Pitfalls of Retouched Photos in Thai Real Estate

Published on October 2, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Thailand’s appeal, with its idyllic beaches and vibrant cultures, has long captivated real estate investors worldwide, but behind the glossy brochures lie potential pitfalls related to retouched photos that sometimes embellish reality. In a market where illusion is an integral part of sales strategies, understanding how to discern genuine opportunities from deceptive mirages is essential for anyone wishing to invest wisely in this fascinating Asian country.

Understanding Retouching Practices in Thai Real Estate

Common Retouching Practices in Thai Real Estate Listings

Retouching Practice	Description
Brightness Enhancement	Increasing overall clarity to create an impression of brighter, more welcoming rooms.
Color Correction and Saturation	Adjusting hues to make spaces appear warmer and more modern.
Flaw Removal	Erasing stains, cracks, cables, clutter, or moisture marks on walls and floors.
Adding or Removing Elements	Virtual insertion of furniture (digital home staging), adding accessories, or removing unwanted objects.
Perspective Correction	Straightening architectural lines to avoid distortions caused by lenses or camera angles.
Replacing Exterior Elements	Modifying the sky, window views, or enhancing outdoor vegetation.

Impact on Buyer Perception of Properties

• Retouched photos often give the impression of a more spacious, brighter, and modern home than it actually is.
• They can hide major or temporary flaws, such as cracks, moisture, or missing furniture.
• This practice creates unrealistic expectations and can lead to significant disappointment during on-site visits.
• The risk is twofold: wasted time and, sometimes, misguided emotional or financial investments.
• Buyers may also struggle to envision themselves in the actual property if the virtual furniture is too far from reality.

Reasons for the Widespread Use of Retouching Techniques in Thai Real Estate

• High Competitive Pressure: The highly dynamic and competitive Thai real estate market pushes agencies and sellers to maximize the visual appeal of their listings.
• Image Culture: In Thailand, the emphasis on appearance and the pursuit of aesthetics are very present in society, which is reflected in real estate promotion.
• Buyer Expectations: Both local and foreign buyers are accustomed to attractive visuals on online platforms; dull or unretouched images risk being ignored.
• Accessibility of Technological Tools: Retouching software and AI-based solutions are now accessible and easy to use, even for non-professionals.
• Economic Influence: A property presented in its best light sells or rents faster and at a better price, justifying investments in retouching.

Tips for Recognizing Retouched Photos and Staying Vigilant During Visits

• Scrutinize colors and brightness: Overly vibrant hues, uniform light without shadows, or abnormally bright spaces are often signs of retouching.
• Look for the complete absence of flaws: An older home with no visible imperfections may indicate digital erasure.
• Compare listings: Search for the same property on different platforms to spot visual inconsistencies or marked differences in presentation.
• Observe framing: Framing that systematically avoids certain parts of a room or facade may hide significant defects.
• Examine edges: Blurry objects, furniture that seems to “float,” or poorly integrated elements often signal digital modification.
• Demand a physical visit: Never rely solely on photos; an on-site visit remains essential to verify the actual condition of the property and its surroundings.

Stay alert: an overly perfect listing often hides the reality of a property.

How to Avoid Scams Through Rigorous Listing Verification

Verifying real estate listings in Thailand is crucial to avoid scams and secure your investment. The local real estate market attracts many foreigners but also exposes them to frequent fraudulent practices.

Key Verification Challenges:

• Prevent purchasing properties with defective or falsified titles.
• Avoid unscrupulous sellers or agents who exploit unfamiliarity with the local market.
• Ensure the legal compliance of the acquisition and the validity of documents.

Methods to Authenticate Listings:

• Reverse Image Search: Use search engines to check if photos are original or already used in other listings, which could indicate image theft or a scam.
• Photo Analysis: Look for signs of retouching, visual inconsistencies, or poor-quality images that may hide reality.
• Information Verification: Compare listing details (address, area, price) with other reliable sources or official sites.

