bkkjingjoe

I still see plenty of smiles out in the sticks.

With the door thing, I sometimes wonder if Thais consider it low class or in some way showing yourself as inferior to hold a door for someone. I am surprised at the number of times people will just breeze through and not even acknowledge that you have held the door for them. Almost as if you are invisible.

hahah that is what I wondered....I noticed right away none held the door.

But by force of habit I still did. Ok fine but many times everyone would continue to walk through & leave me holding...hahaha

Some did in fact smile & nod thanks but this manner we speak of...... holding the door is usually continued by the next able person or man.....But here they just pile through & never touch the door

So true, that exactly reflects my experience. Thought I was the only one. And not even looking up into your eyes when passing through that door...or a quick smile or nod. Wouldn't that make it so much more comfortable and friendlier? Guess as a farang you're not supposed to even think about these things, let alone try to change behaviors in your condo/ apartment building ;-)

I still see plenty of smiles out in the sticks.

With the door thing, I sometimes wonder if Thais consider it low class or in some way showing yourself as inferior to hold a door for someone. I am surprised at the number of times people will just breeze through and not even acknowledge that you have held the door for them. Almost as if you are invisible.

Good point as well. Haven't thought about this one before. It really could be an issue of considering it low class. Wouldn't surprise me. this would contradict the entire discussion and theory about culture and heritage. When I think about it, it really could be true. I usually see this behavior of closing or not-opening doors with hi-so people. Maybe they really don't want to "lower" themselves to being a "door-opener". Again, extremely interesting point. Thanks for the input!

See, there is so much more to this issue than what hits the eye.

Your forgetting one important point that the Thais do here that many people do NOT do back home. TAKE YOUR SHOES OFF before coming into the house. How many mates you had back home used to come around your house after walking in the rain and just wipe their trainers or shoes on the door matt and walk on your brand new carpet!!

Something else I was bought up to do is when someone makes you something to eat or drink around their house when you have finished take the plate or cup out to the kitchen, that is also polite and good manners and very rarely seen. I'm a sucker for holding doors open for people its in my nature. I simply could not open a shop door whilst someone is approaching and let it go. Regardless of whether people are polite or not always remember how you was bought up. Even my Thai girlfriend taught me to say Khrab at the end of every sentence of Thai, albeit the little that I know.

VERY good points. Haven't thought about this. There are some traits that are truly polite and worth mentioning. Thanks for the inputs. Just reminds me again of some of the good and polite things in everyday life here.

I was always taught to hold open a door and also give up the seat on a bus for older people. Deemed as good manners. Not that many of them smiled in thanks

I do it here the same as I would do 'back home' yet you never really seem to get a lot of favourable reaction from most when you do so.

Must admit I do not have a problem with Thai people smiling. Maybe the recession is hurting some and the problems that brings in some areas?

Brings me to another point: why is it considered polite to offer a seat on the BTS to a young kid (10-15 years of age)? I mean, these kids are in the best shape of their lives and are sure strong enough to stand for a few minutes. When I was a young kid, I didn't mind standing.

Think I have read sth about this topic here before but can't find the post. What I mean is that all these busy office workers, no matter what age, definately deserve the seat more after a long day of work than the young school boy. And I don't mean offering the seat to old people....they do.

But if there are no senior citizens around, people still stand up and give the seat to the kid. What is this?

I don't think it hurts the kid to stand for a while. Instead, I believe that this teaches kids that they're to be treated as something special which then is reflected in their behavior towards parents, teachers and other kids.

Could someone shed some light on this issue? I am really having a hard time understanding it.

@ IMA: Absolutely agree. Good things still happen and I am sure we all have some of these experiences. there are many good and decent people out there, especially outside of BKK. It's very nice to see these things and it makes me really feel good about living here. When you experience these "small" acts of friendliness, you know that it really comes from the heart and that these people are genuine.

