BTS Skytrain. File photo

A recent incident involving tourists on Bangkok's BTS Skytrain has stirred up a lively debate among expats and locals. The commotion, allegedly caused by a group of boisterous foreign visitors, has spotlighted varying opinions on tourist behaviour and the challenges linked to Thailand's growing visitor numbers.

 

The BTS incident, which reportedly involved loud and seemingly disrespectful behaviour, has left many commuters disgruntled. An annoyed resident expressed,

 

"Foreigners are always so loud on public transport. They need to respect others around them." This sentiment was echoed by others who felt the tourists' antics disrupted the peace and quiet normally associated with the BTS.

 

However, not everyone is convinced about the disturbance claims. Some have questioned the authenticity of these reports, demanding evidence.

 

"Where's the video then? Prove it," one sceptical expat demanded, while another dismissed the narrative as improbable, stating, "I've used the BTS extensively and never encountered such behaviour. It's usually calm and orderly."

 

The incident has also ignited a debate about Thailand's visa exemption policies, with some arguing that easy entry might be encouraging poor tourist conduct. "Visa exemptions are being misused," one resident suggested, although others were quick to defend the policy.

 

Critics argue that the real issues lie elsewhere, such as in the local acceptance of things like marijuana and alcohol, which might attract a rowdy subset of visitors.

 

Concerns over Thailand's tourism future are growing, with talks about potential casino legalisation adding to the anxiety. "Opening casinos could attract gamblers and possibly lead to a rise in crime," one local warned, urging officials to prioritise the country's reputation over short-term tourist revenues.

 

The debate also reflects on double standards, as some noted that disruptive behaviour isn't exclusive to tourists. "Thais talk loudly on the phone without regard for others, yet tourists are blamed for everything loud," another resident pointed out, commenting on the irony of the situation.

 

Amidst this, some people have adopted a more philosophical view. "Such is the reality of public transport," mused one observer, suggesting patience as a virtue in such situations, reported Pattaya Mail.

 

The uproar underscores wider issues about tourism, behaviour expectations, and policy decisions critical to Thailand's future. With millions of visitors drawn to the country each year, finding a balance between economic growth and cultural preservation remains a nuanced and ongoing challenge.

 

As the conversation unfolds, the country must consider how to welcome tourists while keeping peace with its values and the comfort of its residents.

 

-- 2025-03-17

 

 

so why did they make up the story. 

 

very strange local bunch. 

No such incident yesterday on MRT but something weird... Walked into the purple line station yesterday and noticed at least 30 new cameras installed. Easy to tell they are new, not just because they weren't there before but because there's not 2 cm dust cover on top of them... Anyway, first time ever, security guard wanted me to empty pockets and others to open even smallest purses to see what's inside. On the train, there was a security guard entering every station at the back of the train and walked towards the front. That is also something I haven't seen before.

 

Is this about that deportation to China or is there another security alert out keeping public transport on their toes?

The people of Thailand are not know for speaking softly.. The scream to eachother as in my opinion they all have eardrum damage of the loudly music and sounds everywhere around in Thailand.. Try to find a silent spot, almost impossible.. even in a restaurant you can't conversate in a normal way as mostly they have a live band with too much bass and a singer who can't sing but thinks the louder I sing the better it better it is.. or they play Thai music the appetite is over quickly and you want to finish your meal to get out of the noise.

Surely some tourists make noise too but don't forget that there are 70 million Thais living in Thailand and only a few foreigners/tourists

 

If people on holiday are not allowed to have fun and kick up their heels a little, they will stop coming.  Being a little loud and laughing about is no reason for the Thais to break out their xenophobia ...

 

Message to the Thais ... you will never get us to stay at home and just send our wallets or cash over.

 

Need to lighten up.

2 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

The people of Thailand are not know for speaking softly.. The scream to eachother as in my opinion they all have eardrum damage of the loudly music and sounds everywhere around in Thailand..

 

I disagree with the first sentence.

I am deaf in one ear and the treason that I struggle with the Thai language is because Thais talk very quietly.

However, totally agree with the decibel levels when it comes to music and parties.

5 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

Thais talk very quietly.

You're kidding. Phones on loud speaker turned all the way up shouting into it so anyone 50 metres away can hear the entire two way conversation is not uncommon. Even being deaf in one ear you'd have no problem hearing it. Thais standing next to to each other breaking 80 decibels. All the time but especially the women. Men when they're drunk. I agree with @ikke1959 about ear damage from sound pollution but I'd take it back to the school days. The loud speakers at schools are really, really loud and daily exposure to this over 15 years can't be good.

Not any more annoying than people shouting into their phones while on speakerphone. 

55 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

 

I disagree with the first sentence.

I am deaf in one ear and the treason that I struggle with the Thai language is because Thais talk very quietly.

However, totally agree with the decibel levels when it comes to music and parties.

Probably Americans, no low volume.

57 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

 

I disagree with the first sentence.

I am deaf in one ear and the treason that I struggle with the Thai language is because Thais talk very quietly.

However, totally agree with the decibel levels when it comes to music and parties.

