Picture courtesy of Matchicon

 

A Pattaya tour boat operator has issued a profuse apology after a crew member's expletive-laden tirade against foreign tourists went viral, sparking concerns over Thailand's hospitality image. The incident, which unfolded during a Koh Larn Relax snorkelling trip last Saturday, was captured in a now-viral video, labelling the tourists as "animals" in a heated exchange.

 

The video, posted on the Talad Lang Upgrade Facebook page, garnered attention swiftly, prompting backlash over the crew member's behaviour described as tarnishing Thai tourism's reputation. The disgruntled tourist who captured the scene recounted: "I went to Pattaya and was cursed at by people from this boat." The altercation affected 23 foreign tourists onboard.

 

Identified as Kanchana, or Jae Nong, the 55-year-old crew member explained her side of the story, admitting to her fiery outburst. "There was confusion over life jackets from our company being worn by tourists from another boat," she shared. Her actions, she said, were exacerbated by misinterpreting a remark about theft as an accusation against her team.

 

Kanchana's apology read: "I’ve worked with tourists for over 20 years and have never faced such an issue. I deeply regret reacting harshly and apologise for losing control of my emotions."

 

Kanit, a spokesperson for the tour company, reinforced their commitment to customer service, citing their two-decade-long spotless record. "We sincerely apologise for the inappropriate language used by our staff member. We hope observers will understand the context."

 

Following the uproar, Pattaya City officials have summoned Kanchana to the Koh Larn District Office for a formal statement as part of their investigation into the incident to assess any next steps required.

 

With the video continuing to circulate and attract criticism, tourism authorities are working diligently to mitigate the impact and reassure potential visitors of the continued dedication to welcoming all with Thai hospitality. This incident highlights the importance of professionalism and communication in maintaining the country's tourism reputation.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-14

 

 

No video so difficult to comment 

Sorry not sorry.

Sorry they were caught.

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

 labelling the tourists as "animals" in a heated exchange

I'd like to know what the tourist did to be labelled an animal 

 

Some are disgusting humans. 

 

No westerners involved .

 

 

Argument between two boat skippers. One accused other of stealing their mooring and punters. Told the Chinese tourists to ' watch your belongings as they are thieves on this boat '   The other skipper understood Chineseand was angry at the accusation.

 

Along those lines

 

Bob was not involved or even present on board.

No need to apologize. Honest anger is better than a thousand fake smiles. 

Land of Smiles my arxx,

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Kanchana's apology read: "I’ve worked with tourists for over 20 years and have never faced such an issue. I deeply regret reacting harshly and apologise for losing control of my emotions."

 

Kanit, a spokesperson for the tour company, reinforced their commitment to customer service, citing their two-decade-long spotless record. "We sincerely apologise for the inappropriate language used by our staff member. We hope observers will understand the context."

Yeah we understand... it was all a misunderstanding...

20 years so you couldn't have calmly inquired about the theft allegation and clear the matter up?

 

I understand it's not easy sometimes like herding cats getting everyone on the boat again but you choose how to 

react angry or just laugh it off. We apologize for the many idiots you have to deal with trying to elevate their

social status for a video or picture.

Seize the boat for one season. And apologize on Channel 3. ✌️

There'll be more quarrelling over declining customer numbers when TDAC starts to bite.

What these Thais do not seem to understand is that once it is public, making their fake apologies do not change the opinions of those who saw what happened. It negatively remains embedded in peoples memories and the stories they tell about when they get home. 

They want all these tourists but seem to forget that most people record video now when on holiday making them susceptible to the world catching their bad behavior. People do not want an apology that was forced in a police station. Meaningless

The FACE is fading,

The SMILE is slipping...

You always smile but in your eyes your sorrow shows...Nilsson Schmillson

36 minutes ago, alfredwilliams said:

You always smile but in your eyes your sorrow shows...Nilsson Schmillson

I can't live

I can't live without tourist

 

I'm sorry ... 

Probably Indians <deleted>ting in the water ? 
rgds SS 

All those vultures are interested in is your money.

Land of smiles indeed.

Drunks, pissing in the ocean and tossing their rubbish overboard.

Lowlifes

You are very bad people. Me no like you at all. That was caught on tape? Woops. Me so sorry now. It was all a misunderstanding. Please don't hate me. I promise, I am not really that nasty. Me very good. 

19 hours ago, Denim said:

No westerners involved .

 

 

Argument between two boat skippers. One accused other of stealing their mooring and punters. Told the Chinese tourists to ' watch your belongings as they are thieves on this boat '   The other skipper understood Chineseand was angry at the accusation.

 

Along those lines

 

Bob was not involved or even present on board.

Isn't this defamation? It most likely would be if a foreigner had said that

I don’t see the big deal except that it was caught on tape and shared for clicks. This happens in every country. People lose their cool once in a while. Show me this is an ongoing issue and I’ll change my mind. 

20 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

I'd like to know what the tourist did to be labelled an animal 

 

Some are disgusting humans. 

 

 

 

Oh, absolutely....  even though the woman apologised, it’s obviously all the tourist’s fault for daring to accept life jackets from her boat.....  Because, you know, that single act was just so outrageous it unleashed that worthy tirade..... Those life jackets? Practically national treasures-  disgusting tourists... Animals !!!

 

In fact, the police should just go ahead and arrest and deport all foreigners for simply daring to be in your Thailand. Problem solved.

 

Really, you should be the only non-Thai left in Thailand. Although, that would open the conundrum as to who then you'd obsess over with your delusional bile.

 

A post with a misspelling of another member's name in an antagonizing manner has been removed.  Please spell people's names correctly. 

 

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