Thai-Scottish Ranger Resigns After Incident with Racist Tourists

[snoop1130]

Photo via Facebook/ ทราย - Merman Ψ

 

In a surprising turn of events, Siranudh “Sai” Scott, a renowned 29-year-old half-Thai, half-Scottish park ranger, popularly known as Sai Merman, has stepped down following a dispute with a foreign tourist and amidst local criticism in southern Thailand. This departure marks a significant chapter in Sai’s commitment to marine conservation while also highlighting tensions between conservation efforts and local interests.

 

Sai, who previously made headlines for swimming 30 kilometres to highlight marine conservation, found himself at the centre of controversy after an altercation with an Italian tourist. The tourist was reportedly snorkelling in a restricted area, prompting an argument that escalated when Sai accused the man of making a racist remark.

 

The incident unfolded when the tourist allegedly greeted Sai with “Ni Hao,” a Mandarin phrase for “hello,” which Sai interpreted as a racial slur, given that he is Thai, not Chinese. The disagreement was captured in a video shared by Sai, where he confronted the tourist and threatened deportation over the perceived insult. Sai explained his view that the greeting was not a simple mistake, but an intentional affront accompanied by laughter.

 

 

 

This confrontation has divided public opinion. Supporters commend Sai for standing against perceived racism, while critics argue his response was overly harsh, contending that the use of “Ni Hao” is often meant innocuously. Meanwhile, local business operators voiced their frustration with Sai, whom they accused of obstructive actions against traditional fishing practices, urging him to focus on larger environmental polluters instead.

 

Despite stepping down from his official role with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), Sai has reaffirmed his dedication to wildlife advocacy. In a heartfelt message to his followers, he expressed his willingness to sacrifice his prestigious position, motivated by his deep love for the sea and a desire to address ongoing issues transparently. He assured continued support for government conservation efforts while pursuing independent advocacy.

 

While the exact reasons behind Sai’s resignation remain somewhat ambiguous, the culmination of accusations from local communities, combined with the controversial encounter, appear influential. As the dust settles, Sai's resignation underscores the ongoing conflict between conservation advocacy and local economic interests, a division he hopes to bridge in the future, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-04-18

 

 

[JoePai]

This half (bottom or top?) Jock seems to have a thin skin 

[Ralf001]

the butthurt is strong.

[Magictoad]

His Scottish ancestry will no doubt contribute to his หัวใจร้อน, we are known for it.

[newbee2022]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Photo via Facebook/ ทราย - Merman Ψ

 

In a surprising turn of events, Siranudh “Sai” Scott, a renowned 29-year-old half-Thai, half-Scottish park ranger, popularly known as Sai Merman, has stepped down following a dispute with a foreign tourist and amidst local criticism in southern Thailand. This departure marks a significant chapter in Sai’s commitment to marine conservation while also highlighting tensions between conservation efforts and local interests.

 

Sai, who previously made headlines for swimming 30 kilometres to highlight marine conservation, found himself at the centre of controversy after an altercation with an Italian tourist. The tourist was reportedly snorkelling in a restricted area, prompting an argument that escalated when Sai accused the man of making a racist remark.

 

The incident unfolded when the tourist allegedly greeted Sai with “Ni Hao,” a Mandarin phrase for “hello,” which Sai interpreted as a racial slur, given that he is Thai, not Chinese. The disagreement was captured in a video shared by Sai, where he confronted the tourist and threatened deportation over the perceived insult. Sai explained his view that the greeting was not a simple mistake, but an intentional affront accompanied by laughter.

 

 

 

This confrontation has divided public opinion. Supporters commend Sai for standing against perceived racism, while critics argue his response was overly harsh, contending that the use of “Ni Hao” is often meant innocuously. Meanwhile, local business operators voiced their frustration with Sai, whom they accused of obstructive actions against traditional fishing practices, urging him to focus on larger environmental polluters instead.

