Top Scams in Pattaya: Your Guide to Staying Safe

1. Jet Ski Scam (Most Common)

Rental operators on Pattaya or Jomtien Beach claim you damaged their jet ski (often pre-existing) and demand 10,000-20,000 THB in repairs, sometimes with fake police. A visitor rented a jet ski on Jomtien Beach for 500 THB, but after returning it, the operator pointed to a small scratch and demanded 15,000 THB, refusing to let them leave until paid.

Pro tip: video the jet ski before/after; refuse payment without official help. Dial 1155 to reach the Thai tourist police.

2. Bar Tab Padding

Staff at some bars and clubs add unordered drinks, inflating bills 2-5x. The shock at the end of the night can be severe. Security staff will prevent you from leaving until you pay and may threaten to call the police.

Pro tip: Check the receipt in your “bin” each time you order a drink.

3. Tuk-Tuk Overcharging

Agree on fares before you board and use Grab or Bolt estimates to negotiate. Walk away if overpriced. Read our guide to haggling for Tuk tuk rides in Pattaya.

4. Fake Tourist Police

“Plainclothes officers” demand your passport for “checks,” fining 2,000-5,000 THB for fake violations like visa issues. Near the Sanctuary of Truth, a man in casual clothes flashed a badge, asked for a passport “inspection,” and fined 3,000 THB, pocketing the cash before vanishing.

Pro tip: Real police wear uniforms, but even those might be faked. How would you know if the uniform was real? Call 1155 if approached.

5. Gem/Jewelry Scam

Touts lure you into shops with “investment gems,” selling overpriced or fake stones with worthless certificates. Example: A shopper on Beach Road was led to a shop for “investment gems” and bought a 20,000 THB ring that later appraised as worthless costume jewelry.

Pro tip: Decline street offers; buy from certified jewelers only.

6. Closed Attraction Redirect

Locals claim temples or viewpoints are closed, redirecting you to commission-based shops. Example: En route to the Big Buddha, a local said the site was closed for maintenance and guided the traveler to a nearby “alternative” shop, earning a commission on souvenirs.

Pro tip: Verify hours on Google Maps or with your hotel. Check out our guide to the most interesting lesser known temples in Pattaya.

7. Scooter Rental Scam

Renters allege damage and demand fees, holding your passport as collateral. A tourist renting a scooter near Pattaya Beach for 200 THB/day was accused of a fender dent and charged 8,000 THB, with the passport held as “collateral.”

Pro tip: Video before/after; never leave ID. Explore other options of transportation in Pattaya like the baht bus and the Grab / Bolt rideshare apps.

8. Money Exchange Scam

Touts offer “great rates” but shortchange or swap bills with fakes. At a Beach Road booth, a tourist exchanged 5,000 THB for USD but received shortchanged bills totaling 3,000 THB, noticed only after leaving.

Pro tip: Use ATMs and reputable money exchange services like the ubiquitous yellow and black TT Currency Exchange counters. Learn more about how to navigate Thai currency.

9. Tailored Suit Scam

Tailors on Beach Road or Walking Street offer “custom suits” at steep discounts, taking deposits (5,000-10,000 THB) but delivering poor-quality or unfinished garments weeks later.

Pro tip: Don’t even bother trying to get a custom made suit in a tourist town like Pattaya.

10. Special Herbs to Take Care of Balding and Weight

People may accost you on the street, noticing your weight or lack of hair, and suggest you follow them into shops to buy overpriced herbal remedies.

Pro tip: Assume anyone approaching you with unsolicited offers and advice is a scammer. You’ll be correct most of the time.