Is It Just Me, Or Are Thai Staff Getting Ruder By The Day?

[spidermike007]

11 hours ago, Somjot said:

 

Look, I have read quite a few posts from you, especially in the political sub forums and I think you are one of the most reasonable members in here, so I'm not trying to oppose or criticize you and maybe I'm just missing something.

 

But in the recent years when they started with that TM 30 thing Hotel receptions must see your passport and check your legal stay in the country so they can complete TM 30 by presenting your data to the local immigration, which they must do by law within 24 hours. Some hotels might not be very serious about and some might accept a copy or a photo on your smartphone but from a strict legal point of view the guy had to do that by checking your passport and that of your friend too. It does not matter who did the booking for how many people. According to law the hotel must complete a TM 30 form for each and every foreigner who wants to stay at their place. If the Foreigner refuses to present his identifications, the hotel staff actually is obliged to inform the authorities.

I understand that most hotels do ask for to see my passport, but I've never had a hotel ask to see my visa stamp, that was the issue. This is not required by law and this was something exceptional that the hotel required. If they're going to require something exceptional and then turn you down and not allow you to stay and complete your booking, which has been paid for, they must offer compensation or else they are just thieves in the night committing an act of piracy. 

[wavodavo]

On 2/15/2025 at 5:22 AM, SoCal1990 said:

A heartfelt fable and a tribute to the Real Bob Smith, wherever he may be. 
 

Alright, lads, I need to get this off my chest. What has happened to customer service in Thailand?

 

Back in the day, when I first came here, you could walk into a bar or restaurant, be greeted with a smile, a cold beer would show up right away and you would actually be treated like a paying customer. Now? You’d think I’d walked in and personally insulted the entire family of the restaurant owner just by sitting down and smiling.

 

Case in point is last night. I went to this so-called “expat-friendly” bar on Koh Samet, just looking to unwind with a cold one and a plate of food after a long day. Ordered a simple meal of steak, well-done, side of chips, nothing fancy innit. I even asked politely in Thai (I always make the effort, you know me right), and what do I get? A blank stare, a half-hearted grunt, and the waitress shuffling off like I’d just asked her to solve a physics equation.

 

Food comes out. Steak’s bleeding, chips are ice cold. So, as any normal person would, I politely call her over and say, “Excuse me, khrap, steak mai suk, fries yen mak mak na khrap.” (For you lot who don’t speak Thai, that means “undercooked steak, very cold fries.” See? Polite. Respectful.)

 

And then, BAM! Full not having it attitude. Eye roll, huffing, snatches the plate away like I’d personally offended her ancestors. Ten minutes later, food comes back. The steak? Burnt to a crisp.The chips? Same cold, soggy mess. And to top it off, she practically slammed the plate down on the table like she was about to challenge me to a Muay Thai fight. No apology, no “sorry for the mix-up Khun Bob,” nothing.

 

Now, I get it that times are tough and people are stressed, but why is it that farangs like me seem to get treated worse than the local soi dogs these days? I was polite. I was patient. I even spoke their language! And yet, this is the treatment I get?

 

It’s not the first time, either. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had similar experiences. Is it Tik-Tok poisoning their minds? Economic stress? Just a general hatred of handsome, well dressed farangs like me now? I had the Rolex on. They could see I'm not a slouch. I don’t know, but Thailand is not the same place I first fell in love with mates.

 

So I ask, is anyone else experiencing this, or am I just extremely unlucky?

 

Bob.

I think that your problem here was that you complained in Thai and the staff can see that you are farang and took the attitude that you were being a smart ar##e and took exeption.You probably ordered your meal in english and complained in Thai.

[pub2022]

Yes, you are right:

 

1. Too many tourists.

2. And most of the time they are irrespectful.

3. Thais are on average less poor (more rich) than before.

4. Covid has worsen general attitude.

5. Globalization

etc

[Toolong]

SoCal, I wouldn't want you to fall foul of the bonkers libel laws here and get litigation on your back, but........just been down to Samet, liked it ok and am wondering if you could give us a wee clue as to the place you're referring to.  No name, but location, as specific as you wanna be? Distinguishing features? 

