Bangkok & Thailand Scams - Thai Gem & Tailor Scams

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Robbed in Patpong

Written by Jason

Saturday, 27 September 2008

Hello, I have recently returned back home to Sydney after a 2 week holiday in South East Asia, Overall experience has been great with the exception on my last day in Bangkok, 15/08/08,The little lane between Patpong 1 and Patpong 2 (around the corner they sell bags closest to Slilom road) a tout forced me to go and see a "show" up stairs, i nicely hesitated and said "no im shopping," then he said "just to have a look for one second and you dont need to pay for anything and dont need to drink and there is an Australian comedian who is doing a show right now",found it hard to believe as there was no ads or sign but was eager to see,

Went upstairs and as soon as i reached top, someone from behind pushed me inside the go go bar, then i was sucked in to some dirty filthy disgusting sex shows with grandmothers performing, at that point i got sucked in, i wanted to leave, then the tout who sucked me in started to yell in Thai to some middle aged thai man, (the club's manager) and demanded i pay a covercharge, i asked what for? then he said you are in my club and you have to pay as the sign says (500 baht), i told him that the sign was not displayed outside, then he laughed and started to speak in Thai with the lying Tout, Manager demanded i pay 1000 since its a fine for violating the rules, i told him i didnt have that money, then he asked whats inside your bag, (i had 2 cameras digitalcam and another a hd video recorder, unlucky no power on both aftera whole day of us), I told him ok i got some money but this ismy only money, he demanded i handed it over, and he asked for more, at this point i became abit scared because the guy who pushed me in was right behind me along with the tout on the side who lead me in.

So I gave the manager 1000 baht, he then asked I also pay 1000 baht to the ticket desk which was on the left hand side of the entrance, and then i also had to pay 1000 baht to the tout and the guy behind me aswell.

Thats a total of 4000 baht, then i was escorted to a seat and was told to watch the show after the show i could leave, then a fat lady came in and ask i get a drink, i told her no because i dont drink, so she sent me a bottle water and asked that i pay 1000 baht for it, i said no. then 2 girls came from both sides and locked me in and grabbed my shopping and ask i pay them 1000 for tip each (3000), I would then get my shopping bag back, unfortunately it was the remaining money i had in my shoulder bag i was really forced to give. They threw my shopping bag back to me, right after they did , noticed the door was clear so i made a run for the exit and went to the Sky Train station for help.

Spoke to the security guard at Sala Daeng, who was limited in english and he approached a group of young people who happened to speak fluent english and kindly helped me throughout the night. Who assisted me to go the police station and became my translators to the local police officers in the station which was like 5 minutes away by motorbike in Patpong where I went to make a report. I was so shocked that I didn't want to return back to the area, Police asked me if I wanted to get my money back, i told them it didnt really matter as long as I lived and besides I still had money back in my hotel which was enough for me to get back to the airport. I did not get the name of the place but I can remember the exact location of the bar. I told police that I will point out the place but will not go inside or near it. Police told me it was fine and that I had to meet another patrol in the area so I can show them where it was and explained to them what happened briefly.

A detective then kindly took me back to little station in Patpong where i met 2 police officers who asked me to show me where the place was, and then they asked me to come with them and said there would be no problem we are police officers. I told them i will only point where it is and I will leave. I then walked down along Patpong 2 with the police officers and right in the corner i pointed out to the police officer that that was the place where the incident occured. So i left it at that and ran to nearest cab to take me back to the hotel.

Comments (96) Add Comment

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written by Scammed again, Sun 28 Sep 2008 21:27:25 CDT

Those kind Police Officers only wanted to know the bar so they could extort them.

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written by wordtothewise, Mon 29 Sep 2008 06:57:09 CDT

Bear in mind that there is a lively subculture of dangerous travel fantasy on the Internet. These are often people with a slightly hysterical literary manner and frightening tales to tell of people being beaten up night after night in some Khao San Road bar, whole armies of the walking wounded filling the place, or nearly murdered in some ping-pong show place... Hard to figure out what's in it for them; perhaps just Munchhausen syndrome.

Takes some doing, in any case, to have 4,000 baht extorted out of you in Patpong. In some Soho dive maybe, but here?

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written by Pompey John, Mon 29 Sep 2008 23:29:50 CDT

Hmmmmmm Interseting web site, but I have been going to Thailand for the last 7 years and apart from the obvious taxi and gem scams, I have never come across druggings or go-go bar scams. This site, whilst informing people is also putting unnessesary fear in to people. Thailand is a fantastic place with wonderful people. Don't let these so called horror stories stop you from going to the kingdom and having a great holiday. Just be wise, smile and say no thanks.

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written by MIKEY, Mon 29 Sep 2008 23:46:18 CDT

carry a cell phone with thai sim card in it, if there is a dispute, dial 1699 for connection to the real tourist police office, hand the phone to the bar manager and tell him to explain the charges to the police.

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written by incredulous, Tue 30 Sep 2008 01:37:37 CDT

This post reads like cheap fiction. Everybody in the place lining up and demanding 1,000 baht? And girls grabbing the shopping bag and demanding a ransom for it? No doubt some places like that have mean guys who might take your money, but this bloke's story is bogus. The only thing it lacked was a cleaning woman coming out of the back and demanding 1,000 baht also.

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written by John, Tue 30 Sep 2008 07:35:42 CDT

You should have made a police report and kept a copy, I do not understand why with police at your side you would not go inside this place and point out those responsible.
A official complaint to your embassy would probably result in sympathy and little useful help but if enough people make official complaints things might change.
Try getting your home town newspaper to print this story, perhaps the Thai Embassy could be asked to comment.

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written by uhkhan, Thu 02 Oct 2008 01:09:16 CDT

Ya man its a bogus story ... nothing can happen like this

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written by Theo, Thu 02 Oct 2008 04:13:20 CDT

Why did you pay? Its nothing more than bluff. You should have walked out.

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written by Theo, Thu 02 Oct 2008 16:05:28 CDT

They are bluffing They tried to rip me off that way in Tanger Marocco, Granada Spain and Izmir in Turkey. I never paid. Except when I had a beer. I trew than some money for that on the table. When one is alone one might be afraid naturally. Dont show it. Pretend to be very angry, but never get violent. They saw you were afraid and took advantage of it. Move fast, dont get into agruments with them. Will make things worse and give them time to think. If one reacts fast one overblufs them. Dont run, because people in the bar might tackle you thinking you are a thief. Walk out, like I always did, and usely nothing happens. They dont want fights and trouble with the police. If it really turns out bad and they pull knives or other weapons one can change tactic and pay and see the police afterwards. But like I said it never happened to me. Best thing of course is to avoid this kind of places. Usely one finds nothing but trouble there

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written by noshame, Thu 02 Oct 2008 17:53:15 CDT

To all of those saying the story is bogus.... I suggest that next time you are in Patpong try going with a few of the "Ping Pong show" touts. The guys who say "no cover charge" and carry a little list of the "tricks" to be performed by the ladies. Your eyes may be opened.

