Had enough of Swadee khrap/Kha.

[thejcb]

I love that they're all basically complaining that people say 'hello' to them too often.

This place is hilarious sometimes.

Yet another intelligent response from the oracle. The know all of everything Thai

[SoiBiker]

Er, do I know you?

[jaywalker]

I print out a picture of what I want from the internet and give it to the first salesperson that approaches me. Then I follow them around!

Been there done that & half the time they will still say "Mai mee" without a clue.

I even took the real thing in with me, which was an air tool fitting to HomePro in BKK once. Mai mee......I thought to myself BS!

I walked 3 aisles over & found it, then took it back to show the retard they actually DID have it.

[orpheus454]

Yep, fair enough, I hate that too.

What irritates me more, though, is that the days are the same length all year round.

I think Thailand should have much longer days in the summer, and shorter ones in the summer, just like at home.

Try asking the Thai people about it, though. They just look at you funny and walk off muttering in Thai.

I think most of them would like to fix it, but they'd lose face by admitting our farang daylight system is better.

It's all about face, here...

[orpheus454]

Thai Watsadu Buriram - yesterday afternoon - I was probably the only visible customer/

It was a continuous Sawasdi kha/khrap.

I wanted some special nails. Approached 4 lads, sitting around with nothing to do. Asked in Thai where the nails were. All pointed in the same direction. Eventually found the nails (not what I wanted) in a totally different location.

Went to pay for my 3 purchases. 1 cash desk open 4 people in the queue!!!!!

The big stores could easily cut their prices by 5-10% if they got rid of many of the unnecessary staff who know bugger all anyway!

Reminds me of a post on here once about nails. No have in the tray, popular size and type so bloke asks assistant if they have any, kid runs off. No they don't have any, bloke asks when they will be getting some more in, kids runs off again. Not ordering any more- they sell out too fast! Don't know if it was true, but it does have a certain ring of truth here.

I am sure this is a true story. The local noodle shop enjoyed a roaring trade when they started selling Marlboro cigarettes to all the farangs that were sick of Thai brands. This lasted only a week until they got tired of constantly having to re-stock. They were selling them at a decent profit but apparently too lazy to go to the supermarket every day and evidently too stupid to think of buying more than a half-day's supply at a time. Amazing Thailand.

Racist crap.

[klfopera]

I have found just simply ignoring them works a treat

No stress, just walk in, get what I need and go pay for it.

I always do that but sometimes they follow you around so i then tell them to go away. I was once followed in a well known shoe shop by an assistant holding a shoe and pointing at it saying 'shoe' When you DO actually want some help there is strangely nobody about or they do not have the answer.

Jackuy54 gets it exactly right. Situations like this are when I get what I call my "Thai moments." I lose my cool and start screaming: I KNOW ITS A SHOE. Why do you think I don't know its a shoe? So I lose face and feel like crap.

[uptheos]

There are a large percentage of Thai customers that actually demand this attention and will happily keep talking for hours regarding a light switch or a bulb, asking to see many different varieties. If they are not given immediate attention then often a complaint will be lodged, which can mean dismissal from the job, because as was said earlier they are trained to sell and serve.

[orpheus454]

I do feel uncomfortable if I go into a small retail shop and am closely 'shadowed' by a member of staff. I like to be able to browse in my own time and not feel intimidated or pressured, perhaps 'intimidated' is too strong a word, and I can imagine some calling me a 'wuss' for feeling that way when its probably only a young female assistant. I know she is probably only doing her job, and I am feeling this way because having lived in the UK for most of my 68 years its something I'm not used to. But it still makes me feel uncomfortable and usually I leave the shop much sooner than I would and without making a purchase. Another reason is that if I was 'shadowed' the same way in the UK I'd get the feeling that it was thought I was trying to steal something, and I can't help the fact that I get the same feeling here too. No doubt some smart a"rse will suggest I must have a guilty conscience.

