Why Is It So Hard To Give An Elderly Person Your Seat On The Bts

[drappthailand]

Why is it that these college kids and other young men will all just sit there without any consideration for the pregnant woman or the elderly on the BTS? I just want to Yank them up by ears and teach them the manners they were never given. It's almost always the Farang that give up their seats. My wife and 1 year old got on the busy BTS and once a woman offered her seat. Once out of 50 times. Anyway, just wondering why sometimes it's so hard for some people to do the right thing.

[chuang]

The suitition in Singapore is worse still......seats reserved for the elderly/pregnant/disabled are always taken up by the young and healthy..

[PattayaParent]

Many years ago I read something that said it is Thai custom for the elderly to give up their seat to the young.

Don't know how true it is but in my experience that's what seems to be followed, many Thais in Bangkok give up their seat on the skytrain to my 5 year old.

[phaethon]

Many years ago I read something that said it is Thai custom for the elderly to give up their seat to the young.

Yes, you see that quite often, not sure what the upper age/height-limit is though. Nobody has ever stood up for any bar girl I've been with on the BTS, which I suppose is a good thing.

The other week I saw my first 'monk-seat incident with a Farang. You'll be familiar with this sign over the end seats on a BTS row:

and its more recent version which at least expands the beneficiary list to include the recently knocked out, the knocked up and the knocking on the mortuary door:

Well, I have taken to sitting in the middle seat to avoid these questions, but a Farang who got on at On Nut claimed an end seat opposite (it can be done as On Nut is a terminal). Next to him sat an elderly Thai man and off we went. A couple of stops later, with all seats occupied and about 30% standing capacity filled, as the doors closed (at Ekkamai, IIRC - there is a large monk's nest there) the Thai man leapt to his feet and began beckoning frantically. He then turned to the Farang and, by equally frantic gesture, tried to get the Farang to take his seat; the Farang clocked the approaching Fanta Man, stands and, rather than take the old man's seat shuffles off with a slight scowl to stand at the end of the carriage. The monk sits and of course the old man, for fear of accidentally touching the untouchable, doesn't re-take his seat next to the monk. A few stops later a young Thai business type (male) does take the seat.

Ah well, as I said, I avoid the end seat if I can and shake my walking stick at the person opposite if someone needy (not a monk) gets on

[Crossy]

Interesting that the newer sign includes kids in the 'those in need' bracket. I was always taught to give up my seat to every man and his dog.

[PennyFarthing123]

Maybe the idea behind giving up your seat to a child has to do with the child being unable to reach the overhead straps for stability??? Naaa that would be logical must be another reason.

[JohnGotti]

i have no idea what you guys are on about as i see the seat given up 90%+ of the time to these people.

[oldsparrow]

Many years ago I read something that said it is Thai custom for the elderly to give up their seat to the young.

Yes, you see that quite often, not sure what the upper age/height-limit is though. Nobody has ever stood up for any bar girl I've been with on the BTS, which I suppose is a good thing. The other week I saw my first 'monk-seat incident with a Farang. You'll be familiar with this sign over the end seats on a BTS row: and its more recent version which at least expands the beneficiary list to include the recently knocked out, the knocked up and the knocking on the mortuary door: Well, I have taken to sitting in the middle seat to avoid these questions, but a Farang who got on at On Nut claimed an end seat opposite (it can be done as On Nut is a terminal). Next to him sat an elderly Thai man and off we went. A couple of stops later, with all seats occupied and about 30% standing capacity filled, as the doors closed (at Ekkamai, IIRC - there is a large monk's nest there) the Thai man leapt to his feet and began beckoning frantically. He then turned to the Farang and, by equally frantic gesture, tried to get the Farang to take his seat; the Farang clocked the approaching Fanta Man, stands and, rather than take the old man's seat shuffles off with a slight scowl to stand at the end of the carriage. The monk sits and of course the old man, for fear of accidentally touching the untouchable, doesn't re-take his seat next to the monk. A few stops later a young Thai business type (male) does take the seat. Ah well, as I said, I avoid the end seat if I can and shake my walking stick at the person opposite if someone needy (not a monk) gets on

Fanta man, it took me one good moment to realise

[Misplaced]

i have no idea what you guys are on about as i see the seat given up 90%+ of the time to these people.

Just another chance to bash Thai peeps.

[BEENTHEREDONETHAT]

I'm curious at what age are you considered elderly? Elderly enough to give your seat too.

[mahtin]

I'm curious at what age are you considered elderly? Elderly enough to give your seat too.

When you look like you're going to collapse it's easier for them to give up the seat than have to pick you up.

[pop_corn]

Im pregnant, and got offered a seat once.. So, Im not really in a mood to be asking ppl for it, and for sure not in the mood to go up those stairs in this hot weather I get really tired... So, I didn't take BTS anymore... I just take taxi to go aorund. I think is a shame that people don't offer their seat when they see a old person, pregnant woman or someone that needs it. And to be honest... whats with the monk sit???? seriously... :S:S:S:S:S or... give the seat to a 12 years old? NO WAY.

