Servers Wanting Me To Move Seats

[JimTripper]

Often when I enter a restaurant in Thailand and sit down the server will come over and gesture for me to switch seats. Even when the venue is uncrowded and I have my pick of tables. Does not happen at streetside places, it's always at nicer more expensive places.

 

I don't like sitting where others want me to sit. I just refuse with a smile, but the refusal is uncomfortable. It opens the door to them possibly asking me to leave the restaurant (though have never had it happen).

 

Also, it's never explained why they want me to move because of the language barrier and also it causes some friction to ask why. Whether it's a "you may be more comfortable over here" or a "that seat is a status seat and reserved" or an anxiety thing like "I have to do something, but I don't know what, so I play with seating when someone comes in to break the ice" thing.

 

What is the proper thing to do, move where they say, get up and leave, refuse with a smile and remain seated, or start asking for a reason in front of other customers?

[scubascuba3]

Do they move you to inferior seats often at the back, maybe out of sight in order to not put other customers off?

[LS24]

On the rare occasion it has happened to me, I've simply said that I don't want to sit at that other table because I can see a ghost there.

 

But are you are being directed somewhere because it is cooler or there is a fan nearby. It may be that the staff want you out of the way because of body odour or looks. It may be that they farted and don't want you smelling it.

 

The only way you will know is if you ask. What has you so apprehensive about asking? There only seems to be one regular poster here that is universally hated by Thai shop keeps and staff. Their pitiful stories haven't put you off asking, have they?

 

 

[JimTripper]

20 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

Do they move you to inferior seats often at the back, maybe out of sight in order to not put other customers off?

🤣 Lol, no typically it's towards a more central or obvious seat or in the middle of the room, which I don't like. However, I get the feeling it may be a power trip to just move me and not really about seat position. I chose my seat, so it's makes little sense to assume I would prefer a different seat.

 

I like unobtrusive seats in the corner or back or against the wall. I guess you could call them "quieter seats". They are not removed enough to be inconvenient for staff though.

[OneMoreFarang]

Obviously you shouldn't sit on a table for 6 is you are alone.

When I go to a restaurant, then likely they will direct me to a table. If I like it, fine. If not, then I suggest another table. Most of the time they let me sit wherever I want to sit. 

 

Why don't you ask the when you come inside? It should be possible to agree on a table which you like and they like.

 

In Thailand, I wouldn't insist on sitting where you want to sit and they don't want you to sit. Otherwise don't be surprised if the food somehow tastes funny.

 

 

[Purdey]

I have noticed that some uncrowded restaurants try to fill one half first and leave the other empty until it starts to get crowded. It helps the staff to reach customers easier. 

 

[JimTripper]

17 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Obviously you shouldn't sit on a table for 6 is you are alone.

When I go to a restaurant, then likely they will direct me to a table. If I like it, fine. If not, then I suggest another table. Most of the time they let me sit wherever I want to sit. 

 

Why don't you ask the when you come inside? It should be possible to agree on a table which you like and they like.

 

In Thailand, I wouldn't insist on sitting where you want to sit and they don't want you to sit. Otherwise don't be surprised if the food somehow tastes funny.

 

I guess that would work in the Usa. That's the problem. They don't insist due to the face issue. So I'm left not knowing if they want me there or not. Get it?

[OneMoreFarang]

3 minutes ago, JimTripper said:

I guess that would work in the Usa. That's the problem. They don't insist due to the face issue. So I'm left not knowing if they want me there or not. Get it?

Just agree with them on a table when you walk in.

In my experience in more expensive places someone walks you to a table, and you can select different tables.

And in not so expensive places it is often: Sit wherever you want.

[JimTripper]

5 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Just agree with them on a table when you walk in.

In my experience in more expensive places someone walks you to a table, and you can select different tables.

And in not so expensive places it is often: Sit wherever you want.

True. They may be more upfront if I was not seated yet. I don't like waiting for staff so will often just walk in on my own. In other countries they have a "wait to be seated" sign in the front.

[patman30]

26 minutes ago, Purdey said:

I have noticed that some uncrowded restaurants try to fill one half first and leave the other empty until it starts to get crowded. It helps the staff to reach customers easier. 

Exactly this👆
if not busy they will use only a section of the restaurant
this is to make it easier for the limited staff they have during non busy times
and sometimes staff have sections they work, and not all staff start the same time
it also means once set they do not need to recheck or clean the unused sections again
if the restaurant is not busy, don't go sit in the furthest corner away from everyone
if asked to move use some simple logic to figure out why, without it needed to be explained.
many places operate like this, it is common worldwide.

[ChaiyaTH]

1 hour ago, JimTripper said:

🤣 Lol, no typically it's towards a more central or obvious seat or in the middle of the room, which I don't like. However, I get the feeling it may be a power trip to just move me and not really about seat position. I chose my seat, so it's makes little sense to assume I would prefer a different seat.

 

I like unobtrusive seats in the corner or back or against the wall. I guess you could call them "quieter seats". They are not removed enough to be inconvenient for staff though.

That means it is done properly according to Thai customs. A Thai would like to be highlighted (many foreigners too), the center of attention and into the spotlight hence they want to give you a ''Premium seat'' even we westerners often prefer the opposite, more privacy is better.

[Yellowtail]

When a place is empty, they often like to put people in a place that's visible because it's good for business. 

 

They may also be trying move you to a section that someone is working, rather than a section that is closed. 

