Bangkok Airport Scam
Jun 29th, 2009, 07:10 PM
#23
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,120
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
hanuman, surely you jest. just a girdle, foundation, and a shave, and you'll look like a cheerleader? it will take alooooot more than that. lol.
film, btw, whats wrong with old spice? thats my cologne of choice. i have it along side by aqua velva.
film, btw, whats wrong with old spice? thats my cologne of choice. i have it along side by aqua velva.
Jun 30th, 2009, 12:31 AM
#24
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Jun 30th, 2009, 12:33 PM
#25
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The thing is , there HAS been several reports of this scam in the Thai newspapers this year already .
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/sear...ewsid=30101672
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/sear...ewsid=30101672
Jun 30th, 2009, 09:48 PM
#28
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,277
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I couldn't tell you how many times I have purchased goods from King Power...but the number will be over thirty. I've never had any kind of problem with them. Maybe just lucky.
As for prices.....regrettably I am a smoker, and cigarette prices at K.P. , in my experience, are cheaper by a long way, than other sources in Thailand. Camel non-filter, around £5 for 200. Very good price.
And yes I know....smoking is unhealthy....and yes I know especially non-filter.
I suspect that there is more to this story and that probably, this couple didn't play completely by the rules.
As for prices.....regrettably I am a smoker, and cigarette prices at K.P. , in my experience, are cheaper by a long way, than other sources in Thailand. Camel non-filter, around £5 for 200. Very good price.
And yes I know....smoking is unhealthy....and yes I know especially non-filter.
I suspect that there is more to this story and that probably, this couple didn't play completely by the rules.
Jun 30th, 2009, 10:13 PM
#29
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Changfai, you state there have been several reports of this alleged scam in the Thai newspapers, can you provide any other examples?
The link that you provided seems to be a "letter to the editor" rather than a news report and the author claiming this injustice to an Indian National has a very Indian sounding name.
I find it hard to believe that a scam of this scale, with people involved at many levels, could go on unabated. There is much more to this story than meets the eye.
Leigh, give the gaspers the kick. Camel non filter of all things, you're taking 15 years and at least 10 trips to phi-phi off your life. I kicked it 10 years ago and it probably saves me $2500aus a year. It's not so bad after the first 30 days, especially after your taste buds return and you stop starting the day with a coughing fit.
The link that you provided seems to be a "letter to the editor" rather than a news report and the author claiming this injustice to an Indian National has a very Indian sounding name.
I find it hard to believe that a scam of this scale, with people involved at many levels, could go on unabated. There is much more to this story than meets the eye.
Leigh, give the gaspers the kick. Camel non filter of all things, you're taking 15 years and at least 10 trips to phi-phi off your life. I kicked it 10 years ago and it probably saves me $2500aus a year. It's not so bad after the first 30 days, especially after your taste buds return and you stop starting the day with a coughing fit.
Jun 30th, 2009, 10:28 PM
#30
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,160
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The prices at King Power can be exceptionally good if you have the King Power gold card. 30% off all items including alcohol, cigarettes and cigars plus all the high end brand harm clothings. Very few gold cards given out.
Jun 30th, 2009, 10:33 PM
#31
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am starting to get very skeptical about this story. I have been following a similar thread on Thorntree that was started by a person who's only previous post was a thread they started about "box jelly fish sightings" in Thai waters.
I also note that one of the contributors here, Changfai, has only made a few posts and none of them have been complimentary towards Thailand.
I know that crellston, who first posted the report here does not fall in the same category but there seems to be a bit of a theme of negative comment forming on a few of the forums that I visit and most of these seem to be coming from new members.
I also note that one of the contributors here, Changfai, has only made a few posts and none of them have been complimentary towards Thailand.
I know that crellston, who first posted the report here does not fall in the same category but there seems to be a bit of a theme of negative comment forming on a few of the forums that I visit and most of these seem to be coming from new members.
Jun 30th, 2009, 10:40 PM
#32
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
When it comes to scams in Thailand , nothing surprises me , look how long the jewellery scam has been running. Its gone on decades with no action from the authorities .
I am not sure if board members here are aware of this website but its worth reading .
http://www.bangkokscams.com/
I am not sure if board members here are aware of this website but its worth reading .
http://www.bangkokscams.com/
Jun 30th, 2009, 10:58 PM
#33
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Changfai, this is another link that was posted on Thorntree recently by someone who was generally unkind about all things Thai.
Just to balance the ledger, here is a comment posted by a regular there about that website.....
"If you want to see how much farangs with a chip on their shoulder love making up stories about Thailand see www.bangkokscams.com. Uncountable number of silly reports and just as sad comments.
If you believe everything you read on Internet forums, then you too must be a very sad person.
I have been in Thailand for ten years (not a gossiping tourist like some of the old-timers here) and never been scammed.
Anyway, the watch thieves can count themselves lucky. Stealing a 7,000baht watch would usually land you in prison for two years.
Plus, bribing or trying to bribe the police is a serious offense everywhere. They wouldnt try that stunt in england. Like the Bar mat thief, this couple are just trying to reverse the blame."
There are 2 sides to every story.
Just to balance the ledger, here is a comment posted by a regular there about that website.....
"If you want to see how much farangs with a chip on their shoulder love making up stories about Thailand see www.bangkokscams.com. Uncountable number of silly reports and just as sad comments.
If you believe everything you read on Internet forums, then you too must be a very sad person.
I have been in Thailand for ten years (not a gossiping tourist like some of the old-timers here) and never been scammed.
Anyway, the watch thieves can count themselves lucky. Stealing a 7,000baht watch would usually land you in prison for two years.
Plus, bribing or trying to bribe the police is a serious offense everywhere. They wouldnt try that stunt in england. Like the Bar mat thief, this couple are just trying to reverse the blame."
