Question 1

What is the "Patong Beach Forced Sun Lounger Fee" scam in Phuket?

Accepted Answer

Unofficial vendors in Patong place sun loungers across stretches of public beach. Tourists who lay their own towels on the free sand are aggressively approached and told they must pay for a chair. Some operators use intimidating body language or raised voices to pressure compliance. Thai beaches are public land and you are not legally required to rent a chair. Politely but firmly decline pressure to pay. Walk further from the main tourist cluster to find genuinely free sections of beach. Report harassment to Tourist Police by calling 1155.

Question 2

What is the "Gem Investment Scam" scam in Phuket?

Accepted Answer

Tourists are taken to gem shops — often via a tuk-tuk commission route — and persuaded to buy rubies, sapphires, or jewellery at supposedly wholesale prices. Sales staff claim the gems can be resold at huge profit back home. The stones are invariably low-grade, synthetic, or glass, and are essentially worthless on resale. Never buy gems or jewellery as an investment while travelling, regardless of how convincing the pitch sounds. Government certification documents shown in-store are easily faked. If you want genuine Thai gems, use shops certified by the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association.

Street Scams in Phuket

Patong Beach Forced Sun Lounger Fee

Gem Investment Scam

Experienced a scam here?