The Only Rule in Thailand Is: Sod Everyone Else Innit

[Thingamabob]

16 hours ago, Negita43 said:

Here we go again.

AI used to mean Artificial Insemination

Maybe it still does in a weird sort of way.

AI used to stand for an activity to do with intimate relationships.

[Snackbar]

Look on the bright side. Might evolve 

[Negita43]

Are Lewie London and Liverpool Lou twins?

[KannikaP]

1 hour ago, IvorBiggun2 said:

As much as zebra crossings are a pedestrian danger, why do Thai pedestrians still use them?

Do they?

[scorecard]

2 hours ago, IvorBiggun2 said:

As much as zebra crossings are a pedestrian danger, why do Thai pedestrians still use them?

 

So what do you suggest, stay home 24/7 and don't go to work, don't shop for food ?

 

What other options do Thai pedestrians have? 

[grain]

One time driving in my car in a small NE city there was an old lady on a crosswalk in the middle of the road obviously having difficulty crossing, being a gentleman I stopped at the crosswalk and smiled at her and gave a wave sign with my hand indicating for her to cross, then as she walked past the front of my stationary car she almost got whacked by some Thai flying through on the outside. So it hit me then that I almost got that old lady killed by giving her a false sense of security, I should of just driven straight through the crosswalk like every other driver, at least she knew how to deal with that. 

[scorecard]

2 hours ago, KannikaP said:

Do they?

Depends where.

 

In many areas of Bangkok there's an option:

 

- Walk up numerous steep stairs then down the other side. Quite some task for older folks.

 

- Use a zebra crossing - but with some danger. But it depends on other factors. This in Ram Rod, near the hotel I use when lecturing in Bkk there's a zebra crossing and there's many footpath food vendors who are pleasant but don't upset them

 

They seem to take turns when they see older folks want to cross but no vehicles will stop.

 

One, sometimes two food vendors step out onto the crossing seriously flagging cars to stop, then they walk across holding the hand of the elderly person.

 

If a car doesn't attempt to stop one food vendor kicks the car as it passes. 

 

What's also taken foot is the food vendors on the other side of RAM road are doing the same thing.

 

Plus the wife of an employee of a major retailer nearby has set up a distribution point for free walking frames.

 

And the wealthy owner of my hotel helps by giving one food vendor some cash to pay the very close by motor cycle boys to take the older folks home for free after shopping. 

 

There a manned police box right at the zebra crossing, the cops on duty totally ignore the whole scenario, never offer any help to stop vehicles at the zebra crossing. 

 

[ColeBOzbourne]

18 hours ago, CanadaSam said:

For those of you dissin the OP, you have to agree he is mostly right, and it is well written too.

Well written? For anyone outside of the UK, it's cringeworthy. Fingernails on a chalkboard comes to mind. 

[Atlantic Cod]

21 hours ago, Lewie London said:

Right, so I’m standin’ at the zebra crossin’ near Terminal 21, yeah, sun beatin’ down on me belly, sweat tricklin’ down me arse crack, and I’m waitin’ for what should be a basic civic miracle, a car to stop for me to cross the Asoke intersection. Green man’s flashin’, I step out, and what happens? Some bloke in a Honda Accord floors it like he’s in bloody Mario Kart and I’m just another banana skin on the track.

 

And this ain’t just a one-off. Nah mates, it’s every day. Every road’s a roulette wheel. I’ve seen toddlers, pensioners, even a geezer in a wheelchair nearly mown down by grannies in pastel Toyotas, one hand on the wheel and the other clutchin’ to a bubble tea like their life depends on it. Thai people pride themselves on bein’ passive, non-confrontational, cool as cucumbers on a valium drip. But get ‘em behind a wheel and it’s Mad Max on Meth.

 

Same goes for elevators. You’re tryin’ to get out, yeah, doors open, and bang, it's a bloody stampede. Aunties, schoolkids, delivery drivers, all surgin’ in like it’s Black Friday at Big C. I got wedged once, shoulder to shoulder with a bloke stinkier than a fish market bin loaded up on M-150, just ’cause no one had the patience to let people out first. It’s like manners clock out the minute you step inside a shopping mall.

 

And don’t even get me started on queues. Or more accurately, the complete absence of ‘em. At 7-Eleven it’s a bloody scrum. You’re standin’ there with your Leo, a toasty, and a packet of crisps, and some lad in flip-flops breezes past like you’re a ghost. Same at the BTS ticket machines. It’s not a queue, it’s a war zone. Hunger Games without the dignity.

