Is Koh Samui Safe in December 2026?

The same playbook as jet ski fraud applied to motorbike and scooter rentals. Pre-existing damage is photographed by the operator before rental but not disclosed; tourists are billed on return. Particularly prevalent on Chaweng Beach Road.

How to avoid: Do a joint walkthrough with the operator, photograph all existing damage, and insist on a signed damage waiver listing current condition. Pay by credit card where possible to enable a chargeback.

The most reported scam in Koh Samui. Rental operators take a security deposit or hold your passport, then claim on return that you caused damage to pre-existing dents or scratches. Repair bills of 10,000–50,000 THB are demanded. Operators may be backed by individuals who make peaceful resolution difficult.

How to avoid: Photograph and video the entire jet ski before riding — every angle, every scratch. Never hand over your passport as a deposit (illegal under Thai law). Use only reputable operators with published reviews.

Drinks are spiked with sedatives or substances in some Chaweng and Lamai bars, leading to theft, assault, or worse. Incidents are underreported but consistently mentioned in Koh Samui safety guides and Tripadvisor forum warnings.

How to avoid: Never leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers. Order directly from a bartender you watch prepare the drink. Go out with trusted companions and look out for each other.

Fraudulent listings for Koh Samui villas and boutique resorts appear on clone booking sites, WhatsApp groups, and Facebook Marketplace at 30–50% below genuine prices. After payment — typically via bank transfer or crypto — the operator becomes unresponsive or claims the dates are unavailable. Victims arrive to find no reservation or a downgraded property that bears no resemblance to advertised photos.

How to avoid: Book only through reputable OTAs (Agoda, Booking.com, Airbnb) or directly via the official hotel website. Verify the property exists on Google Maps before wiring any money. Never pay by bank transfer for a first booking. Search the property name combined with "scam" before committing.

Private money-exchange booths near Chaweng Beach and Fisherman's Village use misleading rate boards to attract customers, then employ sleight of hand to underpay. Common tactics include quickly counting notes in a fan, excluding the fee from the displayed rate, or distracting customers mid-transaction. Losses typically range from 200–1,000 THB per exchange.

How to avoid: Exchange money only at licensed banks, Kasikorn or Bangkok Bank branches, or airport exchange counters. Count every note individually before leaving the booth. Never hand over all your cash before receiving baht. Avoid booths that require you to turn away to sign a form.