How they cheat at some cheap hotels in Thailand

Protect your hard-earned vacation savings. You must learn two basic rules before booking a room in Thailand. Fraud cases have increased since 2023 because dishonest operators target travelers who do not know local customs. I personally witnessed a heated argument between a guest and a receptionist at a small guesthouse near Sukhumvit Soi 11. I want to share these lessons so you avoid these traps. How do they cheat in hotels in Thailand?

Types of scamming tourists at hotels in Thailand

Drawing more

You pay 4,000 baht online. Suddenly, they demand 7,000 baht! The staff claims the extra 3,000 baht is a mandatory security deposit for room damages. Although they promise a refund, you will likely never see that cash again. They claim the bank transfer is pending. You might wait weeks for a ghost transaction.

The hotel might refuse a full refund. They may lie about minibar consumption or claim a towel was stolen from your room. While you are flying home, they invent these fake charges to keep your money. Proving these lies is nearly impossible once you leave the country. You lose 3,000 baht easily.

Withdraw the same amount twice

This scam targets your bank balance directly. You arrive at a hotel near BTS Nana and they ask for your card. They swipe it once for the 4,000 baht room fee and then swipe it again for a deposit. The staff insists the first charge was only a temporary hold on your funds. In reality, they have charged you 8,000 baht total! This leaves your holiday budget much smaller than planned.

How to avoid being cheated

Open two bank cards

Use two separate accounts. Before booking, ensure you have two chip-enabled Visa or MasterCard accounts ready for use. Keep your main savings on one card and only the exact hotel price on the second. If a hotel demands more than the agreed 4,000 baht, they are likely trying to steal extra funds. It is better to find a new place. Pay the deposit in cash instead.

Keep the card "empty"

Show your card upon arrival. Keep the balance at zero for the main card. If they demand a deposit, offer 2,000 baht in physical cash. Cash is easier to reclaim during check-out. If they claim your previous payment was just a block, show them your printed bank statement immediately.