Do Thais really attack foreigners for no reason?

[G_Money]

On 12/17/2024 at 10:39 PM, Neeranam said:

100 times safer than walking around in London. 

Thais are peaceful and tolerant of foreigners. 

Agree 100%.
 

It’s mind boggling to think of the shi- they put up with.

[FritsSikkink]

On 12/18/2024 at 4:22 PM, Purdey said:

Phadungsit is a famous school that teaches traditional martial arts.

 

Doubt they teach kickboxing

[kevin612]

No, it is not true. However, whenever I take a ride with a girl, they rated me one star all the time 

 

[MalcolmB]

6 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Of course, violence occurs here. It would be naive and overly simplistic to think otherwise.

 

The perception of Thais as universally benevolent, wholesome, and peaceful is an unrealistic stereotype.

 

Like people everywhere, Thais are human, capable of both kindness and conflict. To dismiss this reality is not only naive but also highlights a failure to understand the complexities of any society.

 

A glance at the news reveals numerous reports of violent incidents, with a recurring pattern: the triggers often appear trivial, yet situations escalate with shocking speed, sometimes culminating in fatal outcomes.

 

This isn’t unique to Thailand but is a stark reminder of how unpredictability can manifest anywhere and it often does so here in Thailand.

 

That said, I still consider Thailand to be safer than many other places. Personally, I rarely feel threatened here. However, it would be equally naive to assume foreigners are entirely immune to danger.

 

While rare, random and unprovoked attacks on foreigners do occur, as documented in the news. These incidents underscore the importance of staying vigilant and respectful, regardless of perceived safety.

 

Additionally, the adage "familiarity breeds contempt" seems particularly relevant in areas with high tourist traffic. These environments often foster a double-edged stigma where impolite behavior from both tourists and locals can contribute to friction and misunderstandings. Such dynamics naturally lend themselves to more frequent confrontations, where fault often lies with both parties.

 

So, yes, Thais do occasionally attack foreigners without provocation, but such incidents are uncommon. Far more common are altercations triggered by seemingly trivial disputes, where minor misunderstandings or actions escalate into significant confrontations.

 

 

 

 

 

Interesting word salad.

Did you vote yes or no?

[MalcolmB]

6 hours ago, lavender19 said:

I think you are wrong about the UK. It's the gimmigrants that are going around stabbing , robbing,attacking and raping . Not the British people

Yes, we have for centuries travelled around the globe to stab, shoot, rob, attack and rape people. 
We conquered the world.

The commonwealth.

[Thingamabob]

3 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

Metro Manila 

Yes I do frequently go there on my side trips 

Back in May I patrolled the Subway train at night from Edsa to Abdo Santos with an erecttion   ,I didn't have any problem but I know many who did around that Malate area 

 

My experiences were back in the 70s/80s so, unlike yourself, I have no idea what it is like now. Back then it was pretty rough. Good to hear you had the company of an erection during your patrol.

[SiSePuede419]

Two words: Roid Rage

 

 

[Speedhump]

It's, simply that many people are racist which can be fuelled by feelings of financial jealousy. Not just in Thailand. In an alcohol fuelled situation a slight mistake or offense given by a foreigner which is not apologised for (as of course it should be) can lead to trouble. Also Thai men can be problematic with their refusal to admit when they are wrong and I challenge anyone to argue with that. Of course it takes a foreigner not to understand this too

 

[pomchop]

Maybe some of the "tough guy" farangs that seem to love to try and get into a fight with a Thai that is half their size might want to try that with some of the locals in samoa and hawaii....lot of those locals end up as linemen in the NFL with heads hard as concrete and arms and legs like tree trucks  and would quickly show the "tough guys" what happens when they  pick on somebody bigger than them.

[Speedhump]

17 hours ago, pomchop said:

Maybe some of the "tough guy" farangs that seem to love to try and get into a fight with a Thai that is half their size might want to try that with some of the locals in samoa and hawaii....lot of those locals end up as linemen in the NFL with heads hard as concrete and arms and legs like tree trucks  and would quickly show the "tough guys" what happens when they  pick on somebody bigger than them.

You're just wrong because when a Thai gets into to a fight, there are always more joining in and they only fight mob-handed. And there's likely a gun available in the neighbourhood too.

[pomchop]

23 hours ago, Speedhump said:

You're just wrong because when a Thai gets into to a fight, there are always more joining in and they only fight mob-handed. And there's likely a gun available in the neighbourhood too.

So if you are 5 feet tall and 135 lbs and you get attacked by a 6 foot ++ 250 lb guy you would not want any help from your friends even  when the attack happens in your yard?  It's not exactly a fair fight to attack someone half your size so don't be surprised when the tables can quickly turn.