 

I’ve travelled, alright? Europe, the US, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, even Cambodia. Never seen this sort of carry-on. Maybe China’s the only place that came close, but those barbarians, at least there you expect it. Here, it’s all wai to your elders, smile at strangers, and then shoulder-barge your way onto a train like you’re in a mosh pit.

 

And don’t feed me that “different culture” waffle. It ain’t culture, it’s selfishness in a smiley wrapper. No spatial awareness, no consideration, no nothin’. Everyone’s in their own little bubble, starin’ at their phone, pretendin’ they don’t see the chaos they’re causin’. But they do see. They know. It ain’t ignorance, it’s quiet, calculated rudeness in a polite outfit.

 

So I’m standin’ there thinkin’, how does a country that goes on about “saving face” have so little shame when it comes to basic public decency?

 

They’re all lovely until there’s a lift button, a zebra crossin’, or a queue involved. Then it’s every geezer for himself and sod the lot of you.

 

Land of Smiles, is it? More like Land of Side-Eye and Brake-Checks. Just watch out for the pickup truck doin’ ninety while you’re crossin’ with the green light and right of way.

 

21 hours ago, Lewie London said:

Right, so I’m standin’ at the zebra crossin’ near Terminal 21, yeah, sun beatin’ down on me belly, sweat tricklin’ down me arse crack, and I’m waitin’ for what should be a basic civic miracle, a car to stop for me to cross the Asoke intersection. Green man’s flashin’, I step out, and what happens? Some bloke in a Honda Accord floors it like he’s in bloody Mario Kart and I’m just another banana skin on the track.

 

And this ain’t just a one-off. Nah mates, it’s every day. Every road’s a roulette wheel. I’ve seen toddlers, pensioners, even a geezer in a wheelchair nearly mown down by grannies in pastel Toyotas, one hand on the wheel and the other clutchin’ to a bubble tea like their life depends on it. Thai people pride themselves on bein’ passive, non-confrontational, cool as cucumbers on a valium drip. But get ‘em behind a wheel and it’s Mad Max on Meth.

 

Same goes for elevators. You’re tryin’ to get out, yeah, doors open, and bang, it's a bloody stampede. Aunties, schoolkids, delivery drivers, all surgin’ in like it’s Black Friday at Big C. I got wedged once, shoulder to shoulder with a bloke stinkier than a fish market bin loaded up on M-150, just ’cause no one had the patience to let people out first. It’s like manners clock out the minute you step inside a shopping mall.

 

And don’t even get me started on queues. Or more accurately, the complete absence of ‘em. At 7-Eleven it’s a bloody scrum. You’re standin’ there with your Leo, a toasty, and a packet of crisps, and some lad in flip-flops breezes past like you’re a ghost. Same at the BTS ticket machines. It’s not a queue, it’s a war zone. Hunger Games without the dignity.

 

I’ve travelled, alright? Europe, the US, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, even Cambodia. Never seen this sort of carry-on. Maybe China’s the only place that came close, but those barbarians, at least there you expect it. Here, it’s all wai to your elders, smile at strangers, and then shoulder-barge your way onto a train like you’re in a mosh pit.

 

And don’t feed me that “different culture” waffle. It ain’t culture, it’s selfishness in a smiley wrapper. No spatial awareness, no consideration, no nothin’. Everyone’s in their own little bubble, starin’ at their phone, pretendin’ they don’t see the chaos they’re causin’. But they do see. They know. It ain’t ignorance, it’s quiet, calculated rudeness in a polite outfit.

 

So I’m standin’ there thinkin’, how does a country that goes on about “saving face” have so little shame when it comes to basic public decency?

 

They’re all lovely until there’s a lift button, a zebra crossin’, or a queue involved. Then it’s every geezer for himself and sod the lot of you.

 

Land of Smiles, is it? More like Land of Side-Eye and Brake-Checks. Just watch out for the pickup truck doin’ ninety while you’re crossin’ with the green light and right of way.

Brilliant observation, I was just saying to my Thai wife after another road rudeness incident, the Thais have no manners but they are polite?

[Atlantic Cod]

3 hours ago, scorecard said:

 

So what do you suggest, stay home 24/7 and don't go to work, don't shop for food ?

 

What other options do Thai pedestrians have? 

They stay on their scooters or in their cars, where they go with the flow, starling swarm, safety in numbers...the Thais are frightened of everything except their own driving/riding...

[Drumbuie]

What arrant and arrogant nonsense. I travel around the centre of Bangkok by BTS and on foot: almost all drivers will slow down and wait for me to cross the road - and I gesture a thank you, and we both feel pleased by that exchange  I have only ever experienced rude or inconsiderate behaviour from other foreigners. 

I am guessing the OP may be one of them. 