 

When I walk in, I wait to be seated, and If I don't like where they sit me, I point at a different table and the typically say okay. 

 

I can't remember being asked to move. 

[scubascuba3]

1 hour ago, JimTripper said:

🤣 Lol, no typically it's towards a more central or obvious seat or in the middle of the room, which I don't like. However, I get the feeling it may be a power trip to just move me and not really about seat position. I chose my seat, so it's makes little sense to assume I would prefer a different seat.

 

I like unobtrusive seats in the corner or back or against the wall. I guess you could call them "quieter seats". They are not removed enough to be inconvenient for staff though.

Next time ask them why, and if it's a predictably rubbish reason stay where you are

[LS24]

48 minutes ago, Purdey said:

I have noticed that some uncrowded restaurants try to fill one half first and leave the other empty until it starts to get crowded. It helps the staff to reach customers easier. 

 

And less area to clean up.

[ChaiyaTH]

I personally just always make eye contact when entering a place, and then already know my favorite option, and ask if i can sit there. Then there is usually no space left for a suggestion too unless it would been reserved. 

[Chris Daley]

The restaurants look like trash I can't tell where to sit.  Buckets on the floor, walls thick with dust, smell of feaces.  I just want a table.

[Ralf001]

Do you shower daily ?

[JimTripper]

4 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

Do you shower daily ?

More then that. I do full body shaves and alcohol wipes.

[Ralf001]

1 minute ago, JimTripper said:

More then that. I do full body shaves and alcohol wipes.

alcohol wipes you say.

 

Now back to the question, do you shower daily ?

 

Might be an aroma issue as to why they ask you to move seats !

[JimTripper]

5 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

alcohol wipes you say.

 

Now back to the question, do you shower daily ?

 

Might be an aroma issue as to why they ask you to move seats !

Can't you read?

 

Stop yapping about nonsense and watch this video: 

 

[Robert Paulson]

If someone I’m giving my business to asks me to do something I don’t want to I just ignore it. Similar principle to hanging up the phone when you get the answer you want 

[roo860]

35 minutes ago, Chris Daley said:

The restaurants look like trash I can't tell where to sit.  Buckets on the floor, walls thick with dust, smell of feaces.  I just want a table.

Do you often shi! Yourself?

[bbko]

9 hours ago, JimTripper said:

Often when I enter a restaurant in Thailand and sit down the server will come over and gesture for me to switch seats.

If it's happening often, why not ask the wait staff "Is it ok if I sit here" or "Here is ok?" before ordering.

[Sheryl]

27 minutes ago, bbko said:

If it's happening often, why not ask the wait staff "Is it ok if I sit here" or "Here is ok?" before ordering.

Agree but often no need to actually say much of anything. Just make eye contact and sort of gesture "where?" (Or indicate a place you want and glance at them to see if OK.)

 

Don't try to be sit in  a  part of the restaurant that  looks like it might be closed without first checking with the staff.

 

Making eye contact on entry also helps get you served more quickly. 

 

 

[Captain Monday]

Thailand does not really do reception properly

 

[Keeps]

Is it perhaps because you have gone and sat in the spare seat at an already occupied table where maybe a family including children are enjoying an intimate gathering or celebrating a birthday? 

[JimTripper]

1 hour ago, Keeps said:

Is it perhaps because you have gone and sat in the spare seat at an already occupied table where maybe a family including children are enjoying an intimate gathering or celebrating a birthday? 

Not to my knowledge. Nor do I have a clown mask on 🤡.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

11 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

When a place is empty, they often like to put people in a place that's visible because it's good for business. 

 

They may also be trying move you to a section that someone is working, rather than a section that is closed. 

 

When I walk in, I wait to be seated, and If I don't like where they sit me, I point at a different table and the typically say okay. 

 

I can't remember being asked to move. 

 

 

All of the things I was thinking as well, harking back to my high school and college days working in various restaurant operations. And likewise my experiences here being seated at Thai restaurants, and never having any problem about that...

 

Sometimes we might want a table and they seat us in a booth. Or sometimes we might want a booth and they seat us at a table, depending on the sizes and configurations of the options on hand.  If we don't want or like what we get from their initial seating, a bit of discussion always has led to a satisfactory resolution.

 

I've never felt here like I/we (the Thai wife and I) were being discriminated against for any reason via the seating selection process.

 

[FritsSikkink]

13 hours ago, JimTripper said:

Often when I enter a restaurant in Thailand and sit down the server will come over and gesture for me to switch seats. Even when the venue is uncrowded and I have my pick of tables. Does not happen at streetside places, it's always at nicer more expensive places.

 

I don't like sitting where others want me to sit. I just refuse with a smile, but the refusal is uncomfortable. It opens the door to them possibly asking me to leave the restaurant (though have never had it happen).

 

Also, it's never explained why they want me to move because of the language barrier and also it causes some friction to ask why. Whether it's a "you may be more comfortable over here" or a "that seat is a status seat and reserved" or an anxiety thing like "I have to do something, but I don't know what, so I play with seating when someone comes in to break the ice" thing.

 

What is the proper thing to do, move where they say, get up and leave, refuse with a smile and remain seated, or start asking for a reason in front of other customers?

Don't occupy a table for 4 when on your own while spending hardly anything would be some good advice.

[FritsSikkink]

12 hours ago, JimTripper said:

I guess that would work in the Usa. That's the problem. They don't insist due to the face issue. So I'm left not knowing if they want me there or not. Get it?

No, I don't get it why don't you ask why you need to move?