CrazyExpat Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 PHUKET, Thailand (AFP) - From jet ski scams to robbery, assault and even police extortion, for the millions of tourists who flock to Thailand each year the kingdom does not always live up to its reputation as the "Land of Smiles". Now following a flurry of complaints, governments are urging the country to do more to protect the safety of the record numbers of foreigners visiting Thailand. Its sun-drenched beaches, tranquil temples and libidinous nightlife have long been a magnet for tourists from around the world, but for some it is far from paradise. Drink spiking in bars can be a problem and sometimes people wake up to find they have been robbed. "There are a lot of people who get drugged here," said Wal Brown, an Australia volunteer with the Thai police who patrols the thronging streets of Patong on the island of Phuket, where crowds of tourists mingle with touts offering entrance to "ladyboy cabarets" or photo ops with endangered animals. "A couple of years ago we had two Italians walk out of the bush. They couldn't remember anything for three days. All their money and clothes were stolen. They only had their jocks (underwear) on," he added. For Full Story: http://au.news.yahoo.com/latest/a/-/latest/18068975/thailand-urged-to-tackle-dark-side-of-land-of-smiles/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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