Thailand People – What Thai People Are Really Like
The majority of Thai people come from the countryside of Thailand, therefore to get a good idea of what Thai people are really like we can start there. The general idea that Thai people are all the same is not true, there are actually 4 different type of Thai people that are generally segregated by where the Thai person comes from. There are North, South, Eastern, and central Thai people. Thai people even have a saying about what they are like depending on where you come from a Thai person would say Northern Thai people are lazy, Southern Thai people are bad news, Central Thai people are selfish, Eastern Thai people only care about money. While you could argue the truth to this, the fact is I didn't make it up, Thai people did, and for the most part it is true.
Thai People Are Really Lazy
Yes this is because Thai people are too lazy to get a bin, if they get a bin they will have to clean the bin because people throw waste into it, they are too lazy to do that so instead they'll just throw the trash on the side of the street and wait for the government to pick it up, oh yeah you only pay 30 baht a month to have a bin also but instead they pay nothing so they don't have to deal with any of it. Just Lazy.
Thai People are Selfish
Anyone who has driven on a Thai road knows what Thai people are really like. Take for example the case of the ambulance, you'll never see Thai drivers pulling to the side of the road to allow the ambulance to get through, they wouldn't even do it for a police car let alone an ambulance, it can't be because everyone in Thailand is in such a hurry, they simply don't care, they only care about themselves. Another great example of how Thai people are selfish is how they are always late. You can blame traffic (leave earlier), you could blame the slow pace of life (hardly, Bangkok is a booming place), the fact of the matter is Thai people don't care about your time they only care about themselves and being late is not because they didn't mean it intentionally they did, they were doing something else and didn't care that you were waiting for two hours to arrive.
Thai people have bad manners
Contratry to popular belief about how polite Thai people are and how respect is a huge part of society, the truth couldn't be further from the truth. Thai people are rude, and swear way more than Americans do, in fact, I'd be hard pressed to have heard of a Thai person that didn't throw bad words around. As for Thai manners, it seems once a Thai person leaves high school, all the manners they have learnt cease to exist and they live the rest of their lives with bad manners to anyone they come across whether they know them or not. One great example is, if a Thai person were to work for you, they would show up late or not even show up at all and not apologize for it, though I bet if they were late to school they would have to say sorry to the teacher. Another example of what Thai people are like with bad manners is how you'll be standing in line at 7 eleven, an aisle opens up next to the current register, you go to go there, but the person who came after you would cut in front of you and not even ask you to go first. This is bad manners in any country and if you did that in America or Australia the person behind the counter wouldn't serve you and you'd get a black eye from the person you cut in front of.
Thai People are very Friendly
Most Thai people are very friendly and have no qualms about talking to strangers as long as you don't look like a deadbeat or drunk. This is the only positive about Thai people apart from the negative ones above. Thai people really are friendly with the exception of most of the Thai's who were born in the northern most parts of Thailand. Thai people are super friendly to foreigners as well as amongst themselves. If there's one reason why I keep living in Thailand it's because of how friendly Thai people really are.
This is a very objective view of what Thai people are really like, however the truth is the truth. Anyone who has lived in Thailand for more than a year will know how lazy, selfish, and bad mannered Thai people really are. The good part though Thai people are very friendly.
I don’t know how you’ve written all of this down. Apparently, you do not know Thai people at all! Why did even come to Thailand?
You come here, work here, or have your ex-bar girl wife here, you are under Thai money. You’re just a bunch of foreigners who always discriminate Thai people but don’t even realized that you’re earning money from them!
I hope you would go back to your own country…. You’re just like an immigrat here, who complains about everything.
You may have met Thai people who did rude things to you cause you’re a foreigner or so-called Farang. You just come here to fuck, to get drunk and to mess up our country.
I wish you would emigrate back to your fucking perfect country.. and don’t come to our “fucking” country again.
Well sans i think it’s you who don’t know Thai people or me for that matter. Firstly I don’t make money in Thailand i bring money here, i don’t have a bar girl or ex bargirl girlfriend and I do more to help this country than most people do.
As you said I come here to fuck and get drunk and mess up your country? lol that’s really original dude. I can tell you, that you really don’t know Thai people even though you claim you are one.
In in i’m just letting people know in this article what Thai people are like and in general they are, lazy selfish bad mannered yet still really friendly, i’m sorry you don’t agree with me.
The point is with Thais is that they are from a very far different culture than most foreingers and that can cause misintepretations in the first place, I noticed that the one time they can be open, friendly and talkative and the other time they don’t notice you at all, it can even be that you get the idea that you said something wrong the first time, once you see them again you can have this open Thai again, very confusing in that matter, not real and certainly not a social skill that a foreigner can accept.
For the rest i think they realy have to learn alot, it’s not Thailand that make the world turns.
Also the fact that Thailand it’s economy is mainly tourisme and rice.. made me feel like im just a posibly paying fool for their moment.
Conclusion; Thailand is a nice country to vissit for a holyday , but to live there is getting you nowhere and I rather spend my hard earned money somewhere else.
Was there for almost 5 years, 2.5 years BKK and 2 years in the North East.
Bkk time flies but in the North-East it take ages.
In my eyes it is a tru developing country with there eyes closed, somehow ignorant.
Have a nice time and don’t be upset what i said because im talking with the experience of it.
P.S. Take care you don’t start an argument when you think it’s worth starting while visiting there because they not accept any of that, ever.
They can not make misstakes like foreigners can simply admit.
Mart
It’s not fair for you to say that Thai people are rude, selfish and bad mannered in general. I’m a Thai and I disagree with you.
This is how I see it. Thai people, in general, obviously have different educational system compared to other part of the world. They’re not educated to think by themselves too much hence that’s why they are more respectful towards elders.
At first I didn’t understand why they are the way they are but then I thought about what I learned at school when I was a child. I realised that they’re not used to thinking a lot. They were taught to memorise or recite things most of the time, especially in government schools. No critical thinking, no sharing ideas in class, etc. Teachers were there to teach and what they teach was what I could read myself in the book!
So Thais in general are not lazy, rude, selfish. They’re just not used to ‘think’ about anything. And it’s not because they don’t want to BUT they don’t know how to. It was hard for me to believe but it’s true!
Very good points made by Peach! i do agree with you and my GF is exactly the same. But i definitely see it not as an educational problem peach, but a lazy to learn problem.
Also many farangs here are teachers and have first hand experience on the Thai educational system,. Thais have virtually no attention span, and if its not fun and games they just don’t bother or dont want to listen.
Lastly, Thais love to blame anything but themselves (add this one Chris) Hypocracy! Yes the reason is because the Thai educational system is to blame? Sorry, its more than that… The teachers are lazy so teach things from books, and everyone is just too lazy to care.
Why is Thailand the sex capital of the world? Oh its because of the poor education system they cant get any other jobs? Well vietnam isnt the sex capital, nor is India nor is Malaysia or Laos or Cambodia. So??? Is it really because of the educational system?
You made some good points but they are superficially biassed. look to other countries and learn to compare, then you will understand why Foreigners talk bad about Thailand. We have actually travelled…
Furthermore when we talk bad its not necessarily because we hate Thailand, we would like to hilite the problems for it to Change. thais would rather bury the heads in the sand and let it remain 3rd world, or just not care because its not their job to care.
I agree with this author. Thai people (women) tend to claim “they are the nicest people.” But seriously, if they are nice, they do not have to claim that. Since noone think they are nice, they have to keep telling people “they are nice.” I dont think Thai men are lazy but Thai women are. They only think about “how to get married to foreign rich men.” They are rude. Yes. To get a man whom they are targeting, they can do anything. In the end, they only care about money, greencard etc. A good thing about Thai woman is that they are whore. But seriously, they do not have any respect toward anyone. They are so rude, uneducated, I never could find good things about Thai women. Go get jobs. Stop coming to the US and Europe to trick old dude to get married to be able to stay in there for money.
Personally, I agree with the article. I can’t deny those facts that the Author has written down. However, you have got to understand that not every Thai woman/man are the same. Selfish people is everywhere (probably yourself in some situation) What you wrote was really offensive to me and to other normal Thai women who were raised with good parent and good family background with proper education. But I can understand what you experienced. Mmm, a lot of women who work in the bar have bad manner because they come from poor family. Bar girls are disgraceful people for the rest of Thai women. They are also dramatic to make stupid farang believe them i.e my mom is sick I need money to send her to hospital (actually her mom is probably playing poker) Bar girls are trained to be well fuck-machine. So you can’t expect to experience good manner from them. I’m not here to argue 🙂 but I just wanna share this with you. x
To Simon, I generally agree with the author but I have to tell you something since I’ve come across to your narrow minded comment and I think you should reconsider how you judge things in general. I am a Thai woman and used to live in the US and Europe. Even though I realized how idiot some Americans/europeans could be, I respected their culture and enjoyed every moment since I understood the fact that every person no matter where they come from are different. Believe me, there are bunch of Thai women who go to US and Europe and they are not whores, They are not looking for rich farang men, instead they hate most of them. Many of them might be more educated than you think. I’m sorry if you ever had bad experience about thai ladies. Pls be more positive and try not to judge people based on their nationality. You might have met not even 1% (believe ways less) of the population so generalization on personality isn’t a fair judgement. It’s also your background your society and what brought you to meet those thai whores. Even though I’m Thai, I’ve never talked to a thai whore once in my life. cos it’s not my lifestyle. I’m not upset with the author also agree at some points. however, for you Simon, called people whores is not acceptable. It’s better for you to stop coming to Thailand or wherever that has cheaper economics cos thailand won’t bare a tourist like you.
Umm.. I guess you met all the girl from bar or night club,right? FYI, Thai good girl don’t go for party at the night. They stay home. but if in case of some girl [with well education] go for nightlife, they will go to another place which most of foreigner really don’t go and don’t know where it is.
I agree with the author about how lazy Thai people is. LOL but you don’t know the fact that we can do anything if we have to in a shortest time [if we really want to do ^^] you can see a great wedding arrange in 1-3 hours without preparation or National product exhibition set up in 1 day.
we’re lazy ’till we find out our inspiration.[but too bad it’s not happen often] LOL
about selfish & bad manner.. I think not all of us be like that. but it’s true that people in Capital city very rude sometime -“-. but i think it’s not unusual thing. i means every country [especially all big capital city] have selfish people, right?
P.S sorry for my BAD English.
So you know all the Thai women? There are lazy people everywhere in the world, not just Thailand. I went to England plenty of time and i met a lot of people who could get a job but decided not to work and live on other people’s taxes! Some women even keepp on having babies! It’s happening around the world, not just thailand.
So whats ur point this is a blog about thailand
Psychological defense behavior cannot be anymore pronounced in this country, where ‘khon thai jai dee’ has almost become the national anthem, where people have to repeat things in order to convince themselves that they are true. I do believe I can empathise with Chris but I fail to understand how a person doing work in Thailand for money is doing something wrong.
“Living under Thai money” – how full of intelligence this is.
Sans post is as full of reason as any other Thai person’s statement made in self defense.
I agree Greg. It’s as if they’re barred from saying anything bad about their country which I definitely believe to be the case.
That’s why Sans is running scared and stating oblivious facts as if to try and back up their case. Unfortunately, just by the way the post was written, Sans has no defense.
ถึงคุณ sans
ถ้าคุณอ่านบทความเขาดีๆ คุณจะพบว่ามันเป็นเรื่องจริงหลายเรื่องครับผมอยากให้คุณ “อ่านบทความเขาอย่างเป็นกลาง” โดยไม่มีอคติอะไร
จากบทความของเขานั้น เขาเขียนโดยใช้ประสบการณ์ที่เขาได้พบจริงขณะที่อยู่ในไทยโดยคนไทย คุณจะบอกว่าเขาไม่รู้จักคนไทยดีได้อย่างไรครับ?
จากการแสดงความเห็นของคุณนี่ ผมรู้สึกได้เลยว่าคุณใช้แต่อารมณ์
ทำอย่างนี้ พอฝรั่งคนอื่นมาอ่าน เขาก็อาจจะตีความนิสัยคนไทยจากการแสดงความเห็นของคุณได้นะครับ มันเห็นเด่นชัดเจนเลยว่า นิสัยเป็นยังไง ”พอเจออะไรไม่พอใจก็ใช้อารมณ์มากกว่าเหตุผล“
ผมหวังว่าโพสต์นี้จะทำให้คุณคิดอะไรได้มากขึ้นนะครับ 😀
*** Some Thai people can’t accept the truth, so they will get angry if someone tell them.
those Selfish,Bad or good manners…Some’s are good some’s are bad even worse… Lazy people,Friendly people,whatever they are all around the world, not only in Thailand, please you guys better dont look down to other people, its their life, live your life, make yourself and your life better if its worse, everything can happens, but think positive better than negative
I agree, Well Said.
I agree with the author. My Aunt is Thai and they moved to America. The most lazy people I’ve ever delt with. I live in Thailand and I came here because I like the laid back lifestyle. The only thing that’s not true is the politeness. In their language they’re very polite. I think the author needs to learn some Thai.
Dude I speak Thai fluently
Comical,your country,Thailand is already rubbish,the Thais do a great job of screwing it up themselves. The Thais will never even come close to the level Western people are on,Thais have so many personality flaws its incredible. You showed your true Thai colours when you posted this. I hope your country goes downhill fast. Just remember it is Western money that has boosted your country to begin with. Thais just are not intelligent enough to improve themselves
What on earth is your heart made off? I’m a Thai and reading this made me want to find you and kick you in the balls. I’m sure there are more Thais that are far more intelligent than you, Tim. You just never have a chance to meet them as your mentality can’t get any further.
we are not making money off of them, They are making money off of us!!!
@sans dont forget that if it was not for falangs their companies Thailand would be nothing but a village! Everytime you go out, eat and shop you remember that most brands are falang…
And don’t forget that if it wasnt for all the tourists, brands, companies etc. millions of people would have no job and would have to go back to their village.
Every time you go to Nana, Pattaya, patpong you remember that most those girls and guys would be out of jobs.
And i think the author forgot to mention that Thai’s look at falangs as ATM machines, I’ve been living here for 10 years and 99% of my friends are thai, don’t get me wrong I like thailand and thai people but there are major problems here! No one is perfect and i prefer Thai’s to most falangs but there are another set of problems dealing with Thai people.
Another thing i see often is that Thai mothers don’t do a good job of being mothers. I see counless cases of mothers that dont care about their children, just caring about shopping, men and tiouw. it saddens me to see this. I have seen it many times when my friends mothers dont give their children money, dont care for them (or care very little), dont take them to hospital when they are sick but they buy phones, pai tiouw spend money for their boyfriends etc. etc.
