Scam in ThailandBuses and trains
Unwanted sex-show detour in Thailand
How it works
A driver takes you to a sex show instead of your destination, then claims to have misunderstood the address. The driver earns commission.
Warning signs
- The driver offers unsolicited services.
- The ride includes a stop you never requested.
How to avoid it
- Show your destination written in Thai.
- Confirm that you want a direct ride with no extra stops.
- Avoid drivers who push unwanted recommendations.
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.
- Travel blogBangkok — A Tog's TrekThe writer reports that commission-seeking tuk-tuk drivers took their group to a different ping-pong venue, leaving two unwilling participants uncomfortable.Read on Travel blog
- Redditr/travel2022Some scams to avoid in ThailandA commenter reports taxi drivers trying to redirect sightseeing trips to adult shows despite no request for that entertainment.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the unwanted sex-show detour scam in Thailand?
A driver takes you to a sex show instead of your destination, then claims to have misunderstood the address. The driver earns commission.
How can I spot it early?
The driver offers unsolicited services. The ride includes a stop you never requested.
How do I avoid unwanted sex-show detour in Thailand?
Show your destination written in Thai. Confirm that you want a direct ride with no extra stops. Avoid drivers who push unwanted recommendations.
Where in Thailand does this happen?
Tuk-tuk journeys
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, private VIP bus bait and switch.
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