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Common in Thailand

Scam in ThailandOn the street

The attraction is closed in Thailand

Outside important monuments, temples and popular tourist attractions

How it works

A tout or driver says your destination is closed for a holiday or repairs. They offer another tour, discount admission or a ride to shops. Several people may pose as officials and repeat the same story. You can end up far from the centre at overpriced shops.

Warning signs

  • Someone approaches before you reach the entrance and says the site is closed.
  • The same person offers an alternative tuk-tuk tour.
  • An official-looking card is used to support the story.

How to avoid it

  1. Check at the front gate or ticket window yourself.
  2. Do not accept a replacement tour from the person making the claim.
  3. Walk away from people trying to put you into a tuk-tuk.

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.
What it can costA replacement sightseeing tour in Chiang Mai may be offered for 20 baht.
Where it happensOutside important monuments, temples and popular tourist attractionsBangkok, Chiang Mai

What travellers report

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

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Questions

What is the the attraction is closed scam in Thailand?

A tout or driver says your destination is closed for a holiday or repairs. They offer another tour, discount admission or a ride to shops. Several people may pose as officials and repeat the same story. You can end up far from the centre at overpriced shops.

How can I spot it early?

Someone approaches before you reach the entrance and says the site is closed. The same person offers an alternative tuk-tuk tour. An official-looking card is used to support the story.

How do I avoid the attraction is closed in Thailand?

Check at the front gate or ticket window yourself. Do not accept a replacement tour from the person making the claim. Walk away from people trying to put you into a tuk-tuk.

Where in Thailand does this happen?

Outside important monuments, temples and popular tourist attractions It has been reported in Bangkok, Chiang Mai.

How much can it cost me?

A replacement sightseeing tour in Chiang Mai may be offered for 20 baht.

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: friendly-stranger sales approach, questionnaire and prize timeshare pitch, gambling scam invitation.

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.

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