Scam in ThailandShopping
Inflated market prices in Thailand
How it works
Sellers ask as much as they think you will pay. Another buyer may pay half or one third of your price for the same item. Tourist markets in Chiang Mai also have inflated prices.
Warning signs
- The seller presses you to buy before you compare prices.
- The same item costs much less at nearby stalls.
How to avoid it
- Compare several stalls before buying.
- Use fixed-price shops to get an idea of value.
- Bargain politely where haggling is expected.
- Walk away if the price feels too high.
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.
Questions
What is the inflated market prices scam in Thailand?
Sellers ask as much as they think you will pay. Another buyer may pay half or one third of your price for the same item. Tourist markets in Chiang Mai also have inflated prices.
How can I spot it early?
The seller presses you to buy before you compare prices. The same item costs much less at nearby stalls.
How do I avoid inflated market prices in Thailand?
Compare several stalls before buying. Use fixed-price shops to get an idea of value. Bargain politely where haggling is expected. Walk away if the price feels too high.
Where in Thailand does this happen?
Markets, roadside stalls and tourist shopping areas
How much can it cost me?
Some buyers pay two or three times what others pay for the same item.
How common is this scam in Thailand?
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: gem and jewellery scam, 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.
Reviewed by @snuck