By the way......I'm on your side on this. No one needs that s**t. 

 

If people have already asked....apologies, but just couldn't read ALL the comments! 😉

[CharlieH]

Off topic removed.

[hankypankee]

On 2/14/2025 at 4:22 PM, SoCal1990 said:

A heartfelt fable and a tribute to the Real Bob Smith, wherever he may be. 

 

fable /fā′bəl/
noun

1 - A fictitious narrative or statement.
2 - A story about legendary persons and exploits.
3 - A falsehood; a lie.

 

@NoshowJones

@Lacessit

@Toolong

 

[Colabamumbai]

On 2/15/2025 at 2:22 AM, SoCal1990 said:

A heartfelt fable and a tribute to the Real Bob Smith, wherever he may be. 
 

Alright, lads, I need to get this off my chest. What has happened to customer service in Thailand?

 

Back in the day, when I first came here, you could walk into a bar or restaurant, be greeted with a smile, a cold beer would show up right away and you would actually be treated like a paying customer. Now? You’d think I’d walked in and personally insulted the entire family of the restaurant owner just by sitting down and smiling.

 

Case in point is last night. I went to this so-called “expat-friendly” bar on Koh Samet, just looking to unwind with a cold one and a plate of food after a long day. Ordered a simple meal of steak, well-done, side of chips, nothing fancy innit. I even asked politely in Thai (I always make the effort, you know me right), and what do I get? A blank stare, a half-hearted grunt, and the waitress shuffling off like I’d just asked her to solve a physics equation.

 

Food comes out. Steak’s bleeding, chips are ice cold. So, as any normal person would, I politely call her over and say, “Excuse me, khrap, steak mai suk, fries yen mak mak na khrap.” (For you lot who don’t speak Thai, that means “undercooked steak, very cold fries.” See? Polite. Respectful.)

 

And then, BAM! Full not having it attitude. Eye roll, huffing, snatches the plate away like I’d personally offended her ancestors. Ten minutes later, food comes back. The steak? Burnt to a crisp.The chips? Same cold, soggy mess. And to top it off, she practically slammed the plate down on the table like she was about to challenge me to a Muay Thai fight. No apology, no “sorry for the mix-up Khun Bob,” nothing.

 

Now, I get it that times are tough and people are stressed, but why is it that farangs like me seem to get treated worse than the local soi dogs these days? I was polite. I was patient. I even spoke their language! And yet, this is the treatment I get?

 

It’s not the first time, either. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had similar experiences. Is it Tik-Tok poisoning their minds? Economic stress? Just a general hatred of handsome, well dressed farangs like me now? I had the Rolex on. They could see I'm not a slouch. I don’t know, but Thailand is not the same place I first fell in love with mates.

 

So I ask, is anyone else experiencing this, or am I just extremely unlucky?

 

Bob.

We've poisoned their minds. 

[save the frogs]

On 2/14/2025 at 4:57 PM, SAFETY FIRST said:

I reckon it's all the disrespectful foreigners arriving, the Thai's are fed up with all the nasty, hostile, abusive, moaning foreigners. 

So 25 years ago, foreigners weren't hostile and abusive?

They were all well-mannered and polite back then? 

What has changed? It's a generational thing?

Is it because of Nirvana and more grunge music has changed people over the years or what? 

 

[hereforgood]

On 2/15/2025 at 2:22 AM, SoCal1990 said:

A heartfelt fable and a tribute to the Real Bob Smith, wherever he may be. 
 

Alright, lads, I need to get this off my chest. What has happened to customer service in Thailand?

 

Back in the day, when I first came here, you could walk into a bar or restaurant, be greeted with a smile, a cold beer would show up right away and you would actually be treated like a paying customer. Now? You’d think I’d walked in and personally insulted the entire family of the restaurant owner just by sitting down and smiling.

