Travel Tips - Cambodia - Thailand - July 2006

Sunday July 30, 2006

INTERNET THEFT IN THE REGION - Bangkok Thailand's Key Shopping Areas - Panthip Plaza Bangkok for computers - Traveling Around Bangkok - Some Bangkok Maps Aren't Groovy

INTERNET THEFT WARRANTS CAUTION

TIP… Internet theft is rampant in the region. The work you are doing at many of the Internet cafes can be accessed from within or outside the shop from another computer.

Also many of the shops have the computers set to remember passwords and save forms and downloads.

In some shops we have found that legal documents that were scanned were saved in files that remain in the system for a week or more.

Use the Fire Fox browser whenever possible.

After receiving too many requests from business to change passwords we decided to look at how the computers are set at Internet shops. In doing so we found that there was too much to think about and self-protection was in order.

When using an Internet shop computer it is wise to go TOOLS on the computers tool bar and click on INTERNET OPTIONS.

From there in general information click on open to BLANK PAGE.

Delete links to other sites as well as the history.

Go to PRIVACY and set remember history to 0 days. Also delete remember history, clear the cache, save NO passwords.

Make sure the computer will not SAVE OR REMEMBER PASSWORDS or COPY FORMS.

Close and then click REFRESH THREE TIMES then open the browser.

Check history. If there is a history something is wrong.

Repeat the process or change computers.

After you finish your work repeat the process to make sure the person that uses the computer after you can't track your information and go to the sites you've visited.

Also some employees have been seen going to a computer after a customer has left the shop and clicked on and went to every website the customer visited.

We have pointed out to some shops the copying of passwords and forms in their computers in Internet Options. Some were very squeamish and others were attentive and tried to correct the problem. In some cases customers input the spy devices.

Some shops have set their computers so that what they have set can't be changed. You then have the option to leave and go to another shop where you can repeat the process and have a clean computer to use. Some shops have a system that whatever they scan will be saved to a file.

This may not solve all of the problems but it's a start. More suggestions are welcomed.

PANTIP PLAZA

Bangkok's Pantip Plaza on Petchaburi Road is well known for their great deals on computers and software. Digital cameras are also available.

It is located in the heart of one of Bangkok's busiest shopping areas that include being in the vicinity of the World Trade, Big C MBK and Siam Square shopping centers.

For upscale shopping there is Graysorn Plaza and Siam Paragon shopping centers.

You can spend an entire day and not have enough time to visit all of these locations.

All of these sites lay between Phlonchit/Sukhumvit Road (south) and Petchaburi (north)

Also between Ratchadamri Road (east) and Phaya Thai Road (west).

The area is easily accessed via the sky train or canal boat.

Street traffic is dreadful making it difficult to access the area.

If traveling in a vehicle is your preference try to arrive before noon but after the morning traffic of residents going to work.

When using the Skytrain exit at the Siam or Phloen Chit stations.

MBK SHOPPING CENTER

MBK is busting at the seams with customers. They have modernized their facilities and are now catering to a more upscale crowd.

The top floor that serves as the entertainment area is bustling with foot traffic. It houses a cinema, bowling alley, book stores, fast food, Internet & game shops.

The fourth floor most popular area for cell phones and services. You can buy a used cell phone for $25.

Telephone services, SIM cards and prepaid cell phone cars are also available. BUT…. BE CAREFUL.

A customer had a problem with his phone so he purchased a used Ericsson phone for 2200 baht. An extra ion battery cost 150 baht ($3.75) and a case for 60 baht (1.50). The salesman neglected to provide a receipt.

The salesman did give a business card noting a SIX-MONTH GUARANTEE. He spoke decent English and pointed out that if there were any problems to bring the phone back. Problems arose.

The ring on the phone was barely inaudible. The customer missed several IMPORTANT phone calls because he could not hear the ring.

The customer took the phone back to the MBK phone shop two days later. The seller said all phones have a melody ring.

The customer said he wanted the phone to ring loud like his other phone. He asked the seller to call his phone and listen to the type of ring he wanted.

The seller took the customers phone and started twiddling with it. The customer asked what was he doing stating that he asked the salesperson to call the customers phone and listen to the type of ring he wanted.

The seller then pushed the customer aside and walked out of the booth. That is an ASSAULT.

How did this turn out? Full story coming in Consumer Reports.

BUYER BEWARE

Vendors are selling old bus route maps. The new ones are out so make sure you purchase a NEW ONE.

The bus route numbers have been changed since the old map was printed. An example is the number 11 bus in now 511.

For some reason the 7-11 stores aren't carrying the maps as they did in the past. They are selling a ridiculous GROOVY MAP that points out where you can have a drink in Bangkok. Why would you need that? You can drink anywhere.

The Bus map sells for 40 baht or $1. The Groovy map sells for 150 ($3.75) - 200 baht ($5). GO FIGURE

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