Watch salesmen

[Guess]

There are a couple of not very pleasant watch sellers around town lately. Not only do they sell 150 Baht watches for 500 Baht but they also use dirty tricks to try and obtain the odd dishonest baht. They are alleged to have resorted to methods such as leaving their watches around when they go to the toliet and then accusing people of stelaing them and playing pool for money but insisting on there own rules as soon as they feel threatened.

They have an air of arrogance about them as if they have right to enter any premises that they choose.

The latest trick whuch I have seen myself was to kick a bar dog. They then claimed that one of them was bitten and complained to the landlady.

They later (nowhere near later enough for them to have visited a hospital or a clinic) return with an exessive bill written on a reciept that can easily be obtained in any shop for next to nothing.

In this case the landlady said she would pay if they were prepared to accompany her to the police station to witness the payment. Of course they declined. The fact that the attempted scam involved two of them indicates what spineless scum bags they are. One of them is about 40 years old has shortish curly hair and is ugly. The other is about 30 with long curly hair and wears a basball cap. The older one has been around Hua Hin for a couple of months. I have never seen the younger one before.

Best thing with these two is avoid them altogether then maybe they will get the message that the dishonest tactics have no chance of success.

It does not seem to have dawned upon these ywo morons that most of the bar owners in Hua Hin know each other and news travels fast.

[suede]

I hear about these scams a lot, is threatening with police a good way of not paying?

[uncle tom]

I remember the watch guys a couple of months ago - most of the traders are easy going, but these guys were a bit surly (and getting nowwhere) - maybe they've changed tack...

[Guess]

I hear about these scams a lot, is threatening with police a good way of not paying?

It is the only way sometimes. If you give in to these wankers they will spread the word that you are a soft touch.

[mil_dos]

Bought a 'Rolex' last weekend for a bargain price from one of these wandering watch salesman. The hands haven't moved since.
Not such a bargain after all.
My experience suggests that the answer might be to not buy their crappy watches. (Or suits - but that's another story).

[Guess]

Probably the same guys. They're the only ones I have seen araound for a while. There has been a couple of really decent guys selling watches and lighters and they have been around for a couple of years. I hjave not seen them since this other mob turned up.

[Mongo Slade]

If it seems to good to be true it probably is. I'm sorry you got ripped off for the rolex, but even a broken watch is right twice a day.

[John Stacey]

Hi.
Will bear these comments in mind during visit. It is good to have this sort of pre-knowledge, saves lives.
I must admit to having bought several watches best buy was in Penang last year, 500 Ringitts for an automatic Rolex Oyster, actually wearing it now, bloody good watch.
Secret with the battery ones is to buy a stack of batteries at the same time, it saves the jeweller putting a hammer through it back in the UK.

Keep up the good work.

[PeteC]

But...if you don't want them to bother you at the beach or at the bar, wear a watch and 8 out of 10 times they will simply pass you by. Also, a smile and a "mai ow Krup!" always keeps them strolling per my experience. Pete

[lomuamart]

Just like on the visa run.
Have a cigarette on your mouth and swear blind to the "bodyguards" that you don't smoke - thankyou.