 

Case in point is last night. I went to this so-called “expat-friendly” bar on Koh Samet, just looking to unwind with a cold one and a plate of food after a long day. Ordered a simple meal of steak, well-done, side of chips, nothing fancy innit. I even asked politely in Thai (I always make the effort, you know me right), and what do I get? A blank stare, a half-hearted grunt, and the waitress shuffling off like I’d just asked her to solve a physics equation.

 

Food comes out. Steak’s bleeding, chips are ice cold. So, as any normal person would, I politely call her over and say, “Excuse me, khrap, steak mai suk, fries yen mak mak na khrap.” (For you lot who don’t speak Thai, that means “undercooked steak, very cold fries.” See? Polite. Respectful.)

 

And then, BAM! Full not having it attitude. Eye roll, huffing, snatches the plate away like I’d personally offended her ancestors. Ten minutes later, food comes back. The steak? Burnt to a crisp.The chips? Same cold, soggy mess. And to top it off, she practically slammed the plate down on the table like she was about to challenge me to a Muay Thai fight. No apology, no “sorry for the mix-up Khun Bob,” nothing.

 

Now, I get it that times are tough and people are stressed, but why is it that farangs like me seem to get treated worse than the local soi dogs these days? I was polite. I was patient. I even spoke their language! And yet, this is the treatment I get?

 

It’s not the first time, either. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had similar experiences. Is it Tik-Tok poisoning their minds? Economic stress? Just a general hatred of handsome, well dressed farangs like me now? I had the Rolex on. They could see I'm not a slouch. I don’t know, but Thailand is not the same place I first fell in love with mates.

 

So I ask, is anyone else experiencing this, or am I just extremely unlucky?

 

Bob.

Small condo block I live in has a restaurant across the way they have a pretty decent size menu many selections. At the bottom of the menu in rather large lettering it says please order what you'd like but please please eat what you're served.

[Scouse123]

Where I live, they know me well.

 

I am a good customer.

 

They always say to me, there may be a bit of waiting time for your food (when they are busy)

 

I chill, speak polite, and watch the big screen TV and listen to music.

 

No issues.

 

However, I live in a non-tourist area, and speak the language.

[Tarteso]

On 2/15/2025 at 10:01 AM, connda said:

It's just you.

And them..🤔

[arick]

On 2/15/2025 at 2:22 AM, SoCal1990 said:

A heartfelt fable and a tribute to the Real Bob Smith, wherever he may be. 
 

Alright, lads, I need to get this off my chest. What has happened to customer service in Thailand?

 

Back in the day, when I first came here, you could walk into a bar or restaurant, be greeted with a smile, a cold beer would show up right away and you would actually be treated like a paying customer. Now? You’d think I’d walked in and personally insulted the entire family of the restaurant owner just by sitting down and smiling.

 

Case in point is last night. I went to this so-called “expat-friendly” bar on Koh Samet, just looking to unwind with a cold one and a plate of food after a long day. Ordered a simple meal of steak, well-done, side of chips, nothing fancy innit. I even asked politely in Thai (I always make the effort, you know me right), and what do I get? A blank stare, a half-hearted grunt, and the waitress shuffling off like I’d just asked her to solve a physics equation.

 

Food comes out. Steak’s bleeding, chips are ice cold. So, as any normal person would, I politely call her over and say, “Excuse me, khrap, steak mai suk, fries yen mak mak na khrap.” (For you lot who don’t speak Thai, that means “undercooked steak, very cold fries.” See? Polite. Respectful.)

 

And then, BAM! Full not having it attitude. Eye roll, huffing, snatches the plate away like I’d personally offended her ancestors. Ten minutes later, food comes back. The steak? Burnt to a crisp.The chips? Same cold, soggy mess. And to top it off, she practically slammed the plate down on the table like she was about to challenge me to a Muay Thai fight. No apology, no “sorry for the mix-up Khun Bob,” nothing.

