Skip to content
Occasional in Thailand

Scam in ThailandBuses and trains

Private VIP bus bait and switch in Thailand

Private travel agents and bus sellers, especially around Khao San Road

How it works

A direct VIP journey becomes a lower-class bus or several uncomfortable minibuses. A promised 10–11-hour trip may take 17–18 hours. Some trips also end at poor-quality hotels.

Warning signs

  • A street seller promises a cheap direct VIP bus.
  • The actual operator and vehicle are unclear.
  • The seller avoids explaining transfers or the final drop-off.

How to avoid it

  1. Buy public Transport Co. bus tickets at the main terminals.
  2. Confirm the operator, bus class, transfers and destination before paying.
  3. Avoid vague bus-and-hotel packages.

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 happensPrivate travel agents and bus sellers, especially around Khao San RoadBangkok, Chiang Mai

What travellers report

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

More scams in ThailandTheft on private buses: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the private VIP bus bait and switch scam in Thailand?

A direct VIP journey becomes a lower-class bus or several uncomfortable minibuses. A promised 10–11-hour trip may take 17–18 hours. Some trips also end at poor-quality hotels.

How can I spot it early?

A street seller promises a cheap direct VIP bus. The actual operator and vehicle are unclear. The seller avoids explaining transfers or the final drop-off.

How do I avoid private VIP bus bait and switch in Thailand?

Buy public Transport Co. bus tickets at the main terminals. Confirm the operator, bus class, transfers and destination before paying. Avoid vague bus-and-hotel packages.

Where in Thailand does this happen?

Private travel agents and bus sellers, especially around Khao San Road It has been reported in Bangkok, Chiang Mai.

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.

Reviewed by