First off, Peter4, welcome to FlyerTalk. In a very short period of time you have proven yourself to be a very active poster, primarily on the subject of Thailand, and Bangkok in particular.

Many of Peter4's comments have been quite good, though some have been a bit wide of the mark. The notion that there is absolutely nothing to do in Thonburi and that it is the "wrong side of the tracks" is one example. Some of the points Peter4 made in that post were good (such as there not being much to do when you walk out of your hotel onto Charoennakorn Road), but others were just not right. billp ably corrected that one. That post was one example of sweeping generalizations that, despite Peter4's two-year residency in Bangkok, seem less than fully informed, vaguely prejudicial, and generally negative.

The incessant warnings about scamsters in Thailand by Peter4 and others is rather over the top. I've certainly been scammed or the target of scamsters far more often in New York than in Bangkok. Welcome to life in the big city, kids. Now, seriously: we all know tour guides have their ways to make money and can earn commissions from shops along the way-- that's true whether you're in Bangkok, Bali, Cartegena, Paris, or any number of other places. Tuk-tuk drivers make money by charging farang Western prices for transport, when an air-con taxi would be far cheaper (if you're smart and insist on the meter). Driving a tuk-tuk is pretty nasty work worth some compensation for the drivers. But riding in one can be a lot of fun-- it should be done, for the experience, at least once. Just be sure to negotiate a fair price for the ride, keeping in mind that market prices for transport are generally low in Thailand. If you can get from Siam Square to Suvarnabhumi in an air-con taxi with baggage for 230 baht plus tolls, then 400 baht for a tuk-tuk ride from Chatuchak Weekend Market to Sukhumvit is crazy--tell the driver to get lost and get yourself on the BTS.

As you may have sensed by now, Peter4's comment quoted above is what pushed me over the edge. It is grossly prejudicial. Plenty of Thais meeting the description offered are totally on the level. That kind of marketing is commonplace for thoroughly legitimate businesses that do not use high-pressure tactics if and when you do visit the shop. A lot of times, the young folks (they're usually school-aged) are giving something away to promote a product. I've been approached by folks like this who are working on school projects (the description matches many school uniforms) or working for the Tourism Authority, who made no effort whatsoever to sell me anything or get me to visit anyplace. It's quite common to see these folks at Saphan Thaksin, where tourists from the riverside hotels and locals using river transport mix near the BTS station. The approach tourists and locals in equal messure. Yes, some high-pressure salesmen, touts, and outright scamsters are out there employing tourist-friendly tactics like those described; they're ubiquitous in Patpong, as you would expect (just like in Times Square!). But the notion that "any Thai in Bangkok" fitting that description is out to relieve you of some baht is outrageous.

I know plenty of Thais who would fit Peter4's description and have no ulterior motives at all in approaching a farang with a map or one who looks slightly lost. They are just offering help or a kind word. Culturally speaking, the Thais are an extremely warm and friendly people--perhaps the friendliest I've even met (though the Balinese are a close second)--who are very welcoming of tourists. When interacting with Thais you've never met before, just use your good judgment.

I would advise those reading this thread to take all of the posters' comments with a grain of salt, including my own. Many of us on FT are quite regular visitors to Thailand, some live there part-time, and others live there full-time. In the spirit of things, I will disclose a fact that may color my own experiences in Thailand. My fiance is Thai. He or his friends are sometimes, though not always, with me as I explore Thailand or return to favorite old haunts. They know how to deal with Bangkok life and steer clear of the unsavory bits. They've taught me some things, and I've developed a decent awareness of what's right and what's not and what just needs to be chalked up to "this is Thailand." Not everyone has the benefit of that companionship or of the experience that regular visitors or residents have. I understand that. First-time visitors may have some culture shock. But it's no different than someone from the rest of America visiting New York. Just remember, you're not in Kansas anymore.