Thai-Scottish Ranger Resigns After Incident with Racist Tourists

[PJ71]

Another example of the society we live in nowadays...

[factual monk]

That way... calling foreigners- farang is also racial... 😆 🤣 😂 😹 

[connda]

I guess he knows enough about Western culture to play the race card.  The problem being the comment was innocuous.
What if the Italian had said, "Howdy," or "Che cosa succede," or "Wazzaup."   I wonder how many times the Thai/Scot has used the word, "Farang" and "Sawatdee" when referring to white tourists - can we assume racist intent?  Come on, I guess we all could pull the race card on that too.  "Ni Hao!"  🤔  Much ado about nothing.  Perhaps he can find a Soros backed, "Eco" NGO to run.

[Dibbler]

Thailand has good Marine National Park laws, why don't they support staff who implement enforcement of those laws! Belligerent tourists who refuse to to follow the rules should be ejected regardless of whether Thai or Farang. Also rangers need to acknowledge the limits of their remit which is  kicking tourists out of restricted zones, not the country!

[Marco100]

I am italian n i can tell u the italian man has a little disorder n is not used to pay a tour n than beeing recalled for snorkeling 100 meters out of the tour zone 😂😂😂 . Should hv known if u r cosmopolitan 😉

[Gecko123]

It wouldn't be offensive if a Chinese person had used the Chinese word for 'hello', but when a Western foreigner uses the Chinese word for 'hello' in Thailand as if to say 'that's close enough of a greeting here in Thailand,' that is fairly offensive. If the tourist didn't know how to greet someone in the Thai language, he should have stuck to the universal "hello" in English. An Italian greeting a Thai person in Mandarin Chinese probably would have gone over the head of most Thai people, but the Thai/Scottish guy, having studied abroad, being bilingual, and probably familiar with the Western cliche that 'all Asians look alike' decided to call the guy out on it. Could he have maybe handled the situation a little more diplomatically? Probably, but I'm not going to fault the guy for letting the tourist know his behavior was offensive.

[Drumbuie]

39 minutes ago, Dr. Zorg said:

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?

 

I wonder how the Italian tourist would have responded to a Chinese tourist in Italy  saying "hallo" to him in Arabic? Or Hindi? 

[Thingamabob]

The Italian was snorkelling in a restricted area. Too many tourists in Thailand arrogantly, and self-importantly, ignore local regulations and bylaws.

Regarding this particular incident the expression 'Ni hao'  usually means little more than 'Hello' in most situations, however it can be offensive if spoken in an aggressive manner.

[keysersoze276]

I have accidentally said hello or thank you in Thai to immigration officers, hotel staff, wait staff, and random in other Asian countries so many times over the years. Just being distracted and saying it and then realizing I just spoke Thai to people who are obviously not Thai because I just landed in a different Asian country. No one has ever showed any sign of offense. They probably are quitely thinking I’m a damn fool and that’s fair. I feel like a damn fool when I realize what I just said. Never had any hint at a backlash, though. 

[keysersoze276]

A renowned, popular, park ranger stepped down from his prestigious position?  You can’t make this stuff up. 

[connda]

45 minutes ago, Aussie999 said:

I think he should get retraining

He quit - that solved the situation.  Given his perchance toward wishing to be confrontational as opposed to light-hearted and helpful, I'm thinking seeking a job with one of the more radical "eco" organization would be a better fit for him. Then he could get paid to rage about "ecology."  I gotta agree with others though.  If a foreigner is snorkeling where they shouldn't be, inform them that they are out of bounds, inform the tourist that the boat driver will be instructed to take him to a location where snorkeling is allowed, and wish him a good day.  Then spend some time tracking down industrial polluters. Fyi - did the snorkeler drive the boat to that location?  I highly doubt it.  The snorkeler was driven by a boat captain who should know the locations where diving is allowed.  So instead of brow-beating the tourist who probably has no ideas where diving boundaries are in those waters, try dressing down the boat operator.  No - instead threaten the tourist with deportation.

This guy is probably better suit for a different career path that doesn't deal with tourists.  

[connda]

9 minutes ago, keysersoze276 said:

I have accidentally said hello or thank you in Thai to immigration officers, hotel staff, wait staff, and random in other Asian countries so many times over the years. Just being distracted and saying it and then realizing I just spoke Thai to people who are obviously not Thai because I just landed in a different Asian country. No one has ever showed any sign of offense. They probably are quitely thinking I’m a damn fool and that’s fair. I feel like a damn fool when I realize what I just said. Never had any hint at a backlash, though. 

Good point.

[connda]

10 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

The Italian was snorkelling in a restricted area. Too many tourists in Thailand arrogantly, and self-importantly, ignore local regulations and bylaws.

Did the Italian drive the boat to a restricted area?  Or did the boat operator take him to a restricted area with the Italian being completely ignorant about the legality of diving in that area?

I'd bet a paycheck on the latter explanation.  Boat operator.

[Aussie999]

43 minutes ago, Scouse123 said:

 

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

Possibly from his upbring, in a wealthy family

[bendejo]

1 hour ago, trevoromgh said:

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.

 

That doesn't work outside the industrialized Occidental countries.  Ask any Thai, especially the ones from the western side of the country/Andaman coast about the Burmese and you will not catch a whiff of empathy for them.  But maybe semi-somchai here knows how to play if off of the white tourists, stirring up guilt, etc.

