A stark reminder of Thai "hospitality"

[Keep Right]

1 minute ago, fredwiggy said:

I've been here 6 years, and daily on the roads both in the rural area I live and in major cities. I have never seen farangs drive like idiots as you say. I've seen hundreds on scooters and motorcycles, driving normally, at the speed limits or just above, just like at home. I have seen thousands of times where locals have cut me off, on scooters, with no helmets, and many times no working lights. More times than I can count, passing me on the right side, when I was doing the speed limit, or slightly above, going into oncoming traffic instead of passing me on the left side, where no one else was. Weaving in and out of stopped traffic, on scooters, to get ahead. I once counted, on a short trip from my village to the nearest city, which is 30 KM, people breaking various laws, on both scooters and cars, which amounted to 45 in a drive that took 20 minutes.  I have driven millions of miles in my life, in many states and a few countries, and have never seen the driving I have seen here, and the stats prove that to anyone.

I have lived in Thailand for over twenty years and I see idiot foreigners on motorbikes everyday.

[Hummin]

2 minutes ago, Keep Right said:

I have lived in Thailand for over twenty years and I see idiot foreigners on motorbikes everyday.

Where do you live? Pattaya or Phuket?

[fredwiggy]

4 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

So the numbers published yearly by the Thailand Road Accidents Data Centre are bogus ?

Where do you get our numbers from, Heresy perhaps ?

Looking them up all the time. Like I said,  stats only say people that die at the scene. There are thousands that die yearly after making it to the hospital.

[BarraMarra]

Is this thread about riding bikes and thai rd deaths ??

[steven100]

15 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

Why do you need to speak to them at all ?

 The customer might have a query about a product.  Can you make the beer colder tomorrow please.   Lol

[fredwiggy]

17 minutes ago, Keep Right said:

I have lived in Thailand for over twenty years and I see idiot foreigners on motorbikes everyday.

Are you assuming they are idiots or are basing your reply on seeing them daily driving recklessly? Someone else said in another thread that all people that drive motorbikes in Thailand are idiots, which accounts for probably 99% of drivers at one time or other.

[Lemsta69]

11 minutes ago, steven100 said:

 The customer might have a query about a product.  Can you make the beer colder tomorrow please.   Lol

"if I buy ten cases of beer will you give me a big discount ... and free delivery?"

Edited September 10, 2023 by Lemsta69

[steven100]

11 minutes ago, Lemsta69 said:

"if I buy ten cases of beer will you give me a 10% discount ... and free delivery?"

' Cannot Cannot    !  No No!   no hab !  cannot .... solly

 

 

Edited September 10, 2023 by steven100

[Ralf001]

22 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

Looking them up all the time. Like I said,  stats only say people that die at the scene. There are thousands that die yearly after making it to the hospital.

You look them up all the time... Thats great.

Can you post a link from a credible source to the real statics please.

[spidermike007]

Some time ago when I was living on Samui I had an issue with an air conditioner that I had just bought from Homepro. I went into Homepro asking for service and got no satisfaction at all. I asked for the manager which is something that I usually do, when I am not getting anywhere, and she had a terrible attitude and was very unhelpful.

 

I had got her name, went home, looked up the head office in Bangkok, sent them a quick email explaining the situation calling her out by name and within an hour I got a phone call from a vice president telling me that everything would be addressed, and he said that I should go back into the store the following morning. When I did I got a deep bow from the manager, I'm so sorry I misunderstood yesterday. What can I do to make you happy? It was the exact response I wanted the first time around but that I got after she had been scolded by the VP, and likely her job had been threatened if her attitude didn't improve. Sometimes we just have to escalate things to a more senior employer or manager in order to get things done here, sometimes the fools on the floor just don't know what service looks like.

 

My Thai wife was shocked when I first started doing this, as she tried to explain to me that they do not have customer service in Thailand. I explained to her that they sure do! Now she realizes that service does exist, can exist, and will exist if the right amount of will, force and action is brought to the table.

 

Well it happened. Fact. All I can go on. And you don't know me, so doubt all you want. Why would I fabricate a story like that? Think about it. I did not reach out to a VP. I simply sent an articulate note to the email contact on the website. And unlike your supposition that they do not get read, it was responded too quickly. Might have helped that I added that I was averaging 100,000 to 200,000 baht a year in Home Pro expenditures with my hilltop villa, at the time. A VP took it upon himself, called me that day, speaking perfect English, and asked me if I would be kind enough to visit the store again tomorrow. 

 

I suppose with any service anywhere, it comes down to the approach one uses, negotiating skill and fortitude. I do not let these things go. 

 

You can lay down and die, like a submissive sheep in this life, or you can defend your dignity and put up a fight. 

