richard_smith237

Your use of the word 'customer' highlights a certain delusion as to your status when entering and when 'in' Thailand... You are not a customer.

Then you mistake indifference for impoliteness with the same degree of naivety as someone who travels little. In my experience, no Thai immigration officer has ever been rude or impolite to me and I doubt they have you or anyone else either. Certainly, they’ve been reserved – stone-faced, unsmiling, asked questions of some – but never overtly impolite. ...And that's an important distinction. As mentioned, some foreigners seem to expect immigration officers to greet them with beaming smiles and warm enthusiasm, as though it's their duty to play host rather than enforce border control. That delusion is a detachment from reality. That said, I have been met with a smile or brief polite conversation now and then – usually when it's quiet and queues are minimal. But I don’t expect it. In fact, I anticipate no verbal exchange at all beyond a thank-you when they return my passport. Most immigration encounters, in any country, are silent and procedural - Thailand is no different. Ironically, the most speech I regularly hear from immigration officials is when my wife enters the UK – as part of procedure she’s asked how long she plans to stay, where she'll be staying, and so on - again, we don't expect the red carpet there either.

While it may seem fair on the surface, dual pricing based solely on nationality rather than income or residency is fundamentally discriminatory and fosters resentment. Not all foreigners visiting or living in Thailand are wealthy; many are budget travellers, students, or retirees on limited means. Charging them significantly more - sometimes ten times the local rate - regardless of income or contribution to the Thai economy (like expats who pay taxes) is unjust. Moreover, conservation and public access to natural beauty shouldn't be framed as a luxury taxed by nationality. A fairer system would base pricing on residency or income, not race or passport. Many countries allow locals reduced rates based on proof of residence or tax contribution - not blanket assumptions about wealth. If fairness and inclusivity are the goals, dual pricing as currently practiced in Thailand misses the mark. In practice, it alienates well-meaning visitors, reinforces negative stereotypes, and undermines Thailand’s reputation for warmth and hospitality. It also discourages long-term engagement with the country - why integrate into a culture that insists on seeing you as a permanent outsider? The justification that “foreigners can afford it” is a generalisation that, applied elsewhere, would rightly be called xenophobic. Dual pricing is a lazy substitute for fairness.

If they're that unhappy with their jobs, they should be invited to seek work elsewhere. It costs them nothing to be civil and polite. It’s astonishing how many foreigners on this forum labour under the delusion that Thailand’s Immigration officers are somehow not part of the Royal Thai Police, and, more absurdly, that they’re employed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.... They seem to believe these officials should greet every arrival with open arms and fawning enthusiasm, as if their job were to roll out the red carpet for every wandering sex pest who fancies a warm welcome....

Yet here you are on a forum for Thai expats, not Belize expats...

Nope. Reckless driving causing death at best...... but its a big stretch. Did the 'delay' cause the death ?? was the delay long enough to lead to the death ? I think the Taxi driver needs some sort of penalty - but I don't think his actions attributed to death, that guy in the Ambulance was so critical it may have already been impossible to save him - an expert witness would be needed to prove that 5 minutes could have made a difference. I think the worst a driver could be charged with is: Careless or inconsiderate driving - as below, thats a 500 baht penalty. [[ Section 76(2) of Thailand's Land Traffic Act (B.E. 2522) mandates that drivers must yield to emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, when they are using sirens and flashing lights. Failure to do so is punishable by a fine of up to 500 baht ]] The act also states that if a driver's failure to yield directly causes harm or death, more severe penalties can apply. Under Section 79 of the same Act, such actions may lead to charges of negligence causing death or even intentional manslaughter, depending on the circumstances and intent. But again, that would need to be proven.

It’s possible, of course, that an unseen vehicle in front of the ambulance was preventing it from manoeuvring around the stationary Camry (taxi) - that can't be ruled out as the 'cam car' didn't get a clear view. However, it also appears to me that the ambulance driver may have been more interested in making a public spectacle than in swiftly reaching the hospital. His behaviour suggests he was already irritated by the taxi driver’s actions, and allowed that frustration to take precedence over professional urgency. I could be mistaken, of course – but that’s how it comes across: the ambulance driver fuelling the drama. And just to be clear, because people will cherry pick my comments – I’m not excusing the taxi driver’s conduct in the slightest. But, suspect the ambulance driver also played his part in 'creating' a situation.

