Common scams
- The “free show” offer: charges appear on the bill that you did not agree to.
- The padded bill: extra drinks on the slip, or prices higher than the menu.
- The jet-ski damage claim: you’re told you damaged the machine, and your passport is held until you pay.
- The bike deposit claim: the same trick with a rented scooter.
- The unclear transport price: a private ride quoted as if it were a shared fare. Confirm the service and price before boarding.
- The card out of sight: a card taken away to be charged. Pay where you can see it.
Bar bills
Ask the price before you order, pay as you go or keep an eye on the slips in the cup in front of you, and ask for an itemised bill before you pay. Walk past touts offering free shows or special deals; check the venue’s own menu before ordering. The nightlife guide has the full set of rules, and typical drink prices street by street.
If a bill is disputed, stay calm. Go through it line by line and pay what’s clearly owed. If it still can’t be settled, call the Tourist Police on 1155 and wait for them. Never square up to door staff.
Pickpockets and bag-snatchers
- Crowds are where pickpockets work. Keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket on Walking Street and in markets.
- Bag-snatchers use motorbikes. Carry your bag on the side away from the road, and don’t stand at the kerb scrolling your phone.
- Take out only what you need. Leave your passport and spare cards in the hotel safe, carry a copy of your passport’s photo page, and take a fixed amount of cash.
Drink spiking
Drink spiking and drug-assisted sexual assault do happen in Thailand’s tourist areas. Don’t leave your drink unattended, don’t accept a drink from a stranger, and watch it being poured. Pace yourself and arrange your transport home before going out.
If you suspect your drink has been spiked, seek urgent medical help on 1669. If you are helping someone affected, stay with them. Tell the emergency operator where you are and what has happened.
Late at night
Fights and attacks near bars late at night do happen. Walk away from any argument, however it started, and take a ride-hailing car home rather than walking empty streets.
Scooters and motorbike taxis
Thailand has a high number of road accidents, particularly on motorbikes, and Pattaya’s traffic is no exception.
- By law, you must wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle.
- Riding or driving without a valid licence could invalidate your travel insurance. Check your policy before you rent anything with an engine.
- Never leave your passport as a deposit. Rental businesses may hold on to it against damage they claim you did.
- Riding pillion on a motorbike taxi? Wear a helmet and fasten the strap. If no helmet is available, take a car or baht bus.
If you’re not an experienced rider, don’t learn here. The baht bus and ride-hailing are alternatives that let you avoid renting a scooter.
Jet skis and the beach
Some jet-ski operators claim you damaged the machine and hold your passport until you pay.
- Don’t hand over your passport as a guarantee. Offer a photocopy, or walk away.
- Photograph the jet ski all round before you ride, and keep the rental agreement.
- Agree the price and the time before you set off.
In the water, people have drowned in strong riptides, and some jellyfish stings can be fatal. Follow beach warning signs and red flags; stay out of the water when swimming is prohibited. Take local advice about jellyfish, and seek urgent medical help if you are stung or feel unwell after swimming.
Baht buses and ride-hailing
Check that a baht bus is running as a shared service if the route or fare is unclear. Naming a destination does not automatically hire the whole truck; a private trip needs an agreed total price. For late nights and luggage, a ride-hailing app lets you check the price and pickup point before booking. Read the baht-bus guide before your first ride.
The laws that catch tourists out
- Vapes: It is illegal to possess or use any vape, e-cigarette, pod, e-liquid or heat-not-burn device in Thailand. That includes the one in your bag at the airport.
- Your passport: Police may ask to see your passport; if you don't have it with you, you could be asked to show it at a police station within 24 hours. Carry a copy or a photo, and keep the original where you can fetch it.
- Drugs: Thailand has strict laws against drug use, possession and trafficking.
- The monarchy: Criticising the Thai monarchy is illegal. Keep opinions about the royal family to yourself, online as well.
- Dry days: Buddhist holy-day alcohol restrictions have exemptions for qualifying hotels and licensed entertainment venues. The nightlife guide lists the days.
- Protests: stay away from political gatherings and demonstrations.
Thai law criminalises the sexual exploitation of children in prostitution. If you see or suspect child exploitation, call the 1300 hotline or the Tourist Police.
If something goes wrong
- Tourist Police: 1155, for scams, disputes and theft.
- Police emergency: 191.
- Ambulance and medical emergency: 1669.
- Report theft to the police and ask for a written report: your insurer will want it.
- Lost passport: contact your embassy in Bangkok for an emergency travel document.
Before you fly, read the first-timer’s guide for the rest of the essentials.