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Pattaya tourist police and safety advisory
Safety

Scam Alerts

Common Pattaya scams — how to spot them and where to report.

Stay alert in Pattaya

Pattaya is generally safe, but high tourist turnover attracts scams — especially Beach Road, Walking Street, Jomtien, and online property groups. If someone rushes you or asks for cash upfront, walk away.

Save these numbers

Save these numbers

Tourist Police speak English — call 1155 first for scams and disputes.

1155

Tourist Police

24/7 · English

191

Police

Immediate threat

1669

Ambulance

Medical emergency

1337

Pattaya Call Center

Press 9 for English

Download the Tourist Police I Lert U app (iOS / Android) for SOS and chat support in English.

Higher-risk areas

  • Walking Street & Beach Road nightlife
  • Jomtien & Pattaya Beach jet-ski rentals
  • Facebook / Line property & visa groups
  • Gem shops & “special discount” tours

Common scams

Tap each card for how to protect yourself.

  • High risk

    Jet-ski damage claim

    Operators claim pre-existing scratches and demand 10,000–50,000+ THB. Some involve fake “police” to pressure payment.

    Tip: Video the entire jet-ski before/after; never leave your passport as deposit; call 1155 if pressured.

  • High risk

    Motorbike rental damage

    Renters allege dents or scratches and hold your passport until you pay thousands of baht.

    Tip: Photograph all angles at pickup; use licensed shops; refuse passport collateral.

  • High risk

    Bar bill inflation

    Unordered drinks, “lady drinks,” or hidden fees inflate tabs 2–5×. Security may block exit until paid.

    Tip: Ask menu prices first; pay at the bar only; call Tourist Police 1155 if trapped.

  • High risk

    Fake property & deposits

    Below-market listings on social media, pressure to wire deposits, no foreign-quota letter or Chanote check.

    Tip: Verify at Land Office before any deposit; use licensed agencies only.

  • High risk

    Fake police / fines

    Plainclothes “officers” demand passport checks and on-the-spot cash fines without official receipts.

    Tip: Real police wear uniform and ID; insist on going to a station; call 1155.

  • Watch

    Hair oil / herbal trap

    Friendly strangers send you to buy coconut oil, then a “special” shop mixes herbs and bills 20,000–40,000+ THB.

    Tip: Never follow strangers to unknown shops; buy only what you choose at listed prices.

  • Watch

    Gem & jewelry scam

    Tuk-tuk drivers offer “special government sale” gems for resale abroad — stones are worthless or fake.

    Tip: Ignore unsolicited gem tours; buy jewelry only from reputable malls with receipts.

  • Watch

    "Express" visa agents

    Sidewalk brokers promise extensions without official receipts or TM.7 — documents may be invalid.

    Tip: Use Chonburi Immigration or accredited law firms only.

  • Watch

    Romance & transfer scams

    Dating-app or bar contacts request emergency transfers abroad — often never met in person.

    Tip: Never send money to someone you have not met; verify in video call.

  • Watch

    Taxi & baht-bus fares

    Meters off, flat overcharges, or “closed temple” redirects to commission shops.

    Tip: Use Grab/Bolt; agree songthaew fare before boarding; ignore unsolicited tour offers.

  • Watch

    Crypto & investment

    Street crypto kiosks, high-return schemes, and offshore “safe” deposits with no regulation.

    Tip: Use licensed Thai banks only; walk away from guaranteed returns.

  • Watch

    Fake tours & tickets

    Counterfeit island or show tickets, or tours that skip paid attractions after collecting cash.

    Tip: Book via official counters, hotel concierge, or known platforms with receipts.

  • Watch

    Pickpockets & distraction

    Crowded Walking Street, markets, and baht-bus — phone snatches and wallet dips.

    Tip: Front pocket or cross-body bag; don’t flash phones when approached.

Red flags — walk away

  • Anyone insisting you pay cash immediately without paperwork
  • Requests to hold your passport as “deposit”
  • Strangers offering gem tours, herbal cures, or visa shortcuts
  • Deals far below market for condos or rentals
  • Pressure to wire money before you verify title or quota
  • Plainclothes “police” without official receipt

If you are scammed

  1. 1Stay safe — move to a public place with witnesses if threatened.
  2. 2Call Tourist Police 1155 (English) or 191 for immediate danger.
  3. 3Get a written police report — needed for insurance and embassy.
  4. 4Screenshot chats, transfers, and photos; do not delete evidence.
  5. 5Cancel compromised cards; contact bank fraud line same day.
  6. 6Contact embassy if passport stolen or you are detained.

Safety essentials

  • Use licensed real estate agencies with registered company documents.
  • Verify visa advice at Chonburi Immigration — not sidewalk agents.
  • Screenshot Grab/Bolt trips; save rental contracts and TM30 copies.
  • Report crimes to Tourist Police 1155 and keep your case reference number.

Rental checklist · Cultural do's & don'ts

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions — Scam alerts

Where do I report a scam in Pattaya?

Tourist Police 1155 (24/7, English). Pattaya office: +66 38 429 371. Dial 191 for immediate threats.

Can I recover money sent to a scammer?

Recovery is difficult once transferred overseas. Report within 24 hours with bank receipts and chat logs.

How do I avoid rental deposit fraud?

Sign bilingual leases, photograph move-in condition, confirm TM30, never wire a full year to personal accounts.

Should I rent a jet-ski in Pattaya?

The jet-ski damage scam is extremely common. If you rent, video every angle and never leave your passport.

Is there an app for tourist police?

Yes — "Tourist Police I Lert U" with SOS button and English chat. Search on App Store or Google Play.

Need emergency numbers?

Hospital ER, fire, ambulance, and crisis protocols.

Emergency guide