Rule #1: Don't tell strangers in Thailand where you are staying, where you are going, how long you have been in Thailand or anything you wouldn't tell a stranger back home.
I got scammed in a cab. I've been here for about a month. I got the grab app but I didn't have any service so I hailed a cab and took it to my condo. The price on his meter was 136 Baht but he turned around and asked for 500 baht. I argued with him about the meter and when he realized I wasn't going to budge he shut off the meter and asked for 500 baht. The police were there and he was starting to make a scene so I just gave it to him so I wouldn't get in trouble. Luckily on Koh Samui you can get a scooter pretty cheap and the driving is more relaxed. Never taking another cab in Bangkok.
I’m curious, why would you get in trouble when he was trying to scam YOU?! I understand that some police officers in Thailand are in on the scams but I wouldn’t have budged, I would have taking a picture of the meter and showed the police and the driver would have only gotten the 136 baht. I hate scammers 🤬
Another great video; excellent advice Lee. Ride sharing services like Grab, and Bolt are changing the game. When ride sharing first came on the scene, I recall some taxi drivers were assaulting ride sharing drivers to discourage competition.
As a tourist, I think you would get scammed someway or another wherever you go - unless you are lucky enough to travel with someone who's an actual local.
Im actual local, we also do get scammed sometimes. Like when i fall as sleep in a taxi or something and driver would drive around before i woke up, which is actually my fault.
Thank You Lee for this great clip! Just to add a bit: temples in Thailand are exquisite, I have to bow down to the craftmanship and artful esthetics of this country.
I love this video. I avoided a few scams like the gem scam but accidentally fell for the tuk tuk scam my first visit in April 2017. We stopped by a suit shop amd our guide told us to stay in for 5 mins and then we could leave LOL. 😄 We ended up connecting with him and he gave us a lot of great tips. He was an amazing guy. Driving around Bangkok in a tuk tuk was such an unforgettable experience so overall I'm happy that i got to do it.
That guy outside of Wat Pho (3:32) was definitely a scammer. Because you spoke a few Thai words, that signaled to him that you are not someone that's new to Thailand, and not familiar to all the scams.
great video. like how you explained on the possible scams that may happen at restaurants/eateries. I did not realized that could happen. Will be travelling to Bangkok in July so this is a timely video I saw. Thank you.
I prefer Bolt over Grab because the drivers gets more money and charges are lower. Yep, I agree~if the cab driver takes you on the “scenic’ routes, enjoy the ride and it’s generally no more than 30 to 100 THB higher, which I considers as a tip.
The "wrong long way" taxi scam. Very classic. Our taxi man stopped to pick up his lunch from a food vendor. You haven't experienced Thailand without being scammed at less once. 😂
Really enjoyed this video. A typical day, visiting a temple, having lunch, a gym session, nanna nap, go go bar beers and then street food to end the day! I used bolt on my last trip n January and it was pretty good. Only problem is the driver rings you to check where you are going!
Had a few drinks in a bar one time and they gave me a 5,000 Baht tab. I protested and they threatened to call the police. They followed me to an ATM to get the money. I will pay as I go from now on.
The tuk tuk clothing scam is so annoying in bkk. Take the river ferries as much as possible to reduce your reliance on tuk tuks or taxis. You will save a lot of time and money. Start at wat arun and work your way up the river to wat pho and the grand place. You can thank me later!
Enjoying your content Forrest and like your attitude towards life here. For the most part the Taxi drivers are decent and in general curious about other people. Props on your thai, it’s coming along well and such a good example to set, a little language goes along way. If you’re craving Pho, try Saigon Recipe on soi 49, small shopping area across from the Starbucks. Some of the best I’ve had anywhere, including Viet Nam. Peace.
When traveling understand the dollar to Baht value. Always tell them your destination first. If he agrees get in and ask for meter if he does not turn on or tell them to pull the taxi the hell over and get another taxi.
I always us Grab or Bolt ride sharing for getting around. Uses English and I know exactly the cost before I get in the car. Do not stand by the road and make sure you get in the right car. I was scammed once in Pattaya. I was waiting for a Grab and a car pulled over and said you called for a car and I got in, big mistake. I would never get in a tuk tuk in Bangkok, scary. Pro tip have a Thai girlfriend and let her do all the ordering and pay the bill. hahaha
A short cab ride that should have cost 20-30 baht ended up reaching 70 and on and on. I told him, stop at that BTS station right in front. got off and paid 70 and had to take the train back 2 stops because otherwise he would keep going on and on and on......Truly despicable. I never have this issue in Tokyo. I would never live in Thailand for good. Maybe short stints here and there for fun.
