1 minute ago, Jingthing said:

Just say CENSORED.

Ah ok....so you are against free speech. Got it.

Just now, howlee101 said:

seek counseling....you can find a therapist at Trump.org

.The underlying maga fascism does tend to come out.

Just now, Jingthing said:

.The underlying maga fascism does tend to come out.

And ladies and gentlemen, we have a weiner....maga fascism has been invoked. But who among us is surprise coming from this guy. When logical debate fails, he retorts with ad hominem insults.

42 minutes ago, howlee101 said:

And ladies and gentlemen, we have a weiner....maga fascism has been invoked. But who among us is surprise coming from this guy. When logical debate fails, he retorts with ad hominem insults.

You brought uo Trump dear.

You obviouslly have no interest in this topic

You only care about being abusive to what you perceive as an enemy.

Edited July 26Jul 26 by Jingthing

8 hours ago, Jingthing said:

...

From my personal perspective as a serial NON-immigrant on retirement extensions, I have no delusions about why I am allowed to get extensions every year. It's proving the MONEY. That's it. Nothing personal.

To be clear, no I don't think or expect that Thais or Thailand should be grateful for the money that I and other retired expats bring in.

I see the visa rules and compliance in a purely transactional manner. The laws here designed it that way so as they say it is what it is.

Good grief you're sharp. Slow, but sharp.

Edited July 26Jul 26 by NanLaew

4 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

Good grief you're sharp. Slow, but sharp.

That was rude.

"We bring money to your country", along with it's oft-quoted counterpoint "If you don't like it here go home" - not sure which argument is the more vapid.

It has the same sophistication as the old playground tussle about my dad being bigger than yours...

Also the much used preface to comments:

"Don't they realize that ..."

i.e. We (farang) realize; they (Thai) don't

15 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Why are Thais so seemingly extremity offended?

clearly imported money is a benefit for Thailand and also clearly Thailand could get by quite well without any of it.

To be clear, no I don't think or expect that Thais or Thailand should be grateful for the money that I and other retired expats bring in.

"Clearly Thailand could get by quite well without any of it"

Please elaborate as you contradicted yourself.

False Thailand could not do well without Foreign Money, and/or Foreign Investment (Businesses)

Review the economic situation and you see that the workers paying Personal Income Tax is a small percentage. Research how many of those are from Foreign owned businesses. Additionally Tourism is a large part of the Taxes.

Should they be happy, yes to a degree,

You imply it's a Red Carpet, fireworks style appreciation and it's not.

Thai's are generally reserved. Doesn't mean they aren't happy or appreciate things.

Thailand has Zero problem with Tourist and Retirees as long as you respect the culture and follow the rules.

10 minutes ago, J Branche said:

Thailand has Zero problem with Tourist and Retirees as long as you respect the culture and follow the rules.

I'm not so sure about that.
Recently, I've noticed a slight change in attitude towards 'aliens', albeit minimal, but still enough to doubt that the friendly smile is really as genuine as it used to be up in my neck of the woods. We get very few tourists here; a few 'snowbirds' stay over the winter period, and that's about it.

I strongly believe it's the media coverage of bad behaviour by tourists and the recent overblown press coverage of many criminal cases regarding foreigners, tainting the Thai perception of all Westerners. Add to that the very patriotic stance of the Thai people, more so lately, and the increasing divide in the poverty line, and it all adds up! Got to blame somebody.

Having lived here for many years, in the same Soi with a good nucleus of Thai neighbours (mostly retired) with whom I have a good relationship, it's disconcerting to notice a slight change in attitude, especially with the more affluent younger families that are gradually moving in as the 'old-uns' pass away.

Just my thoughts on the matter.

I would seriously like to know, how it is possible to be offended for someone else? That to me is how this whole WOKE NONSENSE got started. How can you possibly put yourself in the other persons shoes, or understand their feelings? Defend them against the aggressor by all means, but you cannot possibly know that persons feelings.

Yes. We should. It's not a race/cultural 'thing'. It's a decency/ considerate behaviour 'thing'. Bringing money to Thailand does not automatically excuse foreigners their inconsiderate, obnoxious or culturally offensive behaviour. Thais (like the Japanese and others) show great considerateness to others when in confined spaces like trains/Metro/BTS. They even avoid talking on their phones if they can - an inconsiderateness displayed by many non-Thais that I personally find quite annoying. When on a BTS or waiting in an airport, I have no interest in hearing others' domestic issues/ business disputes regaled loudly throughout a confined space. The self-centreded-ness of these people is sometimes a sight (and sound) to behold. Perhaps the young (unguided?) Italians should reflect on the concept of "When in Rome, do as the Romans do, but when in Thailand, do as the Thais do .....'?

17 hours ago, Jingthing said:

We're not Thai so isn't it weird how many foreigners internalize what they think it is to be Thai? Why do they do that? Do they want Thais to regard them as one of the "good" f-rangs?