If I go into Homepro, yes many assistants 'greet' me, but usually I know what I want and just smile at them as I pass on my way to the tool or electrical department.

What does 'get' me here, is being unable to sometimes get the simplest of items you can buy almost anywhere 'back home'. For example:, we purchased a kettle not long ago, when the kettle was plugged in some 'arcing' must have been taking place as after a couple of months I noticed one of the 'pins' on the plug had been half burnt away. Could I find a replacement plug - no, I could find one that was quite large, but if fitted would not allow access to the adjacent outlet on the double socket. Now back in the UK if I wanted to replace a plug on an electrical item, any builders merchant, electrical shop, or £1 shop would sell me a 13 amp 3pin plug. Here I just want to replace the damaged 2 pin slim plug on my kettle, but can I find one - no. To be honest after being here years the list for simple things like this that you can't get is quite extensive.

In the last few days I've attempted to purchase a pair of wireless headphones so my partner can watch TV without being disturbed by me if I'm using our other TV (Either to watch TV or as my computer monitor). 25 years ago I bought a set of these for my father in the UK, can I find any here - no. Yes they do have wireless headphones, but not ones that have a small 'unit' that plugs into theTV's audio outlet and sends a signal to the headphones, now everything appears to have to have a USB socket before you can use such an item. However if any Thai Visa member knows where I can get the type I want, I'd be happy to hear from you

Wuss...!

[Jonde]

Guys, it's part of the service mentality. I do understand that people don't want to be stalked.

Pretty simple: Sawadee or smile back, that's it. Or don't.. That's it, go on with your shopping tour.

Personally, I do find that a bit "awkward" to find a nest full of employees who have nothing much to do. But should I worry about it? No... Will I let this "drag" me down? Hell no! It's very simple. If you are too annoyed by the staff, go and do your own thing and find the particular stuff you want in the first place. Try different places and bring some time with you to look around. The shop assistants are there to assist and like in many cases, (I've been in many countries) there is staff with zero clue, zero motivation and what not. However, there are also many who are willing to help.

My point is, don't let this bug or bother you too much! You know the service culture and the hordes of service people- either doing their job or not. Although I do have some expectations, I just literally do my own thing, smiling back and looking around for what I need. If they insist to ask or help, I politely say thank you, I'm just looking around and go on with my life.

Here are a few POSITIVE examples:

At MARKO mall: I was looking for a multi electric socket. I showed him the picture on my mobile phone. He said the department number and showed me the direction. Done! Thank you!

At some unidentifiable hospital which looks like a hotel: I asked that young fair skinned Thai male where the checkout is- asked him confused .. like 2-3 times. That place was huge. He tried his best to explain in English and he went out of the front desk and he politely guided me to that place! Done! Thank you!

Random electronic stall at MBK: I was asking for the specifications of a particular phone. Hell, yes. I even did use the word "specification" and made them clear, that I wanted more data, i.e RAM, GB, etc.

Guess what? They googled around and they found a prospect in their shelves. That's it. Done! Thank you!

Random Pharmacy: I asked that dude if they had some chewable motion-sickness gums, like the ones in Germany and USA. He didn't understand me- ok. He gave me a paper sheet to let me write down the ingredient or stuff. After that he knew it and told me that they have no such thing. Done! Thank you!

At Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Maybe it's my appearance, suit or aura?! I had no clue about formulas and waiting queues. I was lost. The lady talked to me in Thai, because I look Asian. I replied I'm dangchaat etc. And I felt like I was given a VIP treatment par excellence. The lady told me step by step what to write down and where to go next. I got treated very well! Done! Thank you!

I'm still appalled by the friendliness. Maybe it's due to the fact that I'm Asian?! Or of Thai decent. But as soon as I approach them in English, world turns upside down. I'm clearly not a white boy.

At Central Pinklao: I was buying a nice white business shirt. Well, Asian sizes are completely different, so I took the one size. The lady escorted me to the changing room and waited outside. I tried it on and then I told her I would need a bigger size- she <deleted> brought it and I was amazingly impressed. She wasn't too pushy or anything. She just did her job! Then she escorted me to the cashier. Well done! Thank you!

