Please report all your scams while on holiday in Thailand. We will either send our undercover team to investiage or report directly to our contact in the Tourist Police if we think that there is already enough evidence to prosecute. With your help, we can make a difference.
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Written by Jeffrey Smith
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Tuesday, 29 April 2008 |
I am staying at a decent hotel in Bangkok, and last evening asked my hotel for a restaurant recommendation. They gave me a name, which I did not understand then stated I should not worry, they would tell the taxi where to take me, and it was not too far. The taxi then took us to an alternate restaurant of his choosing, something like Sambooson (but not the reputable Somboon seafood chain). It was a long narrow building with seafood tanks outside. It was also right next to some railroad tracks (which should have been an indication to us, but looked very clean/respectable). Upon exiting we were taken quickly to the seafood tanks and seafood display to pick what we would like. Prices were displayed, but I do think that the weights on our final were rounded up significantly or completely made up, and not being an expert on size/weight of the items we picked, the Baht total quickly racked up. We were also then asked if we wanted rice/vegetables, etc... We were never shown a menu, and these items were significantly overpriced. At the end of the meal when the bill showed up, there were also other miscellaneous charges (towels to clean hands before meal, service charges which appeared to be above the standard tax charges). When I asked to speak to the manager and complained I was practically surrounded by male staff and not allowed to go anywhere before I payed. I asked for the name/address/phone number of the restaurant but was then helped to the door (without actual physical attack). It was a very ugly exchange of words on both sides. Everyone please be wary, make sure you have your hotel write down name and location of any restaurant/shop you plan to go to. The taxi drivers and business people are not always your friends in Thailand.
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