I think everyone has covered the taxi transport thing ... and yes there are people that will take advantage of unwary travellers ... especially if you walk alone beware of people telling you they have a daughhter/son that is goinjg to England to sdtudy and would you like to meet the family etc ...
On a happier note, dont forget Chiang Rai when you go north with maybe a side trip to Myanmar if you can go with someone as added security. Also Korat is a nice city worth a visit. If you go north to Chiang mai on the train (very cheap) stop off at Phisanulok, a nice city with a variety of things to see.
As for clothes ... apart from Bkk, Thailand offers somke of the cheapest laundry places you can find.
If you want more information send me an email.
Have fun.

"Tourists are a target here" - ain't that the truth!

__________________
The Truly Wise Man Never Plays Leapfrog With A Unicorn

Hehe... I encountered this one in Kuala Lumpur. I can't believe I nearly fell for it!

I've been scammed a couple of times in Malaysia, once in Penang was a beauty of a scam, when the penny dropped I wasn't angry I was just amazed at how good the scam was and how dumb I had been. If I had of bumped into the scammer later I think I would have shook his hand in awe. Anyway, I think scammers in Malaysia are miles ahead of Thais in their art, I guess having the English skills gives them an edge.

__________________
The Truly Wise Man Never Plays Leapfrog With A Unicorn

This coming Feb will be my third trip to Thailand and I can't wait to start planning the 4th. Taxis are the best way to go - but you should ride in a Tuk Tuk just once to get the experience.

The first yr I went I stayed in China Town at a Guest House - spent days just walking around the area and seeing the temples and eating the amazing food. It is truly an experience. I didn't even really have an agenda the first few days - just lived day to day and saw what I saw (of course Lonely Planet guide book helped).

Second yr I spent a lot of time on the train. Went to Hua Hin for a few days and relaxed.

Then spent some time in Phuket. Loved it there. Explore behind the shops watch were the locals are coming and going from and you will discover a delight of fruit stands and local food.

Have fun

Its my first time too, i'm going to Thailand 7th Feb. Are you intending on going on any trips?

Hi Darklight,

Its quite true that tourists are a target.... Cause thats one of the main source of income for Thais. Believe you have done your research on Thailand. But not all people are like that only a handful. Its a very beautiful country, and its simply irresistible.
Some advice to give:

Travelling in Bangkok would be best by taking their public transport, Monorail. So it would be best if you can try booking your Hotel stay near 1 of the station. Avoid Tuk Tuk, unless you don't mind paying for the experience.
There are different "Coloured" Taxi, Pink, green and blue cabs. Stick to the newer cabs or the Pink cab.

Always have smaller notes in your wallet, common trick in Thai is that they will claim they do not have notes to change. Thus you will be paying more.

Lastly - try learning some simple Thai language, like Hello, thank you, how much, expensive. Thai people appreciate foreigners who can speak simple Thai and that way you would be "cheated". Try downloading some thai translators on your mobile. I use "the thai translator" on my iphone. You can recognise it by the TTT on the icon in app store. Try it if you are on iphone.

Hope this helps & have fun in Thailand.