 

Now, I get it that times are tough and people are stressed, but why is it that farangs like me seem to get treated worse than the local soi dogs these days? I was polite. I was patient. I even spoke their language! And yet, this is the treatment I get?

 

It’s not the first time, either. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had similar experiences. Is it Tik-Tok poisoning their minds? Economic stress? Just a general hatred of handsome, well dressed farangs like me now? I had the Rolex on. They could see I'm not a slouch. I don’t know, but Thailand is not the same place I first fell in love with mates.

 

So I ask, is anyone else experiencing this, or am I just extremely unlucky?

 

Bob.

Stop going to those places. Yes I hate samet went a few years ago after lock down <deleted> hole. Cost more to get to your hotel then a flight out of the country.

[rwill]

We went to a restaurant yesterday and when we left about 10 of the staff, including the owner all lined up and waied us as we left.

[steven100]

On 2/15/2025 at 1:15 PM, cjinchiangrai said:

Another pointless Thai bashing thread. I have no problems. Maybe it is time for you to leave?

Another pointless response. Maybe it is time for you to leave?

[SupermaNZ]

Have you considered the possibility that you were not being served by a Thai person, but by a migrant from Myanmar?  Myanmar service folk are extremely common on many of the islands (as well as in touristy locations on the mainland).  Invariably, when we receive blunt/ unsmiling/ take-it-or-leave-it service, it is invariably from (lowly paid, granted) Myanmar staff.  That's not to say that all Myanmar personnel involved in the service industry are that way - in fact many are not - some can be extremely helpful.  However - it's my view that when confronted with unpleasant service, the first question that should go through one's mind is 'Is this person actually Thai?'.  The answer to that will almost invariably be 'No', as Thai people pride themselves on their friendliness and politeness. Myanmar people - not so much .....

 

Added to that is the complication that some Myanmar people have very limited Thai.  So - even if you speak to them in Thai - there is no guarantee that your message/instructions will have been both received and understood (quite apart from the challenge of getting your own Thai 'spot on') .....

 

Perhaps this is the reason that, in very high-end resorts, you will invariably find only Thai citizens facing guests.  I have never seen a Myanmar person greet guests at a 5-Star resort.  Perhaps others have, but not us.  The owners of these resorts appear to be very much alert to the risk of 'brand dilution' and ensure that only Thai employees interact with guests.

 

When you factor this in to a visit - sometimes we are willing to adjust our expectations with respect to the pleasantness of the service staff interactions.  On other occasions - we've made a mental note to not re-visit.

 

As to why some resorts/ cafes etc utilise Myanmar staff -  we are ironically part of the cause.  Increasing popularity of island/touristy areas raises employment.  Raised employment = increased demand for housing.  Increased demand for housing (for both staff and foreigners enamoured with the area) = increased rental/ purchase costs for property.  Increased cost of rentals/property = many local Thais no longer being able to afford housing in the area.  Reduction in the size of the available Thai employment pool = need to import cheap Myanmar labor (who often live many to a room) .... and so on it goes.

 

So we can't complain too loudly, really, can we .....?  We are part of the problem.  🤔

[steven100]

I went to a full on Chinese restaurant a few days ago,  where the cook was full Chinese but could speak some english.

 

I ordered Chinese honey chicken and fried rice.       

After I had the meal I wanted to tell the cook how tough the chicken meat was .....  

 

I got up to leave and told the cook ... '  the chicken was very rubbery ' 

 

he replied  '      oh ...'     fank you .. fank you vewy much  ,   lubbery chicken ' ....   

 

I replied '       rubbery  ' ....   not lovely       !!     

[Mentors65]

On 2/15/2025 at 2:22 AM, SoCal1990 said:

A heartfelt fable and a tribute to the Real Bob Smith, wherever he may be. 
 

