Words for the Wise All big cities have their share of dishonest people who prey on foreign visitors. Although much safer than many other destinations, Bangkok is no exception, so please take a moment to read this, and protect yourself against such characters. A handbag dangling from a wrist or shoulder is a tempting target anywhere in the world. Snatch thieves in Bangkok either operate on foot or on motor cycles, and are equally adept as their counterparts in Rome. They will also grab valuables from open vehicles, such as Tuk-Tuks, particularly when stationary in traffic. Please take the usual precautions and ensure that large amounts of cash, valuables, irreplaceable documents etc. are locked in the hotels safe - not kept in your handbag. Bangkok's confidence tricksters come in a fascinating variety of shapes and sizes. They are all charming - from the smiling boy scouts who solicit generous 'donations' destined for their own pockets, to the 'off-duty policeman' the 'university professor' etc., who will approach you in a public place and politely engage you in conversation. They will usually carry genuine-looking identification of some kind, and understandably, many foreign visitors see this as an excellent opportunity to talk to friendly local - to mix with 'real' Thai people. The truth is of course that 'real' Thai people do not go out of their way to speak to tourists in the street. The golden rule to remember is that if somebody does, you can be sure they're up to no good - that helpful seemingly well-educated person is almost certainly a crook. If you go with him, or her, you do so at your peril. You may be taken sightseeing, then robbed, or coaxed into a game of cards where it seems you cannot lose. Most commonly, you'll be taken to a shop and grossly overcharged for inferior or fake goods. Be particularly careful of jewellery shops where the sales techniques are especially convincing, even to the most sceptical people. Many visitors have lost very large amounts 'investing' in precious stones. Proceed with caution. Most Thais are delightful and honest people, but naturally shy of foreign visitors. So should you encounter a well spoken and charming person out there, eager to know which country you come from...Beware