Scams are a part of life being there. Lived there for 4 years and that was long enough that I didn't have the look so they left me alone for the most part. Had my own taxi and motorbike guys that I would call to take me anywhere I needed to go and I always tipped them good. Even then , it was way cheaper than a scam ride or tour. Just learn to say no and keep moving. Good advice for not causing a seen for a few dollars. I know it's the principle but it won't break you and you have to pick your battle's when in a foreign country. Make sure you have the number to the tourist police, as they are a different bunch than the regular police. But again, pick your battle's and move on. It isn't worth 5 bucks to risk going to the hospital or jail. Remember one thing while you are in Thailand. You don't have the rights or privilege's you probably have in your country, specially if you are from the West. And Thai jails are not pleasant. Trust me on this.
Forest ….you bring it every time bro. I watch your channel for Boston Mass….hopefully by the end of the year I can fly out there and checkout the vibes. BEST TH-camR IN THAILAND. Keep killing it
The restaurant scam is quite similar in Sg. In the restaurants in Sg, the peanuts, pickles are chargeable hence don't be too happy to much on them so readily.
Amazing she let you take the camera in? Ive never seen that allowed before. Well done!. I'm back in July to resume my Thai life. God I've missed it so much
I remember my first time in the Big City ( 1991) grabbed two Tuk Tuks and gave an extra 100 Baht to the driver who got us to the restaurant the fastest.. funnest 100 baht I spent 😂. Scams are scams and one hasn’t been to Thailand if one hasn’t ever been scammed ..like kissing a seal flipper in Newfoundland.. it’s gotta be done 😉.. Thanks for the fun Vid Forrest 🙏🙏
liked this video until right near the end when , Forrest said "even if you get scammed its no big deal " no quite sure i agree with that . for 1 if you let them get away with it they will just keep doing it . And 2 , depending on the scam and how big it is can break some people .
It annoyed me when I go into a gogo bar and within 3 minutes of seating down I get hounded by everyone to buy them drinks. Some random girl will want a drink , a mamasan will appear out of thin air and the waitress will want one too as well. 9/10 it’s just water shots. After being here a while I found places that aren’t pushy or don’t approach you at all unless you ask for it. I tend to stick to those.
The first time I went to Thailand I got scammed the Tuk Tuk way. We did the tour to a couple temples and they stopped at a suit place. Had to buy a suit and they we’re very pushy. We’re hard for us to leave and could pretty much only leave if we bought something.
Hey Forrest, I’ve been watching your videos for a while and as someone also interested in Thailand, maybe this is a bit too personal and you don’t have to give any info if you’re not comfortable, but I’d love to know how you manage to stay on in Thailand. Do you regularly go for visa runs, or are you under another kind of arrangement? Thanks a lot.
I am Thai and I feel sorry for these people. Some Thai people are selfish. I'm trying to find a way to tell the government about this. If you take a taxi and get scammed Please remember the number next to the door that is marked in yellow. You can remember those numbers to complain to the police. Taxi drivers are not just Thai people. Some of these people are from my friend country but not all of them are selfish. Even I, who is Thai, was deceived.
Pretty much the same anywhere you go in the world where you're obviously a tourist. Some a bit worse than others obviously but it's basically world over in my experience. Such a pain yo always be on alert but I've never lost toooooo much money in 9 years of travel. Just have to be sensible and stay calm
This is how I learned to speak fairly well: Hire a tutor based in Thailand and take lessons on Zoom, get a book on learning basic Thai, watch shows like "Wink Wink English" on TH-cam (a series of short videos aimed at teaching Thais English, but works the other way around).
6:12 ... Is the guy on the sidewalk behind the truck holding a towel a mannequin ? He literally looks frozen in time and doesn't move an inch as you walk by.
Rule #1: Don't tell strangers in Thailand where you are staying, where you are going, how long you have been in Thailand or anything you wouldn't tell a stranger back home.
gets in a taxi.. while talking about taxi scams... this man is a savage!
