Poor-quality tailor packages in Thailand

Tailor shops in tourist areas, including Khao San Road and Nana Plaza

How it works

Some tailors charge high prices for poor work. Touts and drivers send customers to shops that pay commission. Very cheap packages and rushed suits can also deliver poor quality.

Warning signs

A tout or driver insists on a particular tailor.
A complete suit is promised within 24 hours.
The package is unusually cheap.

How to avoid it

Read independent reviews and ask other travellers.
Choose the shop yourself.
Allow time for measurement, fitting and final adjustment.
Insist on two fittings and agree on the fabric and details.

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 it can costA two-piece suit is described as costing at least 7,000 baht. This is a buying guide, not a stated scam loss.

Where it happensTailor shops in tourist areas, including Khao San Road and Nana PlazaBangkok

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in ThailandInflated tuk-tuk and songthaew fares: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the poor-quality tailor packages scam in Thailand?

Some tailors charge high prices for poor work. Touts and drivers send customers to shops that pay commission. Very cheap packages and rushed suits can also deliver poor quality.

How can I spot it early?

A tout or driver insists on a particular tailor. A complete suit is promised within 24 hours. The package is unusually cheap.

How do I avoid poor-quality tailor packages in Thailand?

Read independent reviews and ask other travellers. Choose the shop yourself. Allow time for measurement, fitting and final adjustment. Insist on two fittings and agree on the fabric and details.

Where in Thailand does this happen?

Tailor shops in tourist areas, including Khao San Road and Nana Plaza It has been reported in Bangkok.

How much can it cost me?

A two-piece suit is described as costing at least 7,000 baht. This is a buying guide, not a stated scam loss.

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, inflated market prices, 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