Reflect on the tourists you see in Thailand who stick in your memory, but in a not so pleasant way. Does it come down to a particular nationality that gets under your skin, or is it more about attitude and behavior? Maybe it’s the ones who treat Thailand like a cheap playground, showing up with entitlement, endless partying, and little regard for the people or culture around them. Or simply the many different criminal enterprising types. 

 

Sometimes the worst damage is subtle. People who break no laws but flaunt disrespect and ignore customs can be as distasteful as the loudest, rowdiest trash. 

 

I'd say it's less about where they come from and more about what they choose to do while they are here.

 

Of course, everyone will have a different idea of who they think causes the most nuisance. Some will focus on behavior, others on style of travel, and some might argue the whole topic is unfair. Still, when you step back, it's certain types of visitors that can leave some aspects of Thailand looking worse than they really are. 

a post specifically designed to generate negative comments 🥴

19 minutes ago, it is what it is said:

a post specifically designed to generate negative comments 🥴

I absolutely agree. There's nothing negative at all about Thailand. In fact, one of the biggest lies about the place is that it has prostitution.
 

Yep, all I can say is that it's nothing but elephants, exotic fruits, temples, smiles, beaches and massages. Unmatched paradise. 

That's a tough one.

For flagrant bad behaviour, the prize would have to go to the Brits and Israelis.

For discreet organized criminality, it would go to the Chinese.

25 minutes ago, it is what it is said:

a post specifically designed to generate negative comments 🥴

It is what it is, where did you forgot your hat? I cannot see it on your head....

I'd say it's a distinct tossup between the two dominant breeds that fill up the footpaths along Sukhumvit Soi 3 and Sukhumvit Soi 4, neither of which are particularly revered for their level of personal hygiene. 

1 hour ago, SoCal1990 said:

Maybe it’s the ones who treat Thailand like a cheap playground, showing up with entitlement, endless partying, and little regard for the people or culture around them.

 

This is complete nonsense.

 

The tourist areas are specifically designed to attract tourists based on being "cheap playgrounds" and "endless partying".

 

Endless partying translates to spending loads of cash in bars, which fills their coffers.

 

Although they are trying to attract different types of tourists, but realistically 90% are the party crowd. 

 

What "regard for culture" are you talking about?

 

Thais are struggling to pay their bills. They don't care if you "respect their culture", whatever that means. They just care you pay your bills and stay out of trouble. 

 

As long as you pay your bills and avoid conflict, you're good to go.

 

Yeah, don't walk into a temple in your thong. 

 

 

15 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

 

This is complete nonsense.

 

The tourist areas are specifically designed to attract tourists based on being "cheap playgrounds" and "endless partying".

 

Endless partying translates to spending loads of cash in bars, which fills their coffers.

 

Although they are trying to attract different types of tourists, but realistically 90% are the party crowd. 

 

What "regard for culture" are you talking about?

 

Thais are struggling to pay their bills. They don't care if you "respect their culture", whatever that means. They just care you pay your bills and stay out of trouble. 

 

As long as you pay your bills and avoid conflict, you're good to go.

Those who step out of line learn their lessons with beatings from mobs.

 

Yeah, don't walk into a temple in your thong. 

 

 

Maybe for Phuket and Pattaya, but here in Chiang Mai the party/playground scene has decreased over time.  The number of lady bars and such is nothing like it was 15 yrs ago.  Heck, I think both Spotlight a Gogo and Foxy Lady are even gone!

23 minutes ago, DrPhibes said:

Maybe for Phuket and Pattaya, but here in Chiang Mai the party/playground scene has decreased over time.  The number of lady bars and such is nothing like it was 15 yrs ago.  Heck, I think both Spotlight a Gogo and Foxy Lady are even gone!

Chiang Mai was never any good, them bars should have been burnt down years ago, 

2 hours ago, SoCal1990 said:

Maybe it’s the ones who treat Thailand like a cheap playground,

That's what I thought Thailand was for?

37 minutes ago, DrPhibes said:

Maybe for Phuket and Pattaya, but here in Chiang Mai the party/playground scene has decreased over time.  The number of lady bars and such is nothing like it was 15 yrs ago.  Heck, I think both Spotlight a Gogo and Foxy Lady are even gone!

Zoe in Yellow still going strong and filled with young white backpacker women.

I think OP's hood needs an adjustment and beer filled back up.

 

All I see is 30+ M tourists enjoying themselves and spending THB, along with 70 M locals enjoying their money, directly or indirectly.

 

When is the next meeting, and have you reach 'Grand Wizard' status yet.  You're on your way 

 

@SoCal1990

2 hours ago, save the frogs said:

Although they are trying to attract different types of tourists, but realistically 90% are the party crowd. 

This may apply to where you’re at, though up here it’s more like 90% families and women tourists with some single guys that drop in for a day or two then head back south because little to party about here. 

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

Zoe in Yellow still going strong and filled with young white backpacker women.

