One of the things you should get in the habit of doing is checking the accuracy of your bill, before paying it.  This is particularly important with establishments that cater to tourists, and those involved with the sex trade.

If you are with a Thai boy, just let him check it for you.  The really good boys will often take the initiative to do it without your asking.  It’s just their way of taking good care of you.  Either way, it’s always best to let the boy deal with any discrepancies.

Photo Courtesy of Private Boy Movie

When you pay the bill, watch what change they bring back.  A favorite trick, particularly with tourist and sex entertainment venues that cater to farang, is to give you back more coins, as apposed to bills, than needed to make the change.  They know chances are good you will leave all the coins as a tip.

For most cash transactions, such as dinning, drinking, cinema tickets and snacks, and taxi, let the boy take care of paying the bill.  I recall several people telling me I should do this for cultural reasons, but I can not remember the specifics.  In any case, it is appropriate and, best I can tell, expected.  I guarantee the boy will know exactly what to do if you hand him money at the time a bill needs to be paid, and he will always hand you your change after a transaction is completed.  It certainly makes things go smoothly, and you will usually save money, because Thais “appropriately” do not tip as high, if at all, compared to us westerners.  Over tipping can be insulting, something you don’t have to worry about if the boy is taking care of it.

Photo Courtesy of Private Boy Movie

Alternatively, if you know he’s a really good boy, give him a 500 or 1000 to take care of things while you are out with him.  If the money runs out he’ll let you know, and any remaining cash will be returned to you at the end of your outing.  It is, of course, at your discretion to let him keep any remaining change, but a good boy won’t be expecting it.

If you send a boy to the store for something, he will always bring back the change and receipt.  It’s a big red flag if a boy does not return with a receipt, but don’t tell him you want one, as this is a good test of the boy’s integrity.  It is highly unlikely any boy will fail the receipt test.  Thus, passing the test is not a strong indication he’s a good boy, as most boys know better than to screw that one up.