Next time you talk to a foregner like that you remember what i just said. (No offence man)
I still love Thailand ^^
I am Indian and have lived in the US, Europe and India. Now I live in India mostly and spend a lot of time in Thailand as well as Europe. While no country is perfect – I find Thailand to be one of the most amazing country in the world that offers an excellent lifestyle, amazing food, great culture and all at a really good value for money. I feel sad at seeing all the “farangs” using thailand as a cheap sex destination – they are the trash that needs to be gotten rid of in thailand…especially 80 year old white men who go looking for young thai girls or prostitutes. Thai people are lucky to have such a beautiful country to live in, I don’t find them to be so bad really , yes they are all trying to survive so sometimes they charge more or cheat u a bit but that happens everywhere these days. Overall thais aren’t so dishonest, rather for many things Thailand is so cheap so if you tip them a bit they are extremely thankful and appreciative. For most things Thailand is much better than many other Asian countries including India – it’s a shame really that India cannot even be as developed as Thailand despite having the resources. Indian people are extremely frustrated living in India due to the lack of space and horrible quality of life…but Thais are very happy compared to even Europeans…Thais have an easier life and an amazing country to enjoy….they are not obsessed with developing a strong finance based economy and having stressful lives…its a relaxed country that I love to visit and have never ever faced any major problems with the locals….rather most of them have been extremely nice to me. Oh and I am just 32 years old…not some 100 year old sex tourist ….Thai people are beautiful and sweet – as anywhere if you respect them they will respect you back. Those who find thailand horrible please go back to your cold nasty countries and be happy…..you all go to thailand for the cheap sex and cheap lifestyle running away from your stressful corporate jobs but you dont appreciate what the country has to offer and rather discriminate and complain all the time…..plain and simple if Thailand was such a bad place then they wouldn’t get 22 million tourists a year…and Bangkok wouldnt be the most visited city in the World.
I am not agree with you. you said that people come to Thailand for fuck, get drunk and mess up your country. but who is giving this opportunity? Thai people only, no one else. if women are illiterate it doesnt mean that they will jump on prostitution. there are other woman also in Thailand who are working as maid, or selling fruits or vegetables. selling own’s flesh is not the only way. second you cant find ocean of shemale other than Thailand. why and for whom? of course for foreigners not for local Thai people. why 20-22 years girls is roaming on street or in bar with 70 plus years old man, who even cant kiss her passionately? who is offering and for what reason? of course for easy money. this all game is for money. you can find this all young girls are every where, not in bar or clubs. they are in Big C, or any shopping malls with old men of grand father age. and they are shamelessly trying to seduce their old dudes publicly. and its making negative impact on school going girls too. you can see in their eyes, the way they look at foreigners….its only lust. its painful to see that how the young generation is destroying by this whores.Education is another factor no doubt. but look at other asian countries like India, Sri Lanka,Malaysia, etc. prostitution is not their major source of income. then why Thailand is sex spot of world? because its undeniable fact that Thai people are making it not foreigners. so stop blaming and start correcting. thus you can make your country truly beautiful.
Oh ! And i’m sorry for the “grammatical” mistakes ive made with your civilized English language.
“Me is Thai, I dont know what u talk about , go to the hell”
Btw i wrote this on an iphone
-Don’t be sorry, be more literate in what is the common language of the world now. There’s no point in writing here otherwise. Your comment betrays the underlying, uncivilized xenophobia of Thais which has no place in the modern world.
You sound angry. If you directed that anger towards your fellow Thais for their poor treatment of foreigners, you’d be part of the solution and not part of the problem. Are you really surprised that people don’t respect Thais when you are here representing your people by telling posters to go to hell. That doesn’t seem very intelligent.
Sans,
Apparently unbeknownst to you… You epitomize what the author wrote about! You had best shut your trap before you continue to prove his point even more solidly!
Your comment, “Btw i wrote this on an iphone” shows yet one more common feature I’ve encountered here in Thailand where people seem to think that because they may own an iPhone or other fancy hi-tech or expensive device that this makes them more civilized or more intelligent or somehow higher class than others. I got a good laugh seeing that part of your post too.
I’m curious why your iPhone doesn’t correct many of your spelling errors automatically like mine does? I actually had to undo auto-corrections two times in order to write your quote accurately. Did you somehow turn off the auto correct!? Strange…
Oh, one more btw. I don’t believe a language in itself is necessarily civilized or otherwise, rather it is the person using it that is such. Much as your use of the English language, which you stated as being civilized, proved to be quite uncivil. You would do well to pay need to your manner more than your grammar. My grammar leaves much to be desired, but I think the average person would be forgiving of such inconsequential mistakes as long as your intended meaning is carried across well enough.
Every country has its problems. Be a man and own up to yours.
Hahaha a perfect example of Apple’s oft annoying auto-correction system.
I wrote, “You would do well to pay need to your manner more than your grammar”. It should read, “pay heed”.
Jesus you’re a really angry out of control individual aren’t you? What does writing the comment on an Iphone have to do with anything though?
At least you got the fact right that our language is civilized.
ขอโทษนะครับ แต่คุณเป็นคนไทยไหม คุณเกิดท่ีน้ีหรอ คุณก็แค่เป็นฝร่ังคนหน่ึงท่ีวิจารณ์ประเทศไทยต่างๆนานา และเปรียบเทียบกับประเทศเจริญอ่ืนๆ แต่ขอโทษนะครับ ประเทศเราไม่ใช่ประเทศท่ีพัฒนาแบบตะวันตก
เราพัฒนาแบบของเราเอง และคนไทยส่วนใหญ่ก็คิดอย่างผม เราไม่อยากเป็นประเทศศรีวิไล เราแค่อยากเป็นของเราเอง เราแค่ขอความสุขก็พอแล้ว
ท่ีคุณเขียนในบล็อกน้ี ขอบอกตรงๆว่า คุณดูถูกประเทศไทยมาก ถ้าคนไทยไปเขียนเก่ียวกับประเทศไทยแบบน้ีบ้างหล่ะ? คุณจะว่ายังไง? (ถ้าคุณเป็นคนอเมริกา คุณก็คงตอบว่า ไม่สนใจ) แต่สําหรับคนไทย เราสนใจ
คุณอาจจะแค่เจอ คนไม่ก่ีคนทําอย่างท่ีคุณเขียนมาแค่ไม่ก่ีปี คุณก็คิดไปไกลแล้วว่าคนไทยเป็นแบบน้ี แล้วอย่ามาบอกเลยว่าคุณเอาเงินมาให้ประเทศเรา ถ้าคุณมาพูดแบบน้ี คนไทยก็ไม่ต้องการเงินคุณหรอก
ถ้าคนไทยได้มาอ่านเว็บน้ี เค้าก็คงจะโกรธคุณมาก แต่เค้าก็คงไม่ทําอะไร เพราะคนไทยใจเย็น และเค้าก็จะปล่อยไป ส่ิงเดียวท่ีคือควาทจริงท่ีคุณเขียนก็คือ คนไทยมิตรดีกันคนไทยข้ีเกียจ
บอกตรงๆ เลย คุณไม่รู้อะไรเก่ียวกับไทย แต่ทําเป็นพูด ฝร่ังก็เป็นแบบเน่ีย ชอบเข้าไปเสือกเร่ืองของประเทศอ่ืนและคิดว่าพวกมึงรู้จริง
Americans, Europeans are all the same, they just go in to other countries and don’t mind their own businesses… And they dont keep their mouths shut! They think they KNOWWWW so much about that country and maybe write a book or a blog (cause no one would publish ur fucking book)
You dont know about Thailand and not only Thailand has been criticized by u whites, but many other countries, mostly in Asia. Everyone doesnt like it but we wont do anything back to you.
All the things u wrote here could have been 40% true but why bother writing it out? Its because u just cant stop discriminating poorer countries and compare them to ur westernized country..
I wish u would just stop what ure doing.. out of respect.. But i know u wouldnt stop caus ure just a farang. And i wont answer back, its “mai pen rai”…
…You’re just another farang coming to our lazy, unmannered, unrespectful, lazy third-world kingdom of Thailand.
No problem man your entitled to your opinion just as I am. But why didn’t you translate the english to exactly what you wrote in Thai, you started off saying “I’m sorry but are you Thai?” I thought that was interesting because really you have to step out of the box in order to look in, that’s how I can understand and see better how Thai people are than you yourself can because your Thai. Oh I’m Australian so I guess you missed that one perhaps?
What you’ve wrote was so disrespectful and it aims directly to all Thais so this is me standing up for myself as I’m a proud Thai. I’m sure I know more about Thailand than you do. Maybe you need to bring up your mentality and finally meet other different people in Thailand.
You’re far from a true blue mate.
Have some respect and stop telling porky mate.
Sans, ถ้าคุณเป็นคนไทย ฉันหวังว่าคุณคงเข้าใจว่าที่เขาแบบนี้น่ะมันเป็นกรรมของเขา คิดเสียว่ามันเป็นกรรมของสัตว์น่ะ อุตสาห์ไปเกิดในประเทศที่เขาเรียกว่าซิวิไล แต่ซิวิไลแควัตถุ ปล่อยเป็นหน้าที่ของกรรมก็แล้วกัน Sans คุณน่าจะรู้นะว่าประเทศของเรามี เทพอะไรที่ปกปักรักษามาช้านาน ใครที่อยู่ประเทศไทยและไม่รู้คุณ คอยแต่บ่อนทำลาย จะอยู่ที่นี่อย่างมีความสุขไม่ได้ อีกไม่นานนักหรอกเขาอาจจะไม่ได้อยู่ที่นี่อีกเลย รวมทั้งคนไทยที่อยู่ข้างๆ เขาคอยกระซิบแนะนำเรื่องที่ไม่สร้างสรรอีกด้วย ไม่ต้องมองอะไรมากเลย แม่ก็ขี้เหล้า ตายเสียตั้งแต่อายุยังไม่หกสิบ พ่อก็พาไปซ่องตั้งแต่อายุสิบขวบ ก็ดูว่าสอนลูกอย่างไร ลูกถึงได้มีนิสัยแบบนี้
That’s a bit harsh wow, I wondered whether I should actually approve your comment but thought it would show how hypocritical you are judging me judging you lol.
Now you’re just making generalizations about people and personally I’m American and kind of offended by your comment. Not ALL Americans are in the realm of “not minding their own business’. How do you know this? Have you even met Americans before? Probably not. You’re just acting like you know everything about the U.S.
You don’t know crap about my country so how about you follow your own advice and stop acting like you know so much and keep your mouth shut and stop spewing vile hate and anger on this post please.
Furthermore, you say, “Why bother writing it out?” Well, because we have a right to post whatever we want. You just cannot accept the truth Sans and so your psychological response is to get angry and into defensive mode.
Just accept what things are.
Instead of writing the “truth” about Thai ppl that u believe, why don’t u just put up with it and just live with it caus you’ll b here for a long time, Aussie.
Writing it out won’t prove anything, it’ll just make farangs hate Thais and Thais hate farangs.
Well i may have missed the ‘down under’ caus it didnt mean anything to anyone…that was just my “opinion”
Yes, don’t write the truth (we couldn’t have that!)…”It’ll just make farangs hate Thais and Thais hate farangs…”
Wow! Is the truth THAT bad? Personally I found that behaving with honor and integrity always reflects well on me when the truth is told. In what way is that different when the truth is spoken about Thai people? Surely their honor and integrity would stand them in good stead whenever the truth is told? I don’t understand your concern on this.
I would prefer you ‘greng jai’ (lie)
maybe it also makes thai people wake up – problems and bad habbits like GIVE A FUCK ABOUT EACH OTHER acn get fixed 😉 its important to speak about problems, another thing thais need to learn
God if you have known the life of elite Bangkokers you’d probably not have been saying this
The elite in Bangkok are a small minority as the huge majority of Thai people more fit into the category of what i’m talking about.
I disagree. You’re stating ‘Thai people’ so it applies to The King and the rest of the royal family, the elite Thais, the poor Thais, the stupid Thais, the bad Thais….Don’t you see the big picture? You don’t group people as Thais, Aussies, Brits, Americans, etc. Bads are bads, lazy people are lazy people. Nationally has nothing to do with that. It’s just the location. There are all kinds of people around the world.
Well actually I do, Americans are loud, brits drunk, aussies lazy and jews are stingy. As for Thais, the article applies.
Elite Thai, Bangkokian or otherwise, would be in near complete agreement with the article. They are the ones who will tell you nearly identical sagas as to what was written in the article!
Chris, again – an excellent article! I will look forward to your (more frequent,) viusits to Bangkok and hopefully, we’ll be able to “meet-up” during one of them. My only concern is, …..”Thai people are super friendly to foreigners as well as amongst themselves.” Here in Bangkok, that’s only true once in a while. There seems to be a “predisposition” toward appearing “HiSo” and NOT being friendly- if they can avoid it.
(As evidenced by fiddling with their cell phones endlessly on the Skytrain/Subway, staring out the window silently on busses and sonteaws,….) So, they’re not quite so friendly to farangs- or to each other, in Bangkok. (Of course, during any “business transaction,” they’re all smiles!) Anyway, you’re “spot-on” as usual, and my apologies for all the negative crap you will inevitably receive.
I’m Thai and I’m always looking at my phone or starring at the windows endlessly on the train. I’m very sorry that you feel it’s not friendly to do so. I think I’m friendly but it’s just too difficult trying to starring at everyone’s eyes and smile to them randomly. If I know that you would like to see my smile or say hello, I’m willing to do so 🙂
Thank you PJ! 🙂
And you’re spot on with your post too HappyinBKK! I haven’t found that many Thais to be all that friendly in BKK. Where I live now in though another province, they seem to be a bit more nice. That’s what I don’t like about some of the people in the big city. Many of the girls have the need to act all HiSo and not be all that outgoing to the general public around them.
hey chris, I have read and thought about your article and yes, i see a lot of this here in thailand, but have to confess i am lazy and selfish also (but friendly!) haha…but i am american, so people say a lot worse than that about us…so i wonder why the thais that respond are so defensive? maybe because it rings true? insular cultures and societies always fail because all they see is their own superiority reflected back to them…anyway, you know you have a successful blog when it provokes such heated discussion – keep it up mate…
Hey Rish, (I’ve been posting about many things on this article tonight for some reason haha).
Anyways, I’m American too and would agree that while I’m probably quite independent and perhaps a tad bit selfish, I’m by no means falling under the category that Sans and other people are ranting about.
As I posted a little bit back about the defensive element, you’re right. I think it’s like a psychological response that, when back into a corner, told something that one doesn’t want to hear (or accept), they’re immediate defense is to get mad and try and defend and protect what credibility they believe they still have.
They almost know what is being said about them is true but don’t want to accept it and, in even more so, in accordance with Thai culture, be shamed.
I can only concur, in my time staying here, 90% of the Thai’s I have met to be: arrogant,rude and most of all disrespectful (even after being shown the utmost respect)
But its a cultural & social breeding thing, they just do not have the intellect to know and understand that their behavior is wrong, therefore, to combat their behavior and alleviate the stress of dealing with them, I personally look at them all as if they are kindergarten age and as such they cannot help being as socially and intellectually inept as they are.
They roll out the old adage “this is Thai culture” when they do something wrong, but no matter how they dress it up & no matter where in the world, when you are doing something wrong it is still wrong no matter how you try to hide it by saying “this is our culture” wrong is wrong full stop.
There are a few who I have met who are intellectually switched on, but those are few and far between. You only need to watch the current lady P.M. she is a hoot. I have it on good authority that many Thai academics have already been cringing at the display of such bad English of a countries leader who is “attempting” to talk on a “world stage” the assessment, was that said leader came across as having come straight from the “paddy field in her yellow wellies” as she appears to have the social standing of a rice picker. And this is leading Thai academics who are saying this.
