Just got back from the condo gym.

Occupancy: me …and two Thai people treating it like a podcast studio. Not a single rep completed, but plenty of volume—despite the big sign on the door politely asking for “no loud talking.”

Fifteen minutes in, I’m doing more earphone adjustment than exercise, wondering if this is now a cardio + commentary combo class.

Then a Thai couple walks in… and like someone hit the mute button, the conversation drops to a whisper instantly.

So what did we learn?

Are all Thais inconsiderate to foreigners? Of course not.

Is there a mysterious “local volume control” setting I haven’t unlocked yet? Starting to think so.

10 hours ago, Nemises said:

Just got back from the condo gym.

Occupancy: me …and two Thai people treating it like a podcast studio. Not a single rep completed, but plenty of volume—despite the big sign on the door politely asking for “no loud talking.”

Fifteen minutes in, I’m doing more earphone adjustment than exercise, wondering if this is now a cardio + commentary combo class.

Then a Thai couple walks in… and like someone hit the mute button, the conversation drops to a whisper instantly.

So what did we learn?

Are all Thais inconsiderate to foreigners? Of course not.

Is there a mysterious “local volume control” setting I haven’t unlocked yet? Starting to think so.

I quite understand your issue. I too just hate the phone conversation and loud talking in the gym... but, it seems some don't understand this!

Not re-racking weights and hogging on to equipment is another big annoyance.

11 hours ago, Nemises said:

So what did we learn?

That you don't like confrontation............

Joking aside did you consider asking them to moderate their volume?

6 hours ago, topt said:

That you don't like confrontation............

Joking aside did you consider asking them to moderate their volume?

I did consider it… right after finishing my set, stretching, and earning a diploma in “managing other adults’ basic manners.

On 4/21/2026 at 4:14 AM, Nemises said:

Just got back from the condo gym.

Occupancy: me …and two Thai people treating it like a podcast studio. Not a single rep completed, but plenty of volume—despite the big sign on the door politely asking for “no loud talking.”

Fifteen minutes in, I’m doing more earphone adjustment than exercise, wondering if this is now a cardio + commentary combo class.

Then a Thai couple walks in… and like someone hit the mute button, the conversation drops to a whisper instantly.

So what did we learn?

Are all Thais inconsiderate to foreigners? Of course not.

Is there a mysterious “local volume control” setting I haven’t unlocked yet? Starting to think so.

Likely explanation...they imagined that you did not understand what they were saying.

On 4/21/2026 at 12:14 PM, Nemises said:

Just got back from the condo gym.

Occupancy: me …and two Thai people treating it like a podcast studio. Not a single rep completed, but plenty of volume—despite the big sign on the door politely asking for “no loud talking.”

Fifteen minutes in, I’m doing more earphone adjustment than exercise, wondering if this is now a cardio + commentary combo class.

Then a Thai couple walks in… and like someone hit the mute button, the conversation drops to a whisper instantly.

So what did we learn?

Are all Thais inconsiderate to foreigners? Of course not.

Is there a mysterious “local volume control” setting I haven’t unlocked yet? Starting to think so.

Turn up the music on your phone. Pretend they don't exist.

Or speak to them in Thai - poot mahk!

On 4/21/2026 at 9:14 AM, Nemises said:

Just got back from the condo gym.

Occupancy: me …and two Thai people treating it like a podcast studio. Not a single rep completed, but plenty of volume—despite the big sign on the door politely asking for “no loud talking.”

Fifteen minutes in, I’m doing more earphone adjustment than exercise, wondering if this is now a cardio + commentary combo class.

Then a Thai couple walks in… and like someone hit the mute button, the conversation drops to a whisper instantly.

So what did we learn?

Are all Thais inconsiderate to foreigners? Of course not.

Is there a mysterious “local volume control” setting I haven’t unlocked yet? Starting to think so.

Short answer: It´s not a library, dude!

27 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

Short answer: It´s not a library, dude!

True—but it’s also not a talkback radio booth with dumbbells as props. I came for reps, not a live podcast recording. Funny how it does become a library the moment locals walk in though… must be a premium feature I haven’t subscribed to yet.

21 hours ago, Nemises said:

True—but it’s also not a talkback radio booth with dumbbells as props. I came for reps, not a live podcast recording. Funny how it does become a library the moment locals walk in though… must be a premium feature I haven’t subscribed to yet.

