Landed at Suvarnabhumi around midnight and queued at the official taxi stand. The driver refused to start the meter, said "night rate, airport fee, highway" and demanded 1,600 baht — the metered fare is around 300. We paid because there was no other queue at that hour. Always insist on the meter or order a Grab.
🗓️ Scam date: 20 January 2026
📝 Reported: 21 September 2026
A tuk-tuk driver near Khao San Road offered a 20-baht "city tour". Twenty minutes later we were parked in front of a "government gem factory" with the engine off, and he refused to leave until we "just looked" for ten minutes. The gems were glass. Walk away from any too-cheap tuk-tuk offer.
🗓️ Scam date: 14 August 2025
📝 Reported: 16 September 2026
Taxi from Patong to Phuket Town, driver wanted 800 baht with no meter because "tourist price". A Grab for the same trip was 240 baht. He got aggressive when we walked away. Use the apps and never agree to a flat tourist fare.
🗓️ Scam date: 3 November 2025
📝 Reported: 11 July 2026
A friendly man near the Grand Palace gate told us it was "closed for a Buddhist ceremony" and suggested a tuk-tuk tour to other temples "plus one special stop". The special stop was a jewelry shop where the driver gets fuel vouchers. The palace was open.