 

Despite stepping down from his official role with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), Sai has reaffirmed his dedication to wildlife advocacy. In a heartfelt message to his followers, he expressed his willingness to sacrifice his prestigious position, motivated by his deep love for the sea and a desire to address ongoing issues transparently. He assured continued support for government conservation efforts while pursuing independent advocacy.

 

While the exact reasons behind Sai’s resignation remain somewhat ambiguous, the culmination of accusations from local communities, combined with the controversial encounter, appear influential. As the dust settles, Sai's resignation underscores the ongoing conflict between conservation advocacy and local economic interests, a division he hopes to bridge in the future, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-04-18

 

 

Overreaction?

Am I a racist if a say "Hello, or Guten Morgen or Buenos dias, ot Good morning...knowing that they are all from Limerick?

I think this guy got a lot of personal undisclosed problems 😳

[sikishrory]

A man had a problem at work and resigned.

Cool 😐

[ronster]

Way he has acted in a few videos he looks as if he is on a power trip constantly and I'm sure being filmed makes him think he can act this way.

Instead of just pointing things out and explaining things to people he confronts he seems to go looking to provoke a response almost as if he wants it for his internet posts to get likes and for people to know him.

[Dr. Zorg]

Childish 

[Taco]

At least he has the balls to confront unruly tourists. Unlike the boys in brown who just walk around suspects and let mad tourists carry on rampaging.

[Kandinski]

Guess his next step is to sue  the Italian for defamation and harming Thailands reputation? Wonder why [childish] stuff like this even make it to the news

[Gandtee]

15 hours ago, JoePai said:

This half (bottom or top?) Jock seems to have a thin skin 

And the Itie's reply was "Up your kilt, Khun Jock."😉

[foureyes10]

His mother spoiled him, perhaps a short talk with his dad should sort him out?

[factual monk]

Seems he suffers from attention deficit... it's a common phenomenon (psychological disorder)... affecting especially those who are active in social media platforms... 

Good he might look inwards... and take corrective steps

[actonion]

17 minutes ago, Dr. Zorg said:

Childish 

Most of them are

[trevoromgh]

It seems he may be playing the 'racist' card as a weapon like it has been in the West for years now.  Just a shame it is finding favour here too, let's just hope the Thai younger generation don't pick it up or good humour and tolerance will go out the window along with the tourist industry.

[harryviking]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Photo via Facebook/ ทราย - Merman Ψ

 

In a surprising turn of events, Siranudh “Sai” Scott, a renowned 29-year-old half-Thai, half-Scottish park ranger, popularly known as Sai Merman, has stepped down following a dispute with a foreign tourist and amidst local criticism in southern Thailand. This departure marks a significant chapter in Sai’s commitment to marine conservation while also highlighting tensions between conservation efforts and local interests.

 

Sai, who previously made headlines for swimming 30 kilometres to highlight marine conservation, found himself at the centre of controversy after an altercation with an Italian tourist. The tourist was reportedly snorkelling in a restricted area, prompting an argument that escalated when Sai accused the man of making a racist remark.

 

The incident unfolded when the tourist allegedly greeted Sai with “Ni Hao,” a Mandarin phrase for “hello,” which Sai interpreted as a racial slur, given that he is Thai, not Chinese. The disagreement was captured in a video shared by Sai, where he confronted the tourist and threatened deportation over the perceived insult. Sai explained his view that the greeting was not a simple mistake, but an intentional affront accompanied by laughter.

 

 

 

This confrontation has divided public opinion. Supporters commend Sai for standing against perceived racism, while critics argue his response was overly harsh, contending that the use of “Ni Hao” is often meant innocuously. Meanwhile, local business operators voiced their frustration with Sai, whom they accused of obstructive actions against traditional fishing practices, urging him to focus on larger environmental polluters instead.

 

Despite stepping down from his official role with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), Sai has reaffirmed his dedication to wildlife advocacy. In a heartfelt message to his followers, he expressed his willingness to sacrifice his prestigious position, motivated by his deep love for the sea and a desire to address ongoing issues transparently. He assured continued support for government conservation efforts while pursuing independent advocacy.