 

[Red Forever]

22 hours ago, save the frogs said:

your argument is convincing. i'm packing my bags tomorrow.

taking a day off from trump?

 

You’re the first to mention tr*mp.

Seems like you’re obsessing about him.

[Red Forever]

5 hours ago, Negita43 said:

Are Lewie London and Liverpool Lou twins?

Doubt it. One is devoid of humour and a pedant. The other is witty and posts some clever stuff which embarrasses the resident far right posters ( this post was neutral).

Guess which is which.

[johng]

3 hours ago, scorecard said:

- Use a zebra crossing - but with some danger.

 

Lots of danger  and a warning of graphic scenes in this video  made by Thais

to highlight the dangers.

 

 

 

 

[Anthony mellows]

Been over that Asoke crossing loads of times.Never had a problem.

[twizzian]

A long story from the OP that we already know, see & experience everyday.

Learn the ropes.

Next!!!

[BusyB]

22 hours ago, billd766 said:

I do on a daily basis and I get a genuine smile in return. However I live in rural Kamphaeng Phet province which, thankfully is nowhere near a tourist place, such as Pattaya or Phuket.

 

Works very well in the city as well .. depends if you mean it or not.

 

Walking along the beach recently a dark skinned, wizened, late 50ish guy was crossing my path. He looked at me with deep suspicion and dislike till after a few seconds I smiled at him gently - he was surprised and smiled back immediately. His negative demeanor was lifted in an instant and we both continued on our respective paths through life after a pleasant wordless exchange. Just one more moment in LOS.

[NorthernRyland]

10 hours ago, KannikaP said:

Do they?

look at the video I posted on the first page. Girl walks across it and gets hit, flies like a rag doll and probably died.

[ericthai]

17 hours ago, theshu25 said:

the op is about as clever as the orange rapist and about as funny as cancer.

Always dragging politics into things.  So, now that we're here, when was he convicted of Rape? 

 

I dont care for him, but facts are facts and everyone keeps calling him a rapist, but I dont recall him being convicted of rape. 

He was found liable in a civil court case for sexual abuse (totally different from rape) .

 

Note: A civil proceeding is brought on by an individual who believes they've been wronged.

Whereas a criminal case is brought on by the government (state / Federal) for a criminal act.

Two very different things with allot less evidence required for civil court.   

 

 

[it is what it is]

 

go home.

[2long]

On 5/15/2025 at 4:32 PM, Lewie London said:

Right, so I’m standin’ at the zebra crossin’ near Terminal 21, yeah, sun beatin’ down on me belly, sweat tricklin’ down me arse crack, and I’m waitin’ for what should be a basic civic miracle, a car to stop for me to cross the Asoke intersection. Green man’s flashin’, I step out, and what happens? Some bloke in a Honda Accord floors it like he’s in bloody Mario Kart and I’m just another banana skin on the track.

 

And this ain’t just a one-off. Nah mates, it’s every day. Every road’s a roulette wheel. I’ve seen toddlers, pensioners, even a geezer in a wheelchair nearly mown down by grannies in pastel Toyotas, one hand on the wheel and the other clutchin’ to a bubble tea like their life depends on it. Thai people pride themselves on bein’ passive, non-confrontational, cool as cucumbers on a valium drip. But get ‘em behind a wheel and it’s Mad Max on Meth.

 

Same goes for elevators. You’re tryin’ to get out, yeah, doors open, and bang, it's a bloody stampede. Aunties, schoolkids, delivery drivers, all surgin’ in like it’s Black Friday at Big C. I got wedged once, shoulder to shoulder with a bloke stinkier than a fish market bin loaded up on M-150, just ’cause no one had the patience to let people out first. It’s like manners clock out the minute you step inside a shopping mall.

 

And don’t even get me started on queues. Or more accurately, the complete absence of ‘em. At 7-Eleven it’s a bloody scrum. You’re standin’ there with your Leo, a toasty, and a packet of crisps, and some lad in flip-flops breezes past like you’re a ghost. Same at the BTS ticket machines. It’s not a queue, it’s a war zone. Hunger Games without the dignity.

 

I’ve travelled, alright? Europe, the US, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, even Cambodia. Never seen this sort of carry-on. Maybe China’s the only place that came close, but those barbarians, at least there you expect it. Here, it’s all wai to your elders, smile at strangers, and then shoulder-barge your way onto a train like you’re in a mosh pit.

 

And don’t feed me that “different culture” waffle. It ain’t culture, it’s selfishness in a smiley wrapper. No spatial awareness, no consideration, no nothin’. Everyone’s in their own little bubble, starin’ at their phone, pretendin’ they don’t see the chaos they’re causin’. But they do see. They know. It ain’t ignorance, it’s quiet, calculated rudeness in a polite outfit.

