If you’re traveling through Bangkok and plan to use the city’s main railway hub, Hua Lamphong Station, be on high alert—scammers are actively targeting foreign tourists.
These scammers, often working in groups of four or five, pose as railway officials, complete with ID cards and official-looking SRT (State Railway of Thailand) timetables. Their appearance and demeanor make them easy to mistake for legitimate staff, but their true goal is to divert travelers away from the trains. Instead of guiding you to the ticket counters, they’ll claim that your intended train is unavailable or that you’ve arrived too late. Their solution? A conveniently waiting minivan or tuk-tuk—at a significantly inflated price. Some victims have reported being overcharged for subpar or unnecessarily long rides, making their journey not just expensive but also frustrating.
Richard Barrow, a well-known figure in Thailand’s travel community, has shared his experiences with this scam. Having been a victim himself 30 years ago, Barrow recalls being told that his train to Chiang Mai was fully booked and being pressured into purchasing a “cheaper” bus ticket. This scam has persisted over the years, and Barrow now makes it a point to intervene when he sees other tourists being targeted.
In his blog, Barrow revealed how these scammers have even recognized him over the years and stopped their tricks when they saw him approaching. However, not all encounters have been peaceful. One member of the so-called “taxi mafia” followed Barrow to his car, took a photo of his license plate, and threatened him with violence, warning that his car would be damaged if he continued parking in the area.
Barrow’s efforts to bring attention to the scam are a crucial reminder for all travelers to stay vigilant. As he mentioned in his blog:
“Since then, I’ve made it a point to intervene whenever I see tourists being targeted. I hope that one day, SRT will finally put a stop to this scam. Until then, stay alert and spread the word!”
While the State Railway of Thailand has yet to take significant action, tourists can help protect themselves by following these simple guidelines:
How to Avoid the Scam:
✔️ Always buy your tickets directly from the official counters inside the station.
✔️ Use the official State Railway of Thailand website or app to verify train schedules.
✔️ If approached by someone claiming to be an official, double-check their credentials before accepting help.
✔️ Be cautious if someone insists that trains are unavailable—this is often part of the scam.
Bangkok is a vibrant and exciting city filled with culture, food, and adventure, but it’s important to stay aware of the scams that can spoil your travel experience. With a little caution, you can avoid these pitfalls and enjoy everything this incredible city has to offer.
This article is based on a blog post by Richard Barrow. For more detailed insights, visit his Facebook blog at Asian Train Guide
