"Vendors" Entering Chiang Mai Restaurants and Trying to Sell to Customers Only

[HerbalEd]

Overall I find the Thai street/beach hawkers fairly innocuous and the vast majority can be shooed away with a quick disapproving glance. For sure the Thai's are a 1000% better than in places like Egypt, Morocco, Latin America and others where, no matter how much you resist, they keep annoying you on and on and ...

What I really don't like in Thailand is the Indian watch hawkers who shove their watches in my face when I'm trying to eat my meal and/or talking with friends. I soon realized that politeness doesn't work with these creeps and I've either got to insult them or, better yet, just stare into space as though they don't exist.

And don't get me started on the sales guys outside the Indian tailor shops. 555

[HerbalEd]

I never found those mobile vendors annoying.

They too have to make a living.

Today the TV brigade complains about the mobile vendors.

Yesterday it was about a farang got overcharged for his coffee.

Let's see what's tomorrow on the menu.

That's what is enjoyable about Thaivisa, all these different posts positive or negative, besides the poster (Farang) was not overcharged for his coffee, he was undercharged. I bet your cup is always half empty.

Sounds like your's is.

[amse]

Happens all over the world, no big deal, just politely say "No" before the pitch starts.

[NoshowJones]

I never found those mobile vendors annoying.

They too have to make a living.

Today the TV brigade complains about the mobile vendors.

Yesterday it was about a farang got overcharged for his coffee.

Let's see what's tomorrow on the menu.

That's what is enjoyable about Thaivisa, all these different posts positive or negative, besides the poster (Farang) was not overcharged for his coffee, he was undercharged. I bet your cup is always half empty.

Sounds like your's is.

And just why is that?

[dunque]

There is a lady who regularly makes the rounds of a restaurant in which I often eat. She sell herbals and Viagra (no idea if either is real.) She goes from table to table, and even though I always smile and say no thanks, she always tries.

It takes me almost 1.5 seconds to smile and say 'mai aew, khrap.' She's gone.

I don't give her another thought until either the next time I see her or someone complains about this sort of thing.

In the Great Scheme of Life, this hardly constitutes a 'problem.'

I think it falls under the category 'first world problem'.

[marioc]

I come from a G7 country and back there......absolutely the same thing happen everywhere........

What's wrong with it in LOS?

[Tchooptip]

Perhaps the mobile sales people pay the restaurant so that they can harass the customers??

so that they can harass the customers??

harass the customers ...

...more than that...pester the poor farangs, badger the holiday makers, hound the brave expats, harry the customers eating alone, plague, torment he couples in love, bedevil persecute the whole famillies, bother, annoy, exasperate the old friends eating together for the first time in twenty years, worry disturb, trouble, agitate every single one in the restaurant, provoke, vex, stress out, the retirees that came in LOS to find peace, nag, chivvy, tease, bait molest, hassle, bug, give people in the restaurant a hard time, drive every one of them up the wall, round the bend to buy their pieces of trash, an absolute shame that should be rewarded maybe not by death penalty ( I am a humane person ) but by a minimum years in jail

[Mudcrab]

...but some of those blanket sales people in HH just would not give up, and just when you think you are going to enjoy a low season day at the beach...they really step up the pressure.

Only if you engage them.

Bit different to Philadelphia. Went to the ACME supermarket....man outside begging....VERY....vocal if not given some money. Everyday the same man, same thing.

Nobody moving him on but then in one of the poorest countries in the world, why would they?

[maingmoom]

I always give a small amount usually 20 baht to all disabled people. I feel very lucky that I have had a good reasonably healthy life.Unlike in western countries they receive no government help. What are they supposed to do if they don't beg for help ? Why shouldn't they be able to buy a lottery ticket once in a while and have a bit of enjoyment.