Hi Mark,
You sound like you may be American? To judge a person on what they may be like by the way they speak a foreign language sounds to me a little shallow. I trust that you can speak Thai fluently and would not be out of your depth mixing with successful Thai business leaders? A leader should be judged on what they achieve not how they talk about it. We in Australia have a wonderful yabbermouth as a leader but she would be lucky to find some straw in a hay stack!
Chris, another interesting article, thanks.
cheers, Mike.
What does he possibly being American have anything to do with it?
His comments-whether asinine or genius should be agreed or disagreed with on their own merits.
His nationality has no bearing. Unless you are implying that since he not allowed to bitch, moan,comment,etc. because he is an Yank.
To add: I actually agree with what you are saying Mike but just did not understand what the American question was about.
Perhaps from being *#$^%& with so much by so many rude people from my time overseas for merely being American I am a weary of that type of thing.
No worries and all that.
I agree Mark with what you’re written and above all, would truly believe that most of the Thais I’ve run into (with some exceptions to the province I live in now), many I’ve found to be quite rude and cocky also. They just don’t care about anyone else but themselves, their clique of friends, and their families. All others, not their concern.
I especially get ticked though when they consistently unwrap the same song again and again about the Thai culture thing. So in other words being rude, arrogant, and disrespectful is part of an acceptable culture? I won’t even go into how illogical that reasoning is.
Good post Mark.
I would just like to say that I am sorry that you feel this way about each other. I have never met a Thai person that I did not like. I think the Thai culture is amazing and has a lot to teach us. I admit we have many things that are different, but we have problems only when we see the world through a closed heart. I really do enjoy a lot about the Thai people. Some things are not the same, but that does not make them wrong. Thai food is also the best in the world. I really enjoyed my two years that I lived in Thailand, and my friends in Thailand are my best friends in the world. I would disagree with your views on them. My experiences with Thai people have only been good ones. I do not think Thai people are selfish at all. The whole time I was in Thailand people did kind things to me. I hope that Thai people will realize not all people agree with the things this guy says about their culture.
@Alexander Johnevich Olinger (yeah sure)…there will always be exceptions to any rule. Great news that you managed to find a manifestation of that and incorporate it into your bubble of existence. However it is logically inconsistent to infer that a statistical “exception” somehow disproves the statistical ‘rule’ that most people here report they’ve experienced; for example, if the reported ‘exceptions’ were so prevelant as to BE the rule…you’d have a logically valid position from which to refute the authors assertions. As it is, you quote the exception you’ve personally encountered as if it is somehow the rule; that’s nice, but hardly any refutation that can be given credence. Just as a few white tigers certainly exist among the stereotypical population of…wait for it…orange tigers wif black stripes you’d typically expect to encounter…so it is that your ‘exception’ is one such rare white tiger that can be fortuitously found if you look for it hard enough…or are lucky enough to fall over it. Without being rude, your anecdotal experience is about as significant as that.
In 3 years of living there among them, I also stumbled over one that was a ‘white tiger’…but all the others were the typical orange with black stripes type. Perhaps this is one reason why the greng jai, ‘saving face’ behavior is so pervasive there…the truth too accurately describes them, and they just don’t like that. Personally I’ve found that making at least some effort to be accountable for my behavior AND having a level of honesty which actually registers on the meter occasionally…goes a long way towards me not having to worry about “losing face” with anyone. Perhaps the Thais are just missing the face saving concept of that??
Reading this article makes me feel for the Thai simply because I have the nicest Thai friends here in my 3 years living and working in this amazing country.
However, I truly agree some points that the author expressed and disagree some. For example, not all Thai people are selfish (except the thai business people) Honestly, I considered my own fellowmen back home as selfish compare to the most Thai people. They don’t hesitate to share what they have and always willing to help financially. One thing I don’t like is the fact that some Thai have truly rude manner especifically the bus drivers and bus conductors who never allow you to choose where to sit down inside their buses except when the seats are empty. Many times I had been led to a not comfortable seat because they wanted me to sit down there not to the seat I felt comfortable sitting. And sometimes shouted by a bus conductor because I did not stand to the back seat. Once I fell from the bus because the bus driver drove before my other feet stepped in the bus. Those are the rude manners I got from uneducated Thai folks.
Sadly, I admit, some of my thai friends smile at me sweetly everytime I say goodbye. But when I look back to give again my last farewell smile for that day, their sweetest smiles are not there anymore after a few sec. But then again I think I must get used to it.
now I know why Thai’s are always laughing at those “stupid farangs”…can you do a post on Americans? I mean typical ignorant middle Americans like yourself.
Why do you live in Thailand? There are hundreds of other countries where you might like the people. Let me guess, cheap accommodation, cheap beer, cheap women, and a place where they are so many poorly educated people you actually feel remotely intelligent and important.
Yeah I could do a post on stupid farangs, I’ve met a lot of stupid Americans when I lived there but I’m Australian sorry to correct and in Australia there are stupid people there too you can’t escape them even when you come to Thailand 🙂
I usually find myself unable to relate to most of the Australians I meet in Thailand. In fact I don’t think I’ve been able to relate to an Australian in an ‘Aussie Bar’ anywhere in the world. I also hold a UK passport and have to say the British are some of the worst on holiday and at home.
Of any culture the stupid ones stand out and the smart and ‘normal’ ones blend into the crowd. It is always hard to make generalisations as not everyones experiences are the same and even harder to accept criticism of your own nation. I think its especially hard for thai’s to accept criticism when they see farangs acting like such idiots in their country.
Thank you for being objective and not jumping on the
“OMG all Americans r stoopid fatasses,etc” bandwagon.
That shit gets old.
Just found this blog/site tonight and will return. Keep up the good work.
My reply up there was to Chris.
I’m an Australian and I’m a wonderful person, in fact I feel an obligation to tell any foreigner I run into in Thailand just how lucky he is to meet me.
If he is one of many who has been unable to appreciate my finer qualities then it’s just their bad luck isn’t it? 🙂
Thailand was nice years ago. Still some parts of it are wonderful, but very very few.
Actually the thais are rude, well most of them.
The rudeness has been increasing in the last 5 years or so. They are not rude with their fellow country mates, but only with the foreigner. They now see the foreigner “farang” like an intruder, without realising that if it was not for the foreigner at this time most of them would still be eating rice in isaan.
Thailand is the only country in the world who dare to call a foreigner with a special ‘low attribute”farang . You go to china india america or anywhere else, the citizen there will try to guess your nationality and call you “hey here the english comes, ehy here the indian comes ,,, but nobody will call you a foreigner with that rude tone.
It is called the land of smile, but actually its a fake smile “We smile if you give us your money”.
Ever observed when they smile to you ? check later turn your back when you ‘re gone already. hear the comments if you can.
Well, you might ask why did you go there ? i did not choose unfortunately, it was for business purposes and i was sent here.
Wish end of my contract will soon come.
I agreee Thai’s are rude, but they are rude to everyone including Thai’s. Other countries even China like you say have derogetory terms to describe white people, in China they call white people Gaolow. While I appreciate your comment I can’t say there is exact truth in all of it.
I agree with your statement, Lorenz, saying:
” It is called the land of smile, but actually its a fake smile “We smile if you give us your money”.
Ever observed when they smile to you ? check later turn your back when you ‘re gone already. hear the comments if you can.” Sad but true!
In Japan there is a commonly used word for all foreigners – gaijin. I believe it is on par with “farang”. Newscasters are not permitted to use the word “gaijin” and are supposed to use a more appropriate term, but in daily life it is the norm for most people unless they are a very polite person or in mixed company and adjusting the level of their speech likewise. I have found the same to be true in Thailand.
Yes also rude between them at times, but really rare.
Depending where you have had your experience.
where you have lived. In isaan some people have really a lovely heart,,, but why ?
Coz they not yet experienced having yet in their bank account more than $1,000 or call it euro.
In the us or europe we are used to see this kind of money, but in thailand there are people who have only 200/300 bht or less in their bank account.
These people become aggressive and dangerous when they start to make money.
They all fine when we buy items and products, but try to lower down the price, and try to speak thai to show that you stay here long time and they’ll start to put up their angry face.
Being a tourist here its fine, but when doing business you will be hated, and jealous thai taxi drivers who spy for the police.. will call the cops, to check your registration license.
Even if you’ve managed to sort out all your things nicely and by the law, because you are a farang you need to pay some money to them.
Please Dont try to be too nice there, (am not saying not being polite) cos you’ll be asked for more, and when you dont give you’ll be hated.
Don’t say that you dont have money , cos you wont be respected. I dont use a wallet anymore, but when i pay for a drink in a bar, or anywhere else i have my money folded and with a golden clip. That shows that i have the money, but am not paying more than am due to. And if any the tip is given to those who have been nice and polite with customers, and to those who didnt show up their business smily face.
“Dont try to be too nice there…cos you’ll be asked for more, and when you don’t give you’ll be hated”.
-Exactly right, that’s what I experienced for 3 years too. It appears that being nice is seen as a weakness to be exploited. Feeding frenzy would be an applicable term. The scenario everywhere I went, seemed to play out very much along these lines: Curiosity–>envy–>jealousy–>resentment–>silent treatment–>outright hostility (at your unwillingness to participate in your own [financial] screwing over by opportunistic Thais). And that plays out over about 2 months in any location you happen to be. So the trick is to move elsewhere, just before the 2 months is up, or sooner. I wasn’t even in business, just a decent middle class type of person quietly evaluating the prospect of a permanent retirement in the land of ‘smiles’, but the xenophobia and rampant dishonesty disqualify Thailand from further consideration. My money of the next 25 years shall be spent in country(s) which appreciate my presence and associated contribution. Good job, TAT!! Oh wait no…it’s a total loss of face. Gotta love the Internet…
Oh yes Chris, sorry just now after posting i saw this word Gaolow. Ehhe you been there ? I found that guandong, fujan , Hunan use that word, but they can still be in good relationship with you and eat together too, without speaking to others about what you do and who you are. They like keep secrets somehow.
The provinces closer to Tibet seem to be more natural, and normally trust you if can speak chinese. but they will shout at if you ignore their culture or drive very fast with motor bike.
I cant explain why, but i have been everywhere in asia, and normally each country seem to have its own codes and culture, however politeness as a rule of thumb will be there.Or other common sense rules.
Thailand is like a big village yet not civilized, not yet ready to meet the west, cos of their luck of personality and balance. I mean the majority of the pupulation.”Forest”
They are the creator or the words: “what you do come back to you” and still most of them do bad, thinking taht if they go to temple, their sins will be deleted.
They cannot learn any better cos their feed comes from the national Tv programs.
After few years, you will start to see these people as a “joke” . Look at their Tv programs, and you will see what i mean. There is a certain similarity to the cartoons. My lady look at them and she smiles.
What am saying, anywherelse you might find good mates and know their families and find some common points, but in Thailand you are seen as a walking ATM, a puppet to be manipulated, unwelcomed.
Take some cities near bkk, who were fisherman villages 30 years ago and now are the main tourist sex attraction;; farang made it, and now they are saying well, thanks for your millions, now the visa fees will be up even more.
They should at least give commission to all the nice ladies who allowed this to be possible. Look how much a lady can contribute to pump money in Thailand ! I love you ! I come back for you ! i do bank transfer for you, and the bank gets the commission fees, i buy condo for you, and the developers, the wood makers, the metal producers, the whole industry grows more , and all around them. Even the gel and silycon industry benefit from this, cos they’ll have to make more condoms.
Its just a “joke” take it easy.
After countless trips to Thailand I find them the rudest people I have met in any country.
Excellent blog! I absolutely agree with everything you said!
(Sans you are an idiot and can’t face it. Have always think we have var girls etc your mums one! 🙂
I love living here, there are so many great things (the food, easy life style, generally friendly people) but what you pointed out as negatives are spot on correct. I’ve been here 7 years and will be leaving next month, for a new work position in my home country. I will be back. Just another thing about RUDE Thais that makes me soooo mad is when some Thai people are so rude if you don’t buy their product at their shops, Like if you looked, and thought no I won’t take but say thank you anyway they look down on you, NOT smile and just be assholes. I’m sick of being asked “fan majak Isaan lor? Or stupid questions that I would never ask them (that’s just me) I didn’t come to socialize.I bet if I asked them, what they asked me it would be rude, getting treating wrong, not being served, coz I’m farang, (maybe too lazy to talk to the farang, even though he speaks good Thai) but anyway the positives out way the bad and I’m happy to have lived here 🙂 here.
Ohh and ur so right! Thais swear alllllll the time “hia this hia that. But they never admit it. WEAK!
People from all around the world migrate to the United States and generally they want nothing to do with people born here (aka stupid Americans). Most do not even learn English language, and they are getting jobs easier today then natives… the point is that every culture has taken complete advantage of the USA to the point that we (meaning everyone in the world) are just one culture. It is a global economy, and we are all connected by the Internet like never before. The truth is that Americans are the most tolerant of all the cultures, and if you take away all the MSG, the flouride, the Aspartame, the media, and tyranny, you wind up with more lies then anything. Meaning, you can add up every culture and not even bother comparing them, because the only truth humans have left in the World is that we have all been lied to, so much, been manipulated, so long, mistreated, decieved, programmed, and contaminated… and it all adds up to one huge LIE!
wow you really thought about this huh
I am an American and I would not say we are the most tolerant nor would it be to the other extreme. General statements like that really do nothing productive.
I do agree we seem to moving to some sort of one world “something”.
I remember one piece of advice a I was given by an Australian woman who had worked in Thailand for years.
“Don’t learn Thai. Once you do you will want to strangle about twenty Thai a day.”
How right she was. Ignorance was bliss.
Still I live and work here and try to focus on the positive. All you can do anywhere in world. : )
There is a Chinatown thriving in every major city in the USA. New York has a Chinatown in each borough. NY has a neighborhood inhabited by every single nationality. There is a Spanish neighborhood, Dominican, black, white, Arabs, Mexicans, India, Austrailian, Europeans, Russian, everything. If Martians landed, they would get their own hood.
Every culture is represented in the USA. Are they all getting along? No way, its a zoo. Is the USA more tolerant then any other place? Yes and no, but that is not a generalization because the diversity is consistent throughout the states, not just in cities.
I think I agree with you that “tolerant” might not be the correct term. Maybe culturally desensitized, or a state of cultural confusion. The USA has been one big weird sci fi experiment and its diversity of humans is seen nowhere else like it on earth.
I go to resturants in the USA and Thai have some of the best food. The trade off is an often rude service, not always, but it is consistent. Of course, Americans who have not traveled internationally are very much clueless in a lot of ways, but when Thai come here and open up shop they come off with a superiority complex. They were told early on to that all Americans are morons. If they hate America and its inhabitants, them they just move to the the USA to suck off an economy, and the free ride has already been abused to the extreme. It is not a mystery.
Now I am going to really generalize, but I am 50 years old and this is generally what I see. Thai who relocate here have probably only traveled to two places, the city they were born in Thailand and the city they relocated to in the US. They are not world travelers because its too expensive to do for most people to see as many countries as me. Thai only hire Thai people. Thai only trust Thai people. Thai only like Thai people and have no interest being friends with them, they just want money.