The trick is to give these guys the 1000 yard stare and act as if you don't speak English.

Getting up and walking out without paying is not a wise move. Pay and then call the tourist police. Regular police are probably quite familiar with the place - it is they who allow it to keep operating and I can guarantee that Jason is not the first farang to be scammed and to have gone to the police about it.

Pompey John, I live here and I know Thai people who have been drugged in shopping centres. There are signs up in MBK now warning people not to accept drinks or food from strangers. It hasn't happened to me either, but just because it hasn't happened to you or I doesn't mean that it doesn't go on, doesn't mean that it isn't something to be careful of and to watch out for.

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written by Theo, Thu 02 Oct 2008 22:24:15 CDT

The drugging trick is often used in Colombia. In the busstations there are warnings not to accept anything offered from other passengers. Suprised to find out its like that in Bangkok too. But I assure you one can walk out. You are not dealing with desperate streetrobbers. In case one gets beaten up one can always come back with the police. They know that. They dont want trouble. If the police gets involved they might have to pay more to the police than they just ripped of you. They will let you go. In case they dont, well then you are right just pay and call the tourist police

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written by jerry, Fri 03 Oct 2008 05:13:47 CDT

I myself have been caught up in this scam but I did not pay what they wanted I payed for the drinks that I had not the ones that the girls brought over took 1 sip and left on our table we promptly got up and they did try to stop us but I am not a friendly looking guy and I was with my girlfriend I was not going to let anything happen to her with out some one getting beat up. I Turned very angry not violent and explained angrily I was told 100 baht A BEER!, paid for the 2 beers we had and took my girl by the hand and walked straight out the touts at the door didn't want to fight they are there to intimidate you. they were trying to get us to pay something like 3800 baht. yeah right.beacuse you were alone and showing you were afraid they took you to the cleaners. Don't let the scare You and don't go to these places alone. but I do not believe this is bogus. I been there seen them and many people talk to you over there winging about getting done by this scam and paying the full amount because they were scared.

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written by Theo, Sun 05 Oct 2008 08:04:39 CDT

Done right Jerry! Same way I did it. Must be many acting like us. Any people had to face violence acting like this? I dont read a lot about violence used against tourists in bars.

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written by Wise Man, Thu 09 Oct 2008 12:36:18 CDT

Yes indeed..for all those that think the Go Go bar rip off described above by Jason are bogus I simply suggest ...YOU... go "UP STAIRS" to one of the rip off bars on Pat Pong road and find out for yourself and learn the hard way!
The thugs in those particular bars are outright criminals and they commonly do not hesitate to rough you up and or have a "Knock em Down" "Drag em Out" fight with you ..and they do not fight fair..they simply gang up on you.
I lived in Thailand for 14 years and I lived in the Silom road area near Pat Pong Road....on Saladang Road and later around the Soi Suen Plu area (Immigration station) and later around the Sathorn Road area near the Sathorn bridge.
I dont have enough fingers and toes to count the numerous time I witnessed people coming out of the upstairs bars kicking and punching and fighting with a bunch of Thai assholes who had "tried" to rip them off and or did rip them off and it came to fisticuffs and blows.
Many times, while seated outside, accross from any one of the numerous rip off bars, I watched Tourists come out of the rip off bars totally bewildered at what had just happened to them.
Most simply shrugged it off but some victims go get the police and make the police do something..anything.... they hope...and sometimes you get a group of people..guys obviously .....who do not take the crap and put up a right and proper fight when they are basically assaulted by the thugs who are intimidating them and or forcing them into paying for the rip off.

Rip offs can happen anywhere in the world and people who doubt the rip off stories are simply ignorant about the extend of the daily occurances concerning numerous scams and rip offs perpetrated by the Thais on unsuspecting tourists and non Thais in general.
The police seldom do anything serious to stop the crimes because they simply hold the tourssts
( foriengners) in contempt.
But..like it has been said before...........Dont let people befriend you too quickly and be on gaurd and be prepared to say NO ...over and over again if need be .....and walk away from strangers who are trying to sell you something when you are in a tourist area.That and dont even acknowledge them and wave them off immediatly when they approach you. No need to feel like you are being rude. Better safe than sorry.
Meantime enjoy all that Thailand does have to offer.

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written by Theo, Fri 10 Oct 2008 00:04:31 CDT

Another issue is: why are tourists going to the Pat Pong section? Why are tourists going to the Red Light district in Amsterdam? Nothing but sh.. there.
Decadence seems to be attractive for tourists. I wrote above about the trouble I had. I only have to blame myself for it. I had been drinking and was looking for some action. Nobody will force you to go there.
Thailand indeed has much to offer. But Pat Pong has nothing to offer but sh.. I would never want to live there unless I had business going on there. The question is: why are people going there. Dont go there and you dont get into trouble. Or just admit you want to see the sh.. and blame yourself for getting in trouble like I do

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written by Scammed again, Fri 10 Oct 2008 07:22:43 CDT

A good friend of mine owns a cafe on Silom since 1969.
They have never seen corruption like there is today.
Thailand is descending into anarchy.
Look for tourist numbers to drop.
A Country that scams its visitors and offers no protection to Tourists does not deserve our business.
The Tourist Police are a joke. Don't expect assistance from them.

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written by Theo, Fri 10 Oct 2008 14:38:27 CDT

Some years ago Australian government seems to have given advice to their citizens not to go t Amsterdam because of frequent scamming and robbing around the red light district here. May be they should give the same advice concerning Thailand and more in particulairy the Pat Pong area and Pataya

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written by Dave, Wed 15 Oct 2008 04:48:15 CDT

I have been to Bangkok 3 times, and never got scammed, all you have to do is keep your wits about you. I was taken to a jewellery factory by a tuk-tuk driver, so I refused to get out of the tuk-tuk. Don't fall for the sex show scam, but do enjoy the go go bars, ok the drinks are expensive, but have one and make it last.

