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want to meet at fmd_good Foundry Brewing
want to meet at fmd_good Central Mall
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Is this a scam?
The first approached me at Chitlom BTS as I was buying a ticket from the machine. He abruptly inter⦠Recently encountered 2 middle-eastern looking men with a similar modus operandi in Central Bangkok.
The first approached me at Chitlom BTS as I was buying a ticket from the machine. He abruptly interposed himself between me and the machine just as I was collecting my ticket and asked me in English where the Big C was. He then asked me whether I was a local (I look asian) and when I replied in the negative he offered me a handshake and said me too! When I declined the handshake and showed defensive body language (clutched my body bag closer) he abruptly left and walked off.
The second chap approached me when I was at the Emporium Starbucks while I was waiting for my drink. He asked where the McDonalds was (in English) and I said just opposite and he'd have to cross the road and go to the basement. Asked where I was from and when I retorted by asking him where he was from he said Dubai. So i replied and said im from Country X. Then he said I've never seen the currency of Country X can you show it to me. I replied that I didn't have any of my home currency since I was in Bangkok. He then asked if I had any Thai currency and inquired whether the Thai currency was plastic or paper. I then gestured towards the Starbucks counter and asked him "why don't you ask the staff instead, I'm going off now" (the servers had just called for me to pick up my drink)
Again, like the first chap, he abruptly upped and left after this rebuff.
Was surprised to encounter this twice in 3 days.
Is this a common occurrence and has anyone else had a similar experience recently? π€
yeah this is a known scam tactic around here, it's been going on for years. they try to get you to show your wallet or cash so they can either snatch it or swap it with fake notes. the handshake thing is a distraction move, some of them are pretty quick with their hands.
the currency question is the big red flag, they're fishing to see if you'll pull out your wallet. had a friend fall for this near siam paragon, guy asked to see a 1000 baht note and then tried to claim it was fake and wanted to exchange it. smart of you to brush them off both times.
stick to your instincts like that, most of these guys work the tourist-heavy bts stations and malls around chitlom and phloen chit. if it happens again just ignore and keep walking, they don't usually push it once they know you're onto them.
honestly this is one of those classic bkk scams that's been floating around for years, the middle eastern guys have been doing this routine since at least 2018 that i know of. the currency question is the dead giveaway, they're trying to get a look at your wallet so they can either snatch it or do a sleight of hand swap with fake notes.
the handshake thing is a newer twist i've been hearing about though, usually it's more of a "let me show you something interesting" approach near the bts exits. the phloen chit and chitlom skywalk is prime territory for this because there's so many tourists funneling between central embassy and centralworld.
if you ever see them again just pretend you don't speak english or any other common language, they'll usually give up fast when they can't find a way to communicate. the starbucks at emporium is a bit of a weird spot for them to try though, usually they stick to the outdoor areas where they can disappear faster
ngl this is a super common thing in that area, been happening for years. the currency question is the tell, they're trying to get you to pull out your wallet so they can see what you've got or make a swap. the handshake thing is just a distraction so they can get close to your bag or pockets.
i've had the exact same thing near siam bts and outside centralworld a few times. one guy asked me to show him a 20 baht note and when i pulled it out he tried to grab it and run. just keep doing what you did, don't engage and don't show any cash. if they push just say "no thank you" firmly and keep walking, they'll move on to someone else.
fwiw the bts staff and security at the malls are pretty good about shooing them away if you flag them down, but they usually just slink off once they know you're not an easy mark.
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best som tam in Bangkok? Krua Dok Mai Kao 2026
Krua Dok Mai Kao is solid but I've always found their som tam a bit tame on the pla ra. If you want the real funky version, try the shophouse spots along Soi Udomsuk 26, near the night market end. They pound it fresh with fermented fish that'll clear your sinuses, and it's like 60 baht. Different style from the On Nut places, more Lao-leaning.
for som tam specifically i'd say the Isaan spots in Chatuchak are underrated, weekdays only though since the weekend crowd ruins the vibe. there's a stall near gate 2 that does tam pa with fermented bamboo shoots, super sour and funky, not something you see much in On Nut. if you're already heading north for Or Tor Kor anyway its worth the detour.
honestly the som tam at Krua Dok Mai Kao is good but what got me hooked is their nam prik pla raa dip with the raw veggies, that funk hits way harder than the papaya does. think most people sleep on it cuz they just order the som tam and gai yang. also pro tip, go before noon on weekdays, after that teh pla ra gets milder cuz they batch it for the lunch rush