Scams in Pattaya Thailand - Thai Police Volunteer Explains All

Why A I Doing video? 6 years living & working in Thailand, 2 businesses.
Please like and share this video as it helps spread the word. Share the video with people you know who are off to Pattaya to educate them on what to look for.

Former UK police officer, became a Royal Thai Police Foreign Volunteer

3 types of foreign police vols
Tourist Police – Uniformed, see them in Walking Street (Pattaya), Phuket, Koh Samui, Chang Mai.

Immigration Police – Undercover – basically spies

Royal Thai Police – Uniformed (Pattaya only I believe), working in main police station helping tourists and expats who visit police station.

So I have a lot of stories to tell of scams. But keeping to just the main ones that you are more likely to fall foul of. Plus at end of video I will finish off with some crime prevention guidance so make sure you watch right to the end as there will be some really valuable advice I give.

This is a simple video with no nice photos, just me talking and explaining. See below in description for full list of scams.

So, in no order then, Scam

1) Bill Padding – Putting in extra drinks in the wooden pot
2) Baht Bus – It's 10B per person for a journey. They will attempt to double it to 20B as you're a farang. Have the right money with you as you'll end up in an argument about change. If you go to Jomtien from Pattaya then expect to pay more.
3) Motorbike Taxi's – There are loads all over the place. Make sure you negotiate the price before you get on for your journey. Ask how much to..... And get them to agree. If it sounds to much walk away and find another one. Again don't take big notes make sure you have small notes because getting change back is an issue sometimes.
4) Motor bike rentals – Make sure you photo or better video the bikes condition prior to taking it out. Make sure it has to right insurance for a foriegner to ride. Ask to see it it's usually in English too. Do not EVER leave your passport with them. Some will ask you to do that. Tell them to take a copy. If they won't then walk away. They regularly hold passports for ransom after saying you have done damage.
5) Jet Ski's on Beach Road and Jomtien. My advice is do not rent one ever.... But if you do, like the motor bikes video and photo any damage. Turn it over and inspect the below waterline areas. This is a massive scam and it involves the police too. When you return the jetski's they will show you damage usually below the waterline and demand a lot of money from you to repair the damage. They get very nasty and aggressive if you don't pay. You maybe able to get their price down through negotiations but you will have to pay. Getting the police involved will achieve nothing and may even increase the sum owed.

They are main ones you will come across. I just want to wrap up with some advice on how to prevent common crimes being effected on you.

1) Theft of money, wallets, purses. Pickpocketing is not a massive problem in Pattaya, but as with anywhere where there are large crowds and people who have drunk a lot, its an opportunity for thieves to strike, and they do! Don't take out excessive cash with you. Work out what you think you'll need for the day or night and take that with you plus a bit extra. Wallets should be carried in your front pocket and handbags should be carried in front of you. Never carry cash or valuables in rucksacks.
2) Do not flaunt gold jewlery and necklaces etc whilst you are out, day or night. They have motorbike criminals who will spot ladies on Baht Bus, motor bikes etc and will snatch your necklace off your neck and escape very quickly. Same with men, don't wear great big gold necklaces, its temptation.
3) If you are a single tourist visiting nightclubs then be aware of not leaving your drink because it may get spiked. This happened to me when I lived there but I realised something was wrong. I took a swig of a beer from a bottle after I had been dancing. When I got back I put the bottle to my mouth and started to drink but got a bitter taste, didn't swallow, but spat it back into the bottle. I started to feel woozy after a couple of mins, but I was with someone so we left together and I felt better after about 5 mins. My drink had been spiked. What they do is wait until you leave your drink unattended, tip in a drug and then watch you drink the spiked drink. They then take advantage once the drug works and rob you either in the club or out in the street. This took place in a well known nightclub in Walking Street.

Wrapping up then, Pattaya is like most tourist areas it attracts bad people. Not everywhere will rip you off. Of course the majority of businesses are decent as are the people. But the scams are out there and pre-warned is pre-armed. Be sensible, be alert and take precautions. But above all enjoy yourself!

Please like and share this video so more people are aware of what to look out for.

Видео Scams in Pattaya Thailand - Thai Police Volunteer Explains All канала John Botting