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Bangkok Airport Warning
03-07-2011, 04:55 PM
The airport scam is unfortunately for real. I wish it was BS or fear mongering. Fortunately it is not widely spread but it happens at least a few times a month and when it does happen, may god help the person victim of it. And you better have access to at least 10K to leave LOS. So do not get cocky and ignore that warning, ignore it only at your own risks and perils. I've also passsed several times through BKK's airport and never had a problem because I didn't spend much time in the duty free there.
Another very common trap/scam specially in Phuket and Pattaya is the jet ski scam where they rent you a jet ski for usually 30 minutes for about 1000B and then, upon returning it, they find some damage to it and demand that you pay a large amount to fix it. Once again, the cops are in it and so are higher ranked officials (both cops and governement) as this has been going for years now. It has been even mentioned in a documentary on BBC but again, nothing has been done as there are high rank officials involved in it. The ones ones specially targeted for this scam are Indians and I did witness that with my own eyes with 2 indian guys being approached in Pattaya by the touts to rent a scouter, then these guys, not aware, up on their return, were shown the damages that they didn't do and were forced to pay $5K. These guys are dangerous, armed and are numerous and will not think twice for using force or worst, weapons. So do not even think about renting a jet ski in Pattaya or Phuket.
All in all, I was in Thailand for over 3 months and never had any problem and never felt unsafe because I used common sense, didn't get piss drunk and didn't piss any Thai or get in a confrontation with a Thai. Doing any of of the above, specially pissing off Thais or getting into a confrontation with a Thai is a recipe for disaster to get your ass beaten (if you're lucky) or worst, cut into pieces if you're unlucky or piss off the wrong people. Please do not get cocky thinking that because you're big, tall, muscular or a UFC fighter that you can get away with. Thais do not fight alone. As soon as a fight starts between a Thai and a foreigner, the whole street joins up to beat the farang's ass. Keep that in mind and you'll have no problems.
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Bangkok Airport Warning
03-07-2011, 05:52 PM
Good intel VP. I've been to Thailand twice.. The only scam I was warned against was going to bars after hours. Some are fine b/c the cops are getting paid to look the other way. When the other mammasans try to compete it becomes an issue. The police will raid the place and require foreigners to take a piss test. If it tests hot they fine the shit outta you. Both locals and foreigners told me about it.
And don't litter. A Euro dude dropped a cigarette and a cop appeared from nowhere. He was hauled off to jail to pay the fine. I decided to not smoke while walking down the street.
I never felt unsafe either but common sense rules. Just cause the locals are doing it don't mean you can. One of my MO's is to find an expat bar and gather data. This has helped me stay safe a few times, especially avoiding "scammer" bars.
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Bangkok Airport Warning
03-09-2011, 10:08 AM
Have been at the Bangkok International Airport more than 10 times. Touched some stuff at the duty free shops, never had any problems.