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written by JEM, Wed 15 Oct 2008 06:49:20 CDT

YOU ARE POOR THING. NEXT TIME GO TO THE TEMPLE INSTEAD. NEVER GO ANY WHERE ALONE AND CHECKED THE AREA WITH THE HOTEL STAFFS BEFORE YOU GO. WISH YOU LUCK NEXT TIME NO MATTER WHERE YOU'RE GOING.

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written by Theo, Wed 15 Oct 2008 23:04:51 CDT

All problems are basicly caused by lack of experience travelling in third world
countries. My first trip to the third world was to Morocco, Algeria and Tunis many years ago. And after that 2 years South America, far more dangerous than rather innocent Thailand. Thats were I learned how to deal with all the problems here mentioned. Having some real travel experience nothing in Thailand will suprise you. And you can handle the problems you have to deal with. All The tricks and rip offs mentioned you find visiting almost every third world country. Learn to handle it, or stay home.

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written by Tod in Bangkok, Thu 23 Oct 2008 16:51:55 CDT

The scams "upstairs" at Patpong are infamous (as are the shows!!). There are ALWAYS foreigners being duped into going up to "just look - for free".

In ANY country there are scams and that goes double for a shit-hole pissant developing third world country like thailand.

Be on your guard, trust no one, believe nothing of what you hear and half of what you see, keep your wits about you and you'll do fine here. This is far from the most dangerous place to vacation, and South America can get far more dangerous far more quickly. That being said; the almost impenetrable language barrier makes it much more intimidating to newbies or fresh off the boat tourists.

Also keep in mind; unless there is a scam going on the natives here (thais) are very reticient about speaking english to a foreigner, that should be your first clue.

Have fun, enjoy your stay, turn out the light when you leave.

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written by dale, Fri 31 Oct 2008 20:17:28 CDT

what tod in bangkok is very true, thais are very shy, affraid and to talk english to foreigners unless they're scamming

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written by Theo, Sat 01 Nov 2008 06:39:13 CDT

I used to have a drink with a Thai every once and a while. He always payed. Had money. He was studying english. By spending a few months on Koh Samet he tried to improve his english talking with tourists. He complained about them ignoring him thinking him to be a scammer.Said to me he didnt want to talk to falangs anymore. He complained about the Thais too. Said he helped many people on the island out by lending them money. Couldnt go back to Chiang Mai because he was trying to get some money back. Said some people he lent money already disappeared from the island. The poor man was obvious the victim of scamming.

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written by Theo, Sat 01 Nov 2008 11:20:26 CDT

He wasnt talking about a few hundred bath but more then 50000. He lent it out to a lot of "friends" he made on the island. He was welcom everywhere. Until it was paying back time of course. At the end he was very cynical and disappointed. One day disappeared without goodbye or leaving a trace... Back to Chiang Mai? Or dumped in the sea. In Thailand its dangerous to have money. Its even more dangerous to be generous with it. He was a good Thai.

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written by Theo, Sat 01 Nov 2008 12:12:57 CDT

Concerning the falangs, he said he just wanted to talk some english with them. But, he said, most of them looked at him if he were some kind of animal. One has to admit, thats not very nice. I couldnt teach him either. I murder the kings english. I dont like this forum that much at all. I am just trying to learn some english here. Thanks for your help!

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written by Tourist, Sun 02 Nov 2008 05:18:00 CST

The Tourist Scammers are everywhere these days. After 24 hours in the Kingdom, tourists don't want to have anything to do with Thais that want to speak to them.

A shame.

Locals see this scamming but do nothing.

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written by Ray, Tue 04 Nov 2008 03:42:23 CST

I went to Thailand 1st time in 1989 and went to one of those upstairs bars. I was told 50bht for a beer and no cover charge. Well I had 2 beers and they give me a bill for 450bht. I asked what was that and they said 50 for the beer and 400 cover charge. I did not get angry or anything I just told them come on the guy outside said no cover. They ask what guy outside? I said come on you know what guy. So they say OK just give 350 for the show. I said no I was told no cover so they say OK just pay 300. Well this continued till it got to 100. Well the dummy did not realize I had 2 beers they had forgot 1 chit. So I payed the 100 just to get them to leave me alone so I could enjoy the show. Point is do not get angry and yell that just cause them to lose face. Just be gentle but firm. Well it worked for me anyway.

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written by Tourist, Tue 04 Nov 2008 06:11:25 CST

Better yet. Just don't go to Thailand.

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written by Ty, Tue 11 Nov 2008 04:52:56 CST

Avoiding scams like this is part of the fun of the Thailand experience :)

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written by Aristotle, Thu 13 Nov 2008 20:21:02 CST

Avoid Patpong at all costs!

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written by Pratumnak Mick, Fri 14 Nov 2008 13:24:50 CST

I went here one time to check it out. I have lived in Thailand for 3 years. The guy out the front said no cover charge. There was 4 of us, and the bill came to 4000 baht after only 1 beer each. My beer tasted like crap, so the Mamasan agreed to get me another one. they charged me for this as well. Luckily I had some Thai friends with me who argued for a while to get the money down. At 800 baht I threw the money at the Mamasan and told her to f*ck herself. About an hour later I went back and asked how much to get in. Guy out front said 400 baht each. I asked him why before he said nothing. little fucker. I wanted a peice of him but had been drinking so I walked away. I tell everyone that comes to Thailand now don't even bother. If they really want to see some good sexy shows, Pattaya is much better.

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written by Reg, Thu 20 Nov 2008 16:31:23 CST

Pratumnak Mick, you should of nutted him?

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written by Reg, Tue 02 Dec 2008 16:29:40 CST

Jason, how are old are you? Why did you even go there if you didn't want to? Why did you give them money if you didn't want to? Why am I bothering to reply to this bogus story?

One word is all that is needed to prevent incidents like this " NO" then keep walking.
Sorry but your refusing means any tout will move on to someone else. Pls try not to be so gullable next time.

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written by Thailand007, Tue 09 Dec 2008 14:30:01 CST

Hi
I live in Bangkok. Re Patpong - if you step in shit you will end up smelly. You deserve everything you get. Anyway, what's a few thousand baht to a farang!

Take care

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written by Traveler, Tue 09 Dec 2008 15:56:17 CST

It's one thing to say no to a tout and another to get scammed by establishments that are well known to the authorities. Some of these business have been robbing visitors for decades.
It's not a case of overcharging or bring the wrong change.
IT IS ROBBERY and the Police are in on it.
Robbing visitors? Thats real good for Thailands reputation.