Go to NYC neighborhoods and basically every nationality tends to keep to themselves. A small percentage actually participate in the melting pot effect. There is tons of bigotry, and immigrants bring that to the city by the mega ton. Immigrants struggled years ago, but now every store is owned by someone from another place and they only hire their nationality. The people who were born in the US are the ones who now struggle.
A lot of shops in Chinatown refuse to sell to white people. And I am sure they profile blacks even more. Why? Because they are white, black, not from their country, or whatever reasons they have. Those reasons are all negative. Why did they move to San Francisco or Seattle Chinatown, to hate Americans? To only serve Chinese? Those are poor qualities, and Americans with poor qualities who relocate to Bangkok are not well received, either. Have some manners, learn how to adopt mannerisms of the economy you leech off of, or leave.
Another example, it is just an example, is that even Korean shop owners will have a vendenta against other Asian cultures. They probably sneer at them, judge them inappropriately, act stubborn, or whatever it is.
The thing that gets me most, is that if a Thai resturant ticks me off with rude service, I am out of a noodle shop. I refuse to eat their negative vibes, cause Thais put it into the food like that if they have some vendetta. If they do, they are out a good customer and I have to travel another 30 minutes, to get to another noodle shop when I am hungry. This is not surprising, if they have poor service skills or have too many misunderstandings about how to treat American customers, well, then I am not returning to buy noodles. Then I must travel further, then further, to the next pho shop.
Thats the only reason why Thai tick me off. Its all personal with them. Many can not get a grip on it. I cant walk in, say hi, order noodles and tea, eat, pay, say thanks and leave? Nah, not with Thai, they need to look you over with some kind of critical sense of if I am bringing bad energy into their shop. Or better yet, I am clean and they do not like to look spiritually dirty in comparison. Its not my fault! Do what you need to do, I do what I do, and I am just hungry for good food.
I would be glad to talk, in fact, Id invite you to sit down, but since you got a bug up your butt about something like “i only eat with Thais” well, then I am on to the next place down the road.
I will send my girlfriend in there and buy a bowl to go to decode your secret broth recipe. I will figure it out on my own. A little sampling of pho broth espianage. I dont need all that Thai attitude, you know? And my guess is that they play the same games with all sorts of people.
In Japan I have seen the sushi places that have signs out front saying they only serve Japanese. They wont let anyone else sit down, and if they do they might be served contaminated fish. This sort of thing is way less common (unless done passively) in the USA. In the USA, they are required to be sneaky and passive about their bigotry, because if done outwardly that kind of attitude will tick too many Americans off.
Thus, to answer your question, yes, the USA are much better then Thai, but Thai have better food.
Well said, Mr, P!
I always wish my own people back home would treat farang the way Thais do in their country. I hate it when my own people look down their own neighbors and treat kindly to the visiting foreigners. No wonder, my own country were colonized by the Spaniards, Japanese, Americans and now run by Chinese blood president because we love to be easy going with different kinds of strangers. We trust strangers easily as long as you smile, say hi or shake our hands. In effect, we lost our own identity. Our culture is mixed with foreign cultures, we speak different languages and our food has no chance to be unique like Thais’ because we cook what the American, Chinese and Spanish do. The only original culture left is the family bonding.
I think I envy Thai people because until now they have able to preserve their own identity no matter how it projects negatively to their outside world. I think Thai people are amazing people. I admire the way the behave differently.
I agree with Mr. P. These days in America if you think too much and try to discuss things that are really important you will find yourself alone. Chris saying; “wow you really thought about this huh?” sums up what I am talking about.
It seems that anytime I complain to a fellow Westerner about my frustrations in Thailand they always try defend Thai’s or put it on me; it gets sickening. It appears there are not many true American nationalists anymore; but their are plenty of Thai nationalists.
I use to go to the same shops even though I could cut the bad attitude with a knife, but I finally realized the power in voting with my “feet” which Thai’s hate; by finding another place; and I go out of my way to ensure that they can see my large stuffed plastic sack full of goodies I bought elsewhere; as I make sure to drive past their shop and mad dog them. I have found other places where Thai’s greet me with a smile and I never have issue; I become a repeat customer.
Remember, Thai’s worship money, money is God to them, they only pray to Buddha for good luck like the old ancient traditionalism they are subservient to; they are not religious, they seek good luck that leads to fortune. I am agnostic/atheist myself; I know that what I seek I must manifest on my own as no one gives a shit about me accept myself and maybe my mom. Therefore you’ll never see me praying to anyone or preforming some stupid ceremony in the hopes that I will be lucky.
I live in Phuket and I have a one in a million Thai girlfriend that is second to none and we have been together for 5 years already. She is the best woman I have ever had in my 41 years walking this earth; but she is a rare diamond. If I were in her shoes I would have left “me” long ago. On the other hand I would be a fool to cut such a person out of my life.
I have no Thai friends here in Phuket, none; I find that Thai’s in Phuket are less friendly than other cities in Thailand. Strangely, fellow Americans and other Westerners seem to go out of their way to avoid conversation with other expats. Maybe it’s because I eventually tend to want to talk about things of substance and not the seemingly programmed topics like the weather and how wonderfully content I am and endless patronizing that seem to motivate others to want you around; no thanks, I am a thinker, therefore no bliss stemming from ignorance here.
Remember this, when a Thai does something so stupid just remember it is because they have been taught to stay away from intense thoughts. This is why the little one hundred pound nationalists coalesce during emotional spats particularly with expats. Self sufficiency and accepting your lot in life and being damn Thai proud of it (nationalism) is what they are taught. But deep down they know that every piece of modernization they enjoy come from Americans which make them insecure and xenophobic.
Wow that’s a pretty deep comment mate but I have to agree, I’m from Australia and the only time Aussies become nationalistic is when they go overseas and realise how well more knowledgable we are. Americans I believe are way more nationalistic and I love that about america, those who go to america become american I think that’s great, but no matter how long I live here I’ll never really be Thai. I too don’t really have any Thai friends and well the Expats here are somewhat well can I say honestly, fuckwits! I don’t mind saying hello to anyone but I can count an infinate number of Times where expats have given me the cold shoulder. You never know who’ll you’ll met ey just don’t hit on my girl bro or I’ll be pissed lol. I really relate to your comment and can relate to it a lot. Wish you well mate adn thanks again for the comment.
I think another point to make is that Thais generally feel the need to profile (in what you said referencing the looking others over in a critical sense). They place everything in image and have the burning desire to scrutinize and determine, “Is this person good enough?” So classless and so low.
The first lesson I think all Thais need to learn is “Treat those as you would like to be treated”. Don’t be a complete jerk to everyone otherwise you may get the same response.
(On a little side note, I agree even more wholeheartedly with you Mr.P in that yeah, the U.S is probably better than Thailand (at least as far as public relationships) and personally, I think I’ve still be treated better back in Hawaii and the mainland U.S than here.
Here since I am Hispanic and dark skinned, some of the people here will either give me pasty looks or just this stare like I’m somehow lower than them. Haha. I don’t think so. I’m actually from a civilized society guys, understand the term of respect, and are able to treat others fairly without scrutiny, prejudice, and bigotry.
Hi,there! I’m a Bangkokian and I admit that Thai people nowadays always criticize others negatively without criticizing themselves. I suggest you all not care about what they think and talk behind your back (if you understand the Thai language), if you haven’t done anything wrong. They may get green eyed with envy if you carry a lot of money and enjoy your shopping spree. There’s no need to understand the Thais of today. Try to avoid fake smiling faces! BTW,you may study our history,traditions,customs cultures etc., and believe in these.
Thanks for your comment.
Hello Chris
Thank you for sharing with us your thougts, insights and impressions. I like your post. My own experience with Thailand resembles yours. Yes, indeed the reaction of some Thai people on your blog is just the reflection of where the country stands for openess and plurarism of opinions. There is only one true, publicly accepted and believed, even if everyone knows it does have anything to do with the reality. Thais are different, same as all of us. As soon as Thais will take Farangs’ perspectives of the things mentioned by you, they will realise, that noone wants to offend them, it is just the another way they might missed themselves. Noone of us is perfect, neither feedback or second opinion should make any harm to this country.
It’s OK! I’m a Thai bloke. If you’re an English teacher,you may teach your Thai students how to tell the difference between good manners and bad manners as well. I’m one in the minority who can say “I couldn’t agree more”. Thank you!
Thanks mate.
My two cents.
Being the only Canadian with an entry, not that it should make a difference..here goes. I have been to all your countries (U.S., Australia, NZ, Thailand…) over the past decade and yes i agree that Thai people yell and scream at us farangs. They are very rude and extremely judgemental. Yes I had an extremely difficult time with dirty looks and abhorrent behaviour towards us from all walks of Thai society. This due to the fact my girlfriend is from the Philippines and they assumed she was my jungle rat hooker I picked up in Chang Mai. BUT not all are categorized under one heading. We shouldn’t generalize.
You can generalize about any country, in my travel experience the Americans are a great bunch of people with positive energy. Australians are loud obnoxious and even more so when they drink. I could go on, but what’s the point. I also think us Canadians are much too reserved and very snobby.
Just got back from 3 weeks in Thailand and couldn’t wait to leave. It’s much like Mexico, beautiful country but the people have ruined the atmosphere and environment. On the flip side, I spent 3 weeks in Thailand during 2007 and had a blast, 99 percent of the people were fine to deal with. My theory is the economy has put a strain on an already financially fragile society in Thailand.
But putting the shoe on the other foot: 75% of the farangs i saw in Thailand were fat disgusting 50 year old slobs with 20 year old thai hookers. So who is worse the Thai for being a rude prick or the farang for corrupting a true asian culture.
We are both to blame, them for lacking education standards compared to the rest of the world. AND us for exploiting that fact.
Thanks for listening.
Great discussion, thanks to all who posted 🙂
I live in the US. I lived in China for about 7 years and thought it was great, loved almost everything about it, language, food, people, etc. I never was interested in Thailand or Thai people before, but there’s quite a big Thai community in my city, and I started dating a Thai girl awhile ago (well, about six months ago). One thing that I’ve noticed is that despite being very sweet for the most part, my gf sometimes “volunteers” me to run errands for her friends. She’ll call me out of the blue, put the person on, and then they’ll ask me to do whatever. Sometimes I’m free, sometimes not, and sometimes I do these things, sometimes not.. and I don’t mind for the most part, but lately I find it a bit much. In China, this never happened. Is this a Thai thing, or is it just my gf’s personality? I’ve heard it happening with others, so that’s why I ask if it’s a Thai thing or not.
Thanks
J
Must just be here because I’ve never had that.
As an American who has been back and forth for 5 years and basically lived in Thailand most of the time; there are a number of things that really bug me.
1) If I am standing in a spot talking to an employee; why does another Thai feel driven to invade my space? Like while wiping a HUGE counter top they cannot wait until I leave? No, without so much as an excuse me; they’ll work around and so close that I’ll move so as to not get bumped or get my t-shirt stained. I wonder if the guy is gay?
2) If I ask one Thai employee something at the grocery store; three other employees have to stop what they are doing to listen and comment. I want so bad to say; “will you just get the fuck out of here dude?” “Did I ask you?” “Maybe I am trying to hit on the girl, asshole!” “Mind your fucking business!”
3) Quit bowing your friggin’ head to everybody; we all know its fake and not sincere most of the time.
4) I’ve ordered soup from a vendor in Phuket; now granted, she just opened for business but she takes her sweet time and after five minutes I just walk. She’s quick to say, “mai bhen rai”. Oh how many times I drive by her and see she has no customers.
5) When taking a long bus ride why the hell must it be like 45 degrees? I can understand being a bit chilly for health reasons but god damn!
6) Do not take any Toyota minivan anywhere if you can help it. Take the extra time and use one of those large tour buses although someone may have to thaw you out upon arrival. You might lose your life in the mini bus, no thanks.
7) If I get in to an argument with one Thai guy; other Thai’s will stop eating to get involved and gang up; one might even wield a knife on me. I thought Thai Boxing skills were second to none; what happened? Alai wa?
In closing, Thai’s are cocky because they know we have no backup, are far from home, their police are under paid or nonexistent and corrupt and they’ll likely get away with doing you harm via the baboon “multi-person” mafia.
Where I am from in Las Vegas, I’ve been in a fight during a pickup game where I was alone and the other guy had like 8 friends with him and guess what. They tried to break up the fight, but when they saw we both wanted to fight, they stepped back and let us go! Without knives or guns and when it was over we “I happened to win” we essentially said goodbye to each other in one form or another. It was actually kind of cool, an old fashioned scrap. When we saw each other again for another pickup game, we were cool with each other.
But if Thailand ever was threatened internationally, I bet they would expect Americans to come over here to protect them; we’ve done it before; remember the Japanese?
Beautifully said Capone! Just beautiful. My thoughts exactly with virtually every one of your points. As another fellow American, I totally agree with your highlights (especially the one about if your asking a service rep something, the rest feel the need to get in your business). That kind of ticks me off and in my head I’m like, “Dude, mine your own business. Why do you feel the need to be involved in this?”
One of the others of mine is when they’ll just cut in front of you at the convenience stores. That usually doesn’t sit well with me.
Bottom line in my opinion of the 3 years I’ve lived here? Thais are extremely judgmental and gossipy, rude, racist, and in general are very weak. * Thus I believe THAT (the weakness thing) to be the reason they are so judgmental and mock foreigners. They have no ability to stand up by themselves and instead, must rely on validation, recognition, and acceptance from their friends to feel big and tough.
* Nice comment man.
Oh also, (and just thought I’d throw this out as a rhetorical question); why are the news channels covering so much about OUR election?! They know nothing about America and in general don’t care about America. No logic with these people sometimes.
hi, I was just looking on google on the topic “why thai people are so rude” and I found your article.
sorry in advance if I messed up the English language because I am from Indonesia,
2 weeks ago I visited Bangkok for a vacation and shopping in various markets such as Jatujak and pratunam. truly regrettable that most of the sellers there really rude and nasty. if visitors only intend to see it then they will immediately expel and cursing. far as I know there is no other country that behaves like that. unfortunately, beautiful country, great stuff but not with people.
When you have meet nice person
You will have a good memory of them
But when you have meet a rude person
You will have a bad memory of them
The country will not judge who they are
It depends who you want to remember
Rude,bad,bitch,selfish,greedy is everywhere
Don’t you agree?
Ps. My English is broken pls I don’t need to be remind
Thanks
Wow! That’s some interesting reading.
I’ve been living in Thailand for over 12 years and can completely understand why people get frustrated with Thai culture and rant about their experiences here. Thai’s have a distinct culture and a logic that’s basically 180 degrees opposed to Western culture. But that’s how you have to approach Thailand. Things like their “mai bpen rai” attitude, which causes them to miss or be late for places or events without concern or even apology is part of their culture, and your anger or critism is NEVER going to change that. When they do it to each other, it’s not a big deal because that’s the way it goes in THEIR culture — not yours. I Could go on with other things in the same general direction like why their priority with “sanook” (fun) which equates to laziness in Western view, bothers the author and other people here, but I think you get my point about the fact that YOU have chosen to visit or live here — in THEIR culture, and if you can’t turn your attitude around enough to see the Thai perspective, you’ll miss what’s good in Thailand and have a rotten attutude toward Thais.
Don’t get me wrong. There are problems with Thailand which affect Westerners (farang) here, and I might add another post with my views on that later.
