1
I dont think its so much that Bangkok is a nasty place itsd more of a case of you not usung your common sense to begin with thand then letting things that shouldnt annoy you turn you into a drooling monster. Shouting at old women selling bird food isnt going to do you any favours.If you can't beat em, delete em.
2
Shit happens anywhere anytime. Best thing to do is not take it personally......and then smile and laugh.
3
I think it is attitude that counts, not getting oissed off and all. I have lived and worked in Asia for quite some time now and I rarely get hustled. Whilst staying polite, I tell them "No" in a way that they don't repeat the question. Now, I wish I could give you some sage advice, but I am afraid that I cannot. It might have helped that I grew up in Africa, the hustlers there are in a league of their own. Like Zorin said, don't get all in knots, ignore them, walk away, and have a great time.
"Time is never wasted when you're wasted all the time."
Catherine Zandonella.
Check out Birding in SE Asia for traveling and birding in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Bhutan, Mongolia, Malaisia, Taiwan, and India.
4
One way that people get sucked in, is by trying to be polite. It's better to keep on walking without uttering a word. You don't have to be abusive, they will usually get the message. Also learn to say the Thai phrase mai aow kar/karp I've found that to be very effective. All you're saying is you don't want anything in a polite manner which no Thai should ever take offence to, almost the first Thai phrase l learnt.
5
I use Highwaymans' technique: "mai aow kar/karp" Best get a local person to teach you to pronounce it. It is hard to get from reading. A woman says 'my aow Kaaaaa!' like 'my owl' without the L.
6
i could never understand why some people have problems in dealing with the local hustlers. i was coaching my friend before her bangkok trip on how to deal with these people. she missed out on the grand palace etc because like the op she was so pissed off and decided to just go back to the hotel. having read what #4 said, i now understand what went wrong - "trying to be polite". i never have this problem in any country i visit not because i was not polite rather i was firm in saying no thanks and ignored their repetitive questions and other nonsense. i rarely get tugged at the sleeves or have them trail me as i take in the sights.
7
There are a number of tactics when tealing with people persisitantly on your case. Tell them you have no money, ask them outright what they want, pretend you dont understand them and spout off at them in a made up language or just smile when they say something. Anything is better than crying like a baby and shouting at people to go away. I just dont unerstand how people can get so worked up about it.If you can't beat em, delete em.
8
I symapthise with the OP. This happens far too often, and while you, I or anyone with an amount of independent travel experience might find it an anouyance but something we can deal with; this is not the case for many visitors to Thailand.
9
mai ow kup always works, then ignore them. if they persist, yell very loud, mai ow kup, they don't want the attention of the tourist police, they will leave.
10
11
12
#8, come on, the same thing happens in all capital cities world wide (or at least in all the ones I've been to, hong Kong been an exception). London, Manila, New York, Paris...the name of the game is get as much out of new arrivals as possible.....It's not confined to BK.....
"...I like reading mrsteve's stuff, always interesting and he knows how to write.
But I got to be honest, he has to be one of the biggest stirrers of other people on Thorntree."
Tezza
13
Sounds like a minor problem. Why not ask what they want, pay them and just leave.
14
Sorry to say it, SD6, but the problem is you, mate, not the tuk-tuk vermin. You didn't do your homework before you came here. Christ knows, THIS site has archives FULL of tuk-tuk scam warnings, not to mention the relative section in nearly all guide books. And you're a drama queen. Perhaps you ain't ready yet for SE Asia? Stress, greenness and humidity all at once is a combination that can ruin your day. Oh, I see it did. You got some good advice on how to avoid a repeat disaster - suggest you learn it well!They say it's not as bad as they say it is.
Posted By: VenessaP -- 28-Jan-2010 15:01
Posted By: VenessaP -- 09-Dec-2009 17:01
Thailand: Destination information
The Kingdom of Thailand draws more visitors than any other country in southeast Asia with its irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, robust c...more »
Thailand blends the exotic with modern convenience: Bangkok is a gleaming city with a robust traditional...buy it »
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