Chiang Mai Safety and Scams: Numbers and Common Traps

Save 191 for police and general emergencies, 1669 for an ambulance and 1155 for the Tourist Police. The common traps are a stranger saying a sight is closed, passports left as motorbike deposits, spiked drinks and ATM skimming. Report fraud in town by calling 1155; the in-person fraud desk is at the airport.

By Vincent Nguyen

Save three numbers before anything else: 191, 1669 and 1155. Most of the traps below apply across Thailand, with one Chiang Mai example in the press report on the closed-sight pitch. The advice comes from Thai and UK government pages.

Emergency numbers and the Tourist Police station

Call 1669 first for an ambulance. If you cannot get through, UK advice is to dial 191 and ask for an ambulance. 1155 is the line for crimes involving tourists.

The Mueang Chiang Mai Tourist Police Station is at 196, Sriwichai Alley, Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300. Its phone is +66 53 212 147. It is open 24 hours.

Common scams and traps

The “closed today” gem-shop pitch

A press report on a Tourist Police warning, last updated on 22 August 2026, describes a stranger who approaches tourists outside major sights, including Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai. The stranger says the attraction is closed for a ceremony or renovation. The stranger then offers to guide visitors to special temples or so-called government gem shops with a “today only” tax-free offer.

The same report says staff in such shops use fake GIA papers, sleight-of-hand with stones and threats to call the police to force payments. It places those shops in Bangkok and Phuket.

If someone says a sight is closed, walk up to the ticket gate and ask the staff there. The U.S. Mission’s advice is to trust the hours listed in a guidebook or online.

Neither the Thai government nor the royal family owns, operates or sponsors any gem shop, so a “government sale” claim is false.

Tuk-tuk and taxi detours

A driver who offers a cheap sight-seeing route may end it at a gem store. Give the driver the exact destination and decline detours. For ride apps, see Grab vs Bolt in Chiang Mai.

Motorbike and jet-ski deposits

UK advice says not to hand your passport over as a guarantee, for example to motorcycle or jet-ski rental businesses. Companies may hold on to passports against claimed damage. Offer a photocopy of your passport photo page or a cash deposit instead; the police advice is that a copy of the photo page is usually sufficient for police checks.

Photograph the bike before you ride and keep the files. Document any prior damage.

Motorcycles and scooters for hire in tourist areas are often unregistered and cannot be used legally on a public road. Before you hire one, make sure your travel insurance covers you and read the small print of the lease for engine-size limits and licence requirements. Riding without a valid licence could invalidate your insurance, so you could not claim after an accident.

Drinks and nights out

Drink spiking and drug-assisted sexual assault happen in tourist areas around Thailand, with male and female victims. Do not leave your drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers.

Pre-arrange your transport home so you do not have to accept lifts in unlicensed vehicles. There have been deaths and cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in Thailand.

Cards, ATMs and bags

Do not lose sight of your card during transactions. There have been incidents of ATM skimming, so use an ATM in a bank and protect your PIN.

Beware of bag-snatchers, especially on motorbikes. Take care when travelling in open transport like tuk-tuks.

Short change and “friends” who ask for money

Count your change in baht before you leave the counter. Be wary of anyone soliciting money, including a new friend who asks for emergency funds.

Job offers

People have arrived in Thailand and been illegally transported to neighbouring countries on the promise of high-paying jobs, which turned out to be scams.

Laws that catch newcomers

It is illegal to smoke in public, with a fine of up to 5,000 Thai baht. It is also illegal to possess or use any vape, e-cigarette, pod, e-liquid or heat-not-burn device in Thailand.

Vape offences can lead to confiscation, fines typically THB 5,000 to 30,000, detention and court proceedings. Police may ask to check your passport. Without it you could be asked to produce it within 24 hours at a police station. A copy of the photo page is usually sufficient.

Where to report

Call 1155 from anywhere in the city.

Tourists who suffer tourist fraud can also contact the Bureau of Prevention and Assistance in Tourist Fraud, run under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, which has 8 centers. The Chiang Mai center is at Chiang Mai International Airport, tel. +66 53 281 438-9, so use it if you are at the airport. In town, phone 1155 or visit the station above.

The Tourist Police hotline is 1155, available 24 hours. The station building has a Thai and English sign over the door.

If you were scammed

Contact the Tourist Police or call 1155. They can help contact the regular Thai police if you want to file a report. After a gem scam, file a formal police report and have it translated into English. If you paid by card, tell the card company straight away; ask whether the charge can be disputed or stopped.

For getting into town from the airport, see Chiang Mai airport to the city. For ride apps, see Grab vs Bolt in Chiang Mai. A day-by-day plan is in the first week in Chiang Mai checklist.

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Not confirmed: No dated Chiang Mai Tourist Police notice on the closed-temple pitch was found, so check any closure at the entrance. The station's weekly hours are not confirmed; Maps showed 24 hours on one day.

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General information checked against the sources listed above, not legal advice for your situation. Rules and office practice change; confirm with the immigration office or a licensed adviser before you act. See how guides are checked.

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