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How can I avoid being scammed by real estate agents when renting a house in Thailand?
Nov 8, 2025
6 months ago
Benz ********************
ORIGINAL POSTERsorry a bit off topic (House for rent search! ):
how to make sure not to get scammed by agent? i heard so many people paid first payment to agent, then agent runs away and owner kicks you out of house because he says he didnt got the money
how to make sure not to get scammed by agent? i heard so many people paid first payment to agent, then agent runs away and owner kicks you out of house because he says he didnt got the money
TLDR : Answer Summary
To avoid getting scammed by rental agents in Thailand, consider the following tips: use verified agents with good reviews and a physical office, ensure that the rent payment goes directly to the landlord, and always get a copy of the rental contract. Check references and verify the identity of the agent. If possible, talk to neighbors about the property and ask questions to determine the legitimacy of the rental. Be cautious if the agent requests payment directly to them.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Emile ******
Am renting directly through owner, but on my search, did viewings with a few agents. I asked them how payment works, they all have said, pay the owner, and any commission they get is dealt with between owner and agent. If they say otherwise, you should be weary.
Jim *******
The Agency Visa industry is not regulated. Anyone can open an Visa Agency shop.
There are many reputable agencies. Mine has a good building, uniformed staff, even two ATMs within their premises.
There are many reputable agencies. Mine has a good building, uniformed staff, even two ATMs within their premises.
Kim **********
@Jim ******
not talking about visa agencies here. Talking about rental agents to find apts/condosJim *******
Maybe, I said that in another post.
Go through an rental agency.
They have plenty of properties, some going 120, 000+ THB a month, those are for paid expats where their company pays.
For regular people like you and me, the max is 20,000 THB.
I can see ,in my complex 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, Hawaii style complex and size of the swimming pool, 2BR is like 15,000 THB.
Go through an rental agency.
They have plenty of properties, some going 120, 000+ THB a month, those are for paid expats where their company pays.
For regular people like you and me, the max is 20,000 THB.
I can see ,in my complex 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, Hawaii style complex and size of the swimming pool, 2BR is like 15,000 THB.
Reply to
Jim *******
Reply
JC *****
Reputable agents either works for company or has their own company. Make sure you ask for name card and have them show everything that belongs to the owner of the unit. Also you can always check whether the unit belongs to the owner provided by asking the Juristic after you paid the booking. Many ways to prevent from being scammed. Just be more smart about it when dealing with an agent.
As I am an agent and I do things that doesn’t hurt the eco-system for Thailand.
As I am an agent and I do things that doesn’t hurt the eco-system for Thailand.
Phil ******
@Benz *******************
select a google agent shop front and good reviews. Star rating helps too. My friends have used so i can recommend someKim **********
Never pay an agent. You pay the landlord they pay the agent
Jay *****
@Kim *********
Yes true, pay only to the owner, owner pay to agent or not that is between owners and agents. Best is to deal with direct owners.Kevin ***********
@Kim *********
why would a landlord pay agent after you pay landlordKim **********
@Kevin **********
because that’s how it works here if you use an agent. If you want to work directly with a landlord.. go for it. They may give you a better deal cause they don’t have to cut the agent in but.. they may also scam you. Who knows. Agent help the landlord by pre screening clients for their interests/needs/pets/budget etc and spare the landlords time talking to people who don’t fit with the offered property. If you get a good agent, they know a lot of the landlords and the landlords know them. Win win for everyone.Reply to
Kim **********
Reply
Ning ******
Go walk around, say hello to neighbours. Ask if the place is noisy etc. Neighbors will usually know if the house is for rent or sale or what have happened there. Some will even know the owner.
Nongnuch ********
@Benz *******************
use real estate agents who have a physical address and an office. Don't fall for shysters who advertise on Facebook . . learn from your lessonsKathy ***********************
@Nongnuch *******
There are TONS of decent agents who don’t have a physical office. You aren’t in the business so don’t generalize.Nongnuch ********
today there was a BIG story in the news, that META, the mother of Facebook, is making millions of Dollars with advertisements of scammers . . .
Nongnuch ********
@Kathy **********************
that's EXACTLY why I would NEVER use an "agent" (a so self-called agent) who doesn't have a physical address and a government issued business license. I would NEVER start to use your service. EVERYBODY can write up ANYTHING on Facebook - it isn't necessarily true, it could be a FAKE, an attempt to scam people. . . . Really SORRY, maybe your intentions are true, but you start on the wrong footKathy ***********************
@Nongnuch *******
It’s your choice and your judgment but don’t tell others to do the same as you. Don’t spread your bias to others.Nongnuch ********
@Kathy **********************
my choice is the choice of a man with a true conscience and a SOUND distrust for anything that gets posted and claimed on social media. . . . . today it was in the news: Facebook makes millions of money in allowing scammers to post advertisement on Facebook, and they admitted that their abilities of preventing it are limitedReply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Kathy ***********************
First payment is supposed to be transferred to the landlord’s account directly when renting thru agent.
I am a legit agent with reviews from real clients. References can also provide upon request (can connect to my clients who are digital nomads with business website or LinkedIn profile)
Feel free to check out my FB page >
I am a legit agent with reviews from real clients. References can also provide upon request (can connect to my clients who are digital nomads with business website or LinkedIn profile)
Feel free to check out my FB page >
@The ******************************************************
Lynnette *******
Plenty good agents around. Use verified ones and make sure contract is filled in correctly and you get copy.
Marianne ********
Why do you need to use a agent in the first place?
Marco ********
You’re great at the matters meaning super knowledgeable 👋👍
Benz ********************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Marianne *******
i dont need...but many facebbok marketplace listing are agents.... or can you recomment me a market where mostlly owner list their houses?Jay *****
@Benz *******************
Post your requirements stating only direct owners ,no agents. Check the house book matching with the owner Thai id. Make payment using bank transfer and not cash. Make sure the bank account matches with the owner. Have a rental contract draft up.Marianne ********
@Benz *******************
Ooh, you want a housing agent, not a visa agent. Got it.No suggestions either way though. Ask local groups for housing agents, I suppose.
Reply to
Marianne ********
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