I do have however one let's say minor incidence. That event took place at MBK. Me, as always walking around with a big ass smile on my mf face. Then I just took a look at some watches. Ok, don't like them- go on. Guess what?! The grandma, aka the seller left an unfriendly note by saying in Thai "pfff just smiles" with an attitude like "that son of b*tch keeps just looking but not buying". I walked like 5-8m away from the stall then I walked back, because I felt incredibly pissed, how such thing could ruin my smile. So I went back and spoke in Thai "excuse me Mam, I do understand Thai" and looked at her very madly. The other shop owner nearby also looked. Grandma replied "I was just saying you're only smiling" while not looking into my face. I think she lost her face and I did not see her since. Really!

The last thing I did was turn around and say in a mildly voice "get the hell outta here" in English.

[pilotp]

Costas next time have some fun-

I go with my wife, shes from Vietnam and doesn't speak Thai- yet- and every body thinks shes a Thai shopping with the Farang. So the $$ sign goes up.

The assistants chase her around the shop like a sheep dog, which annoys her dreadfully

That's where the fun comes in - my 'job' is to play the blocker and get in between the assistant and her. The reaction is hilarious, they talk over my shoulder to my wife, whom doesn't understand anyway and try to go around me to get to her, even dodging around another aisle - only to find me anticipating the move and blocking the pathway again.

My wife has a lovely time browsing at whatever in peace.

Then the reverse happens when I go to the store for what I need - she plays blocker

Its a load of fun.

But I must agree - the staff assisting shoppers need training in their own products, same as any other profession. If they don't know and cant tell me about something they should know - then I ask for their boss to come and assist - its a great learning tool for the staff member as the loss of face is between the staff and not between me and the staff.

Try the blocking game next time and have fun - cheers

[finnomick]

I simply walk out. For information, it's even worse in China, where I also walk out. I've talked to many Chinese people on this - they hate it, too.

Yeah - in China they're not afraid to touch or try and hook your arm....steer you.....

...and those Indian tailors who try and shake your hand as you are passing their shop. Don't be fooled by this one cos they never let go if you offer your hand. If I see any of them loitering, I just put my hands in my pockets

[finnomick]

I think the stores should change their system of staff attendees. Line them all up at the entrance and let the customer pick the one they wish to follow them.......

I hate going into IQ in Buriram, there's this wide shouldered ladyboy who heads straight for all the foreign customers even if they have their wives with them. There are other stores but for some items it is necessary to shop at IQ. I reckon that ladyboy is or used to be a scrum-forward. The thought makes me shudder

[recom273]

Maybe these guys can never win ..

I was at Homepro at the weekend wanting some assistance and the guy was more interested in chatting on LINE.

A few F's were issued and he realised I meant business.

[HerbalEd]

Well, since you "love and enjoy living in Thailand" so much, then take the bad with the good. I gotta feeling no matter where you live you'll find something to rant about.

[maynard420]

Just say No Thank You in Thai. Mai ow kap.

Wow, you complain like a little girl, i have lived in LOS for 15 years and have never had a problem with it, first time they ask, say No thank you politely and then they will leave you alone.

Now take of your skirt and man up.

Peace.

WB.

[AYJAYDEE]

my opinion is that is must be awful getting up every morning knowing that you will be once again pissing and moaning about so many day to day occurences. And I feel sorry for those who must also get up every morning and spend time in the company of such a complainer.

[nycjoe]

Start talking to them in Spanish. "If you can't dazzle them with your brilliance, baffle them with your bull,,,,"

[thrilled]

I never get bothered.I dress somewhat like A bum.Maybe you dress like you have money.

