General Opinion Of Thai People Among Tourists/Expats?

[poanoi]

Thais borrow money also, but they pay it back on time,

Gimme a frickin break

[theblether]

This is a nasty thread

[mca]

I remember one post which went something on the lines 'beneath all the smiles, they have resentment against westerners' and I'm quite curious why they feel so.

Because they're <deleted>.

Agree completely. They hate foreigners.

I meant the westerners not Thais

[IanForbes]

This is a nasty thread

So much pent up anger in some people who try to blame others for their own misgivings and bad judgement. Let it go and you'll feel much better. The world is filled with evil people along with some that are truly wonderful. Ignore the bad and spend time with the good. Pick any one of the evil people anywhere, Should I actually care what they think of me? I don't CARE about the scammers or the boozy, foul mouthed louts. I just don't associate with them. I spend my time with attractive women and nice, interesting people. I just don't bet the farm on them. I give what I can afford to give and any "loan" from me is considered a gift. I pay my own way everywhere and I can walk around with no feelings of guilt. I've paid for my sins in the past in a form of karma, and now seem to reap the same from being generous.

[NanLaew]

There's a lot of xenophobic foreigners who choose Thailand over their homeland since there's too many foreigners back home.

Then they complain about Thai xenophobia.

The OP is looking at things from a temporary visitors viewpoint even if it is a viewpoint that managed to avoid 'touristy' areas and foreigners. You spend an excessive time in any country, you start to see the warts.

For the few posting here that somehow dragged up foreigners relationships with Thai women (where in earth did THAT connection come from?), there's the old addage, "No matter how good she looks, there's somebody, somewhere who is sick of her sh!t."

Sums up a fair few TV members relationship with Thailand.

Edited September 16, 2011 by NanLaew

[kerryk]

Perhaps it has been missed by Tiger that women are not all the same. I have found some women in the West want to lead and some want to follow. Same in Thailand. I was with a Thai woman for three years who would not speak to a Thai government official, medical person, or technical person if I was there. She simply told them to talk to me. She would chatter away to me like magpie but not to anyone in authority, that was man's work in her scheme of things.

[JurgenG]

My experience with Thais after traveling all over the country is they are friendly people. Certainly in the classic tourist spots there are some who are very mercenary, but for the most part the Thais are friendly and will share whatever they have with someone who treats them with respect. I treat all Thais with respect and a smile... even if I know they are trying to scam me in some small way. I've been helped by Thais or given a drink many times and never asked for anything in return. I'm sure that Parnoid people give off bad vibes that put off Thai people who are very in tune with "face". The people are just one of the reasons why I love Thailand.

Agree with you Ian, as you make your bed , so you must lie in it.

Personally the best way I can characterize the Thai attitude is friendly indifference. Then when you need something from them, it all depends on your own attitude. Behave appropriately and things will be much easier than if you insist of ignoring the local rules.

I also agree with some posters, there are different phase according to the length of your stay. When you are here on holidays for a couple of weeks, everything is nice, everything is beautiful. Then if you stay longer, things get more complicated as you're expected to behave like a long term resident, which means understanding and respecting the rules and customs of the country. What is tolerated from someone who just got out of the plane is not from someone who has been living here for a couple of years.

But if after a few years you still can't get along with the locals, you still compare everything to your "home" country (by that time your home country should be where you've been living for the past few years), then you should be honest with yourself, you're not expat material.

Edited September 16, 2011 by JurgenG

[TingTawng]

Generally positive for me too. Lived in Chiang Mai mostly, hardly ever socialised with expats, spent 99% of my time with Thais. Never ripped off, cannot think of a single occasion when I wasn't treated with respect. Rented several houses, always got my deposit back in full. The only idiots I ever came across were farangs staggering around the bars, mouthing off and looking for trouble.

That's my experience too. I live in Chonburi and I don't mix much with farangs. Having spent 3 years in Japan, perhaps I appreciate Thailand a little more than others because of this (Japan can be a pretty tough place to live if you're a gaijin salaryman). As to all these claims of Thais being "mercenary", perhaps that's the case in tourist areas - but what do you expect? Those areas are all about money. 99% of Thailand is not Pattaya, Patpong/Soi Cowboy/Patong.

Edited September 16, 2011 by TingTawng

[robblok]

My experience with Thais after traveling all over the country is they are friendly people. Certainly in the classic tourist spots there are some who are very mercenary, but for the most part the Thais are friendly and will share whatever they have with someone who treats them with respect. I treat all Thais with respect and a smile... even if I know they are trying to scam me in some small way. I've been helped by Thais or given a drink many times and never asked for anything in return. I'm sure that Parnoid people give off bad vibes that put off Thai people who are very in tune with "face". The people are just one of the reasons why I love Thailand.