On-Site Visits and Verifications:

• If possible, physically visit the property to confirm its existence and actual condition.
• If impossible, request a real-time virtual tour (video conference) to verify authenticity and ask direct questions to the seller or agent.

Tips for Verifying Sellers and Real Estate Agents:

• Request official identification or a real estate agent license.
• Search for online reviews and check their presence on recognized platforms.
• Consult a specialized lawyer to ensure the legality of procedures and the reputation of intermediaries.

Validation of Legal Documents:

• Require presentation of the property title (Chanote) and verify its authenticity with the Land Department.
• Have all contracts and agreements reviewed by a real estate legal professional before any signing or payment.
• Ensure that any lease or purchase is officially registered.

Warning Signs of a Potential Scam:

Warning Sign	Explanation
Offer too good to be true	Price significantly below market, excessive promises
Pressure to pay quickly	Request for urgent deposit or transfer
Refusal to provide official documents	Absence of title, license, or supporting documents
Communication only via messaging	Refusal of video calls or in-person meetings
Generic or inconsistent photos	Blurry, retouched, or images from other listings
Refusal of real or virtual visit	Pretext to avoid any form of direct verification

Practical Tips:

• Never send money before complete verification.
• Keep written records of all exchanges.
• Prefer reputable and registered agencies or lawyers.
• If in doubt, contact the tourist police or your embassy.

Key Takeaway:

Vigilance, systematic document verification, and listing authentication are the best protections against real estate scams in Thailand.

Virtual Tours: A Tool for Realistic Real Estate Assessment

Virtual tours offer a more transparent and realistic way to visualize real estate properties, as they allow buyers to explore each room interactively, without the distortions or embellishments often associated with retouched photos.

Technology Used for Virtual Tours:

• 360° Cameras: Capture panoramic images of each space.
• Specialized Software (e.g., Matterport, Orisha, My360 Tours): Assemble images to create an immersive experience.
• Distribution Platforms: Host tours on real estate websites or social media.
• Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI): Add advanced features like virtual home staging or tour customization based on user preferences.

Benefits for Potential Buyers:

• Faithful and immersive visualization of the property, allowing exploration of volumes, brightness, and room layout.
• Time savings: Ability to visit multiple properties without travel.
• Reduction of unnecessary visits: Buyers filter properties that don’t meet their expectations more effectively.
• Increased accessibility for remote or international buyers.
• Ability to revisit the property at any time, alone or virtually accompanied by an advisor.

Criterion	Virtual Tour	Retouched Photos	Physical Visit
Realism	Very High (interactive journey)	Low to Medium (risk of deception)	High
Accessibility	Immediate, remote	Immediate, remote	Limited by location
Immersion	Strong (360° view, free movement)	Very Low	Total
Transparency	High (difficult to cheat)	Low (can hide defects)	Total
Time Savings	Yes	Yes	No
Emotional Engagement	Good (but limited by screen)	Low	Maximum

Positive Impact on the Thai Real Estate Market:

• Dynamization of Transactions: Properties are sold or rented faster, as physical visits are reserved for genuinely interested buyers.
• International Opening: Foreign investors can select and compare properties without coming on-site.
• Professionalization of Offerings: Agencies offering virtual tours stand out, reinforcing trust and an image of transparency.

Potential Limitations of Virtual Tours:

• Lack of Sensory Perception: Cannot experience the sound atmosphere, smells, or air quality.
• Sometimes Incomplete Representation: Certain details, defects, or exterior aspects may be omitted or underestimated.
• Limited Emotional Experience: The emotion felt during a real visit remains difficult to reproduce.
• Dependence on Technology: Requires suitable equipment and internet connection.

Comparison with Physical Visits:

Physical visits remain essential for validating a final decision, particularly for appreciating the environment, material quality, or actual brightness.

Virtual tours are an excellent tool for pre-selection and optimizing the purchasing process, but they do not completely replace the experience of the place.

In summary, virtual tours offer a realistic and transparent experience, optimize property selection, and facilitate access to the real estate market, while presenting some limitations compared to physical visits.