Kowtow

[nontabury]

I was in immigration earlier this week, and witnessed a number of farangs kowtowing to the the immigration staff. Have some farangs

NO PRIDE ?, I realize we have to be very civil to the Imm staff, but I think some farangs defiantly go over the top, basically licking their backsides,very embarrassing.

Would they behave like this to government officials in their own country?

[Jingthing]

I reckon you don't mean LITERAL kowtowing but about the arse licking if needed to get out of there with new stamps, how deep and how hard?

More seriously, all I do is dress half decently, show up clean, speak in monotone soft tone of voice, and perhaps give a minor head nod of respect when approaching the man with the power.

[AngelofDeath]

This is not boot licking; it's called showing mutual respect.

[bkkjames]

You have to play the game, or rather your lawyer does.

I once wished an officer happy valentines day at the conclusion of affairs-she seemed suprised, I just have a thing for women with handcuffs I guess.

[wandrinstar]

Normally its the skint Ferangs that kiss ass , back home its all free.

[Jingthing]

I am DEFINITELY more deferential to power in Thailand than in the US. In the US, you have redress if they unjustly screw you. Here, no. Why take chances?

Also, of course, we are foreigners, as far as immigration is concerned we're all on thin ice here.

[bkkjames]

Unjustly screw u JT? Is that from behind?

Anyways, why make it hard on yourself by puffing up your chest like a gorilla-so when you leave you can say to yourself "I sure showed them".

[transam]

I am DEFINITELY more deferential to power in Thailand than in the US. In the US, you have redress if they unjustly screw you. Here, no. Why take chances?

Also, of course, we are foreigners, as far as immigration is concerned we're all on thin ice here.

Agreed

Must add that where l am all Thais are very respectful to me, even a hand shake many times in respect for my home customs.

[wandrinstar]

I am DEFINITELY more deferential to power in Thailand than in the US. In the US, you have redress if they unjustly screw you. Here, no. Why take chances?

Also, of course, we are foreigners, as far as immigration is concerned we're all on thin ice here.

Agreed

Must add that where l am all Thais are very respectful to me, even a hand shake many times in respect for my home customs.

They all do if you got Money. Same the World Over.. If you got all the Required Details, theres not much to say.Normall Politeness is all thats required. I go with the O.P.. Some make you wince.

[nontabury]

This is not boot licking; it's called showing mutual respect.

What I have observed on a number of occasions has nothing to do with mutual respect,"Yes" by all means turn up at the immigration office reasonable clean and well dressed,and

speak to the officers politely, but some farangs deffinatly BOOT LICK.

[Soutpeel]

This is not boot licking; it's called showing mutual respect.

...good one so you are suggesting the average Somchai immigration officer has respect for the old fat sweaty farang with his Thai child bride in tow...

or all the old fat sweaty farang see's when he looks at Somchai the immigration officer is a jumped up native peasant in a uniform....

So think we could conclude there is no mutal respect in this situation, so this would only leave us with boot licking or ar*se kissing which ever is preferrred...

I think I do understand what the OP is getting at and have a tendancy to agree with him, you can be respectful of a person/position without loosing all your pride and generally looking like a silly <deleted> in a goverment office...

[AngelofDeath]

I shouldn't have called it "mutual respect" then, I shall change it to "respecting authority". Since Thailand runs on a hierarchy system, it's only right that they(farangs) conduct themselves properly in front of the officer. As for those farangs percieved as bootlicking, maybe these group of farangs love thailand so much that they embraced thai culture, and in the process, misinterpreted the culture, causing them to look like a bootlicker in the eyes of other farangs.

[h90]

I reckon you don't mean LITERAL kowtowing but about the arse licking if needed to get out of there with new stamps, how deep and how hard?

More seriously, all I do is dress half decently, show up clean, speak in monotone soft tone of voice, and perhaps give a minor head nod of respect when approaching the man with the power.

Yes:

good clothes, not short trouser and Che Guevara Tshirt.

friendly and listening what they tell.

[ludditeman]

I reckon you don't mean LITERAL kowtowing but about the arse licking if needed to get out of there with new stamps, how deep and how hard?

More seriously, all I do is dress half decently, show up clean, speak in monotone soft tone of voice, and perhaps give a minor head nod of respect when approaching the man with the power.

Yes:

good clothes, not short trouser and Che Guevara Tshirt.

friendly and listening what they tell.

Why would anyone bother to dress up for Immigration?

It's not as if they will refuse to accept your 90 day report, if you look a bit scruffy.

And when going for my Visa extension, they can see from my bank account that I could buy and sell them several times, that is the greatest form of respect you can get from a Thai.

I would never wai a Thai first, as they are clearly of a lower status than me.

They might get a wave back, if I were in a good mood.

And what about white guys wearing baggy Thai trousers, what dicks they look!

What's wrong with Che T-shirts?

All the Thais have them, along with Che mud flaps, bumper stickers, Che sun blinds, etc.

He's the male version of 'Hello Kitty' in Thai fashion, totally cool here.

[transam]

I am DEFINITELY more deferential to power in Thailand than in the US. In the US, you have redress if they unjustly screw you. Here, no. Why take chances?

Also, of course, we are foreigners, as far as immigration is concerned we're all on thin ice here.

Agreed

Must add that where l am all Thais are very respectful to me, even a hand shake many times in respect for my home customs.

They all do if you got Money. Same the World Over.. If you got all the Required Details, theres not much to say.Normall Politeness is all thats required. I go with the O.P.. Some make you wince.