 

While the exact reasons behind Sai’s resignation remain somewhat ambiguous, the culmination of accusations from local communities, combined with the controversial encounter, appear influential. As the dust settles, Sai's resignation underscores the ongoing conflict between conservation advocacy and local economic interests, a division he hopes to bridge in the future, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-04-18

 

 

Seems to me that that ranger is not fit for the job and should of course resign! 

[arick]

He should be very used to racism from the ties being a half cast

[BKKBike09]

36 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Overreaction?

Am I a racist if a say "Hello, or Guten Morgen or Buenos dias, ot Good morning...knowing that they are all from Limerick?

On principle, I greet all foreigners with a cheery 'Bono Estente'!

[Ralf001]

2 minutes ago, BKKBike09 said:

On principle, I greet all foreigners with a cheery 'Bono Estente'!

 

Good Bookcase ?

[Scouse123]

39 minutes ago, Taco said:

At least he has the balls to confront unruly tourists. Unlike the boys in brown who just walk around suspects and let mad tourists carry on rampaging.

Unruly tourist because he made a joke and said Hello in Chinese?

 

Your threshold for ' unruly ' seems low.

 

and to threaten with deportation for this, seems somewhat childish and pathetic.

[hotchilli]

16 hours ago, JoePai said:

This half (bottom or top?) Jock seems to have a thin skin 

 

[Scouse123]

There seems to be far more to this story, and the guy is well educated and apparently ' well heeled '—he is the great-grandson of the Singha corporation's owner.

 

He was angry at corruption and attempts to oust him from a position he refused to take a salary for due to his love for the sea and the environment.

 

So, it seems the OP was light on substance as to the full facts.

 

With regard to the Italian tourist, if he had told them about deportation, that would have been out of order.

 

The job seems to have gone to his head, maybe passion, maybe arrogance.

 

https://www.nationthailand.com/sustaination/40048923

[Aussie999]

57 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Overreaction?

Am I a racist if a say "Hello, or Guten Morgen or Buenos dias, ot Good morning...knowing that they are all from Limerick?

I think this guy got a lot of personal undisclosed problems 😳

I saw the video, he overreacted, to a trivial comment...he threatened to have them deported, I think he should get retraining, as far as I could see, the tourists did not mean to insult anyone.

[Dr. Zorg]

46 minutes ago, Taco said:

At least he has the balls to confront unruly tourists. Unlike the boys in brown who just walk around suspects and let mad tourists carry on rampaging.

Nobody was racist. The foreigner said hello. Does it really matter in what language? It is the gesture that counts. At least the tourist greeted him. The tourist wasn't rowdy or anything. Pettiness is bad for business. Or maybe address his Scottish half with Awright? Or Hiya?

[Aussie999]

58 minutes ago, Taco said:

At least he has the balls to confront unruly tourists. Unlike the boys in brown who just walk around suspects and let mad tourists carry on rampaging.

These were not unruly.. you're overreacting like him.

[Aussie999]

56 minutes ago, Kandinski said:

Guess his next step is to sue  the Italian for defamation and harming Thailands reputation? Wonder why [childish] stuff like this even make it to the news

Actually he did more harm to Thailand's reputation.

[chuang]

The Chinese greeting of Ni Hao should be banned in Thailand..555

[Scouse123]

10 minutes ago, Aussie999 said:

These were not unruly.. you're overreacting like him.

 

Agreed,

 

A bit of light relief and harmless fun.

 

I've said, and got away with far worse in jest, and it's been taken that way.

[Scouse123]

11 minutes ago, Aussie999 said:

Actually he did more harm to Thailand's reputation.

 

I think the job title and badge has gone to his head a bit.

[cheerz]

Childish & Thin skinned, he needs to grow up. Get a job in a rice field maybe suit your temper. What a joke