Agree with you Ian, as you make your bed , so you must lie in it.

Personally the best way I can characterize the Thai attitude is friendly indifference. Then when you need something from them, it all depends on your own attitude. Behave appropriately and things will be much easier than if you insist of ignoring the local rules.

I also agree with some posters, there are different phase according to the length of your stay. When you are here on holidays for a couple of weeks, everything is nice, everything is beautiful. Then if you stay longer, things get more complicated as you're expected to behave like a long term resident, which means understanding and respecting the rules and customs of the country. What is tolerated from someone who just got out of the plane is not from someone who has been living here for a couple of years.

But if after a few years you still can't get along with the locals, you still compare everything to your "home" country (by that time your home country should be where you've been living for the past few years), then you should be honest with yourself, you're not expat material.

I think you are right some people are not expat material. But i don't like the if you dont like it go home brigade.

Complaining about something is normal everyone does it even in their home countries.

Most of the time i wont get ripped off but even the Thais around me (friends and my wife) will often make a sale telling me to stay out of sight.

I was fishing with a friend well out of the tourist area's and i asked about a certain rod stand. He told me he would order it for me with the guys here because i might get ripped off. So even among Thais there is the perception that farangs get ripped off.

[JurgenG]

My experience with Thais after traveling all over the country is they are friendly people. Certainly in the classic tourist spots there are some who are very mercenary, but for the most part the Thais are friendly and will share whatever they have with someone who treats them with respect. I treat all Thais with respect and a smile... even if I know they are trying to scam me in some small way. I've been helped by Thais or given a drink many times and never asked for anything in return. I'm sure that Parnoid people give off bad vibes that put off Thai people who are very in tune with "face". The people are just one of the reasons why I love Thailand.

Agree with you Ian, as you make your bed , so you must lie in it.

Personally the best way I can characterize the Thai attitude is friendly indifference. Then when you need something from them, it all depends on your own attitude. Behave appropriately and things will be much easier than if you insist of ignoring the local rules.

I also agree with some posters, there are different phase according to the length of your stay. When you are here on holidays for a couple of weeks, everything is nice, everything is beautiful. Then if you stay longer, things get more complicated as you're expected to behave like a long term resident, which means understanding and respecting the rules and customs of the country. What is tolerated from someone who just got out of the plane is not from someone who has been living here for a couple of years.

But if after a few years you still can't get along with the locals, you still compare everything to your "home" country (by that time your home country should be where you've been living for the past few years), then you should be honest with yourself, you're not expat material.

I think you are right some people are not expat material. But i don't like the if you dont like it go home brigade.

Complaining about something is normal everyone does it even in their home countries.

Most of the time i wont get ripped off but even the Thais around me (friends and my wife) will often make a sale telling me to stay out of sight.

I was fishing with a friend well out of the tourist area's and i asked about a certain rod stand. He told me he would order it for me with the guys here because i might get ripped off. So even among Thais there is the perception that farangs get ripped off.

I never say "go home" . People do whatever they want, I'm not the one whining and suffering.

Regarding getting ripped off, I made one time the test in the village. I went on my own buying food, fertilizer, different stuff in the hardware store, fix a flat tyre. I checked the price when I went back home, same price as usual. In Bangkok, prices are usually fix so no problems. And in the touristic areas, everybody, Thais and falangs, get ripped off, so no disadvantage there either.

Edited September 16, 2011 by JurgenG

[robblok]

My experience with Thais after traveling all over the country is they are friendly people. Certainly in the classic tourist spots there are some who are very mercenary, but for the most part the Thais are friendly and will share whatever they have with someone who treats them with respect. I treat all Thais with respect and a smile... even if I know they are trying to scam me in some small way. I've been helped by Thais or given a drink many times and never asked for anything in return. I'm sure that Parnoid people give off bad vibes that put off Thai people who are very in tune with "face". The people are just one of the reasons why I love Thailand.

Agree with you Ian, as you make your bed , so you must lie in it.

Personally the best way I can characterize the Thai attitude is friendly indifference. Then when you need something from them, it all depends on your own attitude. Behave appropriately and things will be much easier than if you insist of ignoring the local rules.

I also agree with some posters, there are different phase according to the length of your stay. When you are here on holidays for a couple of weeks, everything is nice, everything is beautiful. Then if you stay longer, things get more complicated as you're expected to behave like a long term resident, which means understanding and respecting the rules and customs of the country. What is tolerated from someone who just got out of the plane is not from someone who has been living here for a couple of years.