There are 2 sides to every story.
Jun 30th, 2009, 11:20 PM
#34
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 9,366
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Shanek - thanks for not putting me in the same category as the "new contributors"! I concur with your comment re the negative comments appear on a number of forums, you only have to see the comments posted at the end of the Times article to appreciate that and it is sad to see the negativity and animosity appearing on this particular forum.
Of course, I, in common with everyone else, have no way of verifying the facts of the story and therefore find it difficult to make the assertion that they were guilty as charged, particularly as teh Thai prosecutors saw no case to answer. It remains to be seen whether the people concerned follow through with their threat of legal action to recover their cost (fat chance of success!). I would however, point out that the Sunday Times is a "quality" paper (even if it is owned by Murdoch) and is not known for publishing stories without verificaton (although how extensive that verification could have been in this case is debatable.
There are undoubtedly a lot of scams going on in Thailand but I doubt that it is really a lot worse than many other countries. What does appear to be different is the willingness/ability of the relevant authorities to deal with them.
Of course, I, in common with everyone else, have no way of verifying the facts of the story and therefore find it difficult to make the assertion that they were guilty as charged, particularly as teh Thai prosecutors saw no case to answer. It remains to be seen whether the people concerned follow through with their threat of legal action to recover their cost (fat chance of success!). I would however, point out that the Sunday Times is a "quality" paper (even if it is owned by Murdoch) and is not known for publishing stories without verificaton (although how extensive that verification could have been in this case is debatable.
There are undoubtedly a lot of scams going on in Thailand but I doubt that it is really a lot worse than many other countries. What does appear to be different is the willingness/ability of the relevant authorities to deal with them.
Jun 30th, 2009, 11:51 PM
#35
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi crellston,
I am sure that the Times is in most cases a fair and reasonable publication, but just like the Australian press' handling of the "lady" who was accused of stealing a Bar mat from an Phuket bar, it would side with their own Nationals. The parochialism shown towards that thief was almost sickening. This artical does not quite go to that extent, but to label something an "extortion racket" without having evidence from both sides is not balanced reporting. The report insists that they were "falsely accused"..how can they possibly know that? Even the Australian press were a little more even handed claiming that the Mat was planted on the lady by her friend.
I am sure that the Times is in most cases a fair and reasonable publication, but just like the Australian press' handling of the "lady" who was accused of stealing a Bar mat from an Phuket bar, it would side with their own Nationals. The parochialism shown towards that thief was almost sickening. This artical does not quite go to that extent, but to label something an "extortion racket" without having evidence from both sides is not balanced reporting. The report insists that they were "falsely accused"..how can they possibly know that? Even the Australian press were a little more even handed claiming that the Mat was planted on the lady by her friend.
Jul 1st, 2009, 04:22 AM
#36
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
And do you think any publication will ever be given an opportunity to give the Thai side of these scams ?
Sorry , I dont believe so .
Just to address the label that seems to have been attached to me , I have lived and travelled around Thailand for the last 22 years , I am fluent in the Thai language , and I am fully aware of how the Country works .
I never knew going from Lurker to "New Contributer" , would ruffle feathers so much .
Sorry , I dont believe so .
Just to address the label that seems to have been attached to me , I have lived and travelled around Thailand for the last 22 years , I am fluent in the Thai language , and I am fully aware of how the Country works .
I never knew going from Lurker to "New Contributer" , would ruffle feathers so much .
Jul 1st, 2009, 05:05 AM
#37
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ChangFai,
There are plenty of opportunities to progress from lurking to contributor in a positive way. The forum needs people with your experience of Thailand but not if you only want to point out the negatives of Thai society.
I presume that you must have something nice to say about a country where you have spent 22 years, assuming that it has been by your own free will?
There are plenty of opportunities to progress from lurking to contributor in a positive way. The forum needs people with your experience of Thailand but not if you only want to point out the negatives of Thai society.
I presume that you must have something nice to say about a country where you have spent 22 years, assuming that it has been by your own free will?
Jul 1st, 2009, 05:48 AM
#38
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The story from the British couple is full of holes.
Bangkok has crumbled in nearly every respect, dirtier, more crowded, more scams, more corrupt
However, pick pockets, credit card frauds, gem, tailor, tuk tuk scams, even snake farm tour might
Bangkok has crumbled in nearly every respect, dirtier, more crowded, more scams, more corrupt
However, pick pockets, credit card frauds, gem, tailor, tuk tuk scams, even snake farm tour might
Jul 1st, 2009, 07:07 AM
#39
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,433
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
shanek, all due respect, but there is NO WAY for any of us to say what is true or untrue about this story. this whole argument is kind of getting off-track...discussing the journalistic integrity of various newspapers and such.
yes, we all love thailand. but let us not be blind: there are absolutely problems and corruption there, just as there are in most other countries.
all of us should be careful not to view our favorite places with rose-tinted glasses just because we love vacationing there.
yes, we all love thailand. but let us not be blind: there are absolutely problems and corruption there, just as there are in most other countries.
all of us should be careful not to view our favorite places with rose-tinted glasses just because we love vacationing there.
Jul 1st, 2009, 07:30 AM
#40
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,160
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Crellston,
I would appreciate it if you let me know if the Times print more article about this story or even if it print a retraction.
Filmwill,
A little birdy in uniform told me that the couple was indeed arrested for shoplifting and when they found out that it was a felony in Thailand they paid someone under the table to "settle" the case. All hearsay of course!
I would appreciate it if you let me know if the Times print more article about this story or even if it print a retraction.
Filmwill,
A little birdy in uniform told me that the couple was indeed arrested for shoplifting and when they found out that it was a felony in Thailand they paid someone under the table to "settle" the case. All hearsay of course!
