When you think of scam artists here, think major leagues . Their job is to play tourists. That's their OCCUPATION. They ought to be good at it. Here is some information to protect yourself against the touts that prey on the uninformed.

-Unless you are a gem trader by profession, you're not going to become one overnight. The Tourism Authority of Thailand gets over 1000 complaints a year by those who've fallen prey to a gem scam, ie, buying "gems" at "rock bottom prices". Click here for more info from the Canadian embassy.

-Unsolicited help tends not to be benign.

-"Sir, are you going to Wat Po? . It's closed today, but I can take you somewhere else." Then starts your journey to financial black holes.

-If you have a problem, call the Tourist police at 1155.

-Don't fight with Thai people. Your tuk tuk driver doesn't look too tough does he? Many of the drivers come from the North East of Thailand, Issan, which is renoun for their Muay Thai fighters. Besides, everyone and their mom teams up on the foreigner.

-Don't touch people's heads. It is considered the highest and most sacred part of the body.

-Feet are considered the most dirty part of the body. If you cross your legs, point your toes downward. Don't put your feet on furniture or people's heads.

-Be smart. Think twice about buying your new girlfriend a house with your life savings