[sanook2me]

Why is it that these college kids and other young men will all just sit there without any consideration for the pregnant woman or the elderly on the BTS? I just want to Yank them up by ears and teach them the manners they were never given. It's almost always the Farang that give up their seats. My wife and 1 year old got on the busy BTS and once a woman offered her seat. Once out of 50 times. Anyway, just wondering why sometimes it's so hard for some people to do the right thing.

When i used to frequent public transport i always thought i was like the original Carribean/Indian immigrants in England because the seat next to me would always be the last one to be sat upon. I enjoyed this quirk of not been liked as i got more room for myself in a crowded bus or BTS carriage.

I would never give my seat up for any kids that are say over about 10 yrs...

Old people and others yes and i often did but i think the embarrassment of having the farangs cast off chair is just too much for some Thais... it even happened i'd give up my seat for a woman and she wouldn't take it and some random bloke would plonk himself down..

This happened alot so i developed the thousand yard stare when sitting and would just happily sit there and think if people are supposed to give up their seats let the natives show me and go first.

[BigSnake]

Why is it that these college kids and other young men will all just sit there without any consideration for the pregnant woman or the elderly on the BTS? I just want to Yank them up by ears and teach them the manners they were never given. It's almost always the Farang that give up their seats. My wife and 1 year old got on the busy BTS and once a woman offered her seat. Once out of 50 times. Anyway, just wondering why sometimes it's so hard for some people to do the right thing.

Thank my lucky stars I don't have to use public Transport, if I did, feel likewise, most teens and young adults have no manner and respect for elderly. Why(?) beats me parents see like decent folks, kids have to be told to say hello to the friend of parents, shame.

[phaethon]

But I have seen seats offered to both pregnant and infirm (rather than just elderly) people - including a farang with a walking stick - as well as the rather less justifiable upper school age kids and otherwise healthy looking monks.

Perhaps as pop_corn says it's the stairs that keep the pregnant and infirm off the BTS, because you don't see that many on the trains and I have only once seen the lift being used (with security guard escort).

This may change according to a half-heard TAN Network report the other day which said BTS were applying for funds to install lifts and other aids in all their stations. Haven't seen/looked for any confirmation of this elsewhere in the media.

[oldsparrow]

This is off the topic, but I can say the BKK BTS is one of the most most clean transit system in big city.

[drappthailand]

You got that right! I've never seen trash, homeless, or any problems once you go up those steps. The BTS does a great job keeping the inside and outside clean and have never had any problems. Once on Mo Chit I had to "go" and I mean Go badly. PEE I asked one of the BTS guards and he called someone and another guard took me back by the offices and let me use the toilet. I don't think this is allowed at any of the stops but I may be wrong. I even tried to tip both BTS staff and both denied. So please don't think this has anything to do with Thai bashing. Thais have huge hearts which is one of the biggest differences from country.

[MrHammer]

When i used to frequent public transport i always thought i was like the original Carribean/Indian immigrants in England because the seat next to me would always be the last one to be sat upon. I enjoyed this quirk of not been liked as i got more room for myself in a crowded bus or BTS carriage.

I would never give my seat up for any kids that are say over about 10 yrs...

Old people and others yes and i often did but i think the embarrassment of having the farangs cast off chair is just too much for some Thais... it even happened i'd give up my seat for a woman and she wouldn't take it and some random bloke would plonk himself down..

This happened alot so i developed the thousand yard stare when sitting and would just happily sit there and think if people are supposed to give up their seats let the natives show me and go first.

haha.. that happens to me as well.. maybe I look intimidating or something I dont know? does it happen to other TV'ers? Really though it feels a bit insulting and its not fun to be on the wrong side of racism. well, I feel sorry for the racists.

Edited May 22, 2009 by MrHammer

[sanook2me]

When i used to frequent public transport i always thought i was like the original Carribean/Indian immigrants in England because the seat next to me would always be the last one to be sat upon. I enjoyed this quirk of not been liked as i got more room for myself in a crowded bus or BTS carriage.

I would never give my seat up for any kids that are say over about 10 yrs...

Old people and others yes and i often did but i think the embarrassment of having the farangs cast off chair is just too much for some Thais... it even happened i'd give up my seat for a woman and she wouldn't take it and some random bloke would plonk himself down..

This happened alot so i developed the thousand yard stare when sitting and would just happily sit there and think if people are supposed to give up their seats let the natives show me and go first.

haha.. that happens to me as well.. maybe I look intimidating or something I dont know? does it happen to other TV'ers? Really though it feels a bit insulting and its not fun to be on the wrong side of racism. well, I feel sorry for the racists.