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written by theo, Tue 09 Dec 2008 18:32:00 CST

I strongly believe everything that happens to you is the result of the karma you build up. Dont blame the Thais if you get ripped off!! Its happens to you because of something you did in one of your formal lives

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written by harry, Wed 10 Dec 2008 03:56:16 CST

The way things are gooing in thjailand they wont have many visitors.

The thing that gets me is that Thailand is Promoted at the Travel agents. wonderin they are in on scams also .....

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written by sammie, Wed 10 Dec 2008 12:20:31 CST

Theo,
I am laughing here big time, pmsl @ karma, this is buddism gone wrong, so when your cafe burns down and your dog is poisoned and your stabbed on a street corner lol then you must have been exceedingly bad in your formal life, so what is the rremedy to get rid of your predecessor??? pmsl

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written by sammie, Wed 10 Dec 2008 12:21:10 CST

* excuse me correction your former life

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written by theo, Wed 10 Dec 2008 14:43:46 CST

A lot of Thais see it this way Sammie. The rich ones are rich because they have "boon" Of course mainly low educated people see it this way. Thats why I wrote it. But modern times are approching even inThailand.
But they occupy airports to prevent modern times coming into Thailand.

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written by sammie, Wed 10 Dec 2008 17:48:46 CST

Actually Theo I agree with you there, times are a changing big time, in the 80's when I first went to Thailand the monks were reverand to the people, now many of the thais distrust Monks(many young ones have commited murder and atrocities!), mobile phones huge mercedes which as europeans we can not afford. Dont get me wrong Theo, I love Thailand always have done been probably been fortunate in living here so the scams dont often come my way lol. I watch the Tuk Tuk drivers in Nong Khai wait by friendship bridge (not far from my home) for the farang, so he/she can be ripped off, but then they ripped the tourists off by selling fake bits of the Berlin Wall to the tourists lol I have been ripped off in Laos (goodness I must have been a norty girl in a former life lol) by Tuk Tuk drivers hence whenever I go over that way I get our Tuk Tuk driver from Nong Khai to coome over and enjoy our times with us but I guarantee we are definately safer then!!! Go down the red light area of Amsterdam, guaranteed to get ripped off its body language. Incidentally Theo I used to work in Amsterdam and loved every minute of it great country, great people long may your cafe prosper

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written by sammie, Wed 10 Dec 2008 18:02:02 CST

Yes Theo I am yet waiting for someone to explain to me how closing off airports will benefit the country, only the wealthier in Thailand will remain unscathed me thinks lol

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written by theo, Wed 10 Dec 2008 22:19:20 CST

I agree on the fact that one gets scammed everywhere. There are certain basic rules to avoid being scammed. I am not talking about small scams like paying a little bit to much to taxidrivers. I think thats difficult to avoid. Happens in Bangkok, New York, Amsterdam. One can avoid big scams. In case one is not familiar with a country one should avoid places like Pat Pong. One shouldnt buy any expensive things like gemstones, suites,hard wood furniture and so on. Dont play cards or other games with locals. Dont exept invitations of people you dont know. Of course one should always keep an eye on his luggage and dont leave valuble things in hotelrooms. These rules are international. Especially in poor countries where every one is out for a few euro. In case you are a beginning sextourist: Start small, avoid Pat Pong untill you have experience. (But possibly you might be out of money by that time)

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written by jeffrey, Sun 28 Dec 2008 06:33:26 CST

cheating is universal . the white educated wall street guy in the news was cheating major billions and now is caught in his own scam .
thailand is 99% sweethearts . if you have the opportunity to give something extra to them then that is the opposite of being scammed and is a real happiness . the street food gifted to the pregnant lady will allow you to witness a shy smile that is worth more than money .
heart is what is given freely without any motive of return on investment and is called jai dee . quan means broad and jai means heart . good will is what you give and it is what you will get . this universe is a big mirror reflection of our own heart .

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written by sammie, Sun 28 Dec 2008 22:45:04 CST

yes jeffrey all accepted, but your figures of 99 per cent are seriously exaggerated..... sorry but i disagree, amongst the poor i.e. Klong toi, believ eme I have worked for many years there and believe me they are poor, but they are intelligent enough to still rip you off big time. No those days have long gone now . In the days of Siam when my grand parents were here, the stories were wonderful, the siamese people were genuiinely kind, but then peads, sex tourism, scum bags etc were not around then, Ok. admittedly the west probably were here as well trying to drive a hard bargain against eh poor easterners but in general, what a delightful era to live in.... of about 65 farangs in the north there are about 43 off ready to move on, too many restrictions, too many problems, and time to move bank accounts!! and Theo happy new year to you

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written by TheoI, Mon 29 Dec 2008 13:55:55 CST

Thank you. The days of Siam, thats long ago. Your grandparents were here already? Farang or Thai? Problems and attitude change may have come with the Americans coming fighting communism. There were too many soldiers of foreign origine in Thailand. Thats when a lot of Thais started to dislike farangs. It appeared to them like farang occupation of the country. And it boosted sexindustry. And the poor just want to survive. Stealing from the rich is less a crime than steal from the poor.

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written by sammie, Mon 29 Dec 2008 14:20:43 CST

Hi there Theo, yes a long time ago, in fact, my grandfather was an "opium officer" in India, ( Embassy personnel) and it involved many trips to Siam, up north etc. My grandparents made many friends here and their stories were fascinating.... Yes grandmother Dutch from Volendam and grandfather english. Yes your so right about occupation of foreign troops, they leave their mark on most places, be it england with the GI's, or our troops in Iraq /a/ghan/colonised countries. Vietnam was never a country I wanted to visit because I really thought the American war as they called it had probably spoilt the country but in fact I love the place, gorgeous people, a beautiful country and an intelligent people as well!. Sure they have scams there, what country doesnt, but these wonderful people never fail to make me smile. Laos does the same for me as well....Just maybe these countries (Cambodia included) having been colonised can become closer to our humour and our hearts!

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written by Theo, Mon 29 Dec 2008 21:13:00 CST

In superficial contacts may be. But they didnt forget the past. Dutch people, who spent more than a holidays time in Indonesia say that sooner or later they will remember you the past. They might even tell you that you are in debt with them because of the past. The blacks in Amsterdam often tell me we are in debt with them because of the past. I can assure you they didnt forget. And Thailand welcomed the GIs because they got paranoid of all the things happening in S E Asia. But their was a difference of opinion according the subject between the rich and the poor.
But I think we loose track. This side is about scams.
I have to try to get scammed a little bit more! I want to make a useful contribution to this forum

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written by sammie, Tue 30 Dec 2008 02:12:22 CST

Theo, I have over three million Bhart I need to get out of the country, and I have chosen you to help me, just send your name and bank account...........lol

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written by Theo, Tue 30 Dec 2008 06:28:21 CST

Ah You are trying to scam me! Putting name and bankaccount on bangkok scams? Good thai scammers read this site. Asking for problems. I can create a charityfond and account. Something for empoverished tuk tuk drivers in Thailand. I can do a lot of good things for myself with three million

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written by Theo, Tue 30 Dec 2008 10:47:20 CST

What was the biggest scam reported this year? Probably all those farangs having high coasts because of the airport blocking. These people really have been misused for other peoples interests.

