Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Vows To Crack Down On Thailand Tourist Fraud

[Dukeleto]

Don't cheat me or i cheat you..i learn how to cheat and i use..That's going on in Thailand.Cheating and scams on daily life.Better to avoid as you can, and stay away of the cheatters and scammers

Which, in my humble experience, is keep clear of just about everyone, here.

[stanley2550]

I have refused to enter any Thai facility including National Parks in this country where there is a double standard in pricing.

[Dukeleto]

Tuk Tuks are little red open air 4 seater 'toy cars' which are primarily used as short local transport, and often with a driver intent on taking you where HE wants you to go or via places which will earn him a few baht in comission.

Tour buses and minivans are usually pre-booked arrangements and are up to 12 seated air-conditioned minivans with a registered company and driver and often a tour guide supplying a commentary. Tour companies do not sit on the road waiting for chance, local pick-up fares.

The two are very different set ups.

The cruise ship/US Military/Hotel guests all have a choice which service they would like to use - and they chose to use the air-conditioned minivan.

The tuk tuk drivers didn't get any customers - tuff luck! Maybe they are in the wrong business ?

If things are as bad as they constantly whinge about - why are they still doing it and not working for a tour company ? hmmmm

You cannot complain to McDonalds that the 7 -11 accross the road aslos sells burgers and coke - its called FREE ENTERPRISE

If it was as bad as that - why is Patong literally choked with red tuk-tuks ??

Another company is providing a better service than you - so either join them - or shut up !

Agreed! or get together (which they seem to be very good at doing) buy a large bus and tender for the same business, most importantly though, remembering to come in at a competative price, a lesson which has not yet been learned.

[Udox]

"If it's a National Park or facility funded by Thai taxpayers, then non-Thais should pay more. Agreed?"

No Way !

So if its a National Park of facility funded by a Non-Thai person working here and paying (lots of) Thai Income tax and therfore equally funded by him, should he still pay more - because of the colour of his skin ?

[soloman]

Good luck to having any effect! And then there are the "I'm from the tourist information centre, where you are going today is closed for ......... etc" men, who then try to guide innocent tourists toward their money making scam!

The committees would do well by starting by reading these Thai Visa Forum posts.

But who is going to enforce the crackdown - the police?

They are busy at the toll booths pulling over any taxis/cars carrying Farangs 'for speeding'

[drdoom6996]

Will the Deputy Prime Minister collect all the money from the ill gotten gains and distribute them evenly? Kind of like one of our presidents in America. a cheater in every tourist location and 500 baht per scam for the scammer. I have no faith in Thai politics. I live here, obey the law and rules and work and come back. Even if asked to help, Asia and Thailand are in too deep to do anything but help themselves and the can't/won't do that. I fear the worst for our summer here.

[Crushdepth]

Instead of complaining constantly about everything Thai we could all just go back to our overtaxed over PC feminist men hating unsmiling countries where we could find a lot more to complain about

You left out 'fat, rude and agressive'

[pauljones]

"If it's a National Park or facility funded by Thai taxpayers, then non-Thais should pay more. Agreed?"

No Way !

So if its a National Park of facility funded by a Non-Thai person working here and paying (lots of) Thai Income tax and therfore equally funded by him, should he still pay more - because of the colour of his skin ?

If taxpayers (including you) funded the place, then they should pay less than someone that did not contribute.

Agreed?

Places like Ocean World, that hide the prices from visitors using Thai scrip, are hiding it for a reason. It's fraud. A deceptive practice.

[Emster23]

I am not so green as to believe much if anything comes from this. Mission Impossible for sure. My two cents is that the impossible mission of getting the police to be like real police should be number one. The "enforcers of the law" set the tone for the whole situation and scene. If their role modeling says it is just fine to scam and rip off tourists, who are the locals to go against that?