[Mudcrab]

I always give a small amount usually 20 baht to all disabled people. I feel very lucky that I have had a good reasonably healthy life.Unlike in western countries they receive no government help. What are they supposed to do if they don't beg for help ? Why shouldn't they be able to buy a lottery ticket once in a while and have a bit of enjoyment.

So do I. whats 20 baht? Anyway I think the majority of posters are from tourists locations. Where I liv it it's very rare to experience begging unless at some major market event. We often go to the Cambodian border market at Chong Chom and I always give a few Baht to the legless people. They deserve it after what the the US did and are continuing to do to them.

[mesquite]

I always give a small amount usually 20 baht to all disabled people. I feel very lucky that I have had a good reasonably healthy life.Unlike in western countries they receive no government help. What are they supposed to do if they don't beg for help ? Why shouldn't they be able to buy a lottery ticket once in a while and have a bit of enjoyment.

So do I. whats 20 baht? Anyway I think the majority of posters are from tourists locations. Where I liv it it's very rare to experience begging unless at some major market event. We often go to the Cambodian border market at Chong Chom and I always give a few Baht to the legless people. They deserve it after what the the US did and are continuing to do to them.

Maybe I wasn't clear in my original post.

The people who approached me were con artists, not beggars, and had all their limbs. They were wearing some type of phony badge and their sales pitch was in English. My response was directly to the staff, was in Thai, and consisted of much more than "mai aow." They (the con artists) both could earn money by getting real jobs if they wanted to.

I never did anything bad to them, neither did the US government. While I do have a problem with them, I have a bigger problem with the staff that allows them to enter. They only approach customers, never staff.

I now realize the appropriate response after talking to the staff would have been to contact the owner. I'm paying for a meal (or meals), not to be hit with an attempted con with the staff just standing there watching and waiting for my usual generous tip.

Edited December 31, 2013 by mesquite

[Costas2008]

Ulysses G., on 31 Dec 2013 - 11:17, said:

I don't mind too much the first time that they ask, but it really pisses me off whan they just stand there staring at you after you say no - thinking that they can guilt you into changing your mind.

You must be a very handsum man....that's why they stare at you!

[Ulysses G.]

Very amusing. They think that you will cough up the cash if they stare long enough..

Edited December 31, 2013 by Ulysses G.

[laobali]

I'd never buy or give anything to these folks. Eventually 5 or 10B to the blind guy who makes annoying noise to go away.

Actually it keeps him coming back for more. I can tolerate hawkers outside a restaurant but inside is taboo. If I pay for a meal I expect to be able to eat it in peace. Thailand or no Thailand.

You won't always get what you expect - Thailand or no Thailand!

[hawker9000]

Bouncers on the doors of all restaurants and drinking establishments, to throw the blind and lame firmly into the gutter where they belong would solve this outrageous problem that plagues us. How dare they interfere with our consumption of steaks, meat pies, F&C and no doubt copious amounts of Chang...............Can't they get good government jobs or something? Geez.

Why yes, you're so right. Actually, no reason at all why they shouldn't be allowed onto your own property and even into your home to get the handouts. What kind of a cruel-minded scrooge would seek to keep them out? Hotels are just practicing institutional cruelty keeping them out! Private property be damned; these people are poor and need our help and have a RIGHT to beg for it, any time, any place!

[uptheos]

Bloody farangs are the real pain in the arse!

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/693118-foreigners-caught-on-camera-posing-as-deaf-people-for-phuket-donations/#entry7228986

[techboy]

I believe that most of those folks really need the money. As far as a scam with the restaurant owner or employees- not. Many places do not allow the soliciting. Personally I am happy to drop a lot of change in cups and buy a lot of flowers. But my attitude when I am eating is that now its my turn and I gotta eat too so don't bug me!

[tenaceous]

Hey, You gotta give it to them! take a cool pill Dude! these people like you say are either genuine poor people or just plain scammers? if this really bothers you, you took your holiday at th wrong place,

its happenning all over the world, not just Thailand, are you that "Scroogey" that you dont offer a few Baht to make them happy? where did you come from?

