This is the 3^rd time I visit Thailand. I fell inlove with Thailand when I first visited 12 years ago.

My husband and I are visiting Bangkok for business andleisure for a month. Monday is the last day of the unofficial Songkran holidayand we found out that we can find local spas for facial' date=' Thai massages,manicure and pedicure, all of these, at the MBK Center for less than we wouldpay for only the facial at our hotel. When we arrived at the MBK Center,we passed by the BigCut Hair World Center on the 4th floor. Wewere told that the facial was 500 Baht and 250 Baht for Thai massage. We were separatedas we were receiving different services. My husband was upsold by the masseuseto 500 Baht plus tip for Thai massage. The beautician showed me the service menuwhere there was no indication about extra charges over 500 Baht for facial.Then she started telling me "If you do this mask, you will pay 1000 Baht.If you do that mask, you will pay 1500 Baht…†So I asked which mask was 500Baht as listed? She told me the golden mask was. So I chose the golden mask.She was rough the entire procedure. My face was absolutely normal when Ientered, but I left with my face red and full of scares from her trying to breakmy skin and pick the so-called “blackheadsâ€. I had tears in my eyes because itwas hurting so bad. What’s worse? I was getting ready to pay and tip her when Igot a surprise - the price jumped up to 1800 Baht for just the facial. Thenthey told me the golden mask was 1800 Baht. The manager said it wasmiscommunication. However, the beautician spoke good English and she was ableto understand and be understood every time we spoke. We walked out paying 3times extra than what we were quoted. This was a complete rip off. I was goingto do the haircut for 3000 Baht they quoted. Now I am afraid that it will comeout 12,000 Baht. I strongly advise tourists to be careful of this place. Wecould have had a much better facial at my 4 star hotel for 2300 Baht with niceambiance, gentle service and no rip off without having to pay for taxi.[/font']

The next morning I woke up and my face was all swelling and Iam now afraid I not only got ripped off, but also have scares all over my faceand possible infection.

This has added a unforgettable bad experience to Thailand. Whata shame!

I'm living in BKK city center and i have never paid more than 85 Baht for a haircut.

Please only post this in either the forums or the blogs. It doesn't need to be in both places.

I think I'm 50-50 split on how I feel about your experience.

Half of me says that it's a shame that this goes on in Thailand.

The other half has to ask why you would think that a 500 baht service in MBK would be on par with a 2300 service in a 4-star hotel?

I think I'm 50-50 split on how I feel about your experience.

Half of me says that it's a shame that this goes on in Thailand.

The other half has to ask why you would think that a 500 baht service in MBK would be on par with a 2300 service in a 4-star hotel?

well in fairness i would expect to only pay 33-50% of the cost for something outside of a 4/5-star hotel as i would at the hotel ... and most times the service is of a similar standard.

I'm living in BKK city center and i have never paid more than 85 Baht for a haircut.

that 'cause you're that Dutchman begging outside MBK, right?