Alright, lads, I need to get this off my chest. What has happened to customer service in Thailand?

 

Back in the day, when I first came here, you could walk into a bar or restaurant, be greeted with a smile, a cold beer would show up right away and you would actually be treated like a paying customer. Now? You’d think I’d walked in and personally insulted the entire family of the restaurant owner just by sitting down and smiling.

 

Case in point is last night. I went to this so-called “expat-friendly” bar on Koh Samet, just looking to unwind with a cold one and a plate of food after a long day. Ordered a simple meal of steak, well-done, side of chips, nothing fancy innit. I even asked politely in Thai (I always make the effort, you know me right), and what do I get? A blank stare, a half-hearted grunt, and the waitress shuffling off like I’d just asked her to solve a physics equation.

 

Food comes out. Steak’s bleeding, chips are ice cold. So, as any normal person would, I politely call her over and say, “Excuse me, khrap, steak mai suk, fries yen mak mak na khrap.” (For you lot who don’t speak Thai, that means “undercooked steak, very cold fries.” See? Polite. Respectful.)

 

And then, BAM! Full not having it attitude. Eye roll, huffing, snatches the plate away like I’d personally offended her ancestors. Ten minutes later, food comes back. The steak? Burnt to a crisp.The chips? Same cold, soggy mess. And to top it off, she practically slammed the plate down on the table like she was about to challenge me to a Muay Thai fight. No apology, no “sorry for the mix-up Khun Bob,” nothing.

 

Now, I get it that times are tough and people are stressed, but why is it that farangs like me seem to get treated worse than the local soi dogs these days? I was polite. I was patient. I even spoke their language! And yet, this is the treatment I get?

 

It’s not the first time, either. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had similar experiences. Is it Tik-Tok poisoning their minds? Economic stress? Just a general hatred of handsome, well dressed farangs like me now? I had the Rolex on. They could see I'm not a slouch. I don’t know, but Thailand is not the same place I first fell in love with mates.

 

So I ask, is anyone else experiencing this, or am I just extremely unlucky?

 

Bob.

Mass tourism makes them rude

[Old Nomad]

I had my best Thai food in restaurants with grumpy waitresses.

[it is what it is]

 

never had issues worth mentioning, suggest you look at yourself.

[georgegeorgia]

On 2/15/2025 at 11:41 AM, Lacessit said:

For a guy who speaks Thai, the OP seems to be unaware complaining is the same thing as insulting the person in Thai culture.

 

I have my favorite restaurants. I experiment occasionally with new ones.

 

If they fail to meet my expectations by way of food or service, I say nothing, and never go back.

Yes you say nothing !

You did this all your life !!!

Didn't see a thing 

I call them brown tongue in my workplace 

 

See nothing...hear nothing...say nothing ....and who write that ?

[Lacessit]

19 minutes ago, georgegeorgia said:

Yes you say nothing !

You did this all your life !!!

Didn't see a thing 

I call them brown tongue in my workplace 

 

See nothing...hear nothing...say nothing ....and who write that ?

You seem to be laboring under the delusion the opinion of a guy pushing a mop means anything to me.

 

Thank you for your taxes, which contributed to my pension payment today.

[Thingamabob]

On 2/15/2025 at 2:22 AM, SoCal1990 said:

A heartfelt fable and a tribute to the Real Bob Smith, wherever he may be. 
 

Alright, lads, I need to get this off my chest. What has happened to customer service in Thailand?

 

Back in the day, when I first came here, you could walk into a bar or restaurant, be greeted with a smile, a cold beer would show up right away and you would actually be treated like a paying customer. Now? You’d think I’d walked in and personally insulted the entire family of the restaurant owner just by sitting down and smiling.

 

Case in point is last night. I went to this so-called “expat-friendly” bar on Koh Samet, just looking to unwind with a cold one and a plate of food after a long day. Ordered a simple meal of steak, well-done, side of chips, nothing fancy innit. I even asked politely in Thai (I always make the effort, you know me right), and what do I get? A blank stare, a half-hearted grunt, and the waitress shuffling off like I’d just asked her to solve a physics equation.