Maybe I,m nuts or maybe I just go by the flow, last week my wife and I were enjoying as meal in a Thai restaurant in Pattaya when a Thai Guy rocked into our restaurant playing loud music with his eyes rolled back and limping on his right leg with a walking stick in one hand and holding a tin cup inviting donations???? after I flicked him with 200 baht he smiled and said Khob Khun Carb!!! . all of a sudden his blindness had gone, smiled and re- started his unholy music up again and started to limp on his left leg as he walked away to his next victim!!! hahaha!! I thought this was classic!!! I chased after him and asked him in Thai, Hey! is your rent due on your Ferrari and Co

Condo in richville upperclass Pattaya??......And he replied...........................Are you Tourist Police or Detective????? you gotta give them 9 out of ten for trying!! he got my 200 Baht from me but I told him I would try and get him nominated for an oscar!! his act is worth it!!

Thinking of trying the same deal in Oz when my motgage payment is due ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,hahahaha

Tenaceous

[Thighlander]

Another problem not mentioned here is that a lot of the begging is an overlay with human trafficing, especially when young kids are doing the begging. They are working a shift for someone, who possibly paid money for them. Giving them money only encourages them. Notice some of the kids are not even 10 years old, and are out at1 or 2am on school nights.

I recall a few years ago in Tempe, Arizona, I went into a Jack in the Box Restaurant and had two walk through a group of aggressive panhandlers. The girl working behind the counter said, they won't accept food, and get picked up every night at 11pm by a 40 year old man driving a Lexus.

[Ulic]

The obviously handy- capable guy (blind, missing limbs, etc...) I am an easy touch. The people with the

plasticized brochure fund raising for an orphanage, UN/ Red Cross or any such organization gets nothing but the wave off.

It is all a scam.

[minikev]

if they come do not show any interest and they should go away.if they don,t tell them to go forcefully if needed.raise your voice helps

No need to do anything other than say no , shake your head, or as you are in Thailand learn Mai ow kraap!!

Raising your voice here never helps.

[SOMeTOM]

No need to do anything other than say no , shake your head, or as you are in Thailand learn Mai ow kraap!!

Raising your voice here never helps.

Yes sure!...didn't you forgot to add that also in Thailand that wouldn't be absolutely necessary as they never happens, here is the hub of perfection and every thing it's amazing.

Give us a break!!!

[hellodolly]

No need to do anything other than say no , shake your head, or as you are in Thailand learn Mai ow kraap!!

Raising your voice here never helps.

Yes sure!...didn't you forgot to add that also in Thailand that wouldn't be absolutely necessary as they never happens, here is the hub of perfection and every thing it's amazing.

Give us a break!!!

I wonder how many of them are considered in the 99% employment rate?

[Chiengmaijoe]

'Tis the season to be jolly tra la la la la la la la la.....

Peace, love and understanding is alive and well on TVCM, I see.

Keep it up.

[SOMeTOM]

Actually, no reason at all why they shouldn't be allowed onto your own property and even into your home to get the handouts. What kind of a cruel-minded scrooge would seek to keep them out? Hotels are just practicing institutional cruelty keeping them out! Private property be damned; these people are poor and need our help and have a RIGHT to beg for it, any time, any place!

Have you ever heard of criminal gangs, mutilating people by cutting off their arms,legs,tongues, making them blind, etc.. so they can use them as money machines?

Guess who are the really f@ked up guys that keep fuelling such activities by putting money into these sick circles?

Perhaps the same people that claims everything it's okay, it happens everywhere, and can't see further then their nose tip....or maybe are involved into it, so if there is an interest you can easily understand on why they keep on to deny reality.