 

I usually choose the latter. Don't consider myself to be a dog or a doormat, and prefer not to let others that I do business with treat me like either. 

 

My Thai wife has been astonished a dozen times when things like this have come up, and she has seen me wage battle. She just shakes her head and says great job. I had no idea!

[Nick Carter icp]

4 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Some time ago when I was living on Samui I had an issue with an air conditioner that I had just bought from Homepro. I went into Homepro asking for service and got no satisfaction at all. I asked for the manager which is something that I usually do, when I am not getting anywhere, and she had a terrible attitude and was very unhelpful.

 

I had got her name, went home, looked up the head office in Bangkok, sent them a quick email explaining the situation calling her out by name and within an hour I got a phone call from a vice president telling me that everything would be addressed, and he said that I should go back into the store the following morning. When I did I got a deep bow from the manager, I'm so sorry I misunderstood yesterday. What can I do to make you happy? It was the exact response I wanted the first time around but that I got after she had been scolded by the VP, and likely her job had been threatened if her attitude didn't improve. Sometimes we just have to escalate things to a more senior employer or manager in order to get things done here, sometimes the fools on the floor just don't know what service looks like.

 

My Thai wife was shocked when I first started doing this, as she tried to explain to me that they do not have customer service in Thailand. I explained to her that they sure do! Now she realizes that service does exist, can exist, and will exist if the right amount of will, force and action is brought to the table.

 

Well it happened. Fact. All I can go on. And you don't know me, so doubt all you want. Why would I fabricate a story like that? Think about it. I did not reach out to a VP. I simply sent an articulate note to the email contact on the website. And unlike your supposition that they do not get read, it was responded too quickly. Might have helped that I added that I was averaging 100,000 to 200,000 baht a year in Home Pro expenditures with my hilltop villa, at the time. A VP took it upon himself, called me that day, speaking perfect English, and asked me if I would be kind enough to visit the store again tomorrow. 

 

I suppose with any service anywhere, it comes down to the approach one uses, negotiating skill and fortitude. I do not let these things go. 

 

You can lay down and die, like a submissive sheep in this life, or you can defend your dignity and put up a fight. 

 

I usually choose the latter. Don't consider myself to be a dog or a doormat, and prefer not to let others that I do business with treat me like either. 

 

My Thai wife has been astonished a dozen times when things like this have come up, and she has seen me wage battle. She just shakes her head and says great job. I had no idea!

Are you a serial "I want to speak to the manager" complainer ?

  I find it really unpleasant when a customer behaves like that "Im going to speak to your manager, make a complaint, you're going to lose you job" "I'm videoing this" blah blah blah

   Westerners should leave that kind of attitude back home and not bring it to Thailand 

[Olmate]

17 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Some time ago when I was living on Samui I had an issue with an air conditioner that I had just bought from Homepro. I went into Homepro asking for service and got no satisfaction at all. I asked for the manager which is something that I usually do, when I am not getting anywhere, and she had a terrible attitude and was very unhelpful.

 

I had got her name, went home, looked up the head office in Bangkok, sent them a quick email explaining the situation calling her out by name and within an hour I got a phone call from a vice president telling me that everything would be addressed, and he said that I should go back into the store the following morning. When I did I got a deep bow from the manager, I'm so sorry I misunderstood yesterday. What can I do to make you happy? It was the exact response I wanted the first time around but that I got after she had been scolded by the VP, and likely her job had been threatened if her attitude didn't improve. Sometimes we just have to escalate things to a more senior employer or manager in order to get things done here, sometimes the fools on the floor just don't know what service looks like.

 

My Thai wife was shocked when I first started doing this, as she tried to explain to me that they do not have customer service in Thailand. I explained to her that they sure do! Now she realizes that service does exist, can exist, and will exist if the right amount of will, force and action is brought to the table.

 

Well it happened. Fact. All I can go on. And you don't know me, so doubt all you want. Why would I fabricate a story like that? Think about it. I did not reach out to a VP. I simply sent an articulate note to the email contact on the website. And unlike your supposition that they do not get read, it was responded too quickly. Might have helped that I added that I was averaging 100,000 to 200,000 baht a year in Home Pro expenditures with my hilltop villa, at the time. A VP took it upon himself, called me that day, speaking perfect English, and asked me if I would be kind enough to visit the store again tomorrow. 

 

I suppose with any service anywhere, it comes down to the approach one uses, negotiating skill and fortitude. I do not let these things go. 

 

You can lay down and die, like a submissive sheep in this life, or you can defend your dignity and put up a fight. 

 

I usually choose the latter. Don't consider myself to be a dog or a doormat, and prefer not to let others that I do business with treat me like either. 