 

17 hours ago, JoePai said:

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

 

Once, while being discriminated against when trying to enter a country club, Groucho Marx asked "what about my son, he's only half: can he go into the pool up to his knees?"

 

[Baba Naba]

This was probably just the straw that broke the camels back.  The human feces had been piling up for sometime and he has just had enough. I think the Italians dont give a <deleted> attitude about the environment, and "who was he to stop them from doing what they felt like doing no matter what damage I cause" is was what got stuck in his craw. Put that on top of all the crap he gets from the local fisherman for trying to protect the environment, he just said "F it! I'm done trying"

 

           I don't blame him... They knew damned good and well that he was a Thai Ranger and sure as hell wasn't Chinese. Why else would they speak Chinese to him but as an insult?

[BKKBike09]

1 hour ago, Ralf001 said:

Good Bookcase ?

 

Channel 9 Neus my friend.

 

 

[Gecko123]

I've noticed on a number of other occasions that Thais who have studied or lived abroad and endured overt racial condescension and micro aggressions while there, sometimes - justifiably - harbor resentments towards Westerners here for the racial mistreatment they experienced in the West long after they return to Thailand. While some may label it hyper-sensitivity or having a chip on your shoulder, but it can often be traced back to mistreatment they experienced while abroad. The message they seem to want to convey is: "you may get away with that crap back home, but you in my country now, boy!'

[black tabby12345]

2 hours 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 😳

 

For the westerners, often difficult to tell the nationality/ethnicity of the people in Asia.

Mistaking him for Chinese, wouldn't mean they are racists.

 

[cjinchiangrai]

I used to do this regularly when I lived in China. It would take a day or two to turn off ni hao and start saying sawasdee khup. Going back I would be saying Thai words to the Chinese as well. I have never understood Scottish, it is surprising they don't speak English by now.

[helloagain]

18 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

 

 

Stepped down cos he over reacted. Tourists come here knowing no thai like I didn't. The foriener wasn't being racist,  there's many racist words for Asian and foriener did not use them. I'm sure thais use slang words for forieners but we don't understand thai. He blew this out of total proportion, makes me wonder if he was asked to step down? We will never know. Horrible episode, I bet this has had a bad effect on tourism.

[bendejo]

4 minutes ago, black tabby12345 said:

 

For the westerners, often difficult to tell the nationality/ethnicity of the people in Asia.

Mistaking him for Chinese, wouldn't mean they are racists.

 

 

Locals as well.  An American-Vietnamese fellow I know told me Thai girls wouldn't "go with" him, even at Nana Plaza. 

 

A fellow of Mexican descent in the US was approached by some Japanese tourists.  "Excuse me please, are you Japanese or Chinese?"  The fellow put on sort of a cowboy drawl and said "shucks, I ain't no Chinee!"  This kid needs to loosen up like this guy did.  Is this kind of sensitivity something to do with being a millennial?

 

[newbee2022]

19 minutes ago, black tabby12345 said:

 

For the westerners, often difficult to tell the nationality/ethnicity of the people in Asia.

Mistaking him for Chinese, wouldn't

mean they are racists.

 

Would I be a racist if I would meet you with a friendly Добрый день 😂?

I don't think so. Or not?

[sqwakvfr]

There has to be more. As an Asian American in LOS I  am often told by Thai people "you not American, you Chinese".  Do I have a defammation case?????  

[Packer]

3 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

I think this guy got a lot of personal undisclosed problems

 

He's Thai under the kilt? 

 

 

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

where he confronted the tourist and threatened deportation over the perceived insult.

 

Deported for saying Ni Hao (Hello in Chinese) to a Thai. 

 

 

This nancy boy never drank in a Glasgow pub, that's for sure. 

[Presnock]

3 hours 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 😳

yeah, I guess I have to stop addressing those peopel exercising early morning - my daught speaks 4 different languages which she passes on to me and I have studied over 10 different languages so I have the habit of saying good morning to joggers/walkers passing my house early AM as I take our dog out for his morning bathroom break!  Those walkers must think I am a total idiot I guess as I greet them in a different language each time!

[newbee2022]

1 minute ago, Presnock said:

yeah, I guess I have to stop addressing those peopel exercising early morning - my daught speaks 4 different languages which she passes on to me and I have studied over 10 different languages so I have the habit of saying good morning to joggers/walkers passing my house early AM as I take our dog out for his morning bathroom break!  Those walkers must think I am a total idiot I guess as I greet them in a different language each time!

I think in your soi you're highly respected as a highly educated farang. 👍 Keep on going.

Btw, we traveled through 29 countries in Europe. With our dog. Our Labrador speaks all these different dog languages. Just amazing🤗😍

[newbee2022]

11 minutes ago, Packer said:

This nancy boy never drank in a Glasgow pub, that's for sure. 

I did it many times in Edinburgh. Met a lot of nice people. Fell in love with the accent (and a girl) Long time ago🤗

[baansgr]

19 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

 

 

What is rasist...just another example of how little if none the word has become

[JAG]

When I saw the thread title I assumed it referred to a Thai supporter of a certain Scottish football club, and was surprised that he was upset by racism!😃