Have a look here or just do your own research on the practice of cutting limbs for profit

http://www.crin.org/resources/infodetail.asp?ID=28064

[mizztraveller]

You get it in many countries,its worse in Cambodia and Bali. I've been approached at least 50 times by sunglasses sellers, I'm bored at saying no thanks so now I don't acknowledge them at all and that's the best, they leave straight away

In Cambodia , if you say 'no thanks', they'll frequently ask you 'why not?'

Sent from my GT-I8552 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[hawker9000]

Actually, no reason at all why they shouldn't be allowed onto your own property and even into your home to get the handouts. What kind of a cruel-minded scrooge would seek to keep them out? Hotels are just practicing institutional cruelty keeping them out! Private property be damned; these people are poor and need our help and have a RIGHT to beg for it, any time, any place!

Have you ever heard of criminal gangs, mutilating people by cutting off their arms,legs,tongues, making them blind, etc.. so they can use them as money machines?

Guess who are the really f@ked up guys that keep fuelling such activities by putting money into these sick circles?

Perhaps the same people that claims everything it's okay, it happens everywhere, and can't see further then their nose tip....or maybe are involved into it, so if there is an interest you can easily understand on why they keep on to deny reality.

Have a look here or just do your own research on the practice of cutting limbs for profit

http://www.crin.org/resources/infodetail.asp?ID=28064

<sigh> Have you ever heard of sarcasm?

[Chiengmaijoe]

Actually, no reason at all why they shouldn't be allowed onto your own property and even into your home to get the handouts. What kind of a cruel-minded scrooge would seek to keep them out? Hotels are just practicing institutional cruelty keeping them out! Private property be damned; these people are poor and need our help and have a RIGHT to beg for it, any time, any place!

Have you ever heard of criminal gangs, mutilating people by cutting off their arms,legs,tongues, making them blind, etc.. so they can use them as money machines?

Guess who are the really f@ked up guys that keep fuelling such activities by putting money into these sick circles?

Perhaps the same people that claims everything it's okay, it happens everywhere, and can't see further then their nose tip....or maybe are involved into it, so if there is an interest you can easily understand on why they keep on to deny reality.

Have a look here or just do your own research on the practice of cutting limbs for profit

http://www.crin.org/resources/infodetail.asp?ID=28064

There are criminal gangs involved in all kinds of activity but that doesn't make everyone a criminal. If you haven't got the sense to figure the genuine from the scammers and want to spend your life distrusting everyone, that's up to you. Personally , I'll continue to give small amounts to those I feel are genuine and have the satisfaction of doing a little to ease somebody's woes.

Your view that everyone is a scammer is quite normal for some expats, but with a little bit of therapy it can be cured, so there's hope for you yet. It won't be easy, but the rewards are worth the effort.

[hawker9000]

Bouncers on the doors of all restaurants and drinking establishments, to throw the blind and lame firmly into the gutter where they belong would solve this outrageous problem that plagues us. How dare they interfere with our consumption of steaks, meat pies, F&C and no doubt copious amounts of Chang...............Can't they get good government jobs or something? Geez.

Why yes, you're so right. Actually, no reason at all why they shouldn't be allowed onto your own property and even into your home to get the handouts. What kind of a cruel-minded scrooge would seek to keep them out? Hotels are just practicing institutional cruelty keeping them out! Private property be damned; these people are poor and need our help and have a RIGHT to beg for it, any time, any place!

ROFL. Am amazed that anyone would miss my sarcasm and actually "agree" that beggars actually have the "right" to enter even your home to beg. What lunacy. Restaurants are private property and beggars have no right to be there. If the owner/operator/manager/server isn't going to do anything about it that's their choice, but they get no more of my business, negative reviews & recommendations, and no tip. No big deal; plenty of other dining choices.

[mesquite]

Apparently farangs are running some cons of their own here in Thailand:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/693118-foreigners-caught-on-camera-posing-as-deaf-people-for-phuket-donations/?utm_source=newsletter-20140101-0824&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news

Edited January 1, 2014 by mesquite