Other Tourist Scams in Koh Phangan, Thailand
Timeshares, fake police, charity fraud, and miscellaneous scams targeting visitors. Below are the other scams scams reported in Koh Phangan — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Lombok, Palawan, and Mandalay.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
4
Other Scams Scams
11
Total in Koh Phangan
How it works
Drinks spiked with sedatives or stronger substances have been reported at the Full Moon Party and beach bars. Victims are robbed or assaulted after losing consciousness.
How it works
Rental shops take a deposit or passport, then claim pre-existing scratches are new damage when you return the bike and refuse to refund.
How it works
Dealers sell drugs openly near the party, but some are police informants. After purchase, undercover officers appear and demand large bribes or make arrests. Thai drug penalties are severe.
How it works
Touts sell "VIP access" wristbands for inflated prices outside the main venue area. Wristbands are sometimes counterfeit or grant no actual access.
See all scams in Koh Phangan
11 total warnings across all categories