Couldn’t disagree more.
You say that when they do it to each other it’s not a big deal!? Ha! Perhaps you still don’t understand the Thai smile even after all of these years. Interesting that we have the same number of years of experience in Thailand, but VERY different experience. My Thai friends ALL have issues with other Thais that pull this kind of nonsense. They say, Mai pen rai and smile, but then I hear about it behind the scenes. Have you honestly not experienced the level of gossip here!? These Thais will also not forget the rudeness of their fellow countrymen and not give them any business or friendship if at all avoidable. Unfortunately, it is often unavoidable, so they put on that infamous Thai smile as though all is wonderful, when that is FAR from the truth of what they are thinking.
And as for the sanook aspect of their culture as related to laziness… When they so often profess their love of sleeping and dislike of walking, even just 10 minutes. I can’t count the times I’ve heard Thais profess themselves to be lazy as well as make the same accusation of their fellow countrymen. The same goes with, “I don’t like to think”! Too lazy even to think because it is laborious. Of course everyone likes things to be sanook, but it might just take some creative thinking to make what might otherwise be hard or boring, interesting and fun. But if you are too lazy to even think, then maybe you should just take a nap, even if you are a security guard and people’s lives and property are dependent on you, or maybe you are a cashier at a department store or a motorcycle taxi driver and people need a lift, etc… Yes, these things irk Thais too! Although many of them will say it doesn’t because that would be a negative criticism of their own culture, which as we know… Most are incapable of doing.
Maybe my Thai friends are strange? But I have a pretty wide variety of friends from which I’ve gotten this sampling, from university profs, investment banker, musician, restauranteurs, taxi driver, property developers, lawyers, judge, and a variety of labor workers. They say Mai pen rai, but don’t let that fool you into thinking its not a big deal to them. They don’t like many of the things discussed here any more than you or I like them. I think it is their inability (or refusal to try) to deal with them that often leads to the Mai pen rai attitude because what else can you do!? That’s just the way the cookie crumbles or how the ball bounces, whether you like it or not. So, like water off a duck’s back, blow it off, better than wasting energy on something you hate but cannot change. Mai pen rai! Sanook sanook, forget it all and find something to enjoy (while your country crumbles around you due to your apathy…)!
Jim, respect for others is a universal thing, not a culture based thing. It is however translated differently in each culture.
I met some lovely and incredible people, mostly mid-class, but they are extremely rare.
The worst of all this is that it is not directly aimed at farangs, but at everyone. You have no idea about the stories I’ve heard about Thai companies (mobbing, employees forced to pay part of their commission to the manager, otherwise they get fired, etc.). And this is in big Thai companies like Sansiri.
I asked myself many times why Thais are like this. The only reason I found is that they have absolutely no self-esteem.
If they had a little self-esteem, they wouldn’t need big European cars with – the worst of all – European flags on their plates.
They refuse to face reality and lie to themselves on a constant basis. Recently the Thai national TV (channel 3, if I remember correctly) pretended that Bangkok has been voted as the most romantic city in the world. You’re having a laugh.
Ethics, respect, dignity are often considered as “being stupid” by Thais (some say “mee saksi, mai dai kin kaw”), while stealing, lying, being corrupted is “being smart”. No wonder when you know that their modern hero (and model) is a banned guy.
Since you think that respect is a cultural thing, I can only dream that, when they visit Switzerland (my country), they get the same treatment as we do here. We would be wonderful hosts since we would adapt to their “culture” and I am sure that the Thais would be very happy, wouldn’t they? I can imagine “Entry price: everyone 10 Swiss francs, Thais: 30 Swiss francs”, that would make my day!
These people are all kids. Full stop.
Hey Jeff,
When asked about the American election- I tell them it’s like a show or a movie. That an oligarchy has America on lock, in a police state- and people are either brainwashed or afraid to speak up.
Thai’s don’t like to lose face- but have no problem teasing us.
I wonder how the word ‘Farang’ can be rude. Isn’t it just a Thai word for ‘foreigner’?
Hi,Urr! It’s just a Thai word to call “White people from the West” and it’s not generally rude.
Thai use the word Farang or Falang as the first Europeans to be seen in Thailand were French “fah-rong-say”
It is used to describe any person of white colouration.
Thais also refer to the Guava fruit as farang due to it’s white flesh.
When used with a foreigner it may or may not be used politely. The tone in which it is used is usually a good clue. Understanding Thai language also helps a little
Farag is not limited to white people I have been living here for 6 months now and I am called farang all the time. As a tourist I absolutely loved thailand I read books from waterstones, .guides litterally implying that as a dark skinned person “kerk” I will not be welcome and would have to work harder for their respect. Well I was shocked when I got here as it could not have been further from the truth. I have stayed in Krabi, Bangkok and now I live in Issan land. Well I loved Thailand when I first came here and I thought the people were amazing…. fast forward a few months and hat sweet smile has turned into a nasty little sneer. They don’t even have the social grace to wait until I have left the room to say something in Thai and then laugh.. I was dressed up as a turkey for one of their parades ad elt amazing as I thought they were all being so lovey, only to realse they were just looking fir further photo opportunities to wheel the dancing monkey out and showcase me down the fucking street witout even asking my permission to actually join the procession… before I realised it I was in it.
Before I knew it I was the centre of attention an alien photogrophers dream.. fingers pointing at me and some people shouting with that fake smile.. farang farang…the thai woman beside me was fuming as nobody took pictues of her, i wanted to point out the reason I was the focal point was not exactly a good thing.
They made me feel like shit… especially when they say ahhh beautiful beaufiful suaye… how can they say this with a straight face my skin is dark my parents are from the carribean. A thai cab driver told me under no circumstances was I from the u.k I had to be from Africa,
I know people are stupid all over the world..Britain, America, Africa,Asia but the Thai seem to be part a culture that embraces stupidity and takes it to the next level.
I wanted to say it is ok if you don’t find me beautiful, I know I am, my frieds and family know I am and in other parts of the world people are actually risking skin cancer for my tone… just as they are risking a condition by injecting white collegen enhancers and emulsifiers into your skin… well I hope they continue … in fact pass me the needle .. only time will tell.
The show when plastic surgery goes bad comes to mind, their ignorance astounds me and will be their downfall.. you will The thought of rude Thai women who have looked down their stupid little noses at me just for being my colour in ten years having to wear michael jackson masks because they have fkd with their skin makes me laugh.. bring it on.. :o) a very genuine smile!!!!!! I don’t want to wallow in negativity but as a result even the ones who are nice to me I now question. Thaiand has been ruined for me I wont even come back for a oliday. Can’t wait till my contract is up.
Fukd up place… very fkd up but at least I go home with skin as tough as a rhinos hide… hypothetically of course, I am 37 years old but thai women have to touch me constantly as they don’t believe it, then they turn away and make comments. I do look 23, one of the positives of having darker skin, but then these stupid people won’t know tis until it’s too late.
It seems you guys have been to the central, northern, northeastern and southern parts of Thailand. What about the rest, Eastern and Western? Aren’t there anything interesting there?
I’m there now, honestly, nothing much here at all.
Your right, Thais are downright rude and nasty. In fact I will say that out of the 12 odd countries I have visited, there is no other country with people even half as rude as the Thais.
But leaving that aside, Thailand has a lot to offer. Fantastic Tourism infrastructure, Beaches, Beauty, World Cuisines, Value For Money in almost everything, and of Course,…. Pattaya.
As an Indian, i feel sad to say that Thailand, though being a third world Country, is 10 times better than us as a tourist destination. That despite the fact we have more natural advantages, and more decent people.
So I suppose that only means that the Thais at the top, those in governance are very smart and efficient.
On holidays in Thailand at the moment and I am trying to see how I can get away from here earlier than I originally planned. I can count on one hand the number of pleasant Thai people I’ve met in the last 3 weeks. I have felt humiliated, disrespected, upset and extremely angry with my interactions with the people here. The place is disgusting, litter everywhere. Where are these beautiful beaches we have seen in all the photos? For a country that relies heavily on the tourism industry they have a strange attitude toward tourists. I understand that Thailand has a long history of tourists coming over for the sex industry and perhaps there is bitterness towards these foreign men but for us all to pay the price for this is unfair. I will make an active effort to tell my friends to avoid coming to Thailand.
Where did you go, Patong or Pattaya?
Can you give examples of incidence that occurred?
I’ve been in Thailand 5 months, traveled all over and haven’t had a problem with Thai people. The only thing that has annoyed me is the Taxis at Phuket airport.
I think what many foreigners find rude about Thai people is that they are extremely oblivious to their environment. It seems to me that most Thais, especially in Bangkok, even make an effort to avoid strangers. I totally understand that in highly populated places it would be weird to build up eye contact with random peasants all the time, but in here they just take it to another level. When in other places you would just accidentally have eye contact with strangers sometimes, in here people seem to automatically turn their heads away before passing by you or standing/sitting next to you (for example at a vendor , restaurant or on public transport) so that they can totally avoid any occurrences like that. I have found similar behaviors in other Asian countries, but these behavior patterns seemed to be driven of respect rather than arrogance (yes, it feels like arrogance to me!). Recently I was in Japan, where people are also very reserved but I found it striking that whenever I did not find my way in the cities, standing somewhere with a map and looking lost, then it would not even take a minute until some random peasant did offer their help and they would give me very helpful instructions. If you stand around in Bangkok ‘s streets with a map, looking lost, then you could stand there until you die, no one cares and no one helps (and even if you ask someone politely for help, regardless whether this is in Thai or English, than the reaction is often not very friendly).
Having lived in Thailand for three years already I feel strongly that this is a place for consumption, not for human interaction. The majority of people (even expats) seem to be self-centered and care strictly about their own social circles and when they are around strangers they would rather play with their smartphones than show the slightest spark of interest for them. I am aware that there is a strong language barrier and also a cultural one, but not speaking each other’s language does not mean that you have to be disconnected completely from each other. Mutual understanding or at least acceptance does also exist among people who do not understand each other’s language. Body language, eye contact or an accepting smile (in here you always have to be the first to smile and lots of people don’t even smile back for you) are great means of communication and have worked for me in other countries (e.g. Indonesia, Cambodia or Philippines).
Once I got stuck in an elevator with a young Thai guy for about half an hour. We were the only people on that elevator. During the entire time he did not even look at me once. I also cannot even count anymore how often I opened a door for a Thai person that would not say “Thanks” in return and I find it incredible that even door-neighbors would not naturally greet you.
I think a lot of these (antisocial) behavior-patterns are the result of a very poor education system which does not teach people how to think outside of the box. Everything in this system is just about Thailand and Thais, whereas real social skills, international etiquette and awareness for others are not taught to the kids at all. The result is a society in which many don’t aspire to gain knowledge from outside their tiny box what makes people come across very ignorant. Would these people ever live in a more international place, I am sure they would be surprised about how many life skills they lack.
I really do not understand why Thailand is still so popular among backpackers when there is so little real interaction with regular locals (the ones that don’t work in tourism). But probably most of them are just first-time travelers or people with low expectations, because really sophisticated travelers, who are looking for a cultural experience and social interaction would not come back, I am sure about that.
@Daniel Wechsel – a VERY well written and observationally estute post. Thank you, – well said! 🙂
So, I lived in Thailand for two years, and I am surprised at what you are all talking about. I have talked to Thai people in both English and Thai, and I can’t say that I have ever met a nicer people. There is nothing about Thailand that I would change. The people are very NICE!!!! Thai people may be different, but that does not make them wrong. I love Thailand, and I will say that anyone who goes to Thailand and does not love it is doing something wrong themselves, because Thailand is a great place. Thai people are very helpful and friendly. When you make a friend with a Thai person, you will never have a truer friend. I am wondering how much some of you really interact with Thai people, because I have. I have been to their houses and eaten their food. My truest and best friends are Thai.
Man! – I wanna try some of what this guy has been smokin!
LMFAO!! Yeah, the dude must have been totally stoned that whole time…or comatose; great one liner there in response! Having also lived in the land of (fake) smiles for several years too long, my observation is that most Thais, with VERY few exceptions…are simply a$$holes in every sense of the word, and their money hungriness just makes their pre-existing a$$holicness even worse on top. Respect CANNOT be given to what is effectively an entire race of liars, cheats, thieves and tricksters who think it’s ok to conduct themselves in a xenophobic AND otherwise disgusting social manner befitting the lowest level of human existence and/or interaction. What a thing to be “proud” of!! Thai greng jai et al ‘culture’. We’re in the 21st Century ffs, and a global economy that expects more than just superficial window dressing (aka:bullshit) from participant Nations. It’s certainly frustrating dealing with Thais because of their general stupidity level, but you don’t have to be ‘smart’ to be civil to others at least, OR genuinely polite. The superficial bs and lazy ass attitude that comes along with Thais just doesn’t cut it anymore in the real world. Thais really need to get with the program on this one…or get back to the jungle. The bell has tolled on Thailand, a quasi society at best, and fast becoming it’s own worst enemy thanks to the ignorance AND belligerence of the people. I’ve got a hunch that with the ever emerging tourist and eco-competition from other similarly placed countries with the same or more to offer MINUS the bad attitude,Thailand’s free ride especially on the western tourist gravy train…is well and truly over.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bDptWs5OLI
Fantastic article! Spot on!
Just one question though: what happened to “they are chronic liars”?
I’am amazed by the comments made on this site. I have travelled extensively, Most of America North,central,south, I have lived with Minangkabu people of sumatra, Then decided to venture deep into the Himalaya eating Dal bhat, Then i turned my attention to south East Asia again Vietnam North to south progressing towards Phu Quok Island that is undeveloped. Cambodia And Loas,malay,India north and south and where i spent most of my time sticking my thumb out from north to south in New Zealand arriving in Stewart Island,Decided to purchase a car when i arrived in Sydney Australia then Travelled 22000Km Around this continent,I will know mention Thailand (Siam) which will sound Peculiar as this was the first country that i decided to venture into. I loved it! The culture,Food,molam(dancing)beaches… I can remember how many times i have flown back and fourth to Thailand, Or yes the people sorry i forgot the people of Thailand. I will let you know now that i do not discriminate against people whether coloured or not, I have become unsettled in Thailand even though i Love this country. I used to have a restaurant here before the political situation happened That i will not mention as every country has these, what ever the country or people are. I can speak and comprehend alot of Thai. I have a Thai wife and a step Daughter studing a masters in English. I can tell you now that my opion has changed about Thailand from the day i stepped foot in it(1996). There are very little Thai people if any who like Ferang (foreigner)This may sound like a comlex issue. There is probably only one caucasian they like(bean)yes you guessed it Mr Bean! As Thai people like slap stick humour. so if you act like mr bean you will have lots of thai friends. But they would probably think,stupid Farang. The only ing thai person i like, or should i say Love, Is my wife. I have started to notice the other things in Thailand that i Just used to ignore. I exercise alot and take care myself. I here constant comments made while im out whether in the city or out, Thai people using insults, very offensive insults. These are just a few. fat(uan) crazy Foreigner.(Baa) or Ting Tong,No hair(mai mee pom)no like Foreigner, Mai chop Farang mai mee samong ba farang, samong dong( pickled brain) I could go on. I even have a house here that makes it harder to leave. I’ am one of the most courteous people you would come accross. I have travelled most places in thailand, I never go to bars in thailand and stay away from most tourist areas like Pattaya, Phuket, and as for Bangkok i Try to avoid this like the plague.Well thats my synopsis complete,.I’m not going to perlong this anymore than i have to,But i know one thing Thai people need to open their eyes and not tarnish every farang with the same stick. This go’s back to Education, the day Thailand was born. As a democracy and nation of people united . Learn from past experiences of conflict with your fellow man. Go back to the History of the siamese people, I have invested a lot of time and energy in this country to give up on it.
