Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of thiosalicylic acid (TSA) with sulfydryl group was investigated on the surface of electrochemically roughed silver electrode. The result shows that SERS enhancement effect was relative to the concentration and pH, and 1×10-3 mol·L-1 and pH 4 were the optimal condition. While the concentration increased, the enhancement effect decreased quickly because of steric hindrance. S—Ag peak position by the absorption of TSA was basically consistent, but pH significantly affected its intensity. The distribution and mechanism of TSA at different pH were further investigated. It was showed that TSA was adsorbed on the active silver surface via the sulfydryl group without H of neutral C6H4(COOH)SH molecule. Competitive adsorption of negative valence C6H4(COO-)SH and OH- may bring non-SERS under the strong base condition. At the same time, the sulfydryl group significantly influenced the carboxyl vibration peak’s change and the distribution of electron cloud of benzene ring conjugate system.