I got scammed in a cab. I've been here for about a month. I got the grab app but I didn't have any service so I hailed a cab and took it to my condo. The price on his meter was 136 Baht but he turned around and asked for 500 baht. I argued with him about the meter and when he realized I wasn't going to budge he shut off the meter and asked for 500 baht. The police were there and he was starting to make a scene so I just gave it to him so I wouldn't get in trouble. Luckily on Koh Samui you can get a scooter pretty cheap and the driving is more relaxed. Never taking another cab in Bangkok.
I’m curious, why would you get in trouble when he was trying to scam YOU?!
I understand that some police officers in Thailand are in on the scams but I wouldn’t have budged, I would have taking a picture of the meter and showed the police and the driver would have only gotten the 136 baht.
I hate scammers 🤬
Another great video; excellent advice Lee. Ride sharing services like Grab, and Bolt are changing the game. When ride sharing first came on the scene, I recall some taxi drivers were assaulting ride sharing drivers to discourage competition.
Matcha please 🍵
As a tourist, I think you would get scammed someway or another wherever you go - unless you are lucky enough to travel with someone who's an actual local.
Im actual local, we also do get scammed sometimes. Like when i fall as sleep in a taxi or something and driver would drive around before i woke up, which is actually my fault.
Thank You Lee for this great clip! Just to add a bit: temples in Thailand are exquisite, I have to bow down to the craftmanship and artful esthetics of this country.
I love this video. I avoided a few scams like the gem scam but accidentally fell for the tuk tuk scam my first visit in April 2017. We stopped by a suit shop amd our guide told us to stay in for 5 mins and then we could leave LOL. 😄 We ended up connecting with him and he gave us a lot of great tips. He was an amazing guy.
Driving around Bangkok in a tuk tuk was such an unforgettable experience so overall I'm happy that i got to do it.
That guy outside of Wat Pho (3:32) was definitely a scammer. Because you spoke a few Thai words, that signaled to him that you are not someone that's new to Thailand, and not familiar to all the scams.
great video. like how you explained on the possible scams that may happen at restaurants/eateries. I did not realized that could happen. Will be travelling to Bangkok in July so this is a timely video I saw. Thank you.
Peace and Compassion from a Tibetan subscriber from Tibet
I prefer Bolt over Grab because the drivers gets more money and charges are lower. Yep, I agree~if the cab driver takes you on the “scenic’ routes, enjoy the ride and it’s generally no more than 30 to 100 THB higher, which I considers as a tip.
The "wrong long way" taxi scam. Very classic. Our taxi man stopped to pick up his lunch from a food vendor. You haven't experienced Thailand without being scammed at less once. 😂
you should have said "where's mine?"
I like how you stick your head out the Tuk Tuk at 7:24. Like when dogs do that out of car windows.
Im glad you shows us these scams it will help people coming there...thank you
Really enjoyed this video. A typical day, visiting a temple, having lunch, a gym session, nanna nap, go go bar beers and then street food to end the day! I used bolt on my last trip n January and it was pretty good. Only problem is the driver rings you to check where you are going!
Had a few drinks in a bar one time and they gave me a 5,000
Baht tab. I protested and they threatened to call the police. They followed me to an ATM to get the money. I will pay as I go from now on.
The tuk tuk clothing scam is so annoying in bkk. Take the river ferries as much as possible to reduce your reliance on tuk tuks or taxis. You will save a lot of time and money. Start at wat arun and work your way up the river to wat pho and the grand place. You can thank me later!
Very informative. Thank you Forrest. ❤️❤️❤️
12:58 "you're losing 30 USD at most". That's a cute attitude towards scams. People get in trouble for much larger amounts.
If you’re a sucker then yeah
Enjoying your content Forrest and like your attitude towards life here. For the most part the Taxi drivers are decent and in general curious about other people. Props on your thai, it’s coming along well and such a good example to set, a little language goes along way. If you’re craving Pho, try Saigon Recipe on soi 49, small shopping area across from the Starbucks. Some of the best I’ve had anywhere, including Viet Nam. Peace.
Saigon Recipe is legit… try Pho Van Srinagarindra in Bang Na
When traveling understand the dollar to Baht value. Always tell them your destination first. If he agrees get in and ask for meter if he does not turn on or tell them to pull the taxi the hell over and get another taxi.