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written by sammie, Tue 30 Dec 2008 16:08:16 CST

The political situationin closing down the airports was a scam, yes at tourist's expense, the story hasnt ended, it is just the beginning, loks like the thais will be scamming thais in the coming years lol

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written by Theo, Tue 30 Dec 2008 18:25:09 CST

The Golden Argossy gem shop might be a good second. Many complaints about them

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written by mikey, Tue 30 Dec 2008 22:36:27 CST

As to the airport "protest" I notice no mention of all the damage and stolen computer equipment in the local news.

I guess they dont want the "shirts" to look like crooks

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written by Theo, Tue 30 Dec 2008 22:48:37 CST

I agree and whos prosecuted for this? One of the airport picnicers is in government now. May be he should be in jail. But thats up to the Thais. He invited the farangs to come back. But I heard no excuse. But it doesnt matter if the Thais occupy governmentbuildings, steal Thai computers etc. It doesnt matter how much Tarksin has stolen. Not our business. Its their country. But they invited us to spent our holidays in Thailand, and then we were taken hostages. That is our business. And it did cost a lot of farangs a lot of money, farangs got int accidents, stress etc.
Farangs have been used at and even had to pay for that. Thats a scam.

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written by Andrew, Sat 03 Jan 2009 01:10:22 CST

Guys, My wife and I just got scammed in Patpong. We were fortunate to walk out paying only 200 baht for 2 cokes. We indeed did got to patpong to see the renowned thai girl show which ended up being a grannies shooting ping pong balls out of her cunt show. Mind you its hell of a dirty as the ping pongs are shot at us!! Anyways it all started with a guy asking us to "go upstairs" with no obligation. We went up and were directed to a seat. strangely enough the drink list did not have pricing.. a tranny then came and sit down beside me and started small talk. in less then 5 mins i sensed something wrong when the couple next to us suddenly stood up and were in a great hurry to leave and were raising their voices at the hostess. i immediately grabbed my wife and started to leave too. 3 hostess surrounded us and demanded that we sat down and paid 3000 baht for the drinks and the show!! i raised my voice and said no.cut the story short we were very very lucky to leave that place only 200 baht less and without a scratch. i would advice all to stay away and not be scammed like we were. you may not be as lucky as us...

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written by sammie, Sat 03 Jan 2009 04:38:15 CST

Dont they also do something similar in London where you buy "champagne" and its basically water! At least in London you have the NHS to take care of you free of charge whereas in Thailand you would be rushed with your broken teeth into Bumrungrad hospital directly into ICU and wont be allowed to leave until you have paid thousands of Bhart lol..... Shame about the language Andrew, women also enter these sites as well!!!

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written by Gareth Hodsoll, Mon 05 Jan 2009 23:52:39 CST

Yes Andrew, now go and sit in the corner you naughty man (Taking your WIFE to a show like that, the mind boggles!)

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written by Dhanyam, Tue 13 Jan 2009 17:40:18 CST

My advice (I lived in Thailand for 12 years): Don't go to Patpong. Everything will be at least 3-5 times more expensiv than somewhere else (t-shirts, watches, drinks, DVD's). All the touts in front of bars are insulting you, in Thai of course. Don't argue with them, in no time at all, you will be surrounded by thugs, and they will beat you up. Patpong isn't a tourist destination - it's a place you should avoid going to.

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written by Khun Issan, Tue 13 Jan 2009 19:08:35 CST

Dhanyam, Patpong is fun to walk around with your hands in your pocket, to experience it once is fine, but as you say for even for the Thai people it is aggresive and not nice for children either! Back in the 80's some acquantainces took their daughter there blond around 6 yrs old and they walked around as a family, turned around never to be seen again! Chatujac market is far better (can become very warm there though) , the people are friendlier and its great for farangs and thais and fairer prices as well.

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written by Jason., Wed 14 Jan 2009 02:51:44 CST

No Prices on the drinks menu means they are free. :)

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written by Khun Issan, Wed 14 Jan 2009 04:36:46 CST

Jason, there must be a long Q for tables then lol

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written by pighoglet, Wed 14 Jan 2009 20:48:17 CST

The ill thought dual pricing makes alot of farang feel unwelcome once theyve paid it a few times and know what racism feels like. Smile to your face laugh behind your back.

Most Thais are great and laid back people, but there is a major contingent of criminals some in suits so not poverty driven i might add. The corruption in many places helps only the few. A very different culture for sure!

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written by Khun Issan, Wed 14 Jan 2009 23:08:42 CST

I avoid the dual system like the plague..... I refuse to think that my western husband and family have to pay more than us thai... even though I have been educated into the western system and see things from both sides. I often wonder why we are so arrogant, as a nation and am so confused at the way we rip off foreigners... what gain do we get?

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written by pighoglet, Wed 14 Jan 2009 23:38:49 CST

A few years ago I was unaware of how much dual pricing there was, it really hit home when I visited Samut Prakan Crocodile farm. Something like 10 times the price for farang of my thai companians ticket.

Once I discovered this site and read about the Muay Thai pricing, que diversions for farang etc and the massive increase in the Siam ocean world price, my perception changed of these places.

I am not alone and I fear that innocent animals will be killed off or die because of lack of support for the places they live in ,farms and aquariums.

Once farang know they are being overcharged and by how much they will not feel welcome and will spend their money elsewhere. Ordinary Thai people suffer (no jobs, price increases) and the animals will suffer too if there is no money coming in for food and cleaning.

Thailand is a great country that has become many peoples number one choice for their holiday, extended stay and retirement this is mainly because of the laid back attitude and friendliness of most of the people.

How can the criminals be allowed to win here?

