I don't even remember how he brought up the topic. Here I was, just landed in Bangkok, on a taxi going sight-seeing. I had only about 6 hours in my layover, enough for a small trip around town.
The taxi driver, Philip, started off by asking me if I wanted to go to some other attractions - a little farther.
Maybe next time, I said. When I come with more time to spare.
Realizing and confirming that I was alone, he warned me to stay away from the ladies of the street β can give you AIDS, he said.
Yes, I said. I had no intention of being in their company.
He said I don't have to worry about that with a girl that he brought.
Alarmed, I asked why not.
"They have health cards."
"Issued by who?"
"The Ministry of Health."
"I thought this sort of stuff was illegal." I puzzled out aloud.
"No, it's all legal."
I was intrigued. While Thailand is famous for sex, I still was taken aback by his openness.
He said he could bring one.
I told him, "I want to see it out of curiosity more than anything else."
He still agreed to bring a card.
The rest of my tour was fine. We went to the Grand palace, Wat Phra, a boat ride in Chao Phrya river that ended up at Wat Arun. Most of the original itinerary was over, but there was still plenty of time.
"Where to next," I asked.
"To the Gem factory."
"I don't want to buy any gems."
After a lot of conversation, he confessed that the taxi service was subsidized by the Gem factory, and this was a requirement for him. My guess was that I did not see any of the subsidy; he probably just got a commission from them.
He did not leave me much choice. So, I agreed. The factory was a huge showroom of all kinds of jewelry. It was also teeming with foreign tourists - Farangs, as they are usually called.
I did not stay in there very long - probably about half an hour or so. And then I walked over to the designated meeting spot.
As I got there, I recognized his car. He recognized me too, and opened the door.
There was already someone in the taxi. Looked like he was doubling his fare by picking up another passenger. I wasn't happy, and hesitated a bit. I did not want to get in β but I had already paid for it, and did not know whether free taxis were even available here. I got in. He shut the door and took off.
"Hi, I am Annie," my co-passenger said to me. Lost in my thoughts, I hadn't even noticed her so far. I looked at her. She was about 25, maybe a little more, short hair and wearing the current fashion β a very short dress. I wasn't sure what to say. I gave her my name too. She stretched out her hand. I shook it.
"Philip said you wanted to see my card. I came along too."
Ah, the mystery was solved.
She opened her purse and handed me a 3Γ5 booklet. I took it. It seemed like a regular health check booklet. Her picture was in there, along with entries for six months or so. It was definitely not a license to practice what Philip had intended.
"What do you think?" She asked.
I wasn't thinking of her. Suddenly, I felt scared. Here I was, in a cab, with two accomplices of each other in an underworld trade. What if they took me to somewhere I did not want to go? What if they were after my money? Was there a risk of violence? Could they take me to a deserted place, take my money and leave me there? Or even worse?
Two things gave me comfort: first, that it was Thailand and such things, while they do happen, are rare. Second, I recognized the street as he turned. I knew we were on the highway to the airport. He could still take an exit unknown to me, but at least the right start was made and in ten minutes we would be at the airport.
"I am sorry, I must not have made myself clear," I said. "I just wanted to see the card."
She must have noticed the look of discomfort on my face. She answered β "Yes, he did tell me that, but I was free, so I came along. Just in case, and don't worry about any obligation. We will be at the airport soon. You can go your way and I can go back, if we so choose."
I was obviously a reluctant prospect and she had only a few minutes to make a sale.
I suddenly grew a lot more confident. Seeing me relax, she took my hand.
"Take a look at me, la. Aren't I beautiful. On the street you'd steal glances at me. Take your fill now. I won't object." Her eyes locked on to mine.
How could I decline such an invitation β especially since she was right about me stealing glances. And she was good looking too.
I looked at her eyes, her lips, her neck.
She suddenly broke the silence. "Shall I ask Philip to take us to the parking lot, or do you want to be dropped right away. You do have a couple of hours before your flight. We can pay Philip his waiting charge β about $20/hour."
"What about you?" I asked.
"Depends on what you have in mind. My usual rate is 2500 Baht for two hours. Given that you don't have a lot of time - so I will only charge you 1500 Baht for one hour, and the full 2500 if you want to go all the way."
That seemed like a lot. Some quick calculations showed me that one hour with her will cost me only US$35, plus the $20 for Philip. I was enjoying her style and wanted to experience it further to see how she'd lead into it more.
I said, "parking lot."
Philip made a turn, got into the lot and parked away from the other cars.
Then he got out and stood outside. There was enough light inside to carry on. But there was a lot more outside, to prevent any outsiders from seeing in.
She got a clock from her purse, and set it.