What an idiotic piece from an awkward Aussie who clearly left his own country for god-knows-what midlife crisis.
I don’t need to decipher it bit by bit, but you have an almost todder like understanding of how development and societies work. Thai people do not get out of the way for ambulances not because they are lazy but because their highway code is probably not as elaborate as yours.
The root of most of the ‘problems’ you mentioned is institutional weakness of the society, not some inherent problem within the Thai race. But rest assured, UK and Australia, they do not live in colonial looting/colonial handouts (in your case). They are earning their way out and it is not too long that you might seem to the inferior, uncultured race.
I left Australia to work in the USA when i was 20 bro. Thai people don’t move out of the way because of their highway code, lol that’s soooo funny, you obvisously don’t live here nor have you ever got a Thai drivers license.
SK needs to be put in his place. Let me hereunder correct the obstinance (and xenophobia).
SK said:
“What an idiotic piece from an awkward Aussie who clearly left his own country for god-knows-what midlife crisis.”
-Idiotic? Awkward? Clearly?? Ghod knows?..Midlife crisis?? This guy sounds like he has an almost toddler like understanding of how to structure a proper response to valid criticism of the Thais (very questionable) behavioral peculiarities. Such ad-hominem attacking of the messenger is about as valid as a Thai promise to return money they owe you, or the 99% fake Thai smiles you always get (but never see once they realize you’re wise to their deceptions). And who needs a ‘highway code’ [as elaborate as ours…sic] to realize that getting out of the way of ambulances is what you SHOULD do in a society, just out of common decency ffs not because some “highway code” happens to say so. This is irrational apologetic thinking at it’s most dangerous, and exactly the type of khrapp the original author alludes to in penning his comment on Thais.
Thais may not be the brightest bulb on the evolutionary christmas tree, but that’s all the more reason for them to get their less than saintly act together and start behaving with some honor and integrity, Stealing away with respect for FREE just ain’t gonna happen coz that ain’t how respect works. Respect is earned, NOT bestowed like some sort of ghostly magic. The sooner Thais dispense with their retarded ‘mai pen rai’ mentality, the greng jai and that oh so lo-so and hi-so misplaced pride to name but a few of the more obvious things…the sooner they can start working hard to EARN some real respect, not the ‘expected’ type of respect Thai ‘culture’ superficially bestows just coz you got old or ‘acquired’ a newer car/TV/phone than your loser neighbor has. Hitler got old…does that mean we have to respect old Hitler? Well if you ‘think’ like a Thai, then yes! (and especially if H has a new car). Pitiful, small thinking.
And SK said-“The root of most of the ‘problems’ you mentioned is institutional weakness of the society, not some inherent problem within the Thai race.”
-But hold on a minute, isn’t the Thai race over the last 2000/1000/500/100/12 or 5 million years the same THING as Thai society? Or are we missing something in the twisted greng jai logic here? This “institutional weakness” SK speaks of might simply be the absence of work ethic perhaps? Or the honesty gene? Or maybe some sort of integrity deficiency, like a vitamin deficiency of sorts that affects behavior? Probably need a 3 headed coin to decide this one for sure, and I know exactly where I could buy one…
SK- “But rest assured, UK and Australia, they do not live in colonial looting/colonial handouts (in your case). They are earning their way out and it is not too long that you might seem to the inferior, uncultured race.(sic)
-Yeah, too bad the “earning their way out” didn’t seem to include paying back the World Bank/IMF back in 1997, but yes Thais WERE happy to get their handouts in that case, making the whole affair akin to Thailand looting the rest of the world thru not repaying this incurred debt. Damn truth is so inconvenient when you recklessly insult higher societies and slander them for being so much more successful than your own. If you can’t stand the heat as they say…
http://www.wright.edu/~tdung/asiancrisis-hill.htm
That whole scenario seems very uncultured to me, maybe due to some inferior mentality and what would Bhudda say? Oh, good luck displacing all the superior countries above you by the way, with an attitude like that. That’s just a massive greng jai delusion right there, and you’ll simply need to keep repeating it to yourself…meanwhile we’ll just keep using you as cheap 3rd world labor. One really need to know your place in the scheme of things I always say, and in a class society like Thailand which rightly or wrongly prides itself in the “knowing of your place in society” thing…well, it seems so hypocritical that Thailand does not also accept this very Thai concept on the world stage. Like for instance that Thai Universities happen to rank 41st out of 48 in a recent study of University education standards. Not 1st as they lead you to believe below, but 41st.
…but if you ask the Thais, it’s “Thailand best top university ranking 2012 by Webometrics.info as of July 2012” in a big misleading title at the top of the page. Greng Jai at it’s finest (an oxymoron to be sure).
None of this needs to be said if only Thais would pull their head in and be “normal”. Ditch the khrapp and stop being so thin skinned about everything. Or it’s back to the jungle eating grasshoppers for you. Now where’s my salmon steak?? Was that classy, or what!!
Hi Sig.
I’m really not sure what you’re disagreeing with. I didn’t defend their “mai ben rai” attitude but only said it’s their way of dealing with things. Just like the Thai smile is their way of dealing with uncomfortable situations, rather than show real emotion. I remember being puzzled the first time I saw someone in an injury situation and the (many) Thai onlookers were smiling. Of course, I thought “WTF?” but after asking people, I learned to understand and accept the Thai smile. And as to whether “mai ben rai” really bothers some Thais, of course it does. It would be preposterous to say that all people of any culture are the exact same. But I would defend the statement that it truly doesn’t bother most of them.
I work with, and therefore socialize with, a somewhat higher end of Thai society, and many of them express frustration at the inefficiency of Thai ways, just like your various friends, but my observations show me that they still conform to the Thai ways happily and even defend them by their actions. I’m convinced that the feelings they express to Westerns like us are to let us know that they are more globally aware of the way things are done in comparison. However, I really don’t think they want change.
So, as I said, I’m not defending Thai culture, and agree that things like being proud of the “sanook” approach to life (in many of its irritating forms) isn’t likely in their best interest, nor ours. I think It’s even dangerous that in government schools more priority is given to indoctrinating the students to love king and country (while blowing sunshine up there little behinds that Thais are THE superior people of the world). The intentional inefficiency of the Thai education system is appalling. Further, I believe that the extreme importance of “saving face” is maybe the biggest factor in why Thailand will not become a developed country, and it affects us directly every day. It frustrates me immensely on the job when I can’t correct someone’s work or offer constructive criticism without putting kid gloves on rather than getting to the point, like I can with a Western colleague. What can you say about a country that accepts an obvious proxy leader while her convicted big brother sits comfortably in the Middle East obviously running the show after bilking the Thais out of billions of dollars?
Yes, there is a lot of crap that affects us negatively (like I said at the end of my first post). But I hope you can see that the real message is that we’ll make things a lot worse for ourselves if we try to change the Thai ways or can’t accept them. I guess my expat philosophy is: Learn their ways – learn to accept their ways – learn to avoid (or work around) the worst of their ways. After that, enjoy the warm sun, tasty food, and economical benefit of living here (with less stress). That, I hope you don’t disagree with
The only thing I was really saying was that it is their culture and we’re not going ot change it. It’s embarassing to see “farang” exploding at a Thai vendor because the vendor can’t understand or isn’t doing something they way it is done in the foreigner’s country. These situations result from a lack of cultural tolerance, and they’re not good for anybody.
Whatever thai people are …they are way better than any American, British or Aussie person. I am an Indian who has lived In USA, UK, France, Switzerland and India as well as travelled all over the world. In my opinion Americans are the most awful people on this planet followed by British and Aussies….they are all the same anglo saxon culture with no respect for others. The only problem I have with Thai people is why they give so much importance to whites? Especially to these scummy British, Aussies and Americans? At least french and germans who live in thailand are more respectful and treat thais as normal…..but ive noticed how Americans, British and Aussies treat thai people and its not good…yet the thais treat them as superior and sort of worship them …maybe its the poor thais who need money but i dont like this behaviour at all. As for Indians….we are also a very diverse country with lots of class and ethnic variations….plus a 1.2 billion population…most well behaved Indians are not recognizable as Indians….the upper class Indians all look european….but even middle class Indians are at least better behaved than loud fat americans….and indians actually spend a lot more money in thailand than americans do….but thais lick up to white americans and dont seem to like Indians….hopefully as thais get more educated and informed about the world their perception and behaviour towards Indians will also change.
Way to go with your racist remarks, which doesn’t exactly go with your [email protected] email address.
You don’t know Thai people at all. It’s written by some kind of asshole and never give you the truth.
There’s a difference between looking at things from the outside in and from the inside out.
Hi, I’m feeling a bit sad by reading this. At least I know how I could improve myself ,yet It is the first time that I actually know how foreigners think about us.
I’m a student and lots of my friends go study abroad and came back complaining about how hard their life are out there.
I usually annoyed when some of them are complaining because I know that they being lazy,rude and stuff out there.
And I’m reading this 2 years after you posting this,Thanks for sharing.
Can you read it again, the whole thing was written by a Thai, it was just my attempt at translating it.
I don’t see why the word ‘farang’ has to be used so often in Thailand. Okay, stating that a person comes from a different country is not rude in itself, but why do Thais feel the need to make constant reference to it. What is wrong with referring to me as “that guy over there” or -“the tall guy in the red t-shirt”. I have sometimes been the only customer in a shop and still heard the staff referring to me as falang when I am standing right next to them. Isn’t it obvious who they are talking about without having to comment on the colour of my skin?
I have recently moved to Bangkok from the UK which is very diverse in terms of skin colour and nationality, however in the UK we try not to refer too much to skin colour as we realise it may be offensive.
In effect, calling someone by their skin colour is saying “you are different from me, and I have already made a judgement on you by the way you look”.
I understand where you’re coming from. I’m a Thai and my boyfriend is an Aussie. He gets it all the time and he said exactly the same thing as you said. But I have explained to him that some people don’t realise that it’s rude. They use it on regular basis and they don’t even think that far about racism. I find it very upsetting and rude to hear the term ‘farang’ all the time but somehow I wish the government has put more effort into education.
@ Tim, you call Thai’s Thai don’t you ? You don’t always refer to them as “That guy over there” or “That tall “Katoey” I mean Thai He-she- it in the red t-shirt is acting like a total weirdo” do you ?
You want off the charts Zenophobia, go to Japan.
As far as bigotry, real or imagined goes, you’ve got that all over the world no matter where you go.
As far as Brit’s being innocent of class and color distinction, you’re out of your gourd, they practically invented it.
ดิฉันเห็นด้วย แต่มันไม่เป็นอย่างนั้นทุกคน ใช่ คนไทยขี้เกียจ แต่ก็มีที่ขยันเหมือนกัน ส่วนเรื่องหยาบคาย ดิฉันคิดว่าคงจะเป็นอย่างนั้น จากที่ชาวต่างชาติส่วนใหญ่มีโอกาสน้อยที่จะรู้จักผู้หญิงไทยทั่วไปๆ มักจะพบแต่ผู้หญิงตามบาร์ที่ทำทุกอย่างเพื่อเลี้ยงชีพ ดังนั้นก็ไม่แปลกที่ชาวต่างชาติจะเข้าใจอย่างนั้น
Aussie!! Aussie!!! Oi! Oi! Shake my head…
I am sorry, but I really do not understand most of the comments, here. Are the Thai people really that bad? I admit that I do not understand much of the Thai language, but I lived in Bangkok for 2 years, and although Thai people of course have their flaws, I generally find them extremely nice. The above statements would make more sense if it was of Philippines, but Thais?? In the 2 years I lived there, I did not encounter one notable problem with a Thai – on the contrary; I fould them very unselfish, helpful, giving, without really asking anything back. How can my impression be so opposite of the vast majority of the commentators here? I do not understand…
I’m a woman and also a Thai. From what I read above, it sounds like you’ve only spent your ‘time’ in Thailand with ‘bar girls’.
If your mentality could bring you to those places where you met those kind of women and assumed all women in Thailand are like then I feel so sorry for you, Simon. You don’t sound very educated yourself.
It doesn’t help when you only open your eyes and not open your mind. What you see is not always what it is. If you have interacted with a different level Thais. You wouldn’t have said what you said.
Have some respect.
I’m a Thai and I can say that ‘Alexander Johnevich Olinger has been to Thailand!’ Other comments were rubbish. They don’t even know Thailand!
To answer your question. It’s the media! White is good. White is this. White is that… bla bla bla
I’m half Thai/Portuguese and I was born in Thailand. Some people are so shallow minded and uneducated that they don’t know there are many different race in the UK. I have a friend and she’s half Jamaican half English. She went to apply for a job in one of the language centres and an old lady asked where she’s from, she said England. That lady looked so surprised and said that my friend is not from England in disbelieve. My friend turned around and asked me why she’s being like that and I told her that the lady has no clue. She probably doesn’t even know that England is not the only country in the UK.
Just don’t bother talking to them and don’t think too much. It’s not their fault that they don’t know.
I personally would blame the government.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2276418/Lazy-Britain-uncovered-How-FOUR-MILLION-adults-worked-lives.html
I guess you don’t read a lot, Chris.
If the Thais were that lazy then you wouldn’t see 24/7 street food stalls, 7-11, etc. On the other hand, in the UK, you can stay home and claim for allowance for unemployed from the government which came from tax payers (people who work for their money)
Learn more about other stuff in other part of the world apart from your home.
Are you kidding me, if Thailand had welfare i guarantee you there’d be more people unemployed in Thailand than in the UK!
Yeah but then they know if they’re off work, they won’t have allowance.
hahahaha The precise reason that there are so many street vendors is because people are too lazy to cook for themselves! That isn’t only my opinion, although I also believe that. It has been told to me by numerous Thai friends from various strata of society.
OMG Chris, you aren’t kidding! I can’t even fathom how quickly the populace would abandon the workplace if a welfare system were put in place! And even if Thailand had a welfare system, the street vendors would continue to sell and then collect welfare on top of it because their income is unreported and tax free. It’s one other thing that I haven’t yet seen addressed here – that is, that a very large portion of society here is perfectly comfortable with thievery. Whether thievery from the government or from their countrymen. Don’t leave anything anywhere for any amount of time or you can be assured it will be stolen. Other forms of theft also are rampant, such as stealing your place in line at 7-11, a taxi taking you on a long route to get an extra 20 baht out of you, tuk tuks and motorcycles charging a much higher fee for foreigners as do the police for their “fees”, entry fees to parks, etc. higher than for Thais, etc. etc. etc. Theft, particularly from foreigners, is rampant throughout the country.
I wondered about a friend I had there who eats out al of the time even though she is in big debt. When I visit her, we only eat out. Ok, I make pretty good money in America. I’m not rich, but I’m doing pretty well compared to most people. I cook 99 percent of my meals at home. I bring lunch to work. Because I like to, and because I know what’s being cooked/prepared, and I don’t mind saving money.