 

It is rare that i have ever seen any report of a Thai pulling a gun on a farang.

 

 

[MalcolmB]

1 hour ago, pomchop said:

So if you are 5 feet tall and 135 lbs and you get attacked by a 6 foot ++ 250 lb guy you would not want any help from your friends even  when the attack happens in your yard?  It's not exactly a fair fight to attack someone half your size so don't be surprised when the tables can quickly turn.

 

It is rare that i have ever seen any report of a Thai pulling a gun on a farang.

 

 

It sounds like he would just stand and watch his brother get beaten up in a street fight because it is the honorable thing to do 

[georgegeorgia]

On 12/19/2024 at 7:40 PM, Mr Meeseeks said:

UVF paramilitaries

They must have a lot of regrets fighting for Starmer to run the place ,I bet the older ones must be .

anyway please we can't get off topic 

[spidermike007]

The kind of attacks that you see described from time to time on this forum are extremely rare and in the couple decades that I've lived here I've never experienced one firsthand, nor do I know anybody who's ever been involved in one. I think generally speaking a foreigner has to behave pretty badly to be attacked here, or has to engage the wrong crowd of people, and the reality is that Thais are all about respect, so if you're treating them with respect and kindness It's very uncommon to be the subject of an attack. 

 

However, nitwits, dickheads and drunks are definitely going to be attacked more often. 

[pchansmorn]

On 12/18/2024 at 12:49 AM, soi3eddie said:

No. Thais do not attack foreigners for no reason. In my experience, Thais have been very kind to me, as a foreigner, for "no reason". They are very kind, respectful and generous. 

 

Never.  We get lost all the time, and end up asking for directions from strangers, taxi drivers, motor scooter taxi’s, gas stations, and some sleazy neighborhoods and everyone always try’s to help us. Many times they will tell us to follow them back to our familiar neighborhood without even asking for money but we always give them at least 100 baht.

[Tomtomtom69]

Some people in deep denial. Just in the last couple of days, there were two separate incidents of elderly foreigners minding their own business beaten up by Thai teenage thugs in Pattaya.

 

First, a 66 year old Swiss man, who's car was destroyed and then an 80 year old Belgian man who was stabbed by a group of teens on motorcycles for no reason.

 

Sadly, it happens, especially in Pattaya.

[KhunBENQ]

Until some years ago I would tell everybody how safe Thailand is.

You can walk every street in the dark even in Pattaya.

 

I would be much more reserved nowadays.

[Tomtomtom69]

On 12/22/2024 at 10:18 AM, spidermike007 said:

The kind of attacks that you see described from time to time on this forum are extremely rare and in the couple decades that I've lived here I've never experienced one firsthand, nor do I know anybody who's ever been involved in one. I think generally speaking a foreigner has to behave pretty badly to be attacked here, or has to engage the wrong crowd of people, and the reality is that Thais are all about respect, so if you're treating them with respect and kindness It's very uncommon to be the subject of an attack. 

 

However, nitwits, dickheads and drunks are definitely going to be attacked more often. 

 

I'm not sure they're as rare as you've mentioned. Two incidents already recently, though both of them occurred in Pattaya. 

 

Another one in Khon Kaen a few years ago, described by someone on this forum (not sure if it made the news): he was walking back to his car with his wife after an evening meal in the vicinity of the lake when they were approached by a group of racists, who made a derogatory remark about her, since she married a foreigner. He said something back (in Thai) and was attacked for it. Ended up in hospital.

 

Sadly, it is a reality in Thailand, though I consider places like Pattaya to be far more dangerous than Bangkok or upcountry Thailand as you only hear of occasional incidents like this occurring in the "real" Thailand.

 

It also depends where you go - never go to a Thai bar, whether in Bangkok or upcountry. Don't go to a cock fight as a farang. 

 

Drive places, don't walk (except short distances or in very touristy areas, where it's safe). Stay in more upmarket lodging. Don't rent dorms in working class neighborhoods. 

 

I'm not worried about getting randomly beaten up by a group of Thai teens like happened to two unrelated European men in Pattaya recently but that's because, other than the occasional quick shopping trip during the day, I don't go to Pattaya. When I've stayed there overnight, it's been at good hotels with safe parking and only for a night before moving on to my next destination or returning home. I don't frequent bars. Overall, I'm more of a Hua Hin guy - I frequent Hua Hin much more than Pattaya and it feels much safer there.

[mdr224]

They wouldnt attack for no reason. But for money they would

[Tomtomtom69]

On 12/19/2024 at 6:03 PM, MalcolmB said:

Interesting word salad.