But if after a few years you still can't get along with the locals, you still compare everything to your "home" country (by that time your home country should be where you've been living for the past few years), then you should be honest with yourself, you're not expat material.

I think you are right some people are not expat material. But i don't like the if you dont like it go home brigade.

Complaining about something is normal everyone does it even in their home countries.

Most of the time i wont get ripped off but even the Thais around me (friends and my wife) will often make a sale telling me to stay out of sight.

I was fishing with a friend well out of the tourist area's and i asked about a certain rod stand. He told me he would order it for me with the guys here because i might get ripped off. So even among Thais there is the perception that farangs get ripped off.

I never say "go home" . People do whatever they want, I'm not the one whining and suffering.

Regarding getting ripped off, I made one time the test in the village. I went on my own buying food, fertilizer, different stuff in the hardware store, fix a flat tyre. I checked the price when I went back home, same price as usual. In Bangkok, prices are usually fix so no problems. And in the touristic areas, everybody, Thasi and falangs, get ripped off, so no disadvantage there either.

Most stuff has fixed prices i dont worry about that. But things like a rod stand will have to be welded (custom made) at that point when things are custom made the farang factor will come into play.

[kerryk]

Japanese and Korean guys pay three times what I do for the same service at the same place and same service provider. I count my blessings.

[Dave9000]

occur perhaps.

Tourists vs. long term expats.

Honeymoon vs. marriage

....and in many cases, nasty divorces incurr.:jap:

[kerryk]

occur perhaps.

Tourists vs. long term expats.

Honeymoon vs. marriage

....and in many cases, nasty divorces incurr.:jap:

New person should read the rules and countless threads on correcting spelling.

[JurgenG]

Most stuff has fixed prices i dont worry about that. But things like a rod stand will have to be welded (custom made) at that point when things are custom made the farang factor will come into play.

It is true that for a number of "made to order" products, the farang factor comes into play, but there is a good reason for that, it's falangs are usually more demanding than Thais. We had in the past arguments with my gf, when she was willing to accept a job and I refused. Different standard, different price.

[theblether]

This is a nasty thread

So much pent up anger in some people who try to blame others for their own misgivings and bad judgement. Let it go and you'll feel much better. The world is filled with evil people along with some that are truly wonderful. Ignore the bad and spend time with the good. Pick any one of the evil people anywhere, Should I actually care what they think of me? I don't CARE about the scammers or the boozy, foul mouthed louts. I just don't associate with them. I spend my time with attractive women and nice, interesting people. I just don't bet the farm on them. I give what I can afford to give and any "loan" from me is considered a gift. I pay my own way everywhere and I can walk around with no feelings of guilt. I've paid for my sins in the past in a form of karma, and now seem to reap the same from being generous.

Very well put Ian and I totally agree. I have noticed that your postings and contributions all tend to be genuinely helpful, positive and on the sunny side of life. Even when you are pointing out deficiencies in Thailand you tend to do it with self awareness and a sense of own responsibility.

Some people on these forums need to have a look back at their multiple postings on multiple subjects and ask themselves some fundamental questions.

What percentage of their contributions to Thaivisa are cynical, demeaning and nasty?

If the percentage is high......why?

Is it because they are by nature cynical, demeaning and nasty people?

Or is it because they are depressed and lonely? Or whatever else?

Some people here need to go have a good look in the mirror and have a talk to themselves about their mental state and how they are presenting themselves on Thaivisa.

[kerryk]

This is a nasty thread

So much pent up anger in some people who try to blame others for their own misgivings and bad judgement. Let it go and you'll feel much better. The world is filled with evil people along with some that are truly wonderful. Ignore the bad and spend time with the good. Pick any one of the evil people anywhere, Should I actually care what they think of me? I don't CARE about the scammers or the boozy, foul mouthed louts. I just don't associate with them. I spend my time with attractive women and nice, interesting people. I just don't bet the farm on them. I give what I can afford to give and any "loan" from me is considered a gift. I pay my own way everywhere and I can walk around with no feelings of guilt. I've paid for my sins in the past in a form of karma, and now seem to reap the same from being generous.

Very well put Ian and I totally agree. I have noticed that your postings and contributions all tend to be genuinely helpful, positive and on the sunny side of life. Even when you are pointing out deficiencies in Thailand you tend to do it with self awareness and a sense of own responsibility.

Some people on these forums need to have a look back at their multiple postings on multiple subjects and ask themselves some fundamental questions.

What percentage of their contributions to Thaivisa are cynical, demeaning and nasty?

If the percentage is high......why?

Is it because they are by nature cynical, demeaning and nasty people?

Or is it because they are depressed and lonely? Or whatever else?