Please don't be so ridiculous - with proper supervision (for both) ocean swimming is never safer than pool swimming.... Your comment is well beyond ridiculous.

There was clearly a couple of meters for the Silver Taxi to pull aside so as not to impede the Ambulance... The mind boggles as to why someone wouldn't. It looks like it might have been a minute or two at most - while the taxi could have pulled over earlier, it also looks like the ambulance turned into the taxi. I'm not condoning the Taxi drivers actions by any means - but was the Ambulance driver 'making a point' in stopping when it he could have continued 'around' the taxi ?? i.e. was any delay due a 'stubborn' response of the Ambulance driver to make a point and play the victim when instead the priority was continuing on to the hospital instead of also stopping? (the ambulance doesn't appear blocked in)

That (and this) may well prove to be an unpopular opinion amidst the predictable wave of sanctimonious outrage, but I find myself inclined to agree. For how long was the ambulance actually obstructed - five minutes, or an hour? That’s a crucial detail. Was the delay in blocking the Ambulance really a contributory factor in the death of the deceased ? As grim as it sounds, I suspect the unfortunate individual who passed away may not have survived regardless. That said, the driver of the silver Camry absolutely must face charges. His behaviour was reprehensible, and it’s vital that a clear message is sent. So, did the delay caused by the taxi driver actually contribute to the death - or was the poor man tragically beyond saving regardless?

"I enter the pharmacy at the same time as Thais ... I had to wait until the Thais were done..." If you entered at the same time as the Thai customers why should you be served first or why should they not be served ahead of you? Indeed - did he simply stand there silently, expectant and expressionless? It’s hard to imagine what kind of response he was hoping for. In contrast, my own experience - just yesterday, in fact - was quite different, especially with this thread fresh in mind. I walked into a pharmacy, greeted the staff in Thai, and asked about a particular item (in Thai). Not only did the person I spoke to assist, but another staff member and the pharmacist stopped what they were doing to help as well. Later, at Tops with a basket full of groceries, I joined the queue. A staff member noticed, smiled warmly, waved me over, and promptly opened a third checkout. All very ordinary, everyday interactions. Perhaps the OP just isn't one of those ‘hansum men’ !!!.... But in all seriousness, the vast majority of my experiences here fall somewhere between polite neutrality and genuine kindness.

The dual pricing at National Parks is on that gets my goat, not because of the prices, but because of the message it sends out to the rest of Thailand that dual pricing is not only accepted, but the Thai government advocates for it. IMO - tiered pricing should never impact residents, neither should it be a mainstay of a country that covets tourists so heavily... Japan is now employing state sanctioned dual pricing more and more... Over the past 15 years I've seen attitudes towards tourist deteriorate - the double edged sword of more tourist and and such attitudes, leads to a more tainted experience - Thailand relies heavily on 'repeat tourists' it's industry can't afford to ostracise those who visit.

I know anecdotal information is 'thin'... But, I've only ever had one issue where a young male immigration officer was making a mistake (limiting my entry permission), it was senior female officer who resolved the issue. Its seems that in all but rare circumstances, those having difficulties are doing border bounces, or are missing funds or lack documentation, they get upset and post bias but are less than 100% clear themselves with their complaints on here. ... for example: You complained that a Single Entry Non-O now requires 400,000 Baht in the Bank - it always has a requirement, so your information (complaint) is wrong. [for a Non-Imm O (i.e. based on Marriage) you need proof of 400,000 baht, and then for an extension that needs to be seasoned]. You also complain about the UN convention of Children's rights?? What convention is this ? Does the UK not have similar requirements - if our son, schools in the UK, my Wife can only get guardian rights until he's 12. The issue with complaints such as yours if you voice anecdote without knowing the rules - no wonder people complain, their sense of entitlement exceeds their knowledge.

This sort of idiocy belongs in an 'off the beaten path - flat earther' thread... To 'imply' that pools might be more unsafe than open water due to perception is utterly preposterous.... To 'imply' that pools are dangerous because one might bang their head into the side is beyond preposterous... its truly astonishing that an idea even enters the mind... yet it offers an insight as to the deluded nonsense of some.

