13. Don’t Let a Tuk-Tuk Driver Take You To a Gem Shop
This is one of the biggest scams in the tourist areas of Thailand. Tuk-tuk drivers will try to persuade you to visit a special gem shop. Some will even go so far as to say that your intended destination is closed or under repair and try to convince you that they know where the best deals are. Inside these kick-back shops, tourists are usually harassed, possibly drugged, and told that they can buy hand cut jewels and sell them at home for a large profit. However, most victims are cheated out of a lot of money in exchange for costume jewellery.
14. Just Say No to Recreational Drugs
Yes, we’re sure you’ve heard of the wild nightlife that Bangkok offers and the Full Moon parties that take place on Koh Phangan, but that doesn’t mean that illegal drug use is overlooked by police. In fact, Thailand has some of the strictest drug penalties in the world. Some offenses are even punishable by death. Even if you’re caught in Thailand with a small amount of an illegal substance, you are guaranteed to spend time in jail or pay an exorbitant fine or both. So we advise that you do not partake in any illegal extracurricular activities while you’re visiting this country.
15. Don’t Shake Hands
Thais do not greet each other by shaking hands because they do not like to have personal contact with strangers. Rather, they place both their open palms together at chest height and bow slightly. This is called wai. It would be wise to practice this greeting before you visit. Do not bow to children or a person of lower status however, as you would only be embarrassing them. If you are greeting a person of high importance, bow slightly deeper.
