I’d just flown in to Bangkok from Phnom Penh and wanted to get to my hotel in the city. I walked down to the very ground level and, as usual, was approached by several folk keen to offer me a a ride into town. I normally just mutter ‘No thanks’, carry on walking and the touts give up. Not this one though, here’s how the conversation went:
Tout: You just arrived sir?
Me: Yes
Tout: Where you from?
Me: Scotland
Tout: Yes, the men wear skirts?
Me: Only the ladyboys
Tout: You want hotel, sir?
Me: No thanks. I’ve already got one
Tout: You want taxi? I give you taxi at special rate my friend?
Me: How much to Asoke station on Sukhumvit Road?
Tout: Special price, only 600 baht. We go?
Me: 600 baht IS a special price. Meter taxi is only about 230 baht, the airport bus is only 150 baht and the local bus is maybe 40 baht. I think 600 is special price for you only
The tout just looked at me and burst out laughing.
Tout: Yes, special for me only. If I were you, I catch airport bus too. I go and find farang who does not know the right price for taxi. Goodbye my friend.
You know he was such a nice friendly guy I was almost tempted to take his special price. But I didn’t, cheapskate that I am I took the excellent value, 150 baht airport bus.
A bit of local sculpture in the airport
Annoying a big snake at Bangkok airport
Don't play cards with this guy
After 3 - Heave!
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