Beware of Bangkok airport extortion ring

[gladheateher]

on your next hobby trip to Thailand

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6590584.ece

 

[gladheateher]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8154497.stm

 

[glaeken]

Looks like the Thai government is taking some action.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/149833/sohpon-acts-to-prevent-airport-scams
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/149836/crackdown-at-suvarnabhumi-from-july-28

 

[bishop101]

I was really considering going to Thailand too.... too bad.

 

[Caralho Gigante]

simple, avoid the duty free.

 

[glaeken]

I was really considering going to Thailand too.... too bad.

There are dangers traveling to any country or even here at home. The events of this story are the extreme exception just like we don't regularly tazer visitors to Canada. The only time I've felt threatened in Thailand was by other tourists.

The advice already given by Jasmine and Caralho will keep you out of trouble. I would however add that it's also a good idea to not show too much affluence. Keep the iPod, digital camera, jewelry, etc. out of sight. If you look like to have a lot of money you'll be a target in any major tourist destination, not just Thailand.

 

[CabanaGirlz]

One of my clients went to China, and his bags were stolen, so made up my mind never to go. You never know what can happen and its true, even here at home your never really safe.

 

[Sammy the Bull]

You pay.......you pay

 

[Manji]

I was really considering going to Thailand too.... too bad.

Don't change your plans...

Thailand is one of the best tourist destinations in the world....

The Thais are very warm and friendly people....Sure you get some scammers but that's like that from every country....
This DutyFree scam is a new (at least I've never heard of it when I travelled to Thailand) and hopefully the Thai authorities put a quick stop to it.....

Taxis from the airport can be a pain in the ass.....You know that you're gonna get scammed as soon as the Driver decides to haggle for a fee rather than putting on the meter....
If you have time find a driver who will use the meter....Being able to speak some Thai will also go a long way (many Thai see it as a sign that your respect their language and culture)....