Poor you! Coming to Thailand and feeling singled out as a foreigner.

On 4/21/2026 at 12:14 PM, Nemises said:

Just got back from the condo gym.

Occupancy: me …and two Thai people treating it like a podcast studio. Not a single rep completed, but plenty of volume—despite the big sign on the door politely asking for “no loud talking.”

Fifteen minutes in, I’m doing more earphone adjustment than exercise, wondering if this is now a cardio + commentary combo class.

Then a Thai couple walks in… and like someone hit the mute button, the conversation drops to a whisper instantly.

So what did we learn?

Are all Thais inconsiderate to foreigners? Of course not.

Is there a mysterious “local volume control” setting I haven’t unlocked yet? Starting to think so.

Condition yourself to zone out, try to control your inner self.

Do what I do, I put my thoughts into focusing on my workout.

Try it, a useful tool, can be applied to many activities in your daily busy life.

7 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

Poor you! Coming to Thailand and feeling singled out as a foreigner.

I’m fine thanks. Still waiting for the part where you explain why ignoring a clearly posted rule is somehow acceptable…

5 minutes ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Condition yourself to zone out, try to control your inner self.

Do what I do, I put my thoughts into focusing on my workout.

Try it, a useful tool, can be applied to many activities in your daily busy life.

Or use the anger to train harder.

11 minutes ago, Rockyroad said:

Or use the anger to train harder.

I agree but sadly most people are unable to control their anger

5 minutes ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

I agree but sadly most people are unable to control their anger

I was in the gym with 4 loud talking farangs. It did not affect my workout. I waited for one of them to move off my favourite machine then I spent an hour hogging it. I could see the others wanted to use it but I was not moving 555 then 2 days later I got to the gym before them and had control of the music box. All my songs and none of theirs. They left before I did.

I see the same thing when on a van going to the nearest town. Two, and many times one, local woman with be talking constantly the 45 minute trip. Loud, obviously wanting others to hear what they're gossiping about. Quite a few times a Thai seated next to or across from me will smile and roll their eyes, also understanding what subtle means. Never had that trouble in the gym here. It's usually the usual suspects, foreigners and locals, all talking together and normal volumes.

6 minutes ago, Rockyroad said:

I was in the gym with 4 loud talking farangs. It did not affect my workout. I waited for one of them to move off my favourite machine then I spent an hour hogging it. I could see the others wanted to use it but I was not moving 555 then 2 days later I got to the gym before them and had control of the music box. All my songs and none of theirs. They left before I did.

Guess you aren't in gyms enough to understand the etiquette there. Control of the music box?

2 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

Guess you aren't in gyms enough to understand the etiquette there. Control of the music box?

This gym was small. There is a music box so you can bluetooth your songs. These people were loud. Two couples. They were the only ones in there. It is an 8 person gym. No room for more. I took control of the best machine and later the music. That was a dare I say it a T move.

17 minutes ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

I agree but sadly most people are unable to control their anger

Actually the largest majority are able to control their anger. Think of how the world would be if everyone attacked others for cutting in lines, in front of them on the roads, or any other places where calm is shown instead of anger. You would see fights all day long, everywhere. Instead most people give leeway, walk away and don't say anything to enrage others, even if they're in the right and fully capable. AI says only 7% experience severe anger, less than 12% having trouble controlling it.

1 minute ago, Rockyroad said:

This gym was small. There is a music box so you can bluetooth your songs. These people were loud. Two couples. They were the only ones in there. It is an 8 person gym. No room for more. I took control of the best machine and later the music. That was a dare I say it a T move.

Gym etiquette, learned very soon after you start using gyms, is a worldwide thing. You share, others share, and might help when you need a spot. Surprised if you actually have been in gyms awhile you don't know this.

You taking "control" of anything gives you a reputation there others won't forget. You might be stuck on the bench with 125 lbs and can't get another rep and struggling to get it off your chest, and they'll turn away and continue their loud conversation instead of helping a fellow gym rat out. Then we on AN might read it in news, "foreigner who hogged everything learns hard lesson in gym", arrangements at temple soon to follow.

17 minutes ago, Rockyroad said:

I was in the gym with 4 loud talking farangs. It did not affect my workout. I waited for one of them to move off my favourite machine then I spent an hour hogging it. I could see the others wanted to use it but I was not moving 555 then 2 days later I got to the gym before them and had control of the music box. All my songs and none of theirs. They left before I did.

