Scam in ThailandTaxis
Taxi meter refusal in Thailand
How it works
A driver refuses to use the meter, switches it off or demands an inflated fixed fare. In Chiang Rai, some metered taxis cover the meter with tape.
Warning signs
- The driver refuses to turn on the meter.
- The meter is covered or switched off.
- A waiting driver seeks you out in a tourist area.
How to avoid it
- Confirm meter use before getting in where metered service is available.
- In Bangkok, hail a moving taxi away from major tourist spots or use a ride-hailing app.
- Leave and choose another driver if the terms are unreasonable.
- At Chiang Rai airport, use the prepaid taxi desk with displayed prices.
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.
- Redditr/ThailandTourism2025Thai student researching tourist scams! please share your experiences in Thailand 🙏🏻A respondent reports that a taxi obtained through Suvarnabhumi Airport's official queue refused to use its meter.Read on Reddit
- Travel blogHow to Avoid These Typical Travel Scams in ThailandThe author describes drivers arguing against meter use and proposing substantially inflated fixed fares.Read on Travel blog
Questions
What is the taxi meter refusal scam in Thailand?
A driver refuses to use the meter, switches it off or demands an inflated fixed fare. In Chiang Rai, some metered taxis cover the meter with tape.
How can I spot it early?
The driver refuses to turn on the meter. The meter is covered or switched off. A waiting driver seeks you out in a tourist area.
How do I avoid taxi meter refusal in Thailand?
Confirm meter use before getting in where metered service is available. In Bangkok, hail a moving taxi away from major tourist spots or use a ride-hailing app. Leave and choose another driver if the terms are unreasonable. At Chiang Rai airport, use the prepaid taxi desk with displayed prices.
Where in Thailand does this happen?
Tourist areas and airport taxi services It has been reported in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai.
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: taxi no-change trick.
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