Bangkok has many games.
Not all of them are played on a poker table.
A friend of mine from Finland, Alex, a fellow poker player, was walking along one of the tourist streets and decided to exchange some money at a small street booth.
Nothing unusual. Just one of those tiny counters squeezed between shops with a rate board hanging above.
He handed over 26,000 baht.
The staff counted quickly and printed a small slip for him. The paper showed 21,000 baht and the exchange rate for the other currency.
Alex looked at the slip and paused.
“Where is the other 5,000?”
They immediately replied, calm and confident.
“No, this is correct.”
Anyone who plays poker long enough develops a certain instinct for situations like this. Alex didn’t argue loudly. He simply stayed firm.
“No. I gave you twenty-six thousand.”
The staff repeated again that everything was correct.
So Alex cancelled the exchange and asked for his money back.
They returned 21,000 baht.
Alex didn’t say much. He just made a “give me back my money” hand gesture.
The funny thing was that they slid two notes onto the table and did the Indian side-to-side head nod.
Alex continued the gesture.
Another note slid across the counter.
Still short.
Alex made the gesture again.
Another note.
Piece by piece, the money appeared. Each time he raised his hand slightly, another bill magically returned to the pile.
Until finally the full 26,000 baht sat back in front of him.
No apologies. No explanations. Just quiet smiles and the famous side-to-side head shake.
Bangkok can be a wonderful city, but like any city, small games are played everywhere.
The lesson is simple.
If you need to exchange money in Bangkok, go to the big places like SuperRich or a bank. Avoid the tiny street counters around the tourist areas.
Some tables are better left unplayed.