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written by phill, Thu 15 Jan 2009 11:10:24 CST

it is true if there are no prices on a menu its free in Thailand Must Display Pricing on Menu's same deal when you get taken to the Seafood Restrant scams refuse to pay call the police yourself. No Price Means Its Free,

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written by sammie, Thu 15 Jan 2009 11:47:38 CST

Pighog, what you are saying is correct vis a vis the animals....... but for me the over charging, the scams etc are unacceptable . I have been over charged on tuk tuks up here in Nong Khai, in fact been a victim of a few scams, and it isnt pleasant, but the guys I deal with now know I am not a cheap charlie, I am not stupid, I know the price of rice, the cost of living etc so I make sure that everything I do people get a fair price, rip me off once they know never again. Yes it wont be nice to see animals die, but then the Thai people are not known for kindness to animals either, many a time despite it being ilegal have I seen elephants in Bangkapi main road being beaten by the mamuts... look at the dogs situation! No Pighoandg, I know many westerners that are leaving and probably in he long run this will be good for Thailand to regain some of its pride and decorum back!

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written by Rick, Sun 18 Jan 2009 11:27:46 CST

hahahahhah this is sooooooo not bogus, a similar thing happened to us just 2 nights ago....at the end of the day, if you go into a bar where they can close a dfoor behind you, you are in for a hustle. We talked to the tourist cops and a little old lady appeared appeared out of nowhere and refunded the money we were ripped off to prevent us from filing a formal police report. Then the tourist cop says to me quietly, ' dont say hotel, walk away' so we did - funny experience in the end, but it almost cost us 10,000 baht. I think that they do this all the time and half the people cause a stink, and thats why the lady is there to pay off the complainers. Others are juyst grateful to get away after being scared. LOL

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written by Ken Gibson, Sun 18 Jan 2009 13:32:39 CST

The Police are in on it.

If they wanted this crap to stop, they would make it stop. That simple.
Tourists are there to be cheated.

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written by Sammie, Sun 18 Jan 2009 14:34:11 CST

Well Rick, all this leaves a bitter taste in the mouth, hopefully this site will help other people in the future, and not the internet has made the world smaller we should be learning from it and using "the brain", small time scams is annoying but I can live with that, the loosers are the scammers for me because I never go back lol

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written by hendrix 61, Mon 19 Jan 2009 18:15:41 CST

All these scams are well organised, and many involve offical (police/govt.) participation. It is in your face from moment you get off plane (AOT 'official' limousine charges 1500 thb inside terminal for taxi that costs 200/500 thb). Recently official 'scheduled' coach wanted extra money as there 'were not enough people/farangs on bus to leave' (BKK to Rayong). We stood firm in this never-ending game of bluff and bluff. I have been BKK many times now and am wiser, i try to laugh when confronted by extortionate demands and not let it ruin my mood but it is hard and frustrating. My advice is never to go 'upstairs' in Pat Pong these joints are all crooked so many bad stories. There are many popular well-lit bars on ground level for an over-priced beer and some flesh if thats what you want.

Why should we have to put up with this? I have a thai gf, she is lovely and so are her family and friends. Wonderful country, wonderful people. But in typical thai fashion they shrug their shoulders when I speak to them about this and how the world sees their country. They are powerless to do anything, not suprising in a society where attitude from top to bottom is 'I'm gonna get mine'.

The recent events at airports and Santika fire (terrible tragedy) indicate a willingness by govt. and police to cheat their own thai people and total disregard for the law if you have money/power. All I can say is corrupt, corrupt, corrupt........I feel sorrow for the 'land of smiles'.

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written by pighoglet, Mon 19 Jan 2009 20:03:17 CST

Never underestimate the power of the word NO
..............or I have no money today, sorry!
..............or I dont like jewellery, suits, etc etc etc.

Then spend your money on what you want, with who you want, where you want.

quick, easy and leaves the scammers a little bit lost.

Be self reliant and enjoy Thailand for the differences and freedoms it offers.
Good luck to everyone.

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written by Khun Issan, Mon 19 Jan 2009 22:06:11 CST

Hendrix beautifully put.... Luckily for me with a Singaporean mother and a Thai father both doctors, they were able to educate me in the way of the Scams in both countries, but in Singapore it is a well regimentated country so in Thailand I was an avid pupil!!.... For the first timer in Thailand I always thought it best for the tourist if they had sufficient money to go with a well renowned travel agency i.e. Kuoni who actually protected you from the major scams i.e. at the airports because they collected you, gave advice on the jewllery scams etc....Yes you pay a little more for this of course but in the end your saving your hard earned cash from the major Scammers i.e. the tailors the scamming jewllers , taxi drivers etc... you can learn so much under the umberella of the Agency eg Kuoni and this makes your next "go it yourself" trip exciting, wiser and you know where to go!, and not what to do! Yes it is a beautiful country with some wonderful people in it, I just worry during these economic times whether they will ruin what has taken many long years to build up. In Nong Khai we have a furniture shop owned by a Thai/Chinese, what a delightful man he and his family are, the pleasure we get out of seeing im do well, through word of mouth, great honest service... thbis is all available but unfortunately the average tourist dont meet people like this, they see good and bad farang and thai all making a fast buck and creating much harm along the way. Have a good day one and all.

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written by winston, Tue 20 Jan 2009 06:34:47 CST

NEVER GO UPSTAIRS IN ANY BAR IN PATPONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was lucky and was able to make a quick dash out.. In fact on second thought why Patpong? Curiosity perhaps. All the junk for sale at night is overpriced. If you want that there are other markets. MUZAK CAFE on Soi 2 has the best band-lots of brass-AND the waitresses are sweet and will not cheat. Tip. They work hard. But there are "private" workers. If that is what interests you negotiate first.

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written by pighoglet, Tue 20 Jan 2009 09:03:08 CST

Patpong would be the one of the few places I would be wary of after dark in Bangkok. There are so many better areas for bars, music, markets than here.

The area has got a history and reputation that attracts the curious whilst being very close to the main Silom Road. Hence its in all the right guidebooks for all the wrong reasons due to the presence of organised crime in the district and the increased probability of scamming and violence.

For a long time you could listen to live music and drink, eat, go to the markets a stones throw away at the Night Bazaar on the outer edge of Lumpini Park but I hear its going to be bulldozed to make way for yet another shopping complex or luxury hotel.

In Sukhumvit virtually the whole of one side of the road is a market and you should be able to get stuff way cheaper than in Patpong. At the weekends Chatuchak known as JJ market is hard to beat and on the skytrain route.

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written by pighoglet, Tue 20 Jan 2009 09:09:22 CST

............and the MBK centre at national stadium sky train stop is a massive inexpensive complex of shops restaurants cinemas under cover and air conditioned, plenty of small independant places in this centre for bargains and you can haggle just like in a market to some degree.