This woman thought it was odd that I cooked most all of my meals (I go out for take out one a month – grocery store fried chicken).
She also finds my frugal (not too frugal) ways a little odd. Oh well. It does seem no one cooks at home most of the time. Which is fine, if that’s what’s what people want…I just wondered why Thai people did it a lot.
Its cheaper and easier for thai people to make a lot of food at once. You can’t make street food or fried chicken as cheaply (or as easily) than they can sell it. In the west, resturaunts are expensive, and its cheaper to make you own.
I can see many replies and comments let me add my one, Chris How dear you compere Europe to Thailand !!! Thai People are not only lazy and selfish but are the biggest liars in whole world, the will milk your money as a Cow and rap you off while you are witching if they could , if you try to make friends they will eat you alive plus Hotels Taxis Tuk Tuk shops Bars Night Clubs Police Man it is always his birth day is tomorrow IF THEY DON’T FIND NOTHING ON YOU IF THEY DID THEY WOULD SAY YOU HAVE ATM CARD Looool because they call us the costumers nothing more, most of them like to give you orders if realized they like to make you stupid they enjoy it so much !!! if you call any agency for inquires they will pretend that they cannot hear you and if they did they will hung up the phone while you are speaking to rude loooool , in one of the replies one say we are not lazy look we have 7l11 HHHHHH so funny by the way 7l11 is the undercover police station witching all moves , the best part is you can get drunk and fuck their girls and lady boys loool . why I come to Thai ? is because you are too cheap I can offered you. To earn respect in Thailand all you have to do is just count your big money in front of their faces. @ that time you will see the Thai simile. To be contend if published.
Hey all, well from my personal time living here. In my first year here it was delightful getting to know my thai collegues and forming friendships. Let me give you a bit of a background of who I am, a South African white female who works in a privae school amongst Thais and Filipino and Turkish. I am the only westerner in the school which employs around 60.
I have formed close friendships with my Thai work mates, and I must admit as much as I would like to deny but they are a breed of a different type of woman. At first friendly and accommodationg but the more I get to know about SOME of them the more dissapointed and alarmed I have become and its a sad situation that they behave the way they do and think its accetable.
My first thing I would like to point out these are educated girls whom have well paid jobs and are from all over Thailand. About 50% of them are obsessed with Western men, I ask them why and they never really give any logical answer apart from slating all thai men…saying Thai men are bad. Well I know a few Thai guys and I have yet to meet a bad one. Not in my enviroment anyway.
Again they all have around 2-3 Internet relationships with previous tourists whom come see then once a year for two weeks and call that “a loving relationship” . They have very little standard and would occupy the time of any guy from the western world.
I comment and say …there is no way that guy is a decent person…so whats your attraction??? They again have no valid answer. I have seen first hand playing at its worst!!!
Personally I believe these types of Thai girls are insecure and lonely and socially unrealistic to what the world and relationships are built onon…eg, trust, communication etc……they are all pretty much idealists who watch too many movies and also looking for a status boost…”my boyfriend is a falang”……yes! but the worst kind!!! Zero in thier homeland and Hero in Thailand. I have seen a bitchy attitude amongst thai girls hating eachother for no apparant reason. They are vain and egotistic and honestly believe they are the most desirable women on earth.
Yet face value they can put on the best act…I get inside info on how they get western men to fall for them, how they “pretend” in order to just gain male attention. And an attitude of “I trust no one”. Again only about 50% of the females I work with are like this…but still thats a high percentage in my eyes. Its degrading, disrespectful and cunning. They are very good at manipulation and when called out for thier behaviour have a good wat just to ingnore.
So to wrap this up…. in the bigger picture the truth presents itself and not only do these girls disrespect themselves, thier culture but also the western men who come here. And some people are suprised at the authors post….its just calling a spade a spade.
But I do have some great Thai friends…but even those ones I can honeslty say Im not sure If I could ever fully trust them….just because I have been suprised and dissapointed by the majority of them! its scary! but they do play a good game…just sucks when you finally see them for who they are…but it does take a few years to realise and not get caught up in the fake and shallow and dramatic doings.
Thank you for such a detailed comment. Trust is something that is hard to come by in Thailand I think for both men and women. Like you find it hard to trust most Thai’s I do too, but equally I don’t trust many farang who come here either. Trust in Thailand is something you must truly earn, while in the west it’s more likely you’d trust someone till they did you wrong here you don’t trust someone till they’ve done you right. again thanks for the comment.
Wonderful post. I have had those feelings toward the people there a bit. I feel played by people who call me a friend. I met a girl online and she is fine, and I’ve gone there twice to see her over the last year, but not sure if I will go back. I think I’m an okay guy (not a zero), but I feel she’d take anyone who is good enough, and not really out of love. Which is fine, they want financial security. But I see a selfishness brewing. And she makes a big deal on FB about catching and having a foreign boyfriend. It kind of turns me off, truthfully. Your post just woke me up to a few things I had been feeling, but hadn’t articulated. She does feel she is really beautiful/desirable, but since I’ve met her, she’s gained A LOT of weight. She doesn’t seem to care to lose weight or exercise. That’s kind of a turn off for me, but she doesn’t mind.
Tarryn is jealous, I think 😀 At these small, feminine, sexy, submissive, beautiful girls 😀
No, I don’t think Tarryn is jealous. She makes some very valid points though-
(as opposed to YOUR derogatory comment that provides no substantiation whatsoever!)
Some interesting points in the article.
Unfortunately a large majority of the Thai people are Ignorant, Lazy, Racist, Un-educated, Jealous, Corrupt, Selfish…and that’s the good ones! LOL
If you are thinking of coming to Thailand to live, please do some research.
Source: 7 years experience in Thailand.
This article has been doing the rounds for a while now and I used to agree with it fully. But I think it was the calibre of people I was hanging out with (chicks I’d met in clubs etc.)
after being here a while it seems my associates all have degrees, good jobs and work their asses off. It seems people in Good corporate jobs in Bkk work much harder than people in Sydney. I worked in advertising in Sydney and thought that 11pm was a late finish but in Bkk I have friends making that a norm with the occasional 6am finish (not at spicey but the office).
I haven’t got much going for me and I don’t know why but they will drive across Bkk to pick me up and drive back to a restaurant near they’re house then pay for dinner and drop me home.
In chiang Mai I had mates that would pop around with food and drinks etc then drive me out to ZOE
I think the point is to get rid of the bar girls and rice farmers daughters who never learnt the value of work in your life and hang out with being who are decent. (I know there are some diamonds in those categories out there but we are generalising here)
If I stayed in the Sydney western suburbs where I’d grown up I’d be able to write articles like this about my mates.
Since the MAJORITY of Thai people work in country (outside of any advertising jobs etc) It’s hard to really say that your circumstance is unique. I’ve been across all sorts of industries and yeah Thai people are lazy, Australians are worst! Say what you will but I lived in America and people work harder there than anywhere in the world. Yeah I’m pretty much generalizing in the article but there are hidden truths to what I’m saying.
Are you even aware of cultural difference? They are the way they are because they’re here! It’s how the majority are! If they were brought up as an aussie then they would have learnt about the culture. Are you still going through culture shock?
New theory – Due to the overwhelming lack of international exposure/awareness and the pervasive nationalistic indoctrination, 98% of Thais have no use for farangs whatsoever. (Commercial transactions excluded of course.) Consequently, farangs that are here for anything over the “2-week millionaire” period get so lonely that they just to want desperately to “connect, converse or otherwise be recognized” by another human being. Consequently, when one does actually lower themselves to look at you or even speak to you, the are convinced that it is absolutely “True-Love!”
Yes, I agree with previous posts that (generalize) and say that this is a very distrusting society. But, of course, without travelling internationally and seeing any different viewpoints- how are Thais to know?
HappyInBKK May 2, 2013 at 12:26 am #: ‘No, I don’t think Tarryn is jealous…(as opposed to YOUR derogatory comment that provides no substantiation whatsoever!)’
And yours does? 😀
HappyInBKK May 2, 2013 at 12:36 am #: ‘Consequently, farangs that are here for anything over the “2-week millionaire” period get so lonely…’
I lived for over two years in Thailand as a multi millionaire, and did not at all encounter any feeling of loneliness after this period. Why should it make people lonely?
@Peter, “… I lived for over two years in Thailand as a multi millionaire, ”
Congratulations! May you enjoy Thailand with your millions for a long, long time.
Chris is generalizing, probably to get some attention for his blog.
– About being lazy. Thai people work slower than we do in the west and don’t like to follow the rules, like we do, but I don’t think they are lazy. I even think the average Thai works much more hours per week than we do. Most people have a job here. There are very few unemployed people here (much less than in the west) and many people even have 2 or 3 jobs.
– About being selfish – I think this is partly true. Thai people are selfish towards people they don’t know. You can see this in the traffic, where they even don’t let pregnant or old women safely cross the street while they are sitting in their car. But when it comes to helping friends, I think Thai people are not selfish at all. I think Thai people help their close friends, with money and time.
– About bad manners. I don’t agree with this. Manners are a cultural thing. Jumping a queue is also done in many western countries. How can you be very friendly and have bad manners at the same time? I think Thai people are very respectful, much more respectful than us. When I went to the USA for the first time, I also believed Americans have bad manners. But after being there for a while, I just realized that was the way they talk.
สำหรับคนไทยที่อ่อนบทความนีี้ ผมอยากจะขอโทษด้วย ที่ Chris พูดถึงข้อเสียของคนไทยอย่างเดียว และที่เขาไม่เห็นข้อดี ผมก็คิดว่าสิ่งที่เขาสรุปมาไม่ถูกต้อง แต่ว่าถ้าคุณไม่เห็นด้วยกับเขา และคุณตอบไม่สุภาพ คุณจะช่วยแต่คนที่ดูถูกคนไทยอยู่แล้ว
Very well-balanced. I have relative and know of others around town her in America who are lazy and prefer to be underemployed or unemployed and living off the government or someone else. While I see most Thai people working. I do see the playing part in Thailand. People who sit around and drink all day. But my friend there and her family seem to be very industrious and work hard. I didn’t find Thai people selfish during the two two-week stints I was there. It’s true, there is not a thought toward non-friends and family. Not like America. Not like they are wrong. It’s just different there AND the rest of Asia – where I’ve lived and traveled.
If you went to America and spent two weeks in Vegas, could you really know what Americans are like?
Well actually Chris, I think the answer to that is a resounding “yes”.
I left Thailand after doing 2 years there and getting sick of the rudeness, thieving and absolutely disgusting xenophobia (I’m white caucasian). Prior to that I’d also lived elsewhere in Asia for 3 years so I do have some experience with asian “culture”. I just don’t accept it to be in any way appropriate when routine thieving and deception is ‘excused’ by labeling the behavior “cultural”. Thieving is thieving…rudeness is rudeness. Lying is…lying.
From BKK to LA the transformation was stunning. Polite people everywhere, not the exception…but the rule. It was a breath of fresh air. In the first 2 weeks I came to expect this as the being the norm, and I wasn’t disappointed. Living in America now, it’s still the norm. People are GENUINELY friendly and nice, not the superficial “we’ve got an agenda” nice you get from 95% of Thais and their 95% fake smiles. Not ALL Thais are like that?? No, but the goodly majority you run into ARE, and that’s sufficiently annoying after a while to make you wanna ram your fist down their throat and rip out their cold and lying little black hearts. I’ll spend my foreign dollars in much better places than Thailand, thank you very much. Never have I been so disgusted by an entire race of people, my representative sample being 95% of every Thai I ever met there in 2 years. Thanks, but no thanks. The Thai government should be ashamed of it’s people’s behavior and do something about it. That applies to all the “classes” of Thai, they’re all the same; low class thieves/liars/xenophobes. It’s just the way they apply that Thai “cultural peculiarity” which varies.
Thank you!
*bow down to you Sir with respect*
I have lived here 2.5 years. I know most of the policemen in the region I live in. This happened quite by accident. Thailand would be poised to become a 1st world economy were it not for “Mai Bpen Lai”. Baht is stronger than it’s ever been. Food is great, women are like anywhere…”watch your back”. Money talks and in every country, mine says ” Bye Bye”. Evoking change is difficult here. The King can testify to that. His efforts to thwart self limiting thinking yielded very few results. The people are no worse or better than any I have seen. The one thing I always keep in mind is, “Should I hire an electrician in a country that never uses a ground wire on the electric water heater in the shower?” If a person is electrocuted, it is because of “phi”. Ex wife, who went to KMITL, degree in chemical engineering once tried to tell me to not use water on a fire, as it would disassociate and that the resulting hydrogen would cause the fire to grow. I rest my case.
Hello all,I’m Thai and Now I live in Thai .My English is very bad (my teacher is just unemployee farang not real teacher)but I wrote on here because just to say something .
If you think negative with all Thai people .you shouldn’t come to Thailand again.
please just see my country’s picture from internet because thailand have a lot of bad guys.
By the way thx a lot every comments for open my vision.
Thank you for your comment I love Thailand and Thai people in general, there are some things I find annoying and tick me off. Same of any country I’ve visited. I think what I’ve written here could be seen as helpful not just for Foreigners but also Thai people.
Chris as much as i blamed you personaly you know, you are speaking the truth in many many points if not all, and yes while the most thais come here could learn something and blame their own for mistakes they come with the same old shit, DONT COME HERE……bla bla …….the old typical nationalism racist position like then not come here, and get girls at home bla. i can feel you if you say “things tick me of” i work with thais since i am some of the fre do have a company here, its hard to find good staff comes also if it rains, or the monday after a national holiday, then again, – over the years i learned to see things more calm and easy since if u dont i will brake u and u will lost your interest in thailand 🙂 lovin it here and im happy to leave my taxes in thailand especialy cause all the lacks of education, respect to each other etc. i apreciate your position, may hopefully some thais read this and work on their country and the mistakes thai cociety has instead of search for excuses or attack you personaly 🙂 cheers mate
Thanks Chris for all your insights into Thailand.
I found them all very helpful. The Thai culture is very different to the UK. Thailand is a fascinating place and I will visit again next year. Next year will be my 7th trip.
I find Thailand is a very chilled out place except the traffic from BKK airport to Bangkok and the traffic any time on Sukhumvit Road.
I realise that I am a walking ATM and a Farang. I am still learning about Thailand. I love to holiday there but I dont think it is likely that I would ever retire there, or marry a Thai woman.
Good luck to those to marry Thai women and who live in Thailand. If it works for you then great. Life is short so seize the day.
Hello all, just found this blog sitting in my hotel room in pattaya. Some very interesting articles ive read on this blog so far. While i am a tourist in this country so far i have to agree with Chris about this article and others pointing out some hard truths about Thailand.
This is my first time in Pattaya, and i tell you if i didnt pre book my hotel i would of stayed here one night. I have been stuck here for the past five days and have two more days left. Every time i leave my hotel it drains me. Any country in the world yeah im looked at as a white tourist. Although i feel in Pattaya that this is taken to a whole new level where its not just that i am wanted for the contents of whats in my wallet, but am hated for the fact that i have whats in my wallet.
