Tuk-tuk scam threatens tourism reputation
Last week our short family trip to Bangkok was marred by a very dishonest tuk-tuk driver.
We were shopping at Pratunam Market and wanted a fast escape from the midday heat. A tuk-tuk driver approached and offered a price of Bt40 for a ride to nearby Platinum Fashion Mall. We agreed, but to our dismay, the driver stopped in a quiet alley after two minutes drive and asked if we would like to visit a gem shop. We were taken aback and refused. He persisted, telling us that no purchase was required and that all he needed was to pick up a petrol coupon at the gem shop. We finally relented, but unwillingly.
After less than 10 minutes in the gem shop we emerged without having made a purchase. The face of the tuk-tuk driver clouded with displeasure when he saw us empty-handed. He refused to drive us back to Platinum Fashion Mall. Furious that he had gone back on his promise, we stormed off, regretting we hadn’t chosen instead to walk to Platinum Fashion Mall.
Bangkok beat London to emerge as the most popular tourist destination in 2013, aided by shopping and accommodation that are cheap for Southeast Asia and a Skytrain and MRT that provide a hassle-free way of reaching most malls. However, not every hotel and mall in the city is linked by the Skytrain or MRT. This means tourists sometimes have no alternative but to take tuk-tuks or metered taxis, leaving them prey to the now-infamous gem scam. The scam has marred the vacations of many visitors. If it wants to safeguard the reputation and image of Thailand’s tourism industry, it is high time that the local authority took this matter seriously.
Chua Chern Nee
Singapore
