Most of the worries involve ‘services’ of one kind or another. I’ve paid the Thai price at parks having flashed my Thai driving licence. No problems shopping at places like Tesco’s or Index, where the prices are laid down for all to see. I’m not concerned if the corner shop charges me an extra baht or two, but for major purchases, invariably I’ll use the TW or her family’s knowledge to guide me. I have a farang neighbour who has paid well over the top for building work and getting administrative things done quickly at the Amphoe (latter stinks in my opinion) because he’s in a hurry and money to throw away.
I think it fair to say that being here a while, you get the feel for what things should cost. If it an area you’re not familiar with, an emergency, when you don’t have time to shop around, then the likelihood of being ripped off increases.
If I said my biggest rip off here after 7 years occurred when I was very wet behind the ears, slightly drunk and in a hurry – well, you can fill in the rest!