 

Food comes out. Steak’s bleeding, chips are ice cold. So, as any normal person would, I politely call her over and say, “Excuse me, khrap, steak mai suk, fries yen mak mak na khrap.” (For you lot who don’t speak Thai, that means “undercooked steak, very cold fries.” See? Polite. Respectful.)

 

And then, BAM! Full not having it attitude. Eye roll, huffing, snatches the plate away like I’d personally offended her ancestors. Ten minutes later, food comes back. The steak? Burnt to a crisp.The chips? Same cold, soggy mess. And to top it off, she practically slammed the plate down on the table like she was about to challenge me to a Muay Thai fight. No apology, no “sorry for the mix-up Khun Bob,” nothing.

 

Now, I get it that times are tough and people are stressed, but why is it that farangs like me seem to get treated worse than the local soi dogs these days? I was polite. I was patient. I even spoke their language! And yet, this is the treatment I get?

 

It’s not the first time, either. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had similar experiences. Is it Tik-Tok poisoning their minds? Economic stress? Just a general hatred of handsome, well dressed farangs like me now? I had the Rolex on. They could see I'm not a slouch. I don’t know, but Thailand is not the same place I first fell in love with mates.

 

So I ask, is anyone else experiencing this, or am I just extremely unlucky?

 

Bob.

Sorry to hear this. I think you are being treated in this way because of  the assumption by local serving staff that your behaviour will be as rude as it is by other foreigners, some of whom behave very badly indeed.

[steven100]

On 2/15/2025 at 9:36 AM, Grumpy one said:

Next time order a salad and a glass of water, then tell us about the service   

I seriously doubt you can get a free glass of water anywhere,  they will tell you that have to buy a bottle of water from their fridge.  

 

in the old days you could,  but not any more. 

[hotandsticky]

11 hours ago, Lacessit said:

 

Thank you for your taxes, which contributed to my pension payment today.

 

 

LOL......I take comfort in the fact that I didn't contribute 1 Satang.....

[dr_lucas]

On 2/15/2025 at 7:17 AM, Harrisfan said:

Linked to cancer and kills vitamins. Steak should be rare or med-rare.

Raw or undercooked beef can contain bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria, which can lead to food poisoning if not properly killed by cooking. Undercooked beef can also contain parasites like tapeworms or trichinella. 

[Harrisfan]

1 minute ago, dr_lucas said:

Raw or undercooked beef can contain bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria, which can lead to food poisoning if not properly killed by cooking. Undercooked beef can also contain parasites like tapeworms or trichinella. 

Not very often. Hot pan 1 minute each side 

[dr_lucas]

11 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Not very often. Hot pan 1 minute each side 

A lot more often than cancer risk (linked to overcooking/burning/toasting) and some of these can be fatal. 

Hot pan 1 minute each side depends on pan temperature, meat thickness, cooking method etc. 

 

To reduce risk of carcinogens, you can try using healthier cooking methods like baking, roasting, poaching, or slow cooking.

 

[Lacessit]

16 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Not very often. Hot pan 1 minute each side 

How effective that is depends on (a) how thick the steak is (b) how thick the person doing the cooking is.

[Harrisfan]

11 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

How effective that is depends on (a) how thick the steak is (b) how thick the person doing the cooking is.

Chefs don't know what 1 minute is?

[Harrisfan]

24 minutes ago, dr_lucas said:

A lot more often than cancer risk (linked to overcooking/burning/toasting) and some of these can be fatal. 

Hot pan 1 minute each side depends on pan temperature, meat thickness, cooking method etc. 

 

To reduce risk of carcinogens, you can try using healthier cooking methods like baking, roasting, poaching, or slow cooking.

 

Chefs know to start with a hot pan.