🚨 How to Avoid Scams in Thailand at Night

🌙 Updated: April 2025 | Reading time: 3 min

At night in Thailand, it’s magical: food stalls at midnight, rooftops that shine, clubs open until dawn. But it is also the favorite time of scammers. Drunk tourists, tired newbies, naïve backpackers: the target is easy.

Here are 7 classic scams that we still see every day – and above all, how to avoid them.

1. Tuk-tuks that are too nice (or too cheap)

A guy approaches you: “Where do you go? I take you cheap!”. He offers you a tour for 20 baht? Immediate flight. He’ll take you to shops, fake temples, or tourist bars where you pay for the tour… without knowing it.

✅ Workaround: Use Grab or Bolt. If tuk-tuk, set the price BEFORE you get on (and never pay in advance).

2. The “Ping Pong Show” trap

Touts invite you to a bar with a sexy show, free admission. At the end, you are given a bill of 3,500 baht for 2 beers. And the bouncers are there to insist.

✅ Solution: avoid these shows if you don’t know the place. And NEVER enter a bar without knowing the price in advance.

3. The “freelancers” who stick a little too much

You’re in Walking Street or Soi Cowboy, a very direct girl is flirting with you… then invites you to “have a drink”. If you accept → she orders galore, you pay for everything… or you lose your phone while you look away.

✅ Solution: have fun, but stay clear-headed. If it’s too easy, maybe it’s too beautiful. No alcohol left unattended.

4. The fake “tourist policemen”

A guy in civilian clothes asks you for your passport, says you’ve broken a law, asks you for a direct “fine”. Fake policeman, real racket. Especially frequent towards Nana Plaza or Patpong.

✅ Solution: Asks for an official badge and stays in public areas. Call 1155 if you want to check.

5. The surprise bill in tourist bars

You drink a beer, you see a “lady drink” on the bill. Then two. Then a bottle that you didn’t order. And when it comes to contesting… Too late.

✅ Solution: ALWAYS ask to see the menu before ordering. And check your bill before paying.

6. Pickpockets in a box (or in Grab)

In the armored clubs or when leaving a bar, some take advantage of it. Open backpack, phone in the back pocket, or in the Grab if you fall asleep after a busy evening.

✅ Solution: leave your passport + big cash at the hotel. And avoid falling asleep alone in a Grab at 3am…

7. Exchange at a dubious rate (at night)

Some exchange kiosks take advantage of the late hour to offer abusive rates. Especially in the very touristy districts.

✅ Solution: exchange a small amount only at night, or use Revolut/Wise to pay by card.

🛡️ Golden rules to avoid being fooled

• ❗ NEVER follow a stranger to a “cool” place
• 📱 Keep your valuables close to your body
• 🚫 Don’t drink too much if you’re alone
• 🧾 Always check the bill BEFORE paying
• 👀 Listen to your instincts → if it stinks, you go out

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