Tuk Tuk for 10 Thai Bath

This is how it usually goes when a white man (haven't been to the beach yet since it's only the second day of the trip so there's no suntan to speak of) is being introduced to the cunning world of Tuk Tuk commerce in Bangkok.

White man being approached by a free Tuk Tuk driver:

"Tuk Tuk?! Tuk Tuk?!"
"We're you going Sir?"
"We're you come from Boss?"
"Swajden? Haj, guddag, tjennare Mister"
"You been in Thailand before Sir?"
"You seen Big Buddha temple Boss?"
"No, that place is closed Mister."
"No that place is very pricy. I know better place Sir."
"Special celebration. Only today. Must take you there now Boss."
"10 Thai Bath, special price for you my friend. Happy hour Mister."

10 Bath, yeah right... Ok, I'll go. It only costs 10 Bath which is like 2 SEK. It's nothing. How bad can it be? Let's try it out.

The driver. Doesn't he looks a bit fishy - is this really the way to the temple we agreed on? Well, I have no idea and I don't think Per knows. Bangkok is after all a big city and this is our first time in it.

Ok, there was a big Buddha statue at the first stop. Good. Seems like we, after all, are in control of this ride.

And there we lost it... For 10 Thai Bath you don't just get the temples. It was a trap. You get, even if you don't want it or need it or ask for it, a ride to a local tailor where you're supposed to order a suit, or why not two suits. The driver gets a small commission from every such stop. It's tailors, jewellers, export shops (no idea what that is - I guess they sell something), clock shops - you name it...

I actually ordered 3 pair of pants in the tailor shop on the picture. Had to try it. It was good quality and "special price for me" since I was the "Boss".

Summary: It's a never-ending story for 10 Bath with a lot of Thai smiles and a few Mister, Boss, and Sir thrown in. The ride is fast (and secure? no, it's not) and noisy and the first round is fun. Don't take a refill though. You'll just see more of same same.

Tip: To escape from a tailor shop - this can actually be a bit tricky in Thailand, they are very committed to sell you something - ask for their business card and tell them that you'll get back when you have decided what to buy. Don't forget to fake a big Thai smile.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuk-tuk