I have been hearing and reading alot about the "Mafia" in Patong Beach. Who are they and what do they do or who do they target?. Is this an issue that may stop someone from coming to Patong Beach?

Don't worry about it, be respectful and you'll be fine.

thats good to hear....are there any other dangers in phuket that i should be aware of. (e.g pick-pocketers)

thats good to hear....are there any other dangers in phuket that i should be aware of. (e.g pick-pocketers)

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First visit to Thailand?

I have been to Bangkok and stayed there for about 2 weeks. I have not been to Phuket and I am very excited.

Try to find a room with a safe, put your mobile and other valuables in it at all times, esp if you bring a girl back.

Must feel good to be a newbie. Sincerely!

Welcome to Thailand!

read some of the posts here for advice on accomodation, entertainmentt etc.

I have been hearing and reading alot about the "Mafia" in Patong Beach. Who are they and what do they do or who do they target?....

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Just don't tell the tuk-tuk driver who wants 200 baht to get you from McDonalds to Sea Pearl Hotel to "shove it".

Why Not, RDN, I do...

I've only been shot at twice (this year)

Seriously, i wouldnt worry about the so-called mafia types, just be polite, dont get into any arguments and enjoy your holiday. You wont get any trouble.

Why Not, RDN, I do...

I've only been shot at twice (this year)

Seriously, i wouldnt worry about the so-called mafia types, just be polite, dont get into any arguments and enjoy your holiday. You wont get any trouble.

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Agreed - but actually I said "No thanks, I'll walk" (with a bit of an attitude, I must admit) and he said "Yes, you walk" with definitely more of an attitude back.

So I walked.

About 1 baht per stride, I think.

just dont buy any fabulous gemstones at cut prices from guys on the beach , they are worthless &lt;deleted&gt;, despite their elaborate tests ....hitting them with a hammer and setting fire to them with lighter fuel ...

the mafia have control over what get sold in the tourist hawker shops and the tuk-tuk baloney.

Petty theft with the BG's is uncommon. Especially the regular girls they don't want to loose their jobs pissing off customers. They know how easily they are replaced.

Avoid wandering around drunk in the wee hours. Don't let the katoy's paw you on the street they are always trying to stick their hands in your pocket. I've had to remove a hand from my pocket twice now. Mainly be aware of freelancers and the katoys.

Patong is very safe. Taht being said I have a really great insurace system. At night when returning to my hotel I use a tuk tuk. Keep your arms and valuables

well inside the tuk and you be fine.

thats good to hear. do you use a tuk tuk to get back at night because of the safety risk or because you cant be bothered to walk... also off the topic how long do you think it would take to walk from the novotel on patong beach to the patong merlin hotel on patong beach..

Cheers

thats good to hear. do you use a tuk tuk to get back at night because of the safety risk or because you cant be bothered to walk... also off the topic how long do you think it would take to walk from the novotel on patong beach to the patong merlin hotel on patong beach..

Cheers

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It will be a ###### long walk.Novotel is at one end of the beach Rd on the way to Kamala and Patong Merlin is at the opposite end just before the hill out of town to Karon.If you are walking allow at least 45mins.Take a tuktuk

so it is a fairly long beach. what about from the patong merlin to the patong resort which is only a block or two away

how about try to act and dress like thai

anyway

be safe and sound...

don't forget to wear the caps...

so it is a fairly long beach. what about from the patong merlin to the patong resort which is only a block or two away

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Allow around 10mins to walk it.Why not just get tuk-tuks or do you like walking.

Gotta remember its hot!

yeh i will definately be getting tuk-tuks. I was just wondering because i have 3 friends staying in phuket at the same time as i am and i am just interested to know the general distance between our hotels. thanks for all the help

stay put or within bright lights

what is a good price to pay for a tuk-tuk from one end of patong beach to the other....

Is this your 1st time away from home?

lol. No its not. I have been to over 15 countries. What makes you think that?

Don't leave your hotelroom when it's dark, seriously, the Patong mafia is mainly active in the night time and in the seedier parts of town. Don't get into any argument with Thais, don't negotiate the tuk tuk price but pay them more they ask for. Dress politely, speak some Thai that will impress people and make them think you have been longer in Thailand.

khrap khun krhap = thank you

sabai dee= I'm fine

sawadee khrap = hello

sawadee krhap jet mee= hello sir

enjoy your holiday in the land of smiles!

Don't leave your hotel room after dark....

I think that's a bit strong, maybe if you added 'sober' or 'naked' in there somewhere I'd agree. Patong is like a dog, if you play up to it and pet it you'll feel all warm and squishy inside, if you pull it's tail and poke it's bum you'll deservedly get bitten, just be cool and you'll have a ball.

Don't leave your hotelroom when it's dark, seriously, the Patong mafia is mainly active in the night time and in the seedier parts of town. Don't get into any argument with Thais, don't negotiate the tuk tuk price but pay them more they ask for. Dress politely, speak some Thai that will impress people and make them think you have been longer in Thailand.

khrap khun krhap = thank you

sabai dee= I'm fine

sawadee khrap = hello

sawadee krhap jet mee= hello sir

enjoy your holiday in the land of smiles!

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Close but no cookie for you sonny-jim.

Ignore the above, its 80% sweaty Sphericals and 20% hearsay.

FTH has a good handle on the situation, his advice is sound advice.

Thanks for all of that...

Why don't you go to somewhere safer and more upmarket-----say Pattaya

No, come to Patong, and it looks like the standard rate for a Tuk Tuk these days are at a 100 bath, it's hard to negotiate any lower