 

My Thai wife has been astonished a dozen times when things like this have come up, and she has seen me wage battle. She just shakes her head and says great job. I had no idea!

I have no interest in whether you made up this story or not but its great that your covering all the bases.

Edited September 10, 2023 by Olmate

[fredwiggy]

14 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

You look them up all the time... Thats great.

Can you post a link from a credible source to the real statics please.

It would be easier if you looked up road deaths and possible after the scene deaths yourself. Apples to oranges doesn't matter much. If it's 50, 60 or 70 it's still a lot wouldn't you think? Or are you assuming that drivers here are really good, the police follow the laws and things are beautiful? 1437 in 2022 doesn't take into account those that died in the hospital.

[stevenl]

3 hours ago, fredwiggy said:

How could you doubt anything about anyone you don't know? Yes, I knew about Thai and it's ways, but came here to take care of my now ex wife and my daughter. Going back home to the US as soon as possible is because of seeing it more firsthand. It's not a good place for little, or for that matter, big girls. Thailand tries to learn from other countries for decades, and adopts some of their ways, but prejudice handed down from generations has slowed this progress. There's a reason thousands of locals have moved out and never came back. And it's not only because of money.

How many people have left Thailand never to return and how many the USA?

[stevenl]

2 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

<snip> 1437 in 2022 doesn't take into account those that died in the hospital.

A false claim, repeated over and over again.

[fredwiggy]

12 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

Are you a serial "I want to speak to the manager" complainer ?

  I find it really unpleasant when a customer behaves like that "Im going to speak to your manager, make a complaint, you're going to lose you job" "I'm videoing this" blah blah blah

   Westerners should leave that kind of attitude back home and not bring it to Thailand 

No, the only way to change things IS to complain. Mai pen rai is how a lot do things, not wanting to cause a conflict, and is the major reason things change so slowly here, if at all. If you approach a worker, nicely, and using translator if need be, and want something done, they should know, as a salesman, that it is their job to provide customer service. If they don't want to do their job, you ask to see a supervisor. Sometimes, that's all it takes for them to do their job, which again, is customer service, no matter the race, creed or gender.

[Adumbration]

Everything is about money here in Thailand.

 

Everything.

[Nick Carter icp]

2 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

No, the only way to change things IS to complain. Mai pen rai is how a lot do things, not wanting to cause a conflict, and is the major reason things change so slowly here, if at all. If you approach a worker, nicely, and using translator if need be, and want something done, they should know, as a salesman, that it is their job to provide customer service. If they don't want to do their job, you ask to see a supervisor. Sometimes, that's all it takes for them to do their job, which again, is customer service, no matter the race, creed or gender.

I don't go to Thailand to try to change things or change the Thai way of doing things .

   In another thread there are Westerners complaining about foreigners going to their Country and not doing things their way and acting like they do back at their  home Country

[fredwiggy]

4 minutes ago, stevenl said:

How many people have left Thailand never to return and how many the USA?

I only know of what I've seen and heard. I know seven restaurants in San Antonio that are owned by Thais and or their husbands. I used to talk with them a lot, because I love Thai food, and they were from here and made it right.They all said, I will never go back, things are much better here. I have friends and family that have asked the same questions, because they knew I was going to move here. My girlfriend here has six friends that live in the US, Belgium, France and Sweden. Three in the US. They've all tried to convince her to move, like I'm trying to do someday. All said where they are was much better than here, for the same reasons, some of which can't be repeated here. I only know of two people that came here from the US and stayed. Myself and another fellow classmate who moved back to Florida a few years back and will stay there.

[fredwiggy]

1 minute ago, Nick Carter icp said:

I don't go to Thailand to try to change things or change the Thai way of doing things .

   In another thread there are Westerners complaining about foreigners going to their Country and not doing things their way and acting like they do back at their  home Country

No, we aren't here to change anything or anyone, but we can give advice that works, because good advice can work anywhere. Democracy is a good thing in western countries and is needed here, and a lot of Thais agree, knowing the US has many wonderful ideas, along with it's share of useless politicians. The court system here needs work, as does the enforcement of laws already on the books. Complaining isn't really our job, but hinting can work, especially if it gets to the right people.

[Myran]

Tell me you're a kii nok farang without saying you're a kii nok farang. Trying to exchange some bags worth a few measily baht... Jesus effin' Christ.

[fredwiggy]

10 minutes ago, stevenl said:

A false claim, repeated over and over again.

Call the hospitals. they'll let you know how many died after the fact. I know of 5 that did after going to the hospital just in my girlfriend's tesaban, as she works for them.

[chuang]

4 hours ago, NoDisplayName said:

Just how much did you pay for these "bags"?