Some people here need to go have a good look in the mirror and have a talk to themselves about their mental state and how they are presenting themselves on Thaivisa.

Have you ever listened to Brits and Aussies in a bar? It is really funny. I mean comical not trying to denigrate either culture but they take great pleasure in bashing one another. Especially during a sporting event. The Americans on Thai Visa I think get depressed reading all the bashing going on because they don't really understand that it is supposed to be funny. The Canadians because of some odd laws have to live 6 months a year in Canada so they are always in a good mood because they see the really bad stuff at least 6 months a year.

[theblether]

This is a nasty thread

So much pent up anger in some people who try to blame others for their own misgivings and bad judgement. Let it go and you'll feel much better. The world is filled with evil people along with some that are truly wonderful. Ignore the bad and spend time with the good. Pick any one of the evil people anywhere, Should I actually care what they think of me? I don't CARE about the scammers or the boozy, foul mouthed louts. I just don't associate with them. I spend my time with attractive women and nice, interesting people. I just don't bet the farm on them. I give what I can afford to give and any "loan" from me is considered a gift. I pay my own way everywhere and I can walk around with no feelings of guilt. I've paid for my sins in the past in a form of karma, and now seem to reap the same from being generous.

Very well put Ian and I totally agree. I have noticed that your postings and contributions all tend to be genuinely helpful, positive and on the sunny side of life. Even when you are pointing out deficiencies in Thailand you tend to do it with self awareness and a sense of own responsibility.

Some people on these forums need to have a look back at their multiple postings on multiple subjects and ask themselves some fundamental questions.

What percentage of their contributions to Thaivisa are cynical, demeaning and nasty?

If the percentage is high......why?

Is it because they are by nature cynical, demeaning and nasty people?

Or is it because they are depressed and lonely? Or whatever else?

Some people here need to go have a good look in the mirror and have a talk to themselves about their mental state and how they are presenting themselves on Thaivisa.

Have you ever listened to Brits and Aussies in a bar? It is really funny. I mean comical not trying to denigrate either culture but they take great pleasure in bashing one another. Especially during a sporting event. The Americans on Thai Visa I think get depressed reading all the bashing going on because they don't really understand that it is supposed to be funny. The Canadians because of some odd laws have to live 6 months a year in Canada so they are always in a good mood because they see the really bad stuff at least 6 months a year.

I'll happily stand in the bar and trade insults with you, because it's done with humour and washed down with beer. Australians can't help their corrupted gene pool, they've done well under the circumstances.

[IanForbes]

I like to illustrate storie with pictures. Let me give you just two typical examples of what Thais think of tourists and expats. These experiences happened in Chiang Mai on the trail up Doi Suthep mountain. It is a 9 km hike (one way) with a 900 meter elevation change. That means you better be in shape to do it. My friend Michael and I started out in the late morning and hiked up from the parking area at the base of the mountain were I left my motorbike.

Along the way we passed many waterfalls and people at the easy access points near the road. Families and people swim there.

But as we got further up the trail the crowds thinned out and Mike and I had the trail to ourselves. It's a truly lovely area.

When we got to the top of the trail we were above the famous temple. At that point a friendly dog adopted us and led us back down the same trail.

The interesting part came when we got back to the popular swimming area. Us two, tired, thirsty hikers met a group of teenage Thai youths. In North America a couple of elderly strangers would be ignored by teenagers, but in Thailand things are different. The boys had brought a case of cold beer with them and offered a full glass to each of us. I don't recall a beer ever tasting so good.

And, don't say it's just the happy go lucky Thai boys that do it. Last March I was hiking the same area and was invited by a couple of young women to share a meal with them. We were total stranger before meeting each other on the trail.

[hands22]

Nice pictures, Ian! I especially like the picture of the group of little children, holding hands, as they trudged up the little hill.

The girls are very sweet in the last pic!

Thai are generally nice. The not-so-nice ones are the one found in many shopping center (especially at MBK where some of the sale staff are really rude)

[lovelaos]

I like to illustrate storie with pictures. Let me give you just two typical examples of what Thais think of tourists and expats. These experiences happened in Chiang Mai on the trail up Doi Suthep mountain. It is a 9 km hike (one way) with a 900 meter elevation change. That means you better be in shape to do it. My friend Michael and I started out in the late morning and hiked up from the parking area at the base of the mountain were I left my motorbike.

Along the way we passed many waterfalls and people at the easy access points near the road. Families and people swim there.

But as we got further up the trail the crowds thinned out and Mike and I had the trail to ourselves. It's a truly lovely area.

When we got to the top of the trail we were above the famous temple. At that point a friendly dog adopted us and led us back down the same trail.

