If you’re planning to travel through Bangkok and use the city’s main railway hub, Hua Lamphong Station, be on alert—scammers are actively targeting foreign tourists, and their tactics are more sophisticated than ever.
These scammers, often working in groups of four or five, pose as railway officials, complete with ID cards and official-looking SRT (State Railway of Thailand) timetables. Their professional appearance makes it easy to mistake them for legitimate staff, but their true goal is to divert travelers away from the trains. Instead of directing you to the ticket counters, they’ll claim that your intended train is unavailable or that you’ve arrived too late. Their “solution” is a conveniently waiting minivan or tuk-tuk, at a significantly inflated price. Many victims report being overcharged for unnecessarily long or subpar rides, making the journey not only expensive but also frustrating.
Richard Barrow, a well-known figure in Thailand’s travel community, has shared his experiences with this scam. Having been a victim himself 30 years ago, Barrow recalls being told that his train to Chiang Mai was fully booked and being pressured into purchasing a “cheaper” bus ticket. This scam has persisted over the years, and Barrow now makes it a point to intervene when he sees other tourists being targeted.
Barrow shared an alarming personal experience on his blog, where he revealed how the scammers have become increasingly bold:
“These scammers recognize me now. When they see me, they quickly stop their tricks and walk away. Unfortunately, one of the taxi mafia members once followed me to my car, took a photo of my license plate, and later threatened me with violence. He told me he knew where I lived. Another warned me not to park there anymore or risk having my car damaged.”
In addition to his personal experiences, Barrow also shared his commitment to fighting back against the scam:
“Since then, I’ve made it a point to intervene whenever I see tourists being targeted. I hope that one day, SRT will finally put a stop to this scam. Until then, stay alert and spread the word!”
This excerpt highlights not only the persistence of these scams but also the dangers of confronting them. Barrow’s efforts to raise awareness are crucial, but the risk remains until the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) takes significant action.
To help you avoid falling victim to this scam, follow these tips:
How to Avoid the Scam:
✔️ Always buy your tickets directly from the official counters inside the station.
✔️ Use the official State Railway of Thailand website or app to verify train schedules.
✔️ If approached by someone claiming to be an official, double-check their credentials before accepting help.
✔️ Be cautious if someone insists that trains are unavailable—this is often part of the scam.
Bangkok is a vibrant and exciting city filled with culture, food, and adventure, but it’s important to stay aware of the scams that can spoil your travel experience. With a little caution, you can avoid these pitfalls and enjoy everything this incredible city has to offer.
This article is based on a blog post by Richard Barrow. For more detailed insights, visit his Facebook blog at Thai Train Guide