Just beware of the tuk-tuk drivers who congregate around this centre on the opposite side of the official taxi rank hoping to catch an unsuspecting tourist for a trip to the lovely gem shop scam!

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written by Travelkat, Sun 03 May 2009 16:36:21 CDT

O.K., so many people have had bad experiences in Pat Pong, Bangkok and other parts of Thailand. What about all the wonderful things? There's plenty of them. What about all the wonderful people? There are plenty of them.

My husband & I, who are just average people, have been travelling to Thailand regularly for many years. Certainly we've seen scams and attempted scams under way but we've never fallen for any ourselves.

To all the folk who are terrified of Pat Pong - if you have your wits about you (as you need to have everywhere) no harm will befall you. We always stay in a hotel close by and often eat in the area (Tip Top restaurant is great) and stroll about after dinner - mainly to watch the interaction between all the people. admittedly earlier on in the night - not after about 11pm. We also have two friends in the area who we have known for many years. One is a prostitute and the other is a little gay chap who is a restaurant manager further along in a lane off Silom. Both treat us with the utmost respect and warmth and there has never ever been any hint of anything underhand with either of them. Quite the opposite, they are really protective of us. No, we're not naive and it's not just pure luck. Many visits over long a period prove that.

Don't be afraid of Thailand. It's the most wonderful country. Just be alert and take responsibility for your own safety.

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written by TomYum, Sun 03 May 2009 16:42:50 CDT

Thailand is great. Just don't use the TukTuks or Taxis.
Don't talk to strangers. Any Thai that tries to help is probably scamming you.
Stay away from the tourist spots, many overcharge and are surrounded by scammers.
Avoid the resorts since the beaches are polluted and the taxi mafia will try to ruin your day.
Never use a ferry or ship, many are overloaded and unsafe.

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written by Juan, Thu 07 May 2009 13:58:12 CDT

hi, i live in Bangkok and never go to ping pong show, but one of my workers (Thai guy) told me he had a similar problem there when he went with some falang friends. And he is thai!!! (and I belive him). it was not so bad like the problem you told here but anyway at the end they had to pay 500B each to be allowed to leave the place... and they were 4 people! so I belive if u are alone and u dont know the town u can fell really scared!!!

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written by Sammie, Thu 07 May 2009 15:29:13 CDT

Juan, one of my husband's nephews is in the police force in Westerminster London, the same problem exists in places like Soho and they were telling us that now the eastern fraternity are runing the joints. The police are extremely active in these places, (legally) and do their very best in protecting the tourists who I think are unwise going to establishments like this in the first place, but then in Thailand you are asking for greater problems because the Police are involved to their mututal benefit. My advice would be if you are caught out, to pay up (you wont win) and learn your lesson, there have been horrendous stories of misadventure from places like Patpong.

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written by Lucas, Mon 25 May 2009 21:16:11 CDT

I regreted I did not look for more information abt Patpong before I depart on 22 May 09. On Sat nite, 24 May 09, my wife and I decided to head to this notorious place known for Ping Pong shows... everywhere I go, most Tut-Tut drivers will ask whether we are keen to watch ping pong show. so, without any hesitation , we were approached by touts to enter their ping pong premise. We said we were hungry and we want to eat something first...and to our horror, the tout also eat besides us and just could not let us out of his sight. We were told the show only costs 100 baht. After our dinner, we were escorted to the 1st floor ping pong show and sat down. After ordered our drinks (I had a beer and my wife a whisky coke), abt 10 mins later, the bill came...my eyes just popped out and I asked my wife, is the any mistake with the bill .... it came to be 3500 baht.. I said there must be some kind of mistake and I said the guy who brought us here, said 100 baht...the big fat lady saidd, he is not working here....and keep on insisting, we must pay...so, after a while, we settled the bill at 2,000 baht... really regret my life for going there...real rip off...

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written by Drew, Thu 23 Jul 2009 17:37:28 CDT

You should have gone to the tourist police. http://www.thai-touristpolice.org/ If you are trapped in an upstairs show by goons, they will get you your money. If a bar girl rips you off, contact them and they will get your money returned. Stand your ground. You sound like a very weak man Jason, perhaps you should stop touching yourself.
http://www.thai-touristpolice.org/

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written by READ THIS, Thu 13 Aug 2009 23:16:51 CDT

This scenario happens. DO NOT GO TO SEE THE SHOWS YOU WILL BE EXTORTED. I tried warning a couple who were about to be lured in but the guy who lured them in started hitting me, slapped and kicked me out of the area, then followed me to a hospital where I took refuge. The hospital staff called me a cab. I just got back to my hotel and researched this to see if it happened to anyone else. I am still shaken. I write here as a warning to others. You will be extorted, or worse, beat.

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written by dis this, Mon 31 Aug 2009 07:36:11 CDT

me and my brother just got back from thailand ....i loved it ........
but i guess im not alone ...we went to patpong most nights as we thought it was the best place to go ...
and on about 5 occasions we got hit with crazy bills from 2000 batt to one for 5000 batt ..
we never once payed them over 400 batt ,as we dont take any shit and we stood up to them every single time ,and on 2 occasions i had to hold my brother back ....and we were that pissed i think they bit off more than they could chew...haha ...........well we are 2 skinheads from manchester ....but i can say that once we found out about nana and soi cowboy .....................patpong i will advise is for groups of lads who might like a fight to quench the nights thirst ...and also there is a street of gay boys in white wife beater t-shirts ...and a bar called screw boy...............pat=pong take it for what it is ....like i said me and my brother never backed down and to be honest there bark is worse than there bite ...and if they would have lay a hand on me i would have bit there fricken nose off.............let them come to salford manchester sometime soon,,,

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written by mikey, Mon 31 Aug 2009 22:20:16 CDT

dis this

good for you not taking any crap, but something that is not quickly thought of in a fight with any 3rd world types is if any blood is shown, you run the risk of hiv, even a few infected droplets of fluid getting in your eyes you could have a problem ( not even to mention the risk of hepatitis

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written by Chopper Harris, Wed 02 Sep 2009 16:20:36 CDT

@Dis this, look mate, word of advice mate, if you're ever in Thailand again don't give it the biggy, if you get into a fight here, make sure you and your brother have the best medical insurance money can buy!

By the way, the type of of Thai you describe above hasn't travelled outside Bangkok, let alone Salford.

