Is this a new social phenomenon? i was eating lunch, 2 different days, in 2 completely different locations - a upscale coffee shop in my small village and at the Sizzler, in Central Mall, Surat - a very popular restaurant. Each time, I had Thais sitting at a nearby table, with one of them conversing on their mobile, with the speaker on, max. First time, i said nothing (but I intend to talk to the cafe owner). At Sizzler, i took matters into my own hand. and told the Thai to turn down his phone. which he did. I have never encountered this before, in 28 years living here,; my travels take me out of my village to Surat and Phuket towns regularly.