We continued up-river. There is an incredible mix of architecture in Thailand, and a river trip is a great way to see that. Things got a bit hinky at this point. There were only four of us in the boat, Steve and I and a nice couple from Belgium. The boats themselves are very interesting. Long, narrow, made of wood with diesel engines in the back. The driver moves a big lever up and down that lifts the engine (and the prop) out of the water.
The driver pulled up to another pier. Steve and I hopped off - this was the stop for the Royal Palace. The pier was bouncing up and down wickedly in the rough water and the boat powered away. Startled, we realized that we were alone on the dock, then two tough looking fellows head down the plank. They demand 20 baht each to walk up the plank. They didn't actually say what it was for, but they blocked the way. The argument started. Much yelling and waving of hands. Another boat is approaching, and their shouting becomes much more urgent. One yells "Royal Palace, pay 20 Baht". Okay, we're far enough away from the Royal Palace that we cannot even see the spires. The other boat docks and around a dozen people disembark. The toughs let them walk by. Now I realize we are being had. I start arguing - "Hey, 20 baht for him!!" "20 baht for HER!" and neither tough wants to make eye contact or say anything. Now I know I"m being had, that this is a shake-down however minor. The last of the group is making their way up the plank and I step in behind them. This ensues an elbowing match of which I am quite capable of taking care of myself in! THen they both step in front of Steve. Well now that's just plain foolish, because all 280 pounds of Steve is heading up the plank. There's a sound like a large bowling ball hitting pins and Steve's through the "20 baht" gauntlet.
Why make an issue fro 40 baht (about $4)? Because I had put all the money in one place while I was in the boat (bad idea, always keep some money aside in case you're getting robbed - give the lesser amount). I was afraid if I opened the wallet, that they'd demand everything in it and we would have no way to get back to the hotel. At this point, pretty clearly, we won't be going back to this dock. So now we're a LONG way from the hotel...
Found a market, had a great barbecued pork snack, then took a peaceful taxi back to the hotel with a very nice driver. I should point out that Thai people are truly lovely, the toughs were an exception.
angela