 

So I’m standin’ there thinkin’, how does a country that goes on about “saving face” have so little shame when it comes to basic public decency?

 

They’re all lovely until there’s a lift button, a zebra crossin’, or a queue involved. Then it’s every geezer for himself and sod the lot of you.

 

Land of Smiles, is it? More like Land of Side-Eye and Brake-Checks. Just watch out for the pickup truck doin’ ninety while you’re crossin’ with the green light and right of way.

I couldn't agree more!!

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻✅

[Negita43]

On 5/15/2025 at 12:50 PM, KhunLA said:

Not much different from other big metros that I've visited.  Always a few inconsiderate folks.  

I  am fairly old - lots of white hair - many times when I visit Bangkok I have been offered a seat on the BTS - doesn't happen in London very often.

[Hanaguma]

On 5/16/2025 at 6:36 AM, theshu25 said:

the op is about as clever as the orange rapist and about as funny as cancer.

Someone is raping oranges in Thailand? I would have thought raping mangos would be more culturally appropriate. 

[KhunLA]

32 minutes ago, Negita43 said:

I  am fairly old - lots of white hair - many times when I visit Bangkok I have been offered a seat on the BTS - doesn't happen in London very often.

Same here, especially if they see me 'hobble on' 🙄

 

I always decline.  Wife is surprised, sort of, though not so much any more, when I offer my seat to any elderly woman, lass that looks like she could use it, or a wee one.

 

Just say, if my mother was here, and I didn't offer my seat, she'd smack me in the side of my head.   Just the way I was raised.

[Negita43]

The Only Rule in Thailand Is: Sod Everyone Else Innit

West Ham supporter are you sure it's not Millwall

[unblocktheplanet]

Lewie, thank you. Best writing I've seen in a long while. Made my day, funny & real!

[unblocktheplanet]

20 hours ago, Anthony mellows said:

Been over that Asoke crossing loads of times.Never had a problem.

Absolutely. RUN!!!

[unblocktheplanet]

47 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Same here, especially if they see me 'hobble on' 🙄

 

I always decline.  Wife is surprised, sort of, though not so much any more, when I offer my seat to any elderly woman, lass that looks like she could use it, or a wee one.

 

Just say, if my mother was here, and I didn't offer my seat, she'd smack me in the side of my head.   Just the way I was raised.

I do take the elderly seats when they're offered by someone young &, in turn, offer the seat to a wee one or elder more hobbled than I. Not so long ago, anyone would offer to hold your bag if you were standing on public transport. That consideration may still exist else in Thailand but not in the capital.

[2long]

2 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Same here, especially if they see me 'hobble on' 🙄

 

I always decline.  Wife is surprised, sort of, though not so much any more, when I offer my seat to any elderly woman, lass that looks like she could use it, or a wee one.

 

Just say, if my mother was here, and I didn't offer my seat, she'd smack me in the side of my head.   Just the way I was raised.

 

[richard_smith237]

On 5/15/2025 at 6:30 PM, CanadaSam said:

For those of you dissin the OP, you have to agree he is mostly right, and it is well written too.

 

No he hasn't... and its AI bumf...  very few of such eloquent socio-phonetics are quite so well versed in bigotry, prejudice and sweeping generalisations...

 

It’s the kind of polished, stylised, editorialised vent that AI excels at - especially when prompted with something like: “Write a humorous rant in working-class British English about the lack of public etiquette in Bangkok.”

 

 

On 5/15/2025 at 6:30 PM, CanadaSam said:

Many, many wonderful things about LOS, but these are some annoying and sometimes dangerous behaviors.

 

Roads, yes - many (not all or even most) become careless and self-centered in a car.

 

However, travel elsewhere, then return here and simple matters such as Queuing for the BTS, exiting and entering an elevator, 7-11 queues and the such are good examples of a soft organised politeness - very few break that polite pattern.

 

I've just flown back in after a few days overseas and from touch down to being in a mall day later, the differences are stark... 

... No one jumping out of their seats before the flights landed, no one rushing past to exit stopping you from getting out of your seat, polite queues at the Inter-terminal mono-rail, polite Immigration officers, in town, polite holding the lift as we approached...  no one pushing past you or bumping into you, no one playing their phones loudly... etc.. 

 

There are the usual things that never disappear - that 'step of hesitation' by the person in front walking onto the escalator and of course the 'general selfishness' of drivers... 

 

But... the things the Op moans about are general rarity here compared to so many other places - his rant is more about human nature, and Thailand sees to do a better job of 'limiting' the extremes of this behaviour.