Bangkok's Temple of Dawn removes 'extortionate' photostand

[Benmart]

Do tourists really want their picture taken with something so ugly and trashy?

I'm not in the position to judge for others. I only to decide for myself.

[Benmart]

I did a little homework before coming to Thailand the first time and had read about different scams and such. When I came across this one the first time I just considered it a bit of the cultural experience. I wasnot offended by it. I thought more power to them. People can afford a plane ticket but donot have the smarts to research a little about the place they are to visit and prepare themselves. I myself miss these small local things like this. It gives it the Thai flavour not some homogenised,sterile place. I feel they should stay to remind people they arenot at home in their safe little bubble.

The post has merit. I let others decide what is good for them and prefer to live and let live. If the responsible Abbott decided to remove it, that's his call. I'm an observer in my host country.

[Benmart]

Why dont Thais get off their asses and work for a living like the tourists who come there.

I prefer to enjoy life and not criticize the work ethics of others. Who am I to judge? I leave that to others who are qualified and are citizens of this country.

[Ulic]

Just clearly post the charge to have your picture taken clearly posted in multiple languages.

[belg]

it does not give bad face to the temple, it just shows that thai buddism = greed

[arunsakda]

My Buddha this crap has been going on for ages, and people still fall for it?

-Tie this bracelet on your wrist, "just for try".

-Wat Arun/Wat Po/ Pra Kaew closed, please fill questionaire.

- Hello sir, you have a lucky face! And not to forget the old classic. "Let's go shopping for Gems! You can sell them in SanFran for a big profit!"

I read about these scams in Lonely Planet as a teenager, years before I ever made it to Thailand. The first time I went to Hualunpung station (sp) it was no more than 10 minutes I was approached by an Older English speaking Thai gent in a threadbare suit. He told me I was "stupid" for not going Gem shopping with him.

[ratcatcher]

Why dont Thais get off their asses and work for a living like the tourists who come there.

Yet another disparaging comment about Thais. Most I know work hard for what they are paid.

And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon. John 12:14

BTW eating pussy cats is unhealthy.

[Brigante7]

I'm confused, the tourists stick their head through the hole so somebody can take a picture and then they expect the picture to be free? Why not get a friend to take a photo with their own camera, problem solved.

[WitawatWatawit]

Do tourists really want their picture taken with something so ugly and trashy?

I'm not in the position to judge for others. I only to decide for myself.

Don't be ridiculous - you ARE in a position to judge for others. You are simply not in a position to DECIDE for others, and nor am I. If something is trashy or uncouth, are you going to put on your rose coloured glasses, or look the other way because you don't think you have a right to criticise? That's a doormat philosophy. It is through criticism, stated or implied, that things change and improve. This cardboard cut-out is trashy, and I have every right to say so. It is crass commercialism, and it's ugly. Too bad if you don't like my comment.

[tominbkk]

Wat Arun is one of my favourite temple/tourist sites in Bkk...great view of the river & city from the top.

Although I have seen this photo stand it didn't offend me probably because I have seen similar in various places around the world.

I wasn't inclined to stick my head into one for a photo but I could understand some tourists wanting a go for a humorous photo for friends/family back home I guess.

40 baht is probably on the high side but if the funds went to the temple grounds it could be a good thing.

If the funds are going to a private group independent of the temple well that's capitalism,so many of the anti Coup/Thai/Thailand group on TV forums should be supportive.

I did see a photo op near by where you actually get to dress up in traditional Thai garb & they took your photo for a fee...but I didn't check the price but saw tourists doing this also.

I have no prob with them charging but be upfront about it.

[chooka]

I'm confused, the tourists stick their head through the hole so somebody can take a picture and then they expect the picture to be free? Why not get a friend to take a photo with their own camera, problem solved.

went into a local tyre place yesterday and put air in one tyre on my sons bicycle and they charged me 20baht.

[Cuchulainn]

Now start on those annoying clunts in front of the Grand Palace.

[Cuchulainn]

Why remove the stands? Just remove the charge!

... or, just make the signs more obvious. Place them at the back of the signs by the holes.

That's too low down for most people to see!

[ginjag]

Going back all these years, Question, where were the police ?? in most cases where there is extortion, they are away (just behind the scenes) if not why haven't things like this been wiped out years ago. ???

[Kent1]

Do tourists really want their picture taken with something so ugly and trashy?

If they are British or American, yes.

Working for the TAT ?

[ginjag]

I'm confused, the tourists stick their head through the hole so somebody can take a picture and then they expect the picture to be free? Why not get a friend to take a photo with their own camera, problem solved.

went into a local tyre place yesterday and put air in one tyre on my sons bicycle and they charged me 20baht.

How much do they charge for a 12 wheeler truck???---anyway Chooka next time ask them how much you get if they let air out.?? pity they don't still have solid rubber tyres .

[MobileContent]

I have seen tourists fall for this also. The scammers wait until they take the picture, then jump out like sukhumvit cigarette police and demand their money. Its a shame it took public complaints for a famous Watt to do the right thing and didnt change this on their own, but I suppose they got a cut...

Little off topic but i also noticed the ciggarette scam police have had their wings clipped on sukhumvit also, seems they are no longer allowed to steal money from tourists but only give them a talking too

I think they are actually BMA and not police. I have seen often tourists falling for that scam and paid 2000 Baht and next to them was a Thai dumping his cigarettes on the floor and nothing happens.

[farangbanok]

I have seen tourists fall for this also. The scammers wait until they take the picture, then jump out like sukhumvit cigarette police and demand their money. Its a shame it took public complaints for a famous Watt to do the right thing and didnt change this on their own, but I suppose they got a cut...

Little off topic but i also noticed the ciggarette scam police have had their wings clipped on sukhumvit also, seems they are no longer allowed to steal money from tourists but only give them a talking too

I think they are actually BMA and not police. I have seen often tourists falling for that scam and paid 2000 Baht and next to them was a Thai dumping his cigarettes on the floor and nothing happens.

Don't feed the elephants either.

That is 2,000 baht fine for feeding them, and 5,000 baht more when they dump on the floor .... because you fed them!

[RTH10260]

I have seen tourists fall for this also. The scammers wait until they take the picture, then jump out like sukhumvit cigarette police and demand their money. Its a shame it took public complaints for a famous Watt to do the right thing and didnt change this on their own, but I suppose they got a cut...

I think you mean Wat.

The famous Watt (James Watt) worked with Matthew Boulton and William Murdoch to engineer steam power for the world's first factory - the Soho Manufactory on the borders of Handsworth (later part of Birmingham) and Smethwick never, never a part of Birmingham, in the centre of England.

However I do agree with everything you say about the scam.

I see no error here, Watt got those tourists steamin'

[Pib]

Do tourists really want their picture taken with something so ugly and trashy?

My wife resembles that remark!

You're married to Joan Rivers?

[farangbanok]

I see no error here, Watt got those tourists steamin'

Absolutely right - why didn't I think of that? DUH!