Then we must agree to differ.

I was brought up to show respect at all times and use my loaf too. On here l am a bit different though.

[transam]

I reckon you don't mean LITERAL kowtowing but about the arse licking if needed to get out of there with new stamps, how deep and how hard?

More seriously, all I do is dress half decently, show up clean, speak in monotone soft tone of voice, and perhaps give a minor head nod of respect when approaching the man with the power.

Yes:

good clothes, not short trouser and Che Guevara Tshirt.

friendly and listening what they tell.

Why would anyone bother to dress up for Immigration?

It's not as if they will refuse to accept your 90 day report, if you look a bit scruffy.

And when going for my Visa extension, they can see from my bank account that I could buy and sell them several times, that is the greatest form of respect you can get from a Thai.

I would never wai a Thai first, as they are clearly of a lower status than me.

They might get a wave back, if I were in a good mood.

And what about white guys wearing baggy Thai trousers, what dicks they look!

What's wrong with Che T-shirts?

All the Thais have them, along with Che mud flaps, bumper stickers, Che sun blinds, etc.

He's the male version of 'Hello Kitty' in Thai fashion, totally cool here.

Must say that you sound the dick.

Sorry, just my perception of a guy with loads of cash that ''thinks'' he's better than the natives.

[WarpSpeed]

This is not boot licking; it's called showing mutual respect.

...good one so you are suggesting the average Somchai immigration officer has respect for the old fat sweaty farang with his Thai child bride in tow...

or all the old fat sweaty farang see's when he looks at Somchai the immigration officer is a jumped up native peasant in a uniform....

So think we could conclude there is no mutal respect in this situation, so this would only leave us with boot licking or ar*se kissing which ever is preferrred...

I think I do understand what the OP is getting at and have a tendancy to agree with him, you can be respectful of a person/position without loosing all your pride and generally looking like a silly <deleted> in a goverment office...

+1 spot on.. Except these bits..

for the old fat sweaty farang with his Thai child bride in tow

or all the old fat sweaty farang

[LennyW]

Why would anyone bother to dress up for Immigration?

It's not as if they will refuse to accept your 90 day report, if you look a bit scruffy.

I have seen people being ejected from Pattaya immigration for being shabby dressed, including Thai women that looked as if they came straight off the pole!!

[transam]

Why would anyone bother to dress up for Immigration?

It's not as if they will refuse to accept your 90 day report, if you look a bit scruffy.

I have seen people being ejected from Pattaya immigration for being shabby dressed, including Thai women that looked as if they came straight off the pole!!

The bottom line is respect for oneself too. If one is an <snip>, doesn't give a shit, then so be it, and for sure l have seen and smelt a few from a distance.

[Jingthing]

No need really to dress for 90 day reports, at least in Pattaya. Shorts, t-shirt, and sandals would be fine. But I wouldn't dress shockingly bad either. However, if there was something dodgy about your report, back to the kowtow mode.

[jimbeam1]

I always wear shorts to Imm. In nearly four years, never a problem. Also never seen any arse or boot licking.

As for extension to stay I only show account that covers what is necessary. As opposed to trying to appear to be something that I am not.

:jap:

jb1

[nontabury]

Maybe for some people arse or boot licking is the norm, like I said some people have no self respect or pride.

We all have to play them at their own little game,but how much is enough.

Many years ago I had a conversation with a man who had been a guest in Thailand of the Japs in the 2nd WW, he told me on occasions they had to kowtow

to their Masters,on threat of death if they refused,and many did die. I'm sure If he saw what some farangs do here, he'd turn in his grave.

[Jingthing]

I want something from them very valuable to me. They have the power to say yes or no. Of course, I SHOW (fake) respect to them.

[transam]

I want something from them very valuable to me. They have the power to say yes or no. Of course, I SHOW (fake) respect to them.

Absolutely, and the impression you give at their first glance goes a long way, whether here or in farang land.

When l went to Lao for a Visa a guy in front of me had a bolt through his nose or lip, can't remember but was refused a visa for the third time, he had to go away. He was pissed off, and said to the lady, " I have done everything you have asked and you still refuse, write on a piece of paper what YOU want for the fourth time", reluctantly she did.

I thought then, she didn't like how he looked.

[h90]

No need really to dress for 90 day reports, at least in Pattaya. Shorts, t-shirt, and sandals would be fine. But I wouldn't dress shockingly bad either. However, if there was something dodgy about your report, back to the kowtow mode.

Shorts and sandals is shockingly bad. I feel wrong if I sit with Shorts and sandals at the beach bar. But that might be an European thing+enforced by mosquitos. I think in Bangkok I didn't left the house once with shorts and sandals.

[endure]

[Moonrakers]

Just what does the OP define as kowtowing.

I've been to immigration numerous times and never noticed such a thing.

[Jingthing]

No need really to dress for 90 day reports, at least in Pattaya. Shorts, t-shirt, and sandals would be fine. But I wouldn't dress shockingly bad either. However, if there was something dodgy about your report, back to the kowtow mode.

Shorts and sandals is shockingly bad. I feel wrong if I sit with Shorts and sandals at the beach bar. But that might be an European thing+enforced by mosquitos. I think in Bangkok I didn't left the house once with shorts and sandals.

Beach resorts are generally more relaxed in dress.

Next ...

[falkan]

next time take a picture! hahaha

[ludditeman]

Sorry, just my perception of a guy with loads of cash that ''thinks'' he's better than the natives.

You have poor reading comprehension skills, it's what they think is important that matters to them, MONEY.