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Weird interaction on the street, was it a scam? Dude asking colors of Thai Baht.
He asks me how many bahts is one euro, I said I had no idea, around 30-35 baht possibly, then he asks where I'm from and when I say Brazil he pulls out some messy spanish lines 😅
Next thing he pulls his wallet (seemingly empty, or very close to) and starts asking which color is the thai baht. I said it depends on the value and he asks me to show him. At this point I felt something was off. My smile vanished and I just repeated that I had no idea what he was asking for, he insists a few more times before giving up.
It was weird AF, my first thought was that he (or someone else) would grab my wallet and run away, or something alike. I walked away feeling a bit bad considering the remote possibility that he was actually looking for information. But who the fk asks strangers on the street about the colors of bill notes??
I googled but couldn't find anything related to this regarding scams.
sounds like you dodged one of the older distraction games. the color question is meant to get you to pull out a note so he can see which pocket you reach for and how much you're carrying. sometimes they work in pairs, one distracts while the other dips into your bag or pocket while you're showing the bill.
if you're around that area again, try walking through the back streets of banglamphu instead of cutting past the monument. there's a good roti sai mai stall on phra athit road if you want a legit reason to be there. just keep your headphones on and don't make eye contact, these guys move on fast when you don't engage.
honestly that sounds like a variation of the gem scam setup but for cash. they usually start with a friendly question to get you talking then try to make you pull out money so they can see your wallet or distract you. the indian guys near democracy monument have been running these little street hustles for years, mostly targeting tourists who look lost or are walking alone.
if you want to avoid this kind of stuff just keep your headphones on and keep walking when strangers stop you around there. the area between khao san road and banglamphu is fine during the day but those side streets near the monument get weird after 4pm. grab a beer at the nearby riva vista bar instead, good view and no one will bother you there
tbh i think you dodged a classic distraction setup. the color question is just bait to get you to pull out your wallet so he can see the denomination and maybe grab it when you're not looking. i've seen these guys near the monument a few times, usually working in pairs with someone watching from a scooter.
if you're back in that area, try walking along ratchadamnoen klang instead of the smaller sois. there's a police box near the statue and it's way busier. also, the thai baht colors are pretty well known here so no local would need to ask. grab a coffee at the little stall on the corner of tanao road instead, the old lady there makes a solid iced latte for 40 baht and you can watch the weirdos from a safe distance.
best som tam in Bangkok? Krua Dok Mai Kao 2026
yeah Krua Dok Mai Kao is solid but if you're up for a detour, try Som Tum Nua near Siam Square. their som tam pu pla ra is insane if you like the fermented fish sauce kick. way more pungent than the On Nut spot, just less grilled chicken options