[fred110]

I think the focus should be more on educating the tourist, to look out for certain fraud schemes and would be far cheaper to write up and post important information. Trying to bust mafia's and scam tour companies, jet ski et. The people doing the fraud would have to expose themselves even more to succeed in their rip off schemes. Just a thought

They will do neither! It's just another hand in the pot of tourist gold. LOL.

[meatboy]

in 28years i have never come across any fraud in thailand,but i do tell porkies. taxi

[Udox]

"If it's a National Park or facility funded by Thai taxpayers, then non-Thais should pay more. Agreed?"

No Way !

So if its a National Park of facility funded by a Non-Thai person working here and paying (lots of) Thai Income tax and therfore equally funded by him, should he still pay more - because of the colour of his skin ?

If taxpayers (including you) funded the place, then they should pay less than someone that did not contribute.

Agreed?

Places like Ocean World, that hide the prices from visitors using Thai scrip, are hiding it for a reason. It's fraud. A deceptive practice.

Absolutely!

But the process of deciding who should pay the Thai rate and who should pay the 'Farang' rate would be too difficult (producing a 'Thai' driving licence does not mean you contribute anything here - so why should you pay the discounted rate ?)

Of course the Thai way is much easier - you look like a farang - you pay more - End of !

Yes you can walk away but you will be the one who loses out because you don't get to enjoy what you were going to see (waterfall, zoo etc), and for every farang who walks away in disgust - another 10 will be in the queue behind him and willingly pay the 'very cheap' farang price.

I too don't visit National attractions and parks - for the very same reason. So Thailand loses out on my custom (and the friends who would go with me) but of course they don't care - theres plenty more on the way. What a strange mentality.

[SICHONSTEVE]

a life time occupation, then. Good words, but how far will this one go?

At least give them that chance to see what they can do.

[IAMSOBAD]

Next Big Headline...

Farangs Arrested Scamming Thais

Today the Royal Thai Police started arresting ALL farang who refused to PAY any Thai citizen who demanded money for any reason. But it seems tourists still are arriving at record numbers. Since Thaksin has stopped paying 500 baht per day to Red Shirts most Issan rabble rousers have moved to Bangkok to get their tea money from tourists.

Kuhn Somchai an ex-red rioter reported making 50,000 baht per day off of white people is much better than being paid 500 baht getting drunk and listening to Jatuporn making monkey sounds at rallies. He also said learning scamming was in his blood and he never understood politics anyway.

Next Headline...

Thaksin arrested at Dubai airport trying to scam Arabs.

He reportedly lost all of his money trying to buy the NY YANKEES from a man claiming to be the dead George Steinbrenner. Now as a lowly taxi driver he reportedly told a rich sheik to pay triple fare...my meter broken...traffic jam...you too many luggage...you rich Arab...you PAY ME.

When asked why he said..."i am Thai its in my blood"!

[KhunRobert]

And what will happen with the charges to enter National Parks in Thailand?

Thai Adults 20 THB, Thai Children 10 THB, Farang Adults 200 THB, Farang Children 100 THB.

Written in front of every National Park by government ruling??

Is he wiling to get himself arrested for Tourist fraude?

Edited April 20, 2011 by KhunRobert

[SICHONSTEVE]

Instead of complaining constantly about everything Thai we could all just go back to our overtaxed over PC feminist men hating unsmiling countries where we could find a lot more to complain about

What and who are "over PC feminist men"???? I know you mean politically correct but what are feminist men exactly?

[TimeBandit2]

If you present a work permit you pay Thai price. If they argue show them your tax card.

[SICHONSTEVE]

Next Big Headline...

Farangs Arrested Scamming Thais

Today the Royal Thai Police started arresting ALL farang who refused to PAY any Thai citizen who demanded money for any reason. But it seems tourists still are arriving at record numbers. Since Thaksin has stopped paying 500 baht per day to Red Shirts most Issan rabble rousers have moved to Bangkok to get their tea money from tourists.

Kuhn Somchai an ex-red rioter reported making 50,000 baht per day off of white people is much better than being paid 500 baht getting drunk and listening to Jatuporn making monkey sounds at rallies. He also said learning scamming was in his blood and he never understood politics anyway.