Avoid, as there’s a plume of cigarette smoke coming out of there.

4 minutes ago, novacova said:

Avoid, as there’s a plume of cigarette smoke coming out of there.

Cigarette or cannabis?

4 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Cigarette or cannabis?

Mostly cigarettes, not as much dope smoke as there used be in that area.

Just now, novacova said:

Mostly cigarettes, not as much dope smoke as there used be in that area.

Surprised as tourists are openly smoking cannabis in all the bars around there, they even provide ashtrays.

3 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Surprised as tourists are openly smoking cannabis in all the bars around there, they even provide ashtrays.

You've been in them 'all' to smell over folks shoulders, then..................?  🤥

1 minute ago, BritManToo said:

Surprised as tourists are openly smoking cannabis in all the bars around there, they even provide ashtrays.

We don’t ever go inside the bars so have no idea what goes on in those places, though the cigarette smoke most certainly overwhelms any other odor there on our occasional venture to la casita.

I detest tourists who wear open sandals with socks.  Honestly, I want to go up to them and slap them for being so discourteous.

 

I can't sleep at night thinking about this awful faux-pas....

2 minutes ago, simon43 said:

I detest tourists who wear open sandals with socks.  Honestly, I want to go up to them and slap them for being so discourteous.

 

I can't sleep at night thinking about this awful faux-pas....

 

 

I couldn't agree more..... a veritable hanging offence.

35 minutes ago, novacova said:

This may apply to where you’re at, though up here it’s more like 90% families and women tourists with some single guys that drop in for a day or two then head back south because little to party about here. 

Yep, same down here.  No party bars or adult nightlife to be found.  Even a little scarce for restaurants with AC.  Lovely bays to look at thought while munching & sipping.

 

Really need to self drive, to explore what little is here, or you'd get real bored, real fast, unless just an R&R stop.  Very few make it much further south than Hua Hin, unless self driving.  Train is quite convenient, as walking distance to the surf and all that is needed for a few chill days.

 

As an international tourist, it really isn't worth the extra time or hassle.  OK if an expat, and a pit stop to points further south, and how we discovered it.

3 minutes ago, simon43 said:

I detest tourists who wear open sandals with socks.  Honestly, I want to go up to them and slap them for being so discourteous.

 

I can't sleep at night thinking about this awlful faux-pas....

 

Depends what their feel look like without socks 

Put your question to AI and got this (Among Westerners Scandinavians and Americans come out looking the best):

 

Commonly Criticized Nationalities

Chinese tourists: Often cited for being loud, pushing in lines, group tour disruptions, and buffet etiquette issues. This was prominent pre-COVID when they were the largest group, and a 2019 YouGov survey noted around 40% of Thais viewed them negatively in neighboring countries. Complaints have decreased as their numbers dropped post-pandemic.

 

Russian tourists: Frequently mentioned for rudeness, aggression, overcrowding areas like Phuket and Pattaya, and post-2022 influx due to the Ukraine situation. Many threads call them "cold," entitled, or involved in incidents.

 

Indian tourists: Criticized for harassment (especially toward women), haggling aggressively, scams, or lack of manners. Numbers have surged recently (top visitor group in 2025 data), leading to more visibility of complaints.

 

Israeli tourists: Stereotyped as rude, aggressive, or cheap, especially among backpackers (a reputation dating back 20+ years in some accounts).

 

Western party tourists (British, Australian, sometimes French or Americans): Blamed for drunken behavior, fights, sex tourism, and disrespect in party areas like Full Moon Parties or Khaosan Road.

 

Other Perspectives

Other groups like Arabs/Middle Eastern or Indonesians appear occasionally, but less consistently. On the positive side, Japanese, Korean, and some Western (e.g., American or Scandinavian) tourists are often praised for politeness and respect.

2 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Really need to self drive, to explore what little is here, or you'd get real bored, real fast, unless just an R&R stop.  Very few make it much further south than Hua Hin, unless self driving.  Train is quite convenient, as walking distance to the surf and all that is needed for a few chill days.

Personally never get bored though a lot of walking and bike riding and we do a lot of exploring, there’s an endless amount of places up here to explore that are unknown to most. I’ll take a walk through the city once or twice a week, and see some pretty bored farangs drinking at noon time.

3 hours ago, DrPhibes said:

The number of lady bars and such is nothing like it was 15 yrs ago.

 

 

 

 

And 15 years ago it was actually nothing special.

 

 

1 hour ago, simon43 said:

I detest tourists who wear open sandals with socks.  Honestly, I want to go up to them and slap them for being so discourteous.

 

I can't sleep at night thinking about this awful faux-pas....

i have seen more thai woman with sandals and socks, then i have seen westerners with sandals and socks

The whole nature of this topic is both trolling and derogatory to others.

 

15.You may not discriminate, use slurs, or post hostile or abusive comments based on personal characteristics such as race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, nationality, disability, medical history, marital or family status, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Posts breaching this rule will be removed, and posting suspension or account closure may result.

 

 

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