I bet he keeps it a secret out of shame or embarrassment.

[JensenZ]

4 hours ago, mike111 said:

I bought a pack of rubbish bags at 7-11 yesterday. Didn't open it & had the receipt.

Went back to the same shop today, approached the staff at the entrance to show I came in with the item & asked if I could exchange for something else. She said yes.

 

Good, collected a few snacks and headed back to the cashier. Out of nowhere she says "cannot". Surprised I asked why and she replied "more than 1 day".

 

WTF. I bought a pack of plastic bags less than 24h ago, never opened the pack & cannot exchange ? I didn't even ask for a refund.

Then I insisted and told her that the other staff said this would be possible. The gates of hell then opened wide ensuing with swearing in Thai, angry faces and what not. Eventually she said "I give you money back". I said I can just get other items instead but she insisted I just get the money & leave the shop, as a punishment for my wrongdoings.

 

I left determined not to place a foot in that shop again.

 

Moral of the story:

1. A reminder that foreigners are welcome in Thailand only while they're walking ATMs. If you're actually asking for something back, well...good luck.

2. 7-11 has ridiculous unwritten (at least in English) policies. Caveat emptor.

In the defence of 7Eleven staff, I've mostly found them very helpful. I'm a frequent customer and have had mistakes corrected and "I'm sorry" many times over the years.

 

I've also come across unhelpful staff and even been ripped off a few times. They are all people with their own personalities, both good and bad. The 'friendly vibe' depends a lot on the store and the owner. I have 2 stores closeby to my condo and both stores have a completely different vibe. One hires good-looking staff who are usually thin and the other store hires overweight, less attractive staff. Guess which store has the friendliest, most helpful vibe?

 

You cannot and should not draw conclusions about the hospitality of Thailand based on a 7Eleven experience. It varies with each franchise too. For example, I've found that the staff at Lotus's Mini stores are generally very unfriendly and unhelpful. This leads me to the conclusion that staff training is the reason.

[n00dle]

5 hours ago, mike111 said:

WTF. I bought a pack of plastic bags less than 24h ago, never opened the pack & cannot exchange ? I didn't even ask for a refund.

The entitlement is strong with this one. 

 

Ffs, You are not shopping at home pro or a major department store. You would fail in this errand in any convenience store around the world. It is not how 7 11 operates 

 

And then you have the gall to turn it into racism because someone reacted to your being an irritating pain in the ass willing to make a scene over some garbage bags.

 

Get over yourself and stop bothering people just trying to make a living. In fact just bugger off. And do us a favour by taking that halfwit fredwiggy with you.

Edited September 10, 2023 by n00dle

[Ralf001]

28 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

It would be easier if you looked up road deaths and possible after the scene deaths yourself. Apples to oranges doesn't matter much. If it's 50, 60 or 70 it's still a lot wouldn't you think? Or are you assuming that drivers here are really good, the police follow the laws and things are beautiful? 1437 in 2022 doesn't take into account those that died in the hospital.

As I thought you have no links to a source credible or not.

Paint me surprised !

[stevenl]

18 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

I only know of what I've seen and heard. I know seven restaurants in San Antonio that are owned by Thais and or their husbands. I used to talk with them a lot, because I love Thai food, and they were from here and made it right.They all said, I will never go back, things are much better here. I have friends and family that have asked the same questions, because they knew I was going to move here. My girlfriend here has six friends that live in the US, Belgium, France and Sweden. Three in the US. They've all tried to convince her to move, like I'm trying to do someday. All said where they are was much better than here, for the same reasons, some of which can't be repeated here. I only know of two people that came here from the US and stayed. Myself and another fellow classmate who moved back to Florida a few years back and will stay there.

So your claim "There's a reason thousands of locals have moved out and never came back. And it's not only because of money." Is unsubstantiated. I think your claim is totally incorrect.

[GammaGlobulin]

You're Not in Kansas Now.

 

Edited September 10, 2023 by GammaGlobulin

[bkk6060]

29 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

It would be easier if you looked up road deaths and possible after the scene deaths yourself. Apples

Yes,  we suggest you do that before posting false information.

 

29 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

1437 in 2022 doesn't take into account those that died in the hospital.

False.  It is 14,737 not 1437.

 

According to data revealed by ThaiRSC on Friday, road accidents claimed 14,737 lives and injured 924,799 in Thailand last year. Of them, 536 deaths and 7,885 injuries were foreigners.

ThaiRSC said that the average damage incurred.

[stevenl]

18 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

Call the hospitals. they'll let you know how many died after the fact. I know of 5 that did after going to the hospital just in my girlfriend's tesaban, as she works for them.

So?