As i posted i enjoyed this form of racism against white honky bloke cus i got more elbow room than the other passengers.....

[Neeranam]

Why is it that these college kids and other young men will all just sit there without any consideration for the pregnant woman or the elderly on the BTS? I just want to Yank them up by ears and teach them the manners they were never given. It's almost always the Farang that give up their seats. My wife and 1 year old got on the busy BTS and once a woman offered her seat. Once out of 50 times. Anyway, just wondering why sometimes it's so hard for some people to do the right thing.

It's because selfishness mixed with a dislike of foreigners is ingrained into Thai culture. You'd better accept it and get used to it or you'll be miserable.

I've given my seat in the bus to older nuns many times - it seems that they are not looked well upon either. Monks always get a seat.

When kids are your kid is 3+ they'll get a seat.

[polecat]

i have no idea what you guys are on about as i see the seat given up 90%+ of the time to these people.

I agree.

But what I don't get is why people don't offer me a seat! I find it particularly frustrating, because it should be obvious to everyone on the train that I myself deserve a yellow nest. By the time I've hauled my fat, sweaty body up those stairs and spent the first two stops slumped against the carriage poles (bum cheeks wedged either side, flab squelching against the hands of commuters trying to steady themselves) I can be quite tired. And it's really difficult to eat my Mos Burger standing up.

[petedk]

Generally I think people are very good at giving up their seat to someone in need but something I have noticed is that more and more people are carrying more and more luggage onto the skytrain and MRT.

Today I saw a woman sitting down with bags of food on seats each side of her. There were many people standing up but not one of them asked her to move the bags so that they could sit down.

[pop_corn]

Generally I think people are very good at giving up their seat to someone in need but something I have noticed is that more and more people are carrying more and more luggage onto the skytrain and MRT.

Today I saw a woman sitting down with bags of food on seats each side of her. There were many people standing up but not one of them asked her to move the bags so that they could sit down.

Thats very selfish!!!!!!!

Well, yes I think is not a great thing to have to go all the way up and down for an eldery or pregnant woman. Im young but the extra weight and the weather is a killing combination!! I get tired coming up and down to my second floor hahahaha.... shame!!! Gosh, I dont want to imagine how I will do in 3 more months!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyways, lucky me I can just take a taxi, many other people dont have money to do so...

In other conditions I do always offer my seat to elder people. I do what I would like others to do for me, basic rule of life!

[phaethon]

Generally I think people are very good at giving up their seat to someone in need but something I have noticed is that more and more people are carrying more and more luggage onto the skytrain and MRT.

Today I saw a woman sitting down with bags of food on seats each side of her. There were many people standing up but not one of them asked her to move the bags so that they could sit down.

The luggage thing will get (worse/more common) once the track reaches Swampy, that may also be a motive for improving access throughout the system.

IIRC there is a sign on the MRT that prohibits large bags.

Thais won't say anything, confrontation must be avoided at all costs, but they will gossip behind her back and will think less of her...

BTW I forgot about it, but I did also see my first wheelchair user (with helper) on the BTS the other week. Getting on and off the train itself is not a problem, so it probably is just the lack of lifts that puts such users off. And if there is two of you travelling, taxis are not that much more expensive.

Edited May 22, 2009 by phaethon

[jackdanielsesq]

Why wood ya give up a perfectly good seat to an old hag - wait until some good looking waif wearing absolutely nothing comes by, grab her and sit her on ya lap.

Thats my modus operandi on the local Baht Bus.

BR>Jack

[Brigante7]

i have no idea what you guys are on about as i see the seat given up 90%+ of the time to these people.

Have to agree with above post.

Also I was brought up to always give my seat to an OAP (Man or woman) or any lady, it's just good manners nothing else.

Brigante7.

[Lancelot]

Funny story: A was sitting on the BTS when a 60+ farang lady walked in; I smiled, stood and offered her my seat. She accepted the seat but glared at me as if I had insulted her.

Go figure

[phaethon]

Funny story: A was sitting on the BTS when a 60+ farang lady walked in; I smiled, stood and offered her my seat. She accepted the seat but glared at me as if I had insulted her.

Did here expression change before and after you gave up your seat? There are neurological and hormonal conditions that can lead to a permanent 'glare'.

Or maybe the wind changed when she was having a bad day...

[blindinbothears]

Best way to get some extra room on public transport...take out your mobile phone, have a loud pretend conversation with your friend (preferably in Thai) about your 6 week tour of Mexico...sneeze, sit back and relax.

[Lancelot]

Funny story: A was sitting on the BTS when a 60+ farang lady walked in; I smiled, stood and offered her my seat. She accepted the seat but glared at me as if I had insulted her.

Did here expression change before and after you gave up your seat? There are neurological and hormonal conditions that can lead to a permanent 'glare'.

Or maybe the wind changed when she was having a bad day...

Na, she wore a pretty sour expression before and after I offered. Whatever