Did you vote yes or no?

 

You're in denial. Richard is correct; random attacks on foreigners do sometimes occur, especially in places like Pattaya. While uncommon, they're not as rare as they used to be.

 

How is what he wrote a "word salad"? Or is that simply a tactic you use to describe someone who writes something you disagree with? 

[Tomtomtom69]

30 minutes ago, mdr224 said:

They wouldnt attack for no reason. But for money they would

 

You're taking things a bit too literally. It doesn't really matter what the reason is, unprovoked attacks on foreigners DO occur sometimes and they don't always involve money.

 

Case in point are the two recent attacks on elderly Europeans in Pattaya.

[Tomtomtom69]

On 12/18/2024 at 1:10 PM, steven100 said:

 

I think many tourist places hate foreigners,  Indonesia certainly does,  as does Philippines, parts of Cambodia,  Spain, parts of South America,   and many other places.

They are sick and tired of tourists taking over their towns, cafes, shops, beaches etc ...  and the problems they bring.   It's fact ... 

 

Parts of Cambodia hate foreigners? What nonsense. Cambodia is probably more foreigner friendly than Thailand. The smiles seem more genuine and other than Chinese on Chinese related gang violence, one rarely hears of foreigners being attacked in Cambodia, but sadly, in Thailand, it happens daily (granted, most are provoked).

[Tomtomtom69]

On 12/19/2024 at 11:38 AM, richard_smith237 said:

Of course, violence occurs here. It would be naive and overly simplistic to think otherwise.

 

The perception of Thais as universally benevolent, wholesome, and peaceful is an unrealistic stereotype.

 

Like people everywhere, Thais are human, capable of both kindness and conflict. To dismiss this reality is not only naive but also highlights a failure to understand the complexities of any society.

 

A glance at the news reveals numerous reports of violent incidents, with a recurring pattern: the triggers often appear trivial, yet situations escalate with shocking speed, sometimes culminating in fatal outcomes.

 

This isn’t unique to Thailand but is a stark reminder of how unpredictability can manifest anywhere and it often does so here in Thailand.

 

That said, I still consider Thailand to be safer than many other places. Personally, I rarely feel threatened here. However, it would be equally naive to assume foreigners are entirely immune to danger.

 

While rare, random and unprovoked attacks on foreigners do occur, as documented in the news. These incidents underscore the importance of staying vigilant and respectful, regardless of perceived safety.

 

Additionally, the adage "familiarity breeds contempt" seems particularly relevant in areas with high tourist traffic. These environments often foster a double-edged stigma where impolite behavior from both tourists and locals can contribute to friction and misunderstandings. Such dynamics naturally lend themselves to more frequent confrontations, where fault often lies with both parties.

 

So, yes, Thais do occasionally attack foreigners without provocation, but such incidents are uncommon. Far more common are altercations triggered by seemingly trivial disputes, where minor misunderstandings or actions escalate into significant confrontations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Probably the best comment made on this topic so far. 

[spidermike007]

4 hours ago, Tomtomtom69 said:

 

I'm not sure they're as rare as you've mentioned. Two incidents already recently, though both of them occurred in Pattaya. 

 

Another one in Khon Kaen a few years ago, described by someone on this forum (not sure if it made the news): he was walking back to his car with his wife after an evening meal in the vicinity of the lake when they were approached by a group of racists, who made a derogatory remark about her, since she married a foreigner. He said something back (in Thai) and was attacked for it. Ended up in hospital.

 

Sadly, it is a reality in Thailand, though I consider places like Pattaya to be far more dangerous than Bangkok or upcountry Thailand as you only hear of occasional incidents like this occurring in the "real" Thailand.

 

It also depends where you go - never go to a Thai bar, whether in Bangkok or upcountry. Don't go to a cock fight as a farang. 

 

Drive places, don't walk (except short distances or in very touristy areas, where it's safe). Stay in more upmarket lodging. Don't rent dorms in working class neighborhoods. 

 

I'm not worried about getting randomly beaten up by a group of Thai teens like happened to two unrelated European men in Pattaya recently but that's because, other than the occasional quick shopping trip during the day, I don't go to Pattaya. When I've stayed there overnight, it's been at good hotels with safe parking and only for a night before moving on to my next destination or returning home. I don't frequent bars. Overall, I'm more of a Hua Hin guy - I frequent Hua Hin much more than Pattaya and it feels much safer there.

Well I tend to agree that Hua Hin is infinitely safer than Pattaya, unfortunately that's not saying much as Pattaya seems to be the opportunistic crime capital of Thailand.