I always us Grab or Bolt ride sharing for getting around. Uses English and I know exactly the cost before I get in the car. Do not stand by the road and make sure you get in the right car. I was scammed once in Pattaya. I was waiting for a Grab and a car pulled over and said you called for a car and I got in, big mistake. I would never get in a tuk tuk in Bangkok, scary. Pro tip have a Thai girlfriend and let her do all the ordering and pay the bill. hahaha
Or ask your hotel to get you a meter taxi, works most of the time for me
Sad.
I'll make sure to get a Thai gf when I visit
One of the things I learned is to treat Mamasan good and buy her a drink and she’ll take care of you whenever you visit.
A short cab ride that should have cost 20-30 baht ended up reaching 70 and on and on. I told him, stop at that BTS station right in front. got off and paid 70 and had to take the train back 2 stops because otherwise he would keep going on and on and on......Truly despicable. I never have this issue in Tokyo. I would never live in Thailand for good. Maybe short stints here and there for fun.
No taxi ride costs 20-30 baht. Stay in Tokyo.
@@kmichael1850 it was a short distance to the hotel and that was what it said on the meter
Scams are a part of life being there. Lived there for 4 years and that was long enough that I didn't have the look so they left me alone for the most part. Had my own taxi and motorbike guys that I would call to take me anywhere I needed to go and I always tipped them good. Even then , it was way cheaper than a scam ride or tour. Just learn to say no and keep moving. Good advice for not causing a seen for a few dollars. I know it's the principle but it won't break you and you have to pick your battle's when in a foreign country. Make sure you have the number to the tourist police, as they are a different bunch than the regular police. But again, pick your battle's and move on. It isn't worth 5 bucks to risk going to the hospital or jail. Remember one thing while you are in Thailand. You don't have the rights or privilege's you probably have in your country, specially if you are from the West. And Thai jails are not pleasant. Trust me on this.
Forest ….you bring it every time bro. I watch your channel for Boston Mass….hopefully by the end of the year I can fly out there and checkout the vibes. BEST TH-camR IN THAILAND. Keep killing it
Cheers! 🍺
The restaurant scam is quite similar in Sg. In the restaurants in Sg, the peanuts, pickles are chargeable hence don't be too happy to much on them so readily.
How is that a scam? No free lunch honey 😆
Nice vid bro, BACCARA is the best gogo in Cowboy hehe. An extension of the tuk-tuk scam is the "Grand Palace is closed" one.
My wife and I are coming to Thailand next month and really appreciate the knowledge bro
Amazing she let you take the camera in? Ive never seen that allowed before. Well done!. I'm back in July to resume my Thai life. God I've missed it so much
I remember my first time in the Big City ( 1991) grabbed two Tuk Tuks and gave an extra 100 Baht to the driver who got us to the restaurant the fastest.. funnest 100 baht I spent 😂. Scams are scams and one hasn’t been to Thailand if one hasn’t ever been scammed ..like kissing a seal flipper in Newfoundland.. it’s gotta be done 😉.. Thanks for the fun Vid Forrest 🙏🙏
Cheers! 🍺
@@ForrestLee living the life dude 🍻 be safe & well 🙏🙏
Great stuff Forrest!
All the video keep up the good work man.
Yes always check your. Bill I've gotten scammed on that it wasn't much more and I knew it I just payed I'll never go back
Great video man ❤️
Avoid getting overly drunk unless you want it to be an expensive night 😆
liked this video until right near the end when , Forrest said "even if you get scammed its no big deal " no quite sure i agree with that . for 1 if you let them get away with it they will just keep doing it . And 2 , depending on the scam and how big it is can break some people .
It isn't a big deal. If you lose $10, overall its not going to kill you.
$1 = 34 Baht
Take it as a learning lesson and make more money to recoup losses
It annoyed me when I go into a gogo bar and within 3 minutes of seating down I get hounded by everyone to buy them drinks. Some random girl will want a drink , a mamasan will appear out of thin air and the waitress will want one too as well. 9/10 it’s just water shots. After being here a while I found places that aren’t pushy or don’t approach you at all unless you ask for it. I tend to stick to those.
Thanks Forrest!
Tried Grab everyday this weekend. Hardly any cars were around and was never sucessful
I also came to visit Thailand in 2017.
nice video Forrest.... im curious about skin cancer treatment in thailand... is the facilities better than phillipines?