@TA22: Yes, I see that too. And I am doing the same thing. I believe that it's what people should do in order to live together. It's just a nice way of showing respect. And when I do it (the elevator thing), I usually get very friendly smiles and thank you's back in return. But it really seems that there are not many people out there like you.

Everyday, I try to "introduce" the idea of being polite just by showing it and leading the way (holding doors open, offering help to the neighbor with carring the shopping bags, etc. Just small and basic things). It can't be so difficult to exchange these small acts of friendliness and politeness. And from what I see, everyone enjoys it and appreciates it.

You're absolutely right, it really has something to do with culture and the way generations pass down morals and teaching children how to behave.

Btw, I am Swiss. But I have spent most of my life abroad (China, USA, India, Malaysia and Italy). And almost nowhere I have experienced such impoliteness as here. Which is quite strange as Thailand is comonly know for its politeness.

I am not saying that Thais in general are not polite. I am also not falling into the "thai-bashing attitude". As I said, I enjoy living here and wouldnt want to miss one day. I am just surprised by the way things have changed.

I remember a few years ago, taxi drivers would start conversations....just the basic "where you from, what you do, etc. etc."

But no more. They usually just look annoyed, spit and seem like they can't wait for you to get out of the cab.

So again, I am just wondering if times are simply changing or if there's more to it? I miss the small conversations, smiles, friendliness and the positive spirit.

Instead, people avoid talking to each other or paying attention to each other.

And I am almost sure, even it sounds strange, that if I would walk into a shop back home, people would say something like "hello, how are you today, what can I do for you, etc." Just small and nice signs of human interactions. And believe me, Switzerland is known for being cold and unfriendly ;-)

Anyways, would love to hear some more experiences. My "door-experience" tonight was just something that had been bothering me for a very long time now.

Been living in Thailand for over seven years now and still love it the same way as on the first day.

But something is really starting to bother me... why are so many people so impolite?

I mean for example: You walk just 5 steps behind someone and approach a door. Instead of holding the door open for just one second, they would rather slam it in your face. Happens at my condo, my office, almost everyhwere. Where I come from, parents teach their kids that it is "nice" to hold the door open for other people. Especially when you are carrying bags or suitcases or whatever. But people here just seem to ignore that and just keep walking. Anyone experiencing the same thing?

Also, I am starting to wonder where this LOS comes from. I hardly see anyone smile....except the people who get paid for it. Like air hostesses from Thai Airways or receptionists at 5* hotels. I don't see any smile or polite or friendly people anymore. What happened?

In fact it is more turning to the opposite. People tend to be rude and very unfriendly lately. I am really asking myself what is happening. I usually give people a smile. Just trying to be nice and a good person. But these smiles are rarely returned.

When I ask other foreigners or friends who visit me why they like Thailand, they usually say: "good food and nice, friendly people". I agree with the food.

So, my question is: is anyone noticing this as well? Or just my impression. As far as I remember, it used to be different.

thats great advice, thank you.

I will check out Thaiepay

what is the differenct between customers paying me with their credit card via paypal, and with their credit card via thaiepay?

I sued to use Paypal as well and when I had larger amounts (above 50,000 THB) coming in, they froze the money and assumed that is was fraud. It took nearly 2 weeks to resolve the isse. A lot of phone calls to Luxembourg and my customers and to sign papers and ID copies to certify that the transaction was ok. Big hassle. Also, I think the exchange rates from Thaiepay are better.

I guess you can use both, same as I do. I just feel that Thaiepay is faster and more reliable.

Hi

I have a business and a business bank account in Thailand

I have a website where customers can book and pay online via paypal. This money then is transferred from paypal to my Thai account.

What I want is for my customers to be able to pay via Credit Card (not via paypal) and the funds to be deposited directly into my bank. I have the knowledge to make the website and full security etc, but I'm having trouble getting the banks to understand what I need. (I think the term is payment gateway?)