I have treated every Thai with the up most respect, havent bothered haggling over a dollar or two, and just tried to be kind to everyone i met.
While some give me a smile and others dont even seem to bother, i seem to be despised here, just for the colour of my skin. The fact of the matter that i am a ‘farang’ to everyone, makes me feel like i am in some way lower than any Thai.
Before coming to Thailand and hearing about the word ‘farang’ i thought it would be used in a jovial, light hearted manner. What i have learnt in my time here is the opposite, ‘farang’ just doesnt mean i have white skin, but in some way i am to be hated for what i was born as.
This is my first and unfortunately my last time in Thailand, this is the land of smiles? Then why dont i want to even set foot outside my hotel?
Comparing Pattaya to Thailand is like comparing Las Vegas to the USA. It’s but a small place. I recommend you visit Chiang Mai before you decide never to come back.
That’s funny! Yes, Pattaya can do that to a first-timer! Poor guy, this place can be fun. Its the nature of the “business”. He didn’t do his homework.
So your first time to Thailand and you came to Pattaya? Why?
You know you can use the Internet to research the best places in the a country to visit. There is 1700 islands in Thailand. Why didn’t you stay on one of them?
I don’t blame Thais in pattaya for acting the way they do, Russians have probably conditioned them that way.
If you still got time, go down to Roo bar on walking st and have a beer. The owner and the locals will give you some pointers and the staff are very lovely.
Wangs, please don’t judge the Thai people so quick. Give it some time, get deeper in the Thai culture and psychology, and I think you will see how kind a people they actually are. Their behaviour sometimes can provoke our own belief systems, but the core of the Thai psychology is kind, is my experience. I have been living on/off in Asia (mainly Thailand) for more than a decade, and my impression of the Thai people is still very good. Please go out, make some relationships (if you have the time) and learn what is actually going on inside the common Thai. I think you will like them 🙂
@ WangsOr,
I stayed in Pattaya off and on over a decade, and to tell you the truth, and I never expected this, I enjoyed hanging out with upper middle class brits, probably for all the wrong reasons. But I enjoyed the fact that they are tightwads, and they don’t kowtow to menial uneducated lower class business people. They throw it right back at them, they act like they are superior to them, and for the most part it works, the Thais begrudgingly accept it.
The Thais are mercenary when it comes to making a buck (Baht) off the Farang, but educated middle class Brits are mercenary about reminding the Thais that they are better educated and the ones with the money. Money talks and bullshit walks, and while British Imperialism might not be as old as the Thai Kingdom, they did rule the world, not just part of the Tamarin Basin.
Getting down to brass tacks, an educated Brit can out arrogance most Thais, and do it in a way most Thais don’t know how to respond to. The Irish do it to the Brits.
Most Americans, like myself, don’t know how to play that game, we’ve ruled the world economically for a while, but we have never colonised anybody except in our own country.
I have lived in Thailand for 4 1/2 years and I love Thai people. They have treated me much kinder than the average American does. I have great Thai friends with hearts of gold. You must be too close minded to experience the culture properly. It’s no question after reading this “article”.
Most people think your goal in life should be simply happiness. If that is the case then Thailand is the most successful country in the world. Take of your narrow western lenses once in awhile so you can see things without an ethnocentric measuring stick.
you say “your narrow western” because you are NOT western
you are ….Thai !!!
Chai mai krap?
😀
I am in the UK so I see things through Western eyes. I do not claim to understand Thai culture but what Chris has written seems very valid to me.
It seems to me on my 6 visits to Thailand and knowing 8 Thai women a little here that nearly every Thai woman will put money first and love a very poor second.
If one is hungry then perhaps money is more important.
Perhaps I should interpret a Thai woman’s loyalty as Family first and partner second or even fourth as some have suggested?
It is certainly a different value system.
I do not like the idea of parents in poor rice growing families sending their girls to be prostitutes in the Bangkok so that they can send money home. I do not see how the girls can really be happy with this. So I see the smiles in Thailand but I am not convinced that Thailand is successful in being happy. I do not believe that all the smiles are genuine. It seems to me that everyone that I have met aspires to move to the west and leave Thailand. The desire for western goods such as iPhones and designer clothes by the Thai women that I have met is great. No sign of contentment or a simple life for them, western materialism is alive and well.
Perhaps I have met the wrong Thai people in Thailand and also in the UK.
I can recommend Thailand. It is a fascinating place, despite being treated as a walking ATM, I will return in March 2013 and observe more.
After living in Japan and China for a number of years and visiting Thailand a few times, I can say that when it comes to Thailand, if you want the best of something, you go to Japan, and if you want to cheapest of something, you go to India. 🙂 Thailand’s not really relevant anymore, I think. The first time I went, 15 years ago, Thailand was very much the place to be for any number of reasons, but now? …meh. I went again last year, and that’ll be my last trip.
Been there a couple of times, not many good things I can about the place, maybe except for some food. People are as described generally rude, vile and would hike up the price when selling to foreigners. I got cursed at looking at shirt , asking for its price and not buying it (not worth the price they gave me) . The place was dirty, my travel mate had food poison, not a very pleasant experience. Would not go there again .
Katie, that’s maybe because you are a woman. It’s a paradise for me, I assure you 🙂 And I think Thai people generally are really nice people.
Correction: “It’s a paradise for men…” 😛
With the hell waiting around the corner… just give it time 🙂
I really hate Farang people. Most of them lookdown thai people and most of them go to thailand for only met a women for sex. When the met Thai women They met the woman from bar or some places that have many of bitch and they think that the whole women in country is like that bitch.
Many Farang come to work at Thailand and stay here,use property, have thai friend, get help from thais. They get privilege from Thais just because the pay a lot for everything they want and make thai people get bad habit. They spoit Thai people for a long long time and then after that the lookdown them.
They think thai people Lazy because when they hire someone its mean have to work for them every minute. Cannot relax between work time. They think people that they have employ have to work like machine.
They think Thai poeple selfish so why don’t they think Farang people are selfish too because There are also human.
Most foreigner people I see all over the world from ONLINE are THE INSANE OF SEX.
I HATE FARANG who don’t have worldwide vision.
@Piiim
Of course they get help from Thais, thai people are not only selling themselves but their country! What does thailand have without farangs? NOTHING! Next time you go out take a look around all the franchises and brands etc. without us your country will be nothing. Thai economy is based on falangs and prostitution, Thats a fact! live with it.
Stop selling your country and girls if you dont like it. Just go to pattaya, nana patpong etc and ull see what i mean. What you say is true about falangs but what do you expect when thais allow us to do so?
Many thai woman dont like thai guys thats why they go with falangs, What does that have to do with falangs?
I also dont like many falangs but i also hate the kind of thai people that see ATM machines when they see falangs, and to be honest “som nom na man” when they get what they desurve.
I see countless cases where falangs come here and bring everything they got just to be taken by a Thai girl “som nom na man duai”
I’m not taking sides but Thailand is doing this to itself, If you dont like it, stop encouraging falangs to come here and spend their hard earned cash. But i guess its worth it for many thais as long as they get some money to go drink and for the girls to spend the money their body earned them on their kids, husbands and kiks. Their body and image isn’t that important, MONEY IS!!!
A lot of venting here, but I think Chris is correct. I think its a statistical bell curve: people are pretty much the same all over the world, good and bad. In Thailand, its how and who you meet that shapes your perceptions.
The fact is that the sex industry is dominant in Thailand. (The girls are very cute) And you are not likely to meet shining examples of virtuous citizenry in such industries. (or many of the people who come here to employ the industry) But most Thai people are decent if you give them a chance. They tend to think we are merely sex tourists unless you can convince them otherwise. Who cares about manners with (usually drunken) sex tourists?
Having lived in this mad country for 5 years I would say the following:
When you first come here, it is such a buzz for so many reasons that I think you are on such a high that the good outweighs the bad. Thais are very reactive people, so if you give off happy, relaxed natural vibes, they are generally warm and smile back at you. BUT….:) After you live here for a while the moral and social compass does become jading.
They only care about their immediate families. They have zilch curiosity about the world outside their Kingdom. You are not going to have a deep and meaningful relationship with these people.
The touristy areas have gone to shit. It’s past saturation point.
But I choose to stay here as I love the weather, the girls are gorgeous, you can eat and live pretty cheaply. But as for trying to analyse or understand the locals…. Haha. Forget it. Enjoy the superficiality and realise its all bollocks. but would I like to be freezing my arse off in friendly and polite England and putting up with all the shite over there? This place ain’t perfect, but it is the lesser of two evils…..f
Good (and true) article and equally good comments.
I have been working in Singapore for the past 6 years and as my girlfriend is thai, i travel very often to thailand and sometimes stay there for months.
I agree with the article… After many experiences i realised i shouldn’t expect much from Thais.
Can’t rely on them, can’t count on them, can’t expect much from them.
They do not seem to be able to be rational, to care about others, they don’t have the wish to be better, to learn… Mostly, if thai people were a cartoon, it would be a slow motorcycle going straight without stopping ever, bumping into people, walls and whatever.
They don’t give a shit. And that includes family relatives.
I don’t mind much or at all, a few days there was enough for me to realise it will be forever impossible to make friends here or not turn crazy so fine i won’t ever live there, no big deal.
However my girl is thai. Oops. Its kind of hard to give up on almost everything we westerners consider love. Most of the time its a sweet ride… but when problems arise and confrontation occurs, you see the real deal. Its kinda sad and make you ask yourself is it worth it. No its not a bar girl its a normal girl.
Its just that they have a lot of behaviors that for us equals stupidity and after a while makes you want to strangle them :
– never admitting any mistakes
– never sharing real serious thoughts
– VERY sensitive about words you might say, no matter how careful you were but the truth sometimes (most of the time) can’t be told
– VERY NOT caring at all about their own way of saying things to hurt
– everything is taken personnaly
– paranoia
– jealousy
– responsability ? no thanks
– tv addiction
Now… i wouldn’t mind all this shit much, if on their side they were equally capable of swallowing our mistakes or whatever they consider we are doing wrong.
But they don’t at all and never even try. And that what really piss me the most.
You say one thing wrong, no matter how careful you were, and thats it. You will have to crawl on the floor, lick it to even have the honor of simply being looked at again.
On another day… if she say something that hurt you, dont expect even a little sorry.
After all, it was your fault in the first place.
Very hypocritical. The truth is, it might be easier to have a relation with a bar girl. Because then you wouldn’t be expecting much at all. But with a normal girl, you expect a bit of caring, sharing responsabilities, and a few more things that is normal for you in a relation.
Sure it will happen sometimes but there will be a lot of days where you will feel like you are a fool and taken for granted and shit. So then you complain and say ok bye bye. And there you go, finally, that very thick coat of pride and ego breaks down into tears and begging.
And make you think… oh.. there is a heart somewhere inside, i never knew.
(im from europe and english isn’t my native language)
Thats partially true, I’ve been here for 10 years, I’ve basically grown up with Thais, they tell me im Thai now.
While i agree with you and i’ve experienced that myself, its been a couple of years that i met someone (not in a bar, everyone knows how that ends) and shes just the opposite of most thais, thats why ive stayed with her. Im not an imotional person so im not saying this blindly like most falangs do but she just dont expect anything from me. I know that she isnt with me for money (i would leave her if she did) and she isnt lazy (we’ll everyone is in a way) she works everyday and shes been helping me while im setting up a an internet company. I keep telling her that she is so hard to find, which she doesnt see but i’m always proud of her.
About jealousy, all girls get jealous, but yea its a pain in the a** when you get the bad kind. and yes shes sensetive but it has not caused a problem.
I recently made a mistake and had a kik which broke her but we got through it after a couple of days but it made me realize that shes the on for me.
so i guess most falangs dont find true happiness here but the ones that do get what i’m saying.
and yes good and bad everywhere but well it doesn’t mean we can’t talk about it and this is a blog about thailand.
Not all thais are like that, not all US are like that, not all french are like that bla bla.
True but when one lives abroad for years, one is able to see patterns and ways of living and talk about it without being immediately shut down as a complainer, a very unlucky person who never met the real angels populating the country, or having to hear “well your country isnt better” etc. Yeah well i don’t give a shit about my country my country isn’t me is it, if you want to say my country sucks i don’t give a shit its your opinion and i don’t really care if it was forged by a 2 day holiday trip and a bad encounter with a shop keeper.
Having stayed in different countries in Asia i can say that Thai have some very specific ways and they are not the easiest ones to go along in Asia.
Well i just think we are seeing thai people with our own values, and the result isn’t very good for them.
Thanks Tiger for your excellent posts. What you say about Thailand rings true with me. I visit Thailand but I am not hoping to change it. Globalisation will in time change Thailand. When everywhere and everyone looks the same perhaps then I will travel less.
When Thailand no longer gives value then the tourists like me will go elsewhere. I take a 2 week break and I look forward to Thailand but I do like to stop over in Hong Kong or Singapore.
I would be interested to hear people’s views on Thai men. Here in the UK I have met over 20 Thai women and everyone has a bad word to say about Thai men. None would consider marrying a Thai man. Those that were married to a Thai man would not do so again. My sample is obviously biased as the Thai women are in the UK.
I suspect the situation is like Thai women: some are good some are bad.
LL
Hi London Lad
Did you ask those women how about her behavior or caracter and what she did before?
And … and…
Sure in this world have good and bad man and woman same same!!!
For me I had friends (man), they take care wife(family) very well. My friend have a good job good behavior (gentleman) some they earn more than 2,2000 euro really!!! I think depend on who you meet or know them that all. (again people are different.) For example if they have less education then have less chance for get good job too. Dont say Thai men are not good!!! – Thanks
I am Chinese and now live in Oz.
Been to Thailand 20 years ago on short stint outside BKk. Initially, been pretty impressed with the genuine kindness and ‘innocence’ of some of its people.
Over the years, been back several times on short stints to Chiang Mai and Bangkok and suprised how increasingly expensive BKK is vis-a-vis KL.
2 years ago back in Chiang Mai and altogether an alright experience with the usual taxi touts and tour guide bringing me to jewelry shops. I did all the touristy staff as an Asian but felt the Thais were poor and were just making a living. At that time, I felt the many cheap wonderful street massages in Chiang Mai made up for me being randomly being rip-off.
Never had much thai ‘friends’ but the ones I know in school seems easy going and kinda off likes to take short cuts. The other thai colleague that I know in Oz is always trying to indirectly sell me stuff even though he earns a decent salary??
Had been to Phuket recently…whew it does make me see Thai people in a whole different light. The first thing you land and you get rip-off by needing to take a cab. Worst. The driver, drives you to tour agent despite you stating specifically that you want to go straight to the hotel. Then, with fake smiles, he drives you around like a mad man trying to raise the meter.
With my limited experience in Thailand, it perplexes me that Thai society is so ineffectual in preserving its biggest assets – culture. people. and tourism.
In my observations, I largely agree with what Sam says..
I find that corruption and ineffectual education will be the undoing for the Thailand if it wishes to graduate from the middle income trap…otherwise it would be just another ran – tourist haven and producer of low end Japanese cars providing the developed nations still consider it a viable option late on vis-a-vis e.g Indonesia. Vietnam and even Burma
All in all, I stll find Thailand generally a beautiful place with wonderful food. Nonetheless corruption might be the greatest I going of the country..