Card Scams
Card scams can involve being befriended by a local and asked to join in a friendly game of cards. Once you have won a few times, the stakes increase and your winning streak disappears. These scams can have serious consequences – local gangs have been known to force victims into withdrawing large sums of money from ATM machines (or risk fingers being cut off) in order to pay these card game debts. There are many sad stories told about why you should join in a game of cards, such as to help the family earn enough money to pay for a hospital bill or medical operation. Avoid getting involved. Gambling is illegal in Thailand.
New Zealand Embassy Bangkok, Thailand
Scams in Thailand
A scam is a fraudulent business scheme used to obtain money by deceit. Many tourists and visitors to Thailand have become victims of scam tactics and some have lost considerable amounts of money.
A variety of scams are commonplace in Thailand, including gem and jewellery scams, card game scams and time share property/holiday club scams.
There is a local website, dedicated to highlighting scams that may be employed.
www.bangkokscams.com (Opens an external link)
Nigerian Inheritance scam letters and Pyramid Game scams are also frequently received via email.
While not actually a scam, more serious tactics can also be employed such as spiked drinks using knockout or "date rape" drugs like Scopolamine, Rohypnol or Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB).
Gem Scams