As far as the economics of tourism and certain expat groups, that's a subject for another topic, but clearly imported money is a benefit for Thailand and also clearly Thailand could get by quite well without any of it.

Thailandtravel guides

From my personal perspective as a serial NON-immigrant on retirement extensions, I have no delusions about why I am allowed to get extensions every year. It's proving the MONEY. That's it. Nothing personal.

To be clear, no I don't think or expect that Thais or Thailand should be grateful for the money that I and other retired expats bring in.

It's quite common knowledge that Thais/Thailand wish the foreigners'/tourists' money and that's all. However, it pretty much up to each of us and our individual behaviour, if we are also accepted as residents, both generally and locally.

The Italian kids' reaction with the comment about money is unfortunately not that rare. Some tourists for example leave all their garbage behind them on a beach, saying that they bring money to Thailand, so they expect someone to clean after them. With such attitude — "bringing money" and not care — it is very understandable that foreigners, which can include others than farangs, are not appreciated.

And OP is right, the video is nothing — perhaps just a little too noise sensitive Thai lady vs. noisy youngters, I've watched to full shared TikTok-video — it's the the rude financial comment that makes the difference.

1 hour ago, Madgee said:

I'm not so sure about that.
Recently, I've noticed a slight change in attitude towards 'aliens', used to be up in my neck of the woods.

I strongly believe it's the media coverage of bad behaviour by tourists and the recent overblown press coverage of many criminal cases regarding foreigners, tainting the Thai perception of all Westerners.

Just my thoughts on the matter.

I agree the Media, Bad Behavior, illegal businesses practices, and Foreign Scammers are making it challenging to maintain a positive social image in the eyes of a few Thai people.

I'm in Khao Yai and nothing has changed.

I believe this may be a "You dink to much" observation. Most Thai's are focused on Family, Friends, Work, Relaxation and Entertaining themselves.

That means there is about 2 seconds to think about us Foreigners and must don't. Why would they if you are a long upstanding member of Thai society?

I've never said such a thing to a Thai. Why would I?

I'm happy to live side by side with Thais, especially those within my family and social circle and they are happy to do the same.

Edited July 27Jul 27 by youreavinalaff

Think it boils down to context and presentation. Coming off as entitlement is a negative. Observing that my being retired here (as I cannot afford retirement in my own high cost country) maintains a symbiotic relationship. I certainly benefit from the life I live here in Thailand. The Kingdom of Thailand benefits from the low maintenance American retiree spending his earned money here supporting the Thai economy and my Thai family. I look at it as a win - win.

19 hours ago, Jingthing said:

but the question I have is does that mean that we as foreigners are obligated to be offended for and with them?

No, of course not.

19 hours ago, Jingthing said:

That seems rather bat sheit crazy to me.

It absolutely is.

19 hours ago, Jingthing said:

We're not Thai so isn't it weird how many foreigners internalize what they think it is to be Thai? Why do they do that?

Because within their superiority complex they pity them, which is a bit demeaning, disparaging and even antisocial to some extent.

19 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Do they want Thais to regard them as one of the "good" f-rangs?

Maybe sorta or it’s just a White Knight show their putting on.

19 hours ago, Jingthing said:

To be clear, no I don't think or expect that Thais or Thailand should be grateful for the money that I and other retired expats bring in.

Expect being the operative word here, expectations always gives room for disappointments.

19 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Why are Thais so seemingly extremity offended?

Again, the operative word here being “seemingly” most Thais don’t give a hoot and don’t waste their time dwelling on such things.

A f-rang Thai whisperer speaks.

Reasonable enough and I like that he isn't promoting that f-rangs should be offended for Thais, just better understanding.

I will add though that I doubt the incident would have even escalated at all without the provocation of starting to film it.

Edited July 27Jul 27 by Jingthing

18 hours ago, Jingthing said:

No money no honey

Thais have been selling that t shirt for decades.

You don't see the irony?

I've never seen a Thai wearing one. Tourists wear them. Why are you making your point using a silly T-shirt. Strange....

3 minutes ago, atpeace said:

I've never seen a Thai wearing one. Tourists wear them. Why are you making your point using a silly T-shirt. Strange....

Thais sell.them. Duh.

Here's more.

Thais calling f-rangs cheap Charlie.

So not bringing enough money into Thailand.

Government policies openly seeking richer tourists and expats.

No hypocrisy to see here!

20 hours ago, Jingthing said:

So it's obvious and understandable that many Thais are offended by hearing foreigners tell them that they bring money into Thailand implying I suppose that Thais should be grateful for that

Let's try to analyze this. What;s really going on with this?

The viral blowup of the Italian kids BTS video would have been a nothing burger without that one comment about money.

Why are Thais so seemingly extremity offended?