The interesting part came when we got back to the popular swimming area. Us two, tired, thirsty hikers met a group of teenage Thai youths. In North America a couple of elderly strangers would be ignored by teenagers, but in Thailand things are different. The boys had brought a case of cold beer with them and offered a full glass to each of us. I don't recall a beer ever tasting so good.

And, don't say it's just the happy go lucky Thai boys that do it. Last March I was hiking the same area and was invited by a couple of young women to share a meal with them. We were total stranger before meeting each other on the trail.

I'd have a go on the bird in the pink dress

[Awohalitsiktoli]

That was "touching." As for me, an expat who has lived in Thailand on and off for over 20 years and traveled all over Asia, I am certain Thais (and I am generalizing now) are among the worst people (in terms of ethics and morality) in all of Asia. The surface smile (a culturally learned response and nothing more) when directed at a farang typically means, "Hello walking ATM, how can I cheat you today." I see a very rapid rise in xenophobia in Thailand--especially among young people. This will impact negatively tourism and Thailand's image as a good expat retirement destination.

[Jebhead]

That was "touching." As for me, an expat who has lived in Thailand on and off for over 20 years and traveled all over Asia, I am certain Thais (and I am generalizing now) are among the worst people (in terms of ethics and morality) in all of Asia. The surface smile (a culturally learned response and nothing more) when directed at a farang typically means, "Hello walking ATM, how can I cheat you today." I see a very rapid rise in xenophobia in Thailand--especially among young people. This will impact negatively tourism and Thailand's image as a good expat retirement destination.

Thank you!!!!

I think several people in this thread still have on their rose tinted specs!

JH

[kerryk]

That was "touching." As for me, an expat who has lived in Thailand on and off for over 20 years and traveled all over Asia, I am certain Thais (and I am generalizing now) are among the worst people (in terms of ethics and morality) in all of Asia. The surface smile (a culturally learned response and nothing more) when directed at a farang typically means, "Hello walking ATM, how can I cheat you today." I see a very rapid rise in xenophobia in Thailand--especially among young people. This will impact negatively tourism and Thailand's image as a good expat retirement destination.

Thank you!!!!

I think several people in this thread still have on their rose tinted specs!

JH

Or.....Thais have a word for it. Som Na Na. You get what you deserve. Maybe Karma is real?

[Jebhead]

That was "touching." As for me, an expat who has lived in Thailand on and off for over 20 years and traveled all over Asia, I am certain Thais (and I am generalizing now) are among the worst people (in terms of ethics and morality) in all of Asia. The surface smile (a culturally learned response and nothing more) when directed at a farang typically means, "Hello walking ATM, how can I cheat you today." I see a very rapid rise in xenophobia in Thailand--especially among young people. This will impact negatively tourism and Thailand's image as a good expat retirement destination.

Thank you!!!!

I think several people in this thread still have on their rose tinted specs!

JH

Or.....Thais have a word for it. Som Na Na. You get what you deserve. Maybe Karma is real?

Som nom na is actually quite a bit more rude in Thai actually, it translates to " serves your f**king right".........lovely huh???

JH

[IanForbes]

Som nom na is actually quite a bit more rude in Thai actually, it translates to " serves your f**king right".........lovely huh???

JH

That too. I'm beginning to believe in karma. It seems to work for me.

[F1fanatic]

Som nom na is actually quite a bit more rude in Thai actually, it translates to " serves your f**king right".........lovely huh???

JH

That too. I'm beginning to believe in karma. It seems to work for me.

I agree. 'Karma' is a wonderful thing when it works in our favour, otherwise its obviously a load of rubbish.

Meanwhile its obvious to everyone that the Thais love us - only a curmudgeon would suggest otherwise.

[theblether]

Som nom na is actually quite a bit more rude in Thai actually, it translates to " serves your f**king right".........lovely huh???

JH

That too. I'm beginning to believe in karma. It seems to work for me.

I agree. 'Karma' is a wonderful thing when it works in our favour, otherwise its obviously a load of rubbish.

Meanwhile its obvious to everyone that the Thais love us - only a curmudgeon would suggest otherwise.

Curmudgeons are never happy until they are unhappy

[kerryk]

Thank you!!!!

I think several people in this thread still have on their rose tinted specs!

JH

Or.....Thais have a word for it. Som Na Na. You get what you deserve. Maybe Karma is real?

Som nom na is actually quite a bit more rude in Thai actually, it translates to " serves your f**king right".........lovely huh???

JH

I was trying to be nice but if the noodle fits!!!!! :jap:

[Jebhead]

No, you were trying to be a smart arse!

JH