Thanks Doug. While a Thai driving license certainly helps in most places (a bit o’ Thai doesn’t hurt either), there are certain places where I’ve been flat-out denied while holding out my driving license, passport AND work permit. The Grand Palace comes to mind, although that’s a bit of unique attraction. Most temples in Ayutthaya don’t care what document you have…Richard Barrow’s recent scrap with Asiatique’s ferris wheel is one instance where it’s straight up racial profiling. Of course, it can also largely depend on who is taking the tickets – there are jerks and nice people in every group.

😛

p.s. I think the biggest rip off is at Muay Thai fights. I used to go regularly when we only paid double what Thais do. Since they jacked the prices I have been once in five years. So I guess they are making lots more money off me now huh?

p.p.s did you see on that cost of living index that Honolulu is the second most expensive place to live in the US now???! Alaskans get paid for the oil they have, maybe we should start whaling again and all get paid blubber dividends!