Other than objecting to rude people saying rude things, is it possible such extreme and dramatic offense reaction hit a nerve and reveals a national INFERIORITY complex bizarrely mixed with a national SUPERIORITY complex perhaps irrationally overvaluing what Thailand has to offer foreigners?

There are many other countries in the world that offer similar or even better bang for the buck. They are competing with other countries for tourism and expat money whether they admit it or like it or not.

Of course Thai people or anyone else has a right to be offended by anything at all without reason, but the question I have is does that mean that we as foreigners are obligated to be offended for and with them? That seems rather bat sheit crazy to me.

We're not Thai so isn't it weird how many foreigners internalize what they think it is to be Thai? Why do they do that? Do they want Thais to regard them as one of the "good" f-rangs?

As far as the economics of tourism and certain expat groups, that's a subject for another topic, but clearly imported money is a benefit for Thailand and also clearly Thailand could get by quite well without any of it.

From my personal perspective as a serial NON-immigrant on retirement extensions, I have no delusions about why I am allowed to get extensions every year. It's proving the MONEY. That's it. Nothing personal.

To be clear, no I don't think or expect that Thais or Thailand should be grateful for the money that I and other retired expats bring in.

I see the visa rules and compliance in a purely transactional manner. The laws here designed it that way so as they say it is what it is.

Thai people are genuinely nice. Not all, but most of them. Then they are expected to keep smiling when millions of tourists arrive, not thousands or just a few. That is a lot to bear, and they still do.

Just look at Spain, where many locals now openly resent tourism and some tourist behavior. Thailand could end up facing similar frustrations if things are not managed well.

Some visitors seem to think that because they bring money, bad behavior should be accepted, or that they do not need to follow the same rules and financial expectations as everyone else. Some abuse the visa system and try to live as cheaply as possible while contributing very little. I have no problem understanding where much of the frustration comes from.

As I said, too many ignorant tourists create anger.

No country is perfect, but no citizen likes hearing foreigners constantly talk about how bad their country is. How many times have I heard foreigners complain about Thailand while Thai people are sitting right there?

The same people often repeat the same negative things every time they are out with their girlfriends or wives. Yes, many of them also speak negatively about their own countries, but that does not make it any less tiring.

There are many negative expats and bad expats too, not only bad tourists.

Flame post removed @atpeace discuss the topic not other posters.

Rule 10. You will not post troll messages. Trolling is the act of purposefully antagonizing forum members by posting controversial, inflammatory, irrelevant or off-topic messages with the primary intent of provoking other members into an emotional response or to generally disrupt normal on-topic discussion.

52 minutes ago, atpeace said:

I've never seen a Thai wearing one. Tourists wear them. Why are you making your point using a silly T-shirt. Strange....

You might find them in the bar districts ?

45 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Thais sell.them. Duh.

Hmm, so Thais can't buy them? This post makes no sense. I simply can't follow your OP nor most of your replies. In simple English - tell us what the point is of the OP?

Just now, atpeace said:

Hmm, so Thais can't buy them? This post makes no sense. I simply can't follow your OP nor most of your replies. In simple English - tell us what the point is of the OP?

Hypocrisy.

Just now, Hummin said:

You might find them in the bar districts ?

I could see that happening but what a bar girl is wearing has little to do with Thais. The argument Jing made is that it is a an example of what Thais feel. 99% of Thais don't feel the shirt is appropriate and using as a reflection of Thais is in bad taste.

7 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Hypocrisy.

OK, because shirts sold near red light districts and worn almost exclusively by tourists paints Thais as hypocrites. 99% of Thais would never wear the shirt and probably find it offensive yet you use the T-shirt to show they are hypocrites. Weird.....Whatever...

Just now, atpeace said:

I could see that happening but what a bar girl is wearing has little to do with Thais. The argument Jing made is that it is a an example of what Thais feel. 99% of Thais don't feel the shirt is appropriate and using as a reflection of Thais is in bad taste.

Knowledge and assumptions come with the territory, so if he believes that 😉

I have never seen those T shirts on a Thai, but I have seen some farangs wearing them, often the same singlet club members you find in tourist areas. On my last flight home, there was one guy in his late 50s or early 60s who arrived in cargo pants and a T shirt saying, “Good boys go to heaven, bad boys go to Pattaya.”

1 minute ago, Hummin said:

Knowledge and assumptions come with the territory, so if he believes that 😉

I have never seen those T shirts on a Thai, but I have seen some farangs wearing them, often the same singlet club members you find in tourist areas. On my last flight home, there was one guy in his late 50s or early 60s who arrived in cargo pants and a T shirt saying, “Good boys go to heaven, bad boys go to Pattaya.”

Funny, I like people like that from a distance :) THey make the world more interesting. I might wear that shirt for 30k baht on a long flight but I doubt it. On second thought, nope.