Thailand Named Top Taxi-Scam Destination in New Study

BANGKOK, Feb 23, 2026 — Taxi overcharging and refusal to use meters have emerged as leading concerns among foreign tourists in Thailand, according to recent studies, posing a reputational challenge for one of Southeast Asia’s most tourism-dependent economies.

Thailand ranked third globally for taxi-scam complaints in a study by British travel insurance provider AllClear, which analyzed hundreds of online discussions about taxi fraud. The country recorded more than 2,100 complaints, behind Turkey and India.

Separately, a survey by the Tourism Council of Thailand found that taxi services received the lowest satisfaction rating among 200 Western tourists polled in the final quarter of last year, scoring 3.5 out of 5.

Tourists frequently reported that drivers refused to use meters and instead demanded flat fares, often resulting in inflated charges. The Bangkok Post reported similar grievances, particularly in major tourist hubs.

Other concerns highlighted in the survey included complicated airport entry procedures, littering at tourist sites and air pollution linked to fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

Thailand welcomed 11 million foreign visitors last year as its tourism sector rebounded following the COVID-19 pandemic. The government is targeting 25 million arrivals this year, supported by visa facilitation policies.

Industry analysts say addressing taxi practices and service standards will be important to maintaining tourist confidence as regional competition intensifies.

Photo by Polina Kneis on Unsplash