From Bangkok to Pattaya, tourists continue to face taxi scams involving rigged meters, inflated fares, and driver intimidation — a problem highlighted by Oppa Hong’s viral video exposing a 1,000-baht scam on his sister. PATTAYA, Thailand – Taxi scams targeting tourists remain a persistent challenge in Thailand’s major tourist hubs, including Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket. A recent high-profile case involving South Korean actor and longtime Thailand resident Il Hong Min, also known as “Oppa Hong,” has brought renewed attention to the issue. On June 23, Hong shared a video on Instagram describing an incident in which his visiting sister was charged an inflated flat fare by a Bangkok taxi driver who refused to use the meter. The driver demanded 1,000 baht, citing toll fees and a fee for returning with an empty car. When confronted and threatened with police involvement, the driver reportedly laughed and drove away. “My sister was deceived,” Hong wrote. “If you have foreign friends, please be careful. I don’t want anyone to experience this. In the end, nothing was resolved because the driver ran away.” Such incidents are not isolated. Despite ongoing campaigns and available hotlines, foreign tourists frequently report: Refusal by drivers to use meters, instead insisting on inflated flat rates Occasional verbal abuse or intimidation when passengers question fares Possible collusion between drivers and hotel or airport touts Limited accountability due to difficulties in enforcement Tourism officials and observers suggest a multi-faceted approach is needed to address the problem effectively. Proposed measures include: Mandating GPS-connected, tamper-proof taxi meters monitored centrally Developing user-friendly complaint platforms in multiple languages for real-time reporting Publicly listing repeat offenders and suspending licenses for habitual violators Increasing police follow-up and enforcement when drivers flee or avoid accountability Running public awareness campaigns at airports, hotels, and tourist sites explaining legal fare practices Promoting regulated ride-hailing services like Grab and Bolt to offer safer alternatives The continued presence of taxi scams threatens Thailand’s efforts to restore its reputation as a welcoming destination, especially in the crucial post-pandemic recovery phase. Experts note that high-profile incidents, such as Oppa Hong’s case, highlight the ongoing need for effective enforcement and tourist protection. For Thailand’s tourism industry, addressing these issues is seen as essential to maintaining visitor confidence and encouraging repeat visits.