I'm not entirely sure how far the news about legal marijuana in Thailand has actually spread - it's still a fairly recent development. Some younger travellers I know - friends and family - were genuinely surprised to learn it was legal when they visited. That said, none of them were particularly interested in it anyway, so it just wasn't on their radar to begin with. Maybe there's a degree to which cannabis culture is attracting the wrong crowd - and it only takes a few to shift perceptions. But let's be honest - it's alcohol and hard drugs like yaba that are causing the real problems the media latch onto. It's the 'Benidorm' crowd getting into fights, or the first-time meth user wandering naked down the street. Thailand has always attracted a certain element - and probably always will. The real point is that the country is drawing more tourists than ever, and when you chase mass tourism, consequences like this are bound to follow.

Somewhat more expensive now though.. That was actually the price for a Deluxe Garden Villa for our next visit... Koh Chang is not an option though, its too far for a long weekend. The price of 4000 baht is reasonable given the standard of accommodation, quality of beach and pool etc. Place is ideal for those with kids. The last time we were there it took 7.5 hours to get back to Bangkok - thats just too long.

Only if their parents were averse to having their kids bump their heads on the concrete of pools. Such oddness in every post... Is there any parent ever, who would have their child swim in the sea because a child 'could' bang their head when making a turn in a pool ??? .... honestly... some of the most idiotic bumf I ever read comes from this poster who's managed to convince himself he's smart !!... such delusion really leaves one wondering.

A comment such as this really leaves the mind boggling - the disconnect with reality is astonishing. The probability is zero if you look where you are going !!!... I used to swim a lot, competitively in younger years, and I can honestly say, the risk of bumping my head at the end of the pool is zero...

Thai immigration officers may not be overflowing with warmth, but they’re certainly not ogres either. Like immigration staff anywhere in the world, they tend to be indifferent - which is completely understandable given the mind-numbing nature of the job. Sitting there for hours on end, stamping passports, would drain anyone of the will for small talk. Personally, I’ve had very few negative experiences entering Thailand - or anywhere else, for that matter. There was one instance of an overzealous officer misapplying the rules, but nothing dramatic. On the flip side, I’ve had the occasional pleasant surprise: once, a charming female Immigration officer in Thailand recognised me from a previous visit and struck up a friendly conversation. I’ve had similarly positive encounters elsewhere - once in the UK and again in the UAE, where the officer invited my son into the booth to stamp our passports; a nice human moment. But, for the most part, the experience is defined by quiet, disinterested efficiency. And honestly, that’s about all we should expect.

Agreed... This has nothing to do with permission of stay, and everything to do with the fact that certain percentage of any society is an idiot when drunk and they too are permitted to travel along with anyone else.... It really isn't any more complex than that.

Indeed it is, which is why we've stayed there before... 4000 baht per night for the Deluxe Villa's

Slightly different... But, are there any 1000 Baht hotels, that have a pool and on the beach ? Koh Samet, Koh Chang, Rayong, Jomtien, Phuket, Hua Hin ?? - Anything acceptable in those area's starts at at least 3000 baht per night... 4500 baht a night is a good deal (relatively).

My thoughts exactly... The BMW was not parked in 'regular condo parking'... rather is was parked outside the Condo, in much the same manner a visiting 'guest' may park... the owner [of the BMW] also returned to their car at 02:30am, which suggests he was 'leaving'... which also indicates he had been 'visiting someone'.... First steps... Find out what car the new GF's ex drives !!!!

100% agree - what tourist has ever genuinely expressed concern about marijuana being available for those who want it? Absolutely none. As you rightly pointed out, it’s just manufactured outrage, whipped up for media sensationalism. People will take it at face value simply because it appears in an article, which is absurd. Nonsense like that shouldn’t even be given oxygen.

As far as Beach holidays are concerned - Malaysia doesn't have the same standard compared to Thailand. Penang is a bit of a hole.... only the beaches up north on Batu Ferrengi are ok. Langkawi is good - often overlooked but worth a visit, often awkward to get to. Tioman island is nice - very local small feel, very awkward to get to, for the same effort, there are lots of Thai Islands that are better. On the mainland Malaysia, the beaches are very poor, much like the south east coast of Thailand. As a City break, KL is a very good visit, Bangkok is much better for tourists. After the towers, Merdeka square and Batu-caves - there's not much to see in KL. Nightlife is limited - Bangsar. Thailand has a lot more to offer than Malaysia: If Tourist want more civilisation than Thailand, Singapore is close enough for that high end city break, for Beaches and the 'holiday vibe', Thailand just does it better.