Hey, retaliation, that's the way mate, no need to control anger now. 😂

1 minute ago, fredwiggy said:

Gym etiquette, learned very soon after you start using gyms, is a worldwide thing. You share, others share, and might help when you need a spot. Surprised if you actually have been in gyms awhile you don't know this.

You taking "control" of anything gives you a reputation there others won't forget. You might be stuck on the bench with 125 lbs and can't get another rep and struggling to get it off your chest, and they'll turn away and continue their loud conversation instead of helping a fellow gym rat out. Then we on AN might read it in news, "foreigner who hogged everything learns hard lesson in gym", arrangements at temple soon to follow.

You don't need a spot on machines. I was supersetting with dumbells and a bench for over an hour. They never asked to use them. They kept talking loud. I let them have their half and I had a corner of the gym. I never used the equipment they used. The gym suits 2 to 5 people. Could do 8 but not fun. Lovely owner. Cheap drinks and supplements. Id go back for sure.

1 minute ago, Rockyroad said:

You don't need a spot on machines. I was supersetting with dumbells and a bench for over an hour. They never asked to use them. They kept talking loud. I let them have their half and I had a corner of the gym. I never used the equipment they used. The gym suits 2 to 5 people. Could do 8 but not fun. Lovely owner. Cheap drinks and supplements. Id go back for sure.

Their half? You have to look at others around you, gesturing if they need any bench or machine, as they might have been waiting for you to stop hogging it but were amiable. If I'm on a bench for awhile, more than 3 sets and a couple of exercises, I'll look around and see if anyone's waiting to use it, asking them if they need it, as I know many don't approach others in the gyms but are still wanting to use things. Just sayin'

4 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

Their half? You have to look at others around you, gesturing if they need any bench or machine, as they might have been waiting for you to stop hogging it but were amiable. If I'm on a bench for awhile, more than 3 sets and a couple of exercises, I'll look around and see if anyone's waiting to use it, asking them if they need it, as I know many don't approach others in the gyms but are still wanting to use things. Just sayin'

This gym is 6 by 6m. If you give up a machine you have limited options. It is not like a 20 by 20m gym. I didnt move for 90 minutes. Bad luck.

1 hour ago, Rockyroad said:

I was in the gym with 4 loud talking farangs. It did not affect my workout. I waited for one of them to move off my favourite machine then I spent an hour hogging it. I could see the others wanted to use it but I was not moving 555 then 2 days later I got to the gym before them and had control of the music box. All my songs and none of theirs. They left before I did.

What a nice person you are! Punishing people for talking a little bit loud. Simply, the gym is not yours, and I guess you need to get along with different people a bit better.

2 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

What a nice person you are! Punishing people for talking a little bit loud. Simply, the gym is not yours, and I guess you need to get along with different people a bit better.

They had 50%, I had 25%. I was kind to them. I never asked them to shut up and I waited for them to leave before putting my music on.

7 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

Simply, the gym is not yours, and I guess you need to get along with different people a bit better.

We spoke to the owner and now friends. The other people were loud, rude and annoying. We will return to the gym. We bought supplements and lots of drinks. The others bought nothing. So the owner likes us more than them.

So I don't have to do anything different.

8 hours ago, Rockyroad said:

This gym is 6 by 6m. If you give up a machine you have limited options. It is not like a 20 by 20m gym. I didnt move for 90 minutes. Bad luck.

To get people back you sat on one piece of equipment for 90 minutes? How long is your workout? How could you use that one thing for 90 minutes? Sounds a bit weird.

1 minute ago, Fat is a type of crazy said:

To get people back you sat on one piece of equipment for 90 minutes? How long is your workout? How could you use that one thing for 90 minutes? Sounds a bit weird.

Multi cable machines allow for multiple exercises and angles. You can work out the entire upper body with them.

1 hour ago, Rockyroad said:

We spoke to the owner and now friends. The other people were loud, rude and annoying. We will return to the gym. We bought supplements and lots of drinks. The others bought nothing. So the owner likes us more than them.

So I don't have to do anything different.

Nah, it doesn´t look like you will. You give a bit of a shine of thinking you are one of those entitled foreigners in Thailand.

1 minute ago, Gottfrid said:

Nah, it doesn´t look like you will. You give a bit of a shine of thinking you are one of those entitled foreigners in Thailand.

You sound like a non gym guy just trolling.