Taxi drivers wait for customers in Bangkok, Thailand, May 29, 2021. Photo by Reuters
A series of measures were announced on Thursday by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to protect foreign tourists from overcharging and scams.
The meeting discussed foreign tourists being harassed by tuktuk and taxi drivers, forcing them to purchase goods and services from their affiliated stores, the traffic situation and different aspects of tourism security.
Speaking after the meeting, BMA Permanent Secretary Wanthanee Wattana said among the measures, the BMA would use artificial intelligence technology with its extensive network of security cameras to monitor violations of the code of road, sidewalks blocked by vendors and violations of parking bans on main roads. frequented by foreign tourists.
Stickers will be issued to tuktuks, taxis and shops to certify that they will not overcharge tourists. The stickers will mean the shops and vehicles have been registered by the BMA and will not rip off tourists. Signs will warn tourists not to be lured into paying excessive prices for goods and services.
The BMA will join forces with other government agencies to monitor and fine opportunists who overcharge tourists, Wanthanee said, noting that it will also seek the public’s help in monitoring such crimes.
The administration will also provide useful information to tourists, such as publishing telephone numbers through which they can call for help, or publishing guides informing tourists about stores offering goods and services to great price, she added.
