Seriously, I was tortured by these people. Every step I took someone was trying to get cash off me, trying to recommend a rip-off place or trying to get me on a tuk tuk.
When on the tuk tuk they take you to places you don't even want to go. Places supposedly closed etc, I found them a constant harassment.
The final straw was when the local law student (who, incidentally, knew nothing about Thai law when asked) ended up being the same guy taking me to the airport. Needless to say, he didn't get a tip and was lucky to be paid.
Updates
Send your feedback or queries to been.there@guardian.co.uk
Search Been there
Don’t stop and look lost, walk round in circles and carry a saggy knapsack on your back. Poring over a guide on street corners etc all this makes you a tout magnet.
Secondly, don’t lose you cool. An angry reposte to their approaches shows you are flustered and afraid. In Thailand, a smile is worth cultivating.
Just smile and say No! Nancy Reagan will be proud of you.
“Mai Ao Khrap/Kha” means "I don’t want" – closely sounding like “My Ow Cap!” it works very well when accompanied by a smile.
If you really want to floor them try “Mai Rab Khap/Kha” – this is a formal - “I don’t wish to be offered” and is wonderfully successful except when your harasser is not a native Thai speaker; then they may not recognise the expression.
If you haven’t worked it out – males say “Khrap” and the end of a phrase/sentence/idea and ladies say “Kha”.
Tuk-tuks are to be avoided – they usually cost a tourist more than a metered taxi so there is no point in using them. If you do end up on a wild goose chase in a tuk-tuk, get him to stop and get out – you haven’t paid – so what can he do – take you where you want to go.
If you don’t get back in, there will be another tuk-tuk/taxi along in a few seconds.
Getting uptight about street vendors and touts will only detract from your enjoyment of your holiday – don’t lose your cool just smile and wave them away – it works most of the time – and you aren’t going to stop them from coming.