Every specialization has its requirements and duties and demands certain skills, and if for some period of time you have decided to assume the post of the tourist, in this case, the honorable post of the Thai tourist, then here are a couple of things to know and shun not to spoil your time in this beautiful land. So, let’s see in which cases you will simply have to say “Mai ow krap/ka” (Not Interested, Thanks) in Thailand. Make sure to state it as firm as possible.
Avoid taxi and tuk-tuk drivers insisting on their services
If you ask someone who has every visited Thailand and has been a “victim” to a scam, they will say that there are a myriad of scam cases there. Well, there are not too many but the number isn’t small either. Let’s not forget that Thailand is not a “Germanic” country where all rules are strictly followed, neither it’s a country with such a high level of awareness and living standards so that to eradicate scams in Thailand.
On this score, it is highly recommended that you consider the safety rules to stay out of trouble. Now let’s see in which areas scams usually find their reflection. Beware of taxi drivers and and tuk-tuk drivers, especially at late hours. They are usually waiting for “you” near the temples and important monuments to take you to your hotel or house, whatever it is. Make sure to agree on the price beforehand. Also, it’s quite possible you will be taken far from the city center to some markets or stores. Don’t go to these stores and markets, especially if the taxi drivers insists.
The tuk-tuks in Thailand are a great experience for tourists but you might be charged way higher than the actual price. Consider one thing as well — those tuk-tuks usually have prior agreement with the organizers of sex shows, and many of them might take you to those shows and act as if they have got the address wrong. In at least three out of ten cases there will, apparently, be people wishing to stay and see what the sex show presents.
Avoid foreigners claiming to have lost their bag or wallet
In France, particularly in Paris, you might come across people, usually children, asking you to sign a petition for the blind or the deaf, in Thailand you might come across foreigners telling yo a long story of the great time they had spent in historical Thailand and the “misery” they appeared in after their wallet or bag was stolen from them. Following it, they will ask you for money, but in 10 out of 8 cases it will be a form of cheating and “stealing” your money. So don’t pay attention to those stories and simply enjoy your time and be sure that your choice from custom portfolios will be safe in your pocket.
Avoid drunken people
Avoiding drunken people is obviously a must everywhere, even in your motherland. Thai people are quite friendly, but as the night falls and the young or old who have passion for alcohol start taking their poison, they might get too nervous. The situation will get “dangerous” or “risky” for you if you are also a bit drunk, and give answers to the statements made by them. Note that a drunk person is usually aggressive and to have your “security belt fastened” while walking on Thai streets, simply avoid places too crowded by men, especially if you feel there is some fuss out there.
Avoid taking a taxi alone at night or walking along the streets/beaches (Women)
On the whole, Thailand is a safe country from this point. The number of, say, cases of rape reported in the country is not too high. But even if it were at the lowest level, you should secure your safety. Do not talk to strangers even if they are very polite. You never know what they have on their mind.
Avoid motorcycle taxis, especially if you lack Thai men/women sizes
First of all, no matter what, avoid taking the motorcycle taxis in crazy Bangkok. The second thing to do is to look around and compare your body sizes with the ones the Thai people have, especially Thai women. If you see obvious differences, then to stay out of trouble, skip the idea of going for this “adventure”. Remember that those drivers are used to having a Thai body type behind them.
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