FruitPudding

I have never ever heard of anyone tipping on a plane. Just restaurants, barbers, delivery guys, massage, maids. I have only heard of tipping in bars in Asia cos we get our bill at the end. As you say, in the UK bartenders don't get a tip. Although in my old local back West, we would sometimes buy them a drink. I don't get how some guys tip construction workers here or mechanics. I was a construction worker back in the West and I certainly didn't get any tips. I wonder does anyone tip teachers? Serious question. Or would that be insulting to their profession? It is funny, cos many Thai teachers earn 10,000-15,000 a month nowadays, yet a waitress is getting 15,000-20,000+ a month cos of the 10% service charge plus tips on top (at least that's what my EX was making 10 years ago in a well-known sports pub on Sukhumvit and she's borderline illiterate.....the irony!)

Ouch! Farang Kee Nok, is it? I have never thought of Westerners as being stingy, especially here in Thailand. In fact, I often see a white knight syndrome where they perceive the locals to be poorer than they are and then are over-generous. This, does however, sometimes wear off with time and experience.

I am imaging a Trump hairstyle.

Reading comprehension! I know it's hard! Let me show you what I wrote: "There have been only a few reasons this year that have caused me to feel compelled to tip, yet I tip regularly. Strange isn't it?" I even highlighted the part for you which says I tip regularly (cos I think you missed it). The point is: while I tip regularly, I don't feel I have received anything more than mediocre service, and just do it out of etiquette (yet, from my experience it is not part of Thai etiquette). And, yeah, this year I can think of only a few times where I felt the person did anything worth a tip. I always tip in my local down on Soi 4 Sukhumvit. The birds always remember your name and what you drink and their level of hospitality and good company is unrivalled. But most other places range from rude, to pushy, to incompetent, to mediocre (at best). I was actually so grateful of my kid's tutor's immense effort that I happily paid her during our summer holiday while we were up country for a month this year; I certainly ain't stingy.

Almost, 15 years. Well, I have waitresses in my family at restaurants and they have never received a single tip from a Thai customer and we are talking over years. And I am not talking about noodle stalls or even Isaan restaurants. I am talking about Thai steak houses and other such sit-in aircon restaurant.

Exactly, for the low class women the only choice is: village bloke or farang. The upper classes don't marry down. Of course, they could remain single and support themselves, but for many low class women (with the education and rearing they have had), the only choice they have is: minimum wage or sex work.

You raise a good point: there should be a reason to tip; it shouldn't be out of habit or something like that. There have been only a few reasons this year that have caused me to feel compelled to tip, yet I tip regularly. Strange isn't it?

Of course you understand her: she wants a lot of money, but she has no qualifications to get a lot of money. I haven't seen any shame in these parts, darling.

Or maybe she'll have to get used to working for a living and pay her own way when she goes out.

Yeah, from her picture, I'd guess late 20s or more.

To be fair though, the old guy obviously wants companionship, otherwise why get married? Why not just try a different 20 year-old each night - I am sure he knows where to go for that. It is likely her intentions that are more predatory here. Poor guy could end up on the streets or worse (if she gets impatient).

Haha, let's see.

Well, why not? It is obviously mutually beneficial. I see no harm. Although, you could say they are both predators of a different kind, just preying on each other for sex and money. Like I said: mutually beneficial. Good luck to them.

Hello guys, So just wondering, do you tip here? Whether it's in a restaurant, bar, hotel, waitresses, maids, waiters, delivery drivers, etc. etc. Do you tip? Do you tip the same as you would in your home country? Has you philosophy on tipping changed? I know Americans are supposed to be 20% tippers (if the legend is correct) and I know in Australia it isn't normal to tip in a restaurant or anywhere (if the rumours are true). Certainly, in Thailand: Thais don't tip - there simply isn't a tipping culture here. Just curious how you guys go about tipping here in Thailand.

Totally agree. I miss the Washington Square days. The problem with the little places is they end up pricing themselves out of business. I had a great night earlier this year at The Old Other Office, but I felt an idiot paying 120 for a small bottle of local swill when I could be getting a pint for around that elsewhere. Like, can't they just buy a keg and start selling pints for that price? I would never think twice of drinking at a charming little watering hole with character if it was at least a little competitive with the big plastic Paddy, Pom, and Yank bars. But they are so stubborn. Why can't they get with the times?

Like, don't they actually serve large bottles for a pretty competitive price?

Still surprised Buddy's hasn't gotten any votes. I always thought it had a decent following.

To be honest, I am surprised Hillary is the front runner here. No particular reason (actually, I have never been there). I just wasn't expecting it. I must visit Hillary for one or two to find out what the fuss is about.

I have never been in to any of the Hillaries. Why are they good? Staff? Prices? Cheers!

Yeah, it's weird how Soi Cowboy (and Patpong) bars almost always have a distinct smell. About the attentiveness of maids, there is a particular bar at the front of Nana that has over-attentive maids. They get really irritating. There's one who puts a time limit on my beer consumption. She's like, "10 minute, I come back" and this is after like the 3rd time they have asked me if I want another drink (while I still have a quarter pint left). I dunno if they think they are being helpful or they are trained to be pushy.

Poll is coming along nicely. The Game and Buddy's get zilch? Kinda surprised by the latter. Hillary doing well. Which Hillary is the best?

You have a good point. We should make a list of the hidden gems.

So, I know I have obviously missed out a lot, but I tried to pick most of the popular pubs and bars that have been around a while or have a big name and are located in the main expat hangout areas in Bangkok. If you don't see your favorite on this list, please feel free to post it in the comments. Cheers.

Well, at least every Seiko (even the cheapest ones) has an entirely in-house Seiko-made movement. Whereas, Rolex only makes part of their movement. Other parts such as the balance wheel, spring, jewels and suchlike are outsourced from another manufacturer (and therefor not Rolex made). Legally, they can say "in-house" if a certain percentage of it is made in-house. But not very nice after spending thousands for a watch with generic stuff inside. Rolex is just for flash characters with little taste or appreciation for timepieces. Try comparing virtually any Rolex watch to a Grand Seiko though, lol.

I'd say the average teacher earns low 40s in Bangkok. Not sure about Pattaya or Hua Hin, but out in Isaan 35k is typical and some in Bangkok will be earning that too.