Saturday, March 2, 2024
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) disclosed a new initiative aimed at safeguarding foreign tourists from being overcharged and falling victim to scams. The initiative was unveiled following a meeting that addressed issues related to foreign tourists being aggressively approached by tuktuks and taxi drivers. These drivers have been reported to coerce tourists into patronizing specific shops, where they are often overcharged for goods and services. The discussion also covered traffic conditions and various aspects of tourism safety.
Wanthanee Wattana, the BMA Permanent Secretary, revealed after the meeting that the administration plans to leverage artificial intelligence in conjunction with its extensive network of security cameras. This technological application is intended to monitor traffic law violations, ensure sidewalks are unobstructed by vendors, and enforce parking bans on major roads that are popular among foreign visitors.
Furthermore, a certification system involving stickers for tuktuks, taxis, and shops has been proposed. These stickers will indicate that the establishments and vehicles have been registered with the BMA and commit to fair pricing practices, thereby protecting tourists from being exploited. Additionally, signs will be erected to caution tourists about the potential for being overcharged.
The BMA intends to collaborate with other government entities to identify and penalize those who exploit tourists by overcharging them. Wanthanee mentioned that the administration is also appealing to the public to assist in identifying such deceptive practices.
To enhance the tourist experience further, the BMA plans to make essential information available to tourists. This includes disseminating telephone numbers for emergency assistance and publishing guidebooks. These guidebooks will highlight shops known for offering goods and services at reasonable prices, thereby assisting tourists in making informed choices during their stay.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s new measures are poised to significantly enhance the tourism experience in Bangkok by addressing key concerns related to overcharging and scams. By employing artificial intelligence for monitoring and introducing a certification system, the BMA aims to create a safer and more transparent environment for tourists.
This initiative not only aims to protect tourists but also to boost Bangkok’s reputation as a tourist-friendly destination. The collaboration with government agencies and the involvement of the public in monitoring such activities demonstrate a comprehensive approach to improving tourism safety. The provision of useful information and guidebooks will empower tourists, making their visit to Bangkok more enjoyable and stress-free. These efforts by the BMA are expected to encourage more foreign visitors to the city, thereby positively impacting tourism and the local economy.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