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written by wc, Tue 17 Nov 2009 01:54:54 CST

this story has some truth as it happened me and a group of my frinds. litterally pushed into the club, got 4 drinks. 1 each. stayed for 10 mins. 6400 baht. we were told on the door, free entry! stay away from patpong

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written by R, Tue 23 Mar 2010 13:51:35 CDT

just back from thailand and yesterday night we were at patpong..
one tout forced us to go upstairs for the show and said its only 100 bath..once inside they forced us to sit.a girl came to our table with a drink in her hand took a sip and left her drink on our table.
In 10 min two fat women came with a bill of 3200 bath(they cahrged 800 bath for the drink the girl had).we started explaining but they screamed and even started grabbing our belongings and threatening us to pay in 1 minute.
we told them we don have that much money.they took away about 100 dollars and watever bath was there with us.
we came down and started looking for tourist police and from nowhere one man appeared and told us that he was the boss of that place and returned us 1000bath.it was really scary and i wud advice nobody to go to these shows at patpong.

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written by Somchai, Tue 23 Mar 2010 23:22:54 CDT

@R, how can somebody force you, did they drag you, hold a gun to your head, or was it that you were just gasping to see a women shoot darts from her box?

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written by Danny, Sat 17 Apr 2010 20:46:56 CDT

I stay in thailand more than 4 years. I must say that i am disapointed very much and specialy some thai people are the worst people i ever meat i my hole life. The true about this country is that many people try to scam and cheet and still. I avoid those areas like pathphong. I not understand how can people go inside those bars. I was passing one time that street and i was completly shocked. The man that stay in front of those filty places try to force me inside. He really grab my hand and stay in front of me so i can not pass. I try to tell them nicely that i will never go inside there so they should not lose the time with me. They insist and grab my hand and try to drag me inside. I retract my hand with force and speack loud to him to leave me alone when i sow that other mens come around me. So i start walcking and not look back when another men grab my hand. This time i turn and scream very very laud at them to leave me alone. When they sow that i leave any shame atside and i start screaming on them they leave pass. Just 10 seconds afther that i look back and i sow how that men togeter with another men try to get another guy to get inside their bar and the bad thing is that the guy did go inside. I feel pity for him and left thinking that this country is really bad. Every country has bad places but the thailand ones are the most dirty and filty. That was one of many bad expirience that i have in this country. I come here to work and i was happy that i will stay and vist such nice country that i hear so many good things about but right now i just wait to finish my work and leave. I have to admit that out side bangkok people are diffrent and thailand has very nice special places. Not pataya(that is another filty dirty place full of hores and men who try to still from you). Any way right now i think turism in thailand will go very down and i am sure that the thai economy go very bad becasue the turist stop coming here becasue of numerous problems and scams that thai people do.

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written by Danny, Sat 17 Apr 2010 20:50:33 CDT

For those who not belive that they can force you inside please go there and walck on the streat.
U will feel it on your own skin!!!
Do not speack about things that u don't know!!!!!!! Only idiot people do that

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written by Somchai, Sat 17 Apr 2010 23:02:26 CDT

@Danny, why you say thai men bad, we good and bad, you bad for walking arond patpong looking for cheep sex with ladyboy.

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written by Katy, Sat 17 Apr 2010 23:46:47 CDT

Sex scam, jewelery scam, hotel scam, bar scam, shopping scam, taxi scam the Thai are profesional scamers. I myself quite uninterested fell in jewelery scam in Bangkok , the guy Andy (apparently a Singaporean) nicely talked me to it by being friendly and kind it may just be way he is getting a living. I have now come to think it just a way of business in Thailand. The government as well as a high number of locals support these scams!

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written by Parth Silom, Sat 11 Dec 2010 22:18:33 CST

Jason, the exact same thing happened to me and my friends.

I live in silom and couple of my friends had come here for a business trip. my friends wanted to see Patpong so i tagged along with them... the only twist is that the guy told us its a place where you get cheap beer and i didn't even drink beer. I just had water.We saw the place and and wanted to leave immediately.... next thing we know, we are charged with a bill of 5000 THB. I started arguing with the guy and first i was polite but then i couldn't resist abusing them. eventually we negotiated it down to 4G.
But i was shocked and embarrassed in front of my friends, I told them Bangkok is a great a place to visit.

I understand that majority of people Thailand are not like these ******* , but this is just to inform everyone that its jason's story is true and i feel sorry for tourists here, everytime i walk by that road to work.

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written by Samuel, Mon 19 Dec 2011 22:28:54 CST

Hi everyone,

I swear to god I had a similar experience today. for this reason I came online to check if it happens frequently and I guess it does. I was walking on Patpong when a guy told me to go to the ping pong show. Had heard so much about the show so I decided to go check it out. The guy told me I don't have to pay anything for the show but have to buy a drink for 100 baht. I walked in, got seated and a drink was brought to me. A girl from the bar came and sat next to me and asked me 1) where i am from (Canada), 2) how long will I stay in Bangkok (I lied and said 1 more week), 3) If I was here alone (with 3 other friends)?

Within 5 minutes of me walking in, three scary looking ladies came to me and said I have to pay before. And showed me a total bill of 1800 baht. I told them the guy said it was free and I only have to pay 100 baht for the drink. She said its her bar and not that guys bar. I said I don't have money and I will only pay 100 baht. I also said that I won't drink anymore and I will just pay 100 baht and leave right away. She said go to the front and pay the full amount. I went towards the door with 100 baht in hand and they shut the door. At this point I got really scared. I went to the desk and explained the same thing to an older guy standing there. He said I have to pay full. Luckily I remembered about the tourist police. I told them that I will call the tourist police. Now he said that I can pay 300 baht for the drink and leave. I still negotiated and said I can only pay 200 baht. He took 200 baht from me and I left. Although I only paid 200 baht, when I walked down, I really wanted to go to the tourist police so that they don't scam other people. Soon I noticed that there were 2 people with walkie talkies following me. I didn't know what to do. Since pattong is full of street side vendors, I just started shopping. I stuck around for 30 minutes shopping (pretending that I am not going to police). Then I quickly took the tuk tuk and came back to my hotel.

I really like Bangkok. Until this incident happened, I thought that bangkok is the safest place, I can move here anytime. But, now I am super scared. It happened here and it could happen at other places. Just thinking of the looks of those 3 ladies that surrounded me at the bar is freaking me out. I am glad I am flying out of Thailand tomorrow.

I must say, in general i found Bangkok to be safe and people here are really nice and friendly. But, avoid the ping pong shows. You will be surprised how easily they can get money from you and you won't be able to do anything. The weirded thing is that this place was not in an isolated area. It's in an area full of 1000s of tourists and street side vendors right outside. I really didn't expect this to happen here.

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