Burning up Bangkok

Burning up Bangkok

The Lonely planet warns and foretells us of the Bangkok taxi driver's mischievous ways who drag unwilling tourists into tailors and jewellery factories where they are making a commission on each poor soul practically forced into buying goods at cut throat prices. But who ever uses this information, wielding it to their advantage? I do.

Flaneuse out the code. Each visit of a marginally interested party who browses with semi interest, means a 100 Baht gasoline coupon for the drivers. They have families to support and bills to pay too you know. As an expensive commodity (25Baht a litre at the time of writing)., each shop visit is enough to keep the going for a few days, enough to make them forgo, it turns out, the fare of the person in question, or charge a simple gesture fare so as to ensure an exchange has taken place.

I came up with my own code. “10 Baht, special promotion price” with a little raise of the eyebrow. They understood, “One stop or two, okay?” with a wry little smile. Thus, I was ferried about town all day for mere pennies. From temple to tailor, from standing Buddha to diamond displays, all was seen and enjoyed.

Colluding with the drivers, I was saved the hassle of bargaining ( a past time I admittedly enjoy, but not in Bangkok for some reason) and the fear of being ripped off was eliminated as both were winners in this deal .”You look, okay, no buy okay, I get coupon same same.” So what was 10 minutes of my time? Sometimes we have to make small sacrifices for the greater good.

As I was only there for the day, transiting between night trains from Chiang Mai in the north, to the southern islands for the full moon party, I wanted to maximize my time in the city which I had hated last time I passed through, I wanted to see some sights, give it another chance.

Theres no bluffing this bluffer I thought. The arrangement worked well. I played ball acting the interested party to the point where a sale could e conceivable, inquiring about prices before making my exit. My traveler outfit of baggy shorts and t-shirt with backpack on may have given me away, but these shop owners had vouched a coupon for the drivers efforts and paid up accordingly.

The first time I came through this city, I was psyched up by tourist guides and warnings, prepared for the onslaught. Stone faced I demanded to be taken from point A to B with no stops, no messing mister. Quibbling over the fare and never sure if I was being ripped off as a 'farang (foreigner) or not, I was afraid of being exploited. This built fear and resentment into my experience and took away from the fun.

So next time you are warned of scams, big bad people out there just waiting for your lamb like vulnerability to be trodden on, think of my whizzing about town in cahoot with the tuk tuk drivers. Take a moment to look past the fear factor and understand the situation. See it from both sides and get involved. Much more satisfying for sure!