1
And another thing I have to add is that I really don't know what the driver had in mind. My first instinct was that he was just a lonely pathetic old pervert who thought his behavior was in some way appropriate... and maybe it is in this country, how the hell would I know. And yet another thing I have to add was for some reason, I just sat there for awhile, disgusted but stunned, letting him paw at me, because I'm just that slow to react and do anything. And now I wish I had just hit him in the face and gotten out without paying the fare, but of course I just let him do whatever he wanted and then I actually PAID the fucking bastard. I feel like a total loser right now.5
none of this is ok and you should try and complain to someone. You can find the number in any taxi, or if you don't want to do that I think the desk at your hotel/guesthouse could tell you the number. Like #3 said you're probably too nice but still a smart move to not use violence as this would have totally escalated. I do hope that the rest of your stay will be better and be able to wipe some of this from your mind so you don't go back with nothing but bad thoughts of this beautiful country.7
Agreed with lordhelm, you ended up with a scumbag cab driver, had to react to a tough situation, and managed to get out of it intact. Good for you. Important thing (as you realize yourself) is not to overreact. Not that your feelings about the incident, or about the country in general, aren`t valid, but you need to keep in mind that they`re based on limited interactions with a limited number of people in limited geographic areas in a limited part of the economy. I found it interesting to note that even though you knew all about the gem scams, you got into the tuk-tuk anyway. Is it possible that you overly idealized Thailand before going? Part of your negative feelings toward the country could stem from having found out that the backpacker tourist trade and the transport industry are generally a receptacles for Thailand`s human detritus.8
thanks for your replies. i didn't really mean to sound as though i hate thailand, although at that particular moment, i most certainly did hate it and everyone in the country. in general i'm not a big city person and bangkok just wasn't my favorite part of my trip, although even then there were parts i liked. i got the best haircut there, for instance, for the lowest price too.9
As it is probably too late now; but it is really to bad that you didn't go to the English-speaking tourist police. With you having the ID # it could possibly have helped someone else in a similar situation."In the water there are fish, in the fields there is rice...The faces of the people shine bright" Stone inscription 1292 - King Ramkhamhaeng the Great of Sukhothai
10
A few points.
Carl Weaver
Photographer, Writer
carl@carlweaver.com
www.carlweaver.com
carlweaver.blogspot.com
12
as a single lady you should not have sat in the front seat with him,since you did not react right away to his groping you I think he felt that you did not mind,put it behind you and move on as it maybe that what you saw as his license was not really his,Know that you are mad and upset but feel that pursuing will just aggravate you more14
Unfortunately, Thai men see a lot of porn and western movies which portray western women as looking eagerly for sex with strangers and jumping in bed with people they barely know. The taxi driver is perverted and if the OP does report it to the police, even if just in a lettter sent from overseas, perhaps if enough tourists send letter they will eventually realize there is a problem. Perhaps you could send a letter to the Bangkok Post. I think because so many western men come looking for sex perhaps they believe the same is true for women....who knows what lurks in the criminal mind, anyway???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 »
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