it happens to you

  1. Move to a safe public place. Avoid arguments, physical confrontation or chasing thieves.
  2. Save receipts, tickets, messages and payment records. Write down what happened and any useful descriptions.
  3. If cards or a phone were stolen, contact your bank and mobile provider. Block affected cards and secure your accounts.
  4. Report the incident to police or the Tourist Police. Ask for a copy or reference number for the report.
  5. 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.
  6. Contact your insurer where relevant. Ask your embassy for help if your passport was stolen or you face a serious accusation.
Where it happensSongthaews between Old Bus Station and New Bus StationChiang Rai
More scams in ThailandUnderfilled bottled water: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the extra charge on the bus-terminal shuttle scam in Thailand?

Some drivers demand more than the posted fare when there are fewer than 10 passengers.

How can I spot it early?

The requested fare is higher than the price list inside. The driver says a small passenger count means you must pay extra.

How do I avoid extra charge on the bus-terminal shuttle in Thailand?

Check the posted fare. Confirm the price before travelling. Wait for the next vehicle if extra payment is demanded.

Where in Thailand does this happen?

Songthaews between Old Bus Station and New Bus Station It has been reported in Chiang Rai.

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: inflated tuk-tuk and songthaew fares, tuk-tuk fare increase after agreement, unwanted sex-show detour.

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.

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