The Thai Tourist Authority recently sent out a warning against scams supposedly with jewellery shops in Bangkok. Targeting fresh and first timers to Thailand the con artists hang out at the countries primary tourist destinations. The scam begins when a local approaches you before you enter a tourist spot and gives your reasons to delay you from entering. Normally he will reason that the destination is closed then offers to escort you to a similar destination but not mentioned in guidebooks. When the con has seen that he has your attention he will start a casual conversation on different topics while inserting the idea of gems for sale. He at this point will not pressure you to buy yet. After another ten minutes he will offer to arrange a tuk-tuk ride to the destination he mentioned earlier reasoning that most tend to overcharge tourist.

At the destination, a well dress man who speaks proficient English claiming to be a
tourist official or a businessman or a university professor. He will start a conversation with you which would end up with mentioning the same gems for sale. This is to confirm what the man whom you met earlier said. This deal apparently involves bulk purchases at a bargain price. In case you do not wish to purchase some gems, they will try to convince you to at least see the gems anyway.

No matter how they convince you to go to the jewellery shop, they will entertain you and make you feel at home. Then, the grand bid. Like was previously said the gems were at a discounted price. The jeweler will convince you of the profit you an earn by selling the gems abroad. But once you agree and try to sell the gems you will find that they are worthless after all.

A lot of people understandably don't want to offend or appear ignorant of against Thai culture so most are fooled to going with the cons. It is advised that although rude, it is best not to talk with any locals who approach you.