I dont need a credit card machine for the office, which is what they keep saying I must have.

has anyone got any tips on if this service is available in thailand? (I assume it is as companies like Bangkok Airways and large resorts allow you to pay online) - also which banks provide this service? is there a large deposit involved?

I would appreciate any info!

B

Hi,

I had exactly the same problem in the past. Thai Banks are very hesitant to provide a payment gateway and the deposit is 1,000,000 THB. A lot of paper work is involved and you will probably get rejected the first time you apply. The fees are incredible bot for the credit card usage and the transaction fees.

My company also didn't need the physical credit card machine as we also sell only online to overseas customers.

Ok, here is how we solved it. Check out thaiepay. It's a thai payment gateway company very similar to Paypal. But your customers can directly pay by Visa, MC and Amex. The amount is then transfered to your bank account within 10 days. Fees are very reasonble. Setting up is quite easy but you also need to provide the usual papers (company registration, tax id, etc.). I am quite satisfied with their service although we had some problems in the beginning. But I believe that it is the best solution out there and from my experince with the Banks (blue, green and yellow ;-) it's just a big pain in the a**. Let me know if you need more info. The website is www.thaiepay.com.

Cheers!

Hello,

I run a small tourism company here in Thailand for nearly 3 years now.

The political crisis has now really taken its toll and we are facing very difficult times. No need to say that I am sad and disappointed as the company was really doing well before this all started last October. Our overseas customers have either cancelled or are delaying their decisions of coming to Thailand.

The company is set-up in a fully legal way with the usual shareholder structure and the required 2 million THB capital. All registered and licensed.

Now my question would be the following: What are the steps neccessary to close or shut down a company? how long will it take, who needs to be involved?

And of course, how much will it cost?

Thanks much for your inputs, any ideas would be highly appreciated.

I operate a tour business. Probably will have to shut it down soon as we have received too many cancellations.

I will not be able to pay the salaries and rent anymore. So, before having to file bancruptcy, I will close the business, take out my money and leave the LOS behind. Sad, but can't help it. And I assume, I am not the only one who is hit really hard. The next couple of months/ years will show how everything goes down the drain.

Cheers!

So, just let them go home now? And that's it?

I cannot believe this. Is it so easy to forget about all the pictures of what happened yesterday?

These were people who have attacked civilians, authorities, property, etc. with fire bombs, buses, knifes, sticks...

And now they can just go home and have a happy new year? What's wrong with this? This will even worsen the image that the outside world has.

As long as there is no effective justice and consequences for actions like this, it will not stop. Now everyone (red, yellow, whatever) will think that Bangkok is a place where you can ruin the whole nation's reputation without being charged afterwards.

I guess it's mai pen rai again and hard for us to understand.

I have heard what sounds like several explosions from about 9.30 am till now (10.00 am), at intervals. I am in Sathorn, but cannot see anything. I do not want to be alarmist, but is anyone else hearing this, seeing anything?

My wife mentioned hearing 3 'explosions' about 9.45am, we live near Sathorn.

Are you sure it isn't just big firecrackers? I've heard quite a few over the past few days because of Songkran. It disturbed me too until I remembered that most Thais are still out "playing water" instead of staying in to watch news.

Could be a traditional style funeral?

As I said before: They are just canon shots down by the port. Happens 3-4 times a week. Been living down at Prakhanong for years now and see these shots regularly from my window and balcony. There is a loud boom, followed by small whit clouds about 50 meters above the ground. Not sure what it is, but it is quite "normal". I believe it's something like welcome shots whenever a new ship arrives at the port. So really, nothing to worry....these "explosions" are absolutely normal down here and have nothing to to with the protests.

I hear and see these "explosions". It's down by the port area. Happens every once in a while, I think they are shooting smething like fireworks or these "rain-making-ion" guns. The shells explode about 50 meters up in the air with a loud boom and then I see small, white smoke clouds. Don't think it has anything to do with the protests. As I said, I see these small explosions two or three times a week down there....for the past 6 years I have been living here.

Cheers, nothing to worry...