PSA: That coworker in Chiang Mai who 'helps' you find a moped rental is costing you big time

I met this guy named Alex at a cafe in Chiang Mai last month. He was super friendly, told me he knew a place that rented scooters for 150 baht a day. He walked me over to this shop and I paid for a week upfront. The bike broke down on day two. I took it back and the shop owner said I had to pay 2000 baht for repairs because I signed something in Thai. Later I figured out Alex gets a 100 baht kickback every time he brings a tourist in. So I paid triple what I should have for a junk bike. Has anyone else run into these 'helpful' locals who are really just working a referral scam?

2 comments

2 Comments

henderson.mason7d ago

Wait so you're blaming Alex for you signing a contract you didnt understand? How is that his fault exactly? The guy helped you find a rental and you agreed to the price upfront. 150 baht a day is crazy cheap for any scooter in Thailand, like what did you expect, a brand new Honda? Those bikes break down constantly and the shop owners always try to get money out of tourists for "repairs" - thats just the game you play when you rent a moped there. Alex probably told you 150 because thats what the shop pays him to bring people in, its a standard commission deal not some secret scam. You said yourself he was friendly and walked you there, sounds like he was just doing his job. Next time read the fine print or pay more for a legit rental place instead of going for the bottom dollar option and crying about it.

gray_patel7d ago

Pay a little more upfront at a place with Google reviews and avoid this headache entirely.