Scam in ThailandTours and guides
Minibus handoff to an overpriced temple tour in Thailand
How it works
A minibus driver drops you beside a tuk-tuk offering an expensive temple tour. A book of positive visitor comments is used to make the price seem trustworthy.
Warning signs
- Your arrival leads straight into another driver's sales pitch.
- Testimonials replace a clear price comparison.
- The temple tour starts at 2,000 baht.
How to avoid it
- Decline the immediate offer.
- Compare other tuk-tuk drivers.
- Agree on the route, time and total price before boarding.
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 minibus handoff to an overpriced temple tour scam in Thailand?
A minibus driver drops you beside a tuk-tuk offering an expensive temple tour. A book of positive visitor comments is used to make the price seem trustworthy.
How can I spot it early?
Your arrival leads straight into another driver's sales pitch. Testimonials replace a clear price comparison. The temple tour starts at 2,000 baht.
How do I avoid minibus handoff to an overpriced temple tour in Thailand?
Decline the immediate offer. Compare other tuk-tuk drivers. Agree on the route, time and total price before boarding.
Where in Thailand does this happen?
Arrival points used by minibuses It has been reported in Ayutthaya.
How much can it cost me?
Tours may be offered from 2,000 baht.
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: airport sightseeing tour with forced shopping, overpriced kantoke meal and show tickets.
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