And what also annoys me are those speakers in rural municipalities, at the stroke of 6 o'clock in the morning the blaring starts which lasts until about half past seven, so everyone is awake by now.

4 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

The people of Thailand are not know for speaking softly.. The scream to eachother as in my opinion they all have eardrum damage of the loudly music and sounds everywhere around in Thailand.. Try to find a silent spot, almost impossible.. even in a restaurant you can't conversate in a normal way as mostly they have a live band with too much bass and a singer who can't sing but thinks the louder I sing the better it better it is.. or they play Thai music the appetite is over quickly and you want to finish your meal to get out of the noise.

Surely some tourists make noise too but don't forget that there are 70 million Thais living in Thailand and only a few foreigners/tourists

Rigth.I remember when my exwife get thai friends come visit us in my country.I speak thai well and after 5 minutes i went to my smoking room and put my headphones on and listen to music on YouTube and took a whiskey.

Its like a chicken farm when they meet.

1 hour ago, Peterphuket said:

And what also annoys me are those speakers in rural municipalities, at the stroke of 6 o'clock in the morning the blaring starts which lasts until about half past seven, so everyone is awake by now.

Not just rural. They're everywhere. Some self important w@nk#r going on and on and on. If I could I'd take a shotgun to each and every one of them and I'd get applauded by all the Thais that also hate them.

The worst day on the BTS is better than the best day on a New York City subway.

12 hours ago, webfact said:

The BTS incident, which reportedly involved loud and seemingly disrespectful behaviour

 

It was a couple of Scottish singing Flower of Scotland. The video is all over X.

 

Absolutely a storm in a teacup.

23 hours ago, webfact said:

The commotion, allegedly caused by a group of boisterous foreign visitors, has spotlighted varying opinions on tourist behaviour

I'm sure the foreigners will aopologise for not showing the angel like behaviour of the locals.

A troll post attacking one nationality has been removed.

 

@Brian J reminder of forum rules 15. You will not discriminate or post slurs, degrading or overly negative comments on the basis of race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, nationality, disability, medical history, marriage, civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, paternity, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other irrelevant factor.

On 3/17/2025 at 9:47 AM, ikke1959 said:

The people of Thailand are not know for speaking softly.. The scream to eachother

If you choose to live in the rougher neighborhoods like you do, its the same world over. The Thai language, is normal circumstances, is one of the softest most respectful forms of communication on the planet.

As if the Thais traveling overseas they don’t use the cheapest form of transportation and I’m sure they are noisy to the locals. Get off your high horses. 

     These days the trains are so packed at all hours riders can;t do much of anything except stand in place and occupy their tiny piece of space.  Bring on two more cars per train, starting with the most crowded ones first.  Long overdue.  The recent free ride total fiasco showed what's in store for the future, otherwise. 

Obnoxious farang on the BKK metro transit is nothing new.

 

They are three sheets to the wind at the best of times on the marihuana and alcohol, sometimes combined.

 

Saw similar conduct on the Czech trains, most likely Britishers?

 

No one wants to hear your conversations buddy.

On 3/16/2025 at 8:47 PM, ikke1959 said:

The people of Thailand are not know for speaking softly.. The scream to eachother as in my opinion they all have eardrum damage of the loudly music and sounds everywhere around in Thailand.

 

You ever been to Vietnam?

 

Walk past any Nguyen Kim appliance shop  🤣

On 3/17/2025 at 8:09 AM, webfact said:

The BTS incident, which reportedly involved loud and seemingly disrespectful behaviour

 

 

"Seemingly"? 

 

Need more details, obviously, a video would help.

 

 

 

1 hour ago, newnative said:

     These days the trains are so packed at all hours riders can;t do much of anything except stand in place and occupy their tiny piece of space.  Bring on two more cars per train, starting with the most crowded ones first.  Long overdue.  The recent free ride total fiasco showed what's in store for the future, otherwise. 

I agree the trains are to short, more carriages would be better, but that means investment and that is a strange word for Thais.. Investment in own pockets yes, foreigners investing yes, but otherwise it is no ...because no plans, conservatism etc

26 minutes ago, bamnutsak said:

 

 

"Seemingly"? 

 

Need more details, obviously, a video would help.

 

 

 

It's on FB and X, singing Jocks.

On 3/17/2025 at 10:05 AM, dyertribe said:

Message to the Thais ... you will never get us to stay at home and just send our wallets or cash over.

The girls in Isaan do OK

On 3/17/2025 at 2:09 AM, webfact said:

Foreigners are always so loud on public transport. They need to respect others around them."

 

It's not "foreigners", it's the Australians, Russians, Ukrainians, Spanish and British!

 

This is the problem in Thailand, total lack of knowledge of who causes actual problems.

1 hour ago, Upnotover said:

It's on FB and X, singing Jocks.

 

Thanks.

 

Assuming that's the whole "incident" I'm not seeing a big deal here. Thai's claiming some offense on this are reaching, perhaps expressing their dissatisfaction with their "government" in general.

 

Once you're hooked on tourist revenue it's tough to bite that hand.