Next Headline...

Thaksin arrested at Dubai airport trying to scam Arabs.

He reportedly lost all of his money trying to buy the NY YANKEES from a man claiming to be the dead George Steinbrenner. Now as a lowly taxi driver he reportedly told a rich sheik to pay triple fare...my meter broken...traffic jam...you too many luggage...you rich Arab...you PAY ME.

When asked why he said..."i am Thai its in my blood"!

Just how does Khun Somchai make 1,000 pounds per day? Seems a bit far fetched to me and implausible to the extreme!!!

Edited April 20, 2011 by SICHONSTEVE

[Soutpeel]

producing a 'Thai' driving licence does not mean you contribute anything here - so why should you pay the discounted rate ?)

Of course the Thai way is much easier - you look like a farang - you pay more - End of !

Ok but what if you produce a WP ?.....you ARE contributing and most likely a lot more than your avergage Thai....over the last 10 years had occassion to test the DL and/or WP theroy in mutilple locations and has always worked for me.

[softgeorge]

Instead of complaining constantly about everything Thai we could all just go back to our overtaxed over PC feminist men hating unsmiling countries where we could find a lot more to complain about

What and who are "over PC feminist men"???? I know you mean politically correct but what are feminist men exactly?

I would assume that he is talking about men like ladyboys and other non hetro men. Not sure but I think that is what a feminist man is as he is refering.

[saintofsilence]

What the Mayor has done in Pattaya by opening a facebook page and taking complaints about scams , roadworks , stray dogs etc has been a good thing and other officials should follow because the problem is there no authority taking complaints and following them all up , Police don't seem to help that often so everything just continues .

A online communication tool is a must where complaints and follow ups can be seen by all.

Edited April 20, 2011 by saintofsilence

[Buchholz]

Isn't this this same schlemiel who "doesn't respect farangs?"

Yes it is

No, he didn't.

No, it isn't.

.

Edited April 20, 2011 by Buchholz

[aussimike]

Since when has it been a ''crime'' for a tour operator to provide transport for it's customers.

typical thinking on behalf of the taxi drivers -- and of course these guys would never never ever think of over charging, ripping off fares, and are only interested in the comfort and fair go for the passengers haha - 555 give me a break - nice to see the tour companies providing transport for their clients instead of leaving them to be ripped off but that band of crooks who even intimidate passengers at the airport ----

[marginline]

Isn't this this same schlemiel who "doesn't respect farangs?"

And his criticism of the cruise line is ludicrous. The tuk-tuk drivers have about as much right to scam cruise ship passengers as I do. *Libelous statement edited out*

When the passengers do get scammed, they blame the cruise line (and could easily sue them - and win) and then guess what? The cruise line avoids Phuket next time.

His comments about foreigners scamming foreigners and Thais and foreigners scamming foreigners is pandering to the Thais listening who might bristle on the notion that they are anything but a nation of honest, hard-working, racist licentious hypocrites.

At least the leadership is maintaining the standards of ineptitude.

Very well spotted and remembered TimeBandit2

I was wondering how long it would take before he'd have to kind of 'flip-flop' and demonstrate some kind of appeasement; albeit lip-service, for his crass remark on March 24th "'I don't respect 'farangs'. We do not have to surrender to them", which I personally felt was extremely disrespectful - if not somewhat racist.

[Tatsujin]

What this actually means:

Thais cheating foreign tourists

Thai business owners, farang business owners using upfront Thai names, adult entertainment establishments, seeing ways of making fast bucks out of naive holidaymakers.

Foreign tourists teaming up to cheat other foreigners

Farangs that renew their tourist visas on the borders, unscrupulous forever tourists that wheel and deal in Thailand mostly involved in illegal activities cheating holidaymakers or anyone else who they believe is gullible.

Thais and foreigners working together to cheat other foreign tourists.

Farangs that renew their tourist visas on the borders, unscrupulous forever tourists that wheel and deal in Thailand with their Thai partners in crime.