Are you thai or Vietnamese? I just subscribed
I predict this video will perform very well. Scam videos get huge viewership.
Enjoy watching your videos keep up the good work buddy! Livestream at 40k subscribers?
The first time I went to Thailand I got scammed the Tuk Tuk way. We did the tour to a couple temples and they stopped at a suit place. Had to buy a suit and they we’re very pushy. We’re hard for us to leave and could pretty much only leave if we bought something.
I like Wat Pho even better than the Grand Palace.
Best to use a local guide to avoid scams
Just wondering...what about health care? TIGER Balm..I'm good or is weed legal out there?
yes bolt is perfect.scamming is a part of thailand
Hey Forrest, I’ve been watching your videos for a while and as someone also interested in Thailand, maybe this is a bit too personal and you don’t have to give any info if you’re not comfortable, but I’d love to know how you manage to stay on in Thailand. Do you regularly go for visa runs, or are you under another kind of arrangement? Thanks a lot.
Matcha please 🍵
@@ForrestLee 🍵
Hmmm... ?
Use Bolt. Taxi drivers try to take you to a cat house. If you do, they get a 'finders fee' from mama san. You will be paying that fee.
What was the name of the restaurant????😕
Saw that Vegan spot wasn't there when I visited the Palace.
Thanks for the vid. But how did the gogo bar allow you to film inside?
yaa...wass wondering about temple also, filming a no no
Good terms with the mamasan.
Why would anyone use a Taxi? Use Grab.
Know the area and love the dish you had - but... Holy smokes. 590 THB for lunch - for 1 person 🙈. Farang style 😆 555
When I come to Thailand, I take you out for a beer... :D
I am Thai and I feel sorry for these people. Some Thai people are selfish. I'm trying to find a way to tell the government about this. If you take a taxi and get scammed Please remember the number next to the door that is marked in yellow. You can remember those numbers to complain to the police. Taxi drivers are not just Thai people. Some of these people are from my friend country but not all of them are selfish. Even I, who is Thai, was deceived.
Like you mansion, its not the end of world, if you are scammed if you pay 10, 20, 30 dolar more.....
Thanks!
Do YOU do tours of BKK? headed over in Oct and be interested to meet for a beer and pic your brains a bit...
Let’s do a Video on how to tip in Thailand! What do u think?
Its a shame they scam. It seems such an effort to always be on alert.
Pretty much the same anywhere you go in the world where you're obviously a tourist. Some a bit worse than others obviously but it's basically world over in my experience. Such a pain yo always be on alert but I've never lost toooooo much money in 9 years of travel. Just have to be sensible and stay calm
I’m to tall for tuk tuks. They have bad suspension and the scam. I don’t use them
Biggest question: how did you learn Thai and what are your suggestions?
This is how I learned to speak fairly well: Hire a tutor based in Thailand and take lessons on Zoom, get a book on learning basic Thai, watch shows like "Wink Wink English" on TH-cam (a series of short videos aimed at teaching Thais English, but works the other way around).
All part of the adventure, LOL.
I like to pretend I'm deaf and just watch instead of buying girl and her friends and momma sun drinks!
good guide , side note you seem know how to speak Thai or knows how to read?
6:12 ... Is the guy on the sidewalk behind the truck holding a towel a mannequin ?
He literally looks frozen in time and doesn't move an inch as you walk by.
Talking taxi scams in a taxi, haha brilliant
2 different restaurant menu prices scam.
Lazy Bhuda? You're going to get some shit for that.
Baccara is the best there.
you can get scammed or get great deals like i got a pair of ray bands for 120 bart
Bro where have you been theses days.. LTNS.. from myanmar man.
Forest,
Old Army veteran just moved to Thailand... next time you're in Pattaya/Jomtien, look me up... first rounds on me.
How to avoid scams in Thailand? Stay away from Mook
And the thai’s say there are no scams in their country. 🤦♂️
Thanks Forrest. I can't wait to retire in Thailand.
with face like that of machoman i dont think they even dare to scam you
Everybody buy Forrest matcha!
MATCHA
Don't walk down Soi 6/1 in Pattaya... They're not ladies🥴🥴🤣🤣
Remember to use seat belt ;-)
Is your gf that old lady for now?
Don't believe anything here. The guys are the scam
Ridicouls. Never need to worry about scams. This video is the scam