Gem and jewellery scam in Thailand: how to avoid it

How it works

A driver or friendly stranger leads you to a shop. Sellers offer near-worthless stones or cut glass at high prices. They may claim you can sell them abroad for a large profit. Drivers earn commission.

Warning signs

An all-day tuk-tuk tour costs as little as 10 baht.
A stranger recommends a jewellery shop.
A seller promises easy profits from reselling gems.

How to avoid it

Choose jewellers through your own research.
Do not visit gem shops recommended by drivers or strangers.
Check quality and prices before buying.
Leave if sellers pressure you.

If it happens to you

Contact the Tourist Police on 1155 or the Tourist Authority of Thailand on +66 2 694-1222 immediately. File a police report and seek help requesting a refund. If the gems were mailed, contact the Bangkok Mail Centre on +66 2 215-0966 (-195), with the shop name, address and mailing date.

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.

Questions

What is the gem and jewellery scam scam in Thailand?

A driver or friendly stranger leads you to a shop. Sellers offer near-worthless stones or cut glass at high prices. They may claim you can sell them abroad for a large profit. Drivers earn commission.

How can I spot it early?

An all-day tuk-tuk tour costs as little as 10 baht. A stranger recommends a jewellery shop. A seller promises easy profits from reselling gems.

How do I avoid gem and jewellery scam in Thailand?

Choose jewellers through your own research. Do not visit gem shops recommended by drivers or strangers. Check quality and prices before buying. Leave if sellers pressure you.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Contact the Tourist Police on 1155 or the Tourist Authority of Thailand on +66 2 694-1222 immediately. File a police report and seek help requesting a refund. If the gems were mailed, contact the Bangkok Mail Centre on +66 2 215-0966 (-195), with the shop name, address and mailing date.

Where in Thailand does this happen?

Tourist attractions, gem shops and cheap tuk-tuk sightseeing tours It has been reported in Bangkok, Chiang Mai.

How much can it cost me?

The lure may be a 10-baht all-day tuk-tuk tour in Bangkok. The jewellery purchase has no stated price.

How common is this scam in Thailand?

Very common. 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 market prices, poor-quality tailor packages, the one-baht gold misunderstanding.

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.