What they should be saying is; holidaymakers being cheated by farangs on tourist visas living in Thailand. There is a world of difference between forever tourists and holidaymakers.

Are you <snip> kidding me? Are you seriously saying that ALL foreigners here who are forced by the rules to have to renew or extend a visa are all crooks?

Edited April 20, 2011 by metisdead
Profanity eidted out.

[pauljones]

Since when has it been a ''crime'' for a tour operator to provide transport for it's customers.

typical thinking on behalf of the taxi drivers -- and of course these guys would never never ever think of over charging, ripping off fares, and are only interested in the comfort and fair go for the passengers haha - 555 give me a break - nice to see the tour companies providing transport for their clients instead of leaving them to be ripped off but that band of crooks who even intimidate passengers at the airport ----

The cruise ship tour operators are tired of fielding complaints about the Phuket taxi service so they hired coaches to transport their guests to town.

The Phuket transport was livid and blockaded them.

Same thing happened to the US Navy. They too hired vans and the Phuket transport mafia blockaded them too.

A quik internet search reveals that Phuket Gov officials have their hands in the transport mafia.

[XXpate48USA]

Isn't this this same schlemiel who "doesn't respect farangs?"

And his criticism of the cruise line is ludicrous. The tuk-tuk drivers have about as much right to scam cruise ship passengers as I do. *Libelous statement edited out*

When the passengers do get scammed, they blame the cruise line (and could easily sue them - and win) and then guess what? The cruise line avoids Phuket next time.

His comments about foreigners scamming foreigners and Thais and foreigners scamming foreigners is pandering to the Thais listening who might bristle on the notion that they are anything but a nation of honest, hard-working, racist licentious hypocrites.

At least the leadership is maintaining the standards of ineptitude.

Boy, you hit the nail on the head with that mention about foriegnors scamming foriengors!! That might happen about .001% of the time, but for the most part we ALL know who is getting scammed and by whom....Thai media at it's best, to show that it is equal scamming going on..(those pesky firiegnor scamming cheaters).haaaaaaa to try and put us in with THIER cons.....what a joke........good post!!

[dumpling]

Since when has it been a ''crime'' for a tour operator to provide transport for it's customers.

Since it became difficult to collect tea money from international tour operators.

hit the nail on the head with that one payboy.

[jimbeam1]

What the Mayor has done in Pattaya by opening a facebook page and taking complaints about scams , roadworks , stray dogs etc has been a good thing and other officials should follow because the problem is there no authority taking complaints and following them all up , Police don't seem to help that often so everything just continues .

A online communication tool is a must where complaints and follow ups can be seen by all.

Not a bad Idea. But they would have to set up a Ministry. Plus employ hundreds of people to follow up the complaints?

jb1

[SICHONSTEVE]

:cheesy: Mission Impossible sorry. This is just another so called thai CRACK DOWN we have one every couple of days.

Don't forget, when they have CRACK DOWNS they invariably net criminals in drugs and sex raids (often busting ring's in the process) so you shouldn't deride them on this!!

As far as scams and illegal activity of this nature go then that's a different matter as those who's remit is to investigate corruption will inevitably have to investigate police activities as well as courts and lawyers and also Immigration and government personnel - and they're response to this unwelcome interference into their illegal money making ventures will be fierce and could make life uncomfortable for the investigators as they often control the levers. Any such prying into their activities will be met by a powerful, collective wall from the "brother's in arms" forces determined to prevent themselves from losing their so called "tea/coffee money" making it harder to prove wrongdoing through collective obstruction. It doesn't help that the WHOLE system is engaged in crooked activities to some degree and closing this down is near impossible in reality as corrupt judges will halt any case whereby the outcome will have an adverse affect (or even implicate them) through the course of the action being taken.

I envisage that better control and a reduced level may be the best on offer, but there is no guarantee that this can achieved either as it is so ingrained into the Thai way of doing things and it may be a step too far to be able to change it!!!