[ukguyinthai]

I was in a motorbike shop today, a girl assistant came towards me. looking at me whilst on her mobile phone talking to a friend. I stood there for 3 mins waiting for her to end the call .She kept looking at me then looking away, in a manner that if she was not looking directly at me, then I couldn’t see her anymore. Every time she looked at me, she looked away with a strained look on her face as if “god is he still there”

Having plenty of time on my hands I thought I would torture her further, by staying very still and staring at her calmly and intensely for another 2 mins waiting for some attention.

I broke my silence by asking the price of a bike, still talking on the phone she grabbed a book and started thumbing through it for a price. Still with the same strained look, and massively inconvenienced look on her face.

I then advanced her to turning on the ignitions of every difficult to reach motor bikes in the showroom, to give me the kilometer readings. She did all this still on the phone. I then asked her politely and with a smile, to see the green books of 2 bikes and provide me with all the service details and written details of the guarantee they offer. I really thought her head was going to explode with the obvious contempt of serving me. As she turned to go into the office, still on the mobile, I turned and left. (Quite entertained for a change)

The point of my story is Thailand seems to be at both the extremes when it comes to servicing customers. Mainly bad service or annoyingly over the top.

[rct99q]

walk into Home Hardware 11:23am looking for some paint (custom tint) . Nobody around. 12:0pm along comes a Philippino ask me can I help you? Need some paint mixed. Where is everybody? He says "I start at twelve, no people want to work here, dont pay enough. ". Turns oyt he is on A foreign work permit and no local people will work for $13/hour. Soon most foreign workers will go home as visas expire. At that moment I would dearly have loved to have had 20 workers bugging me fir help!

This morning standing in line local coffee shop, maybe 15 ir 20 people waiting. Behind counter 1 Somali and 1 person of Soyth American area. Running front counter and drive thru. Ask people in line if like this everyday. Yep, oil boom town, no locals will work for service wages. Grocery stores, restaurants, small local businesses all hurting no workers. I am making $32/hour but is considered below average for the area. Businesses open 6-8 hours a day, gas stations, hardware stores, even local 7/11closes between midnight and 7am, why? No workers! So becareful what you may wish for. Extra staff wandering buggjng me, gladly. Can't find someone to pour me a cup if coffee for 30 minutes?!?!

[AYJAYDEE]

walk into Home Hardware 11:23am looking for some paint (custom tint) . Nobody around. 12:0pm along comes a Philippino ask me can I help you? Need some paint mixed. Where is everybody? He says "I start at twelve, no people want to work here, dont pay enough. ". Turns oyt he is on A foreign work permit and no local people will work for $13/hour. Soon most foreign workers will go home as visas expire. At that moment I would dearly have loved to have had 20 workers bugging me fir help!

This morning standing in line local coffee shop, maybe 15 ir 20 people waiting. Behind counter 1 Somali and 1 person of Soyth American area. Running front counter and drive thru. Ask people in line if like this everyday. Yep, oil boom town, no locals will work for service wages. Grocery stores, restaurants, small local businesses all hurting no workers. I am making $32/hour but is considered below average for the area. Businesses open 6-8 hours a day, gas stations, hardware stores, even local 7/11closes between midnight and 7am, why? No workers! So becareful what you may wish for. Extra staff wandering buggjng me, gladly. Can't find someone to pour me a cup if coffee for 30 minutes?!?!

lol! alberta or north dakota??

[Rooo]

I would write a letter to all major companies not to harass a skirt wearing man walking about saying Sawadee Khrap to himself.

My heart is bleeding for you, the mental anguish they put you through. At least you have a shoulder to cry on with all the compassionat members here.

On that note moved to PUB.

Sir, may I draw your attention to the footnote of my posts?

Don't wish it to you.........but you never know............

Sir this is the wrong quotation, but then camels & a Hippaletryon have no physical similarities but alas hygiene traits are similar.

The saying goes:

May A Flee Infected Camel Give Birth In Your Bed.

[benalibina]

Personally i always liked to hear the stewardesses of Nok Air say 10 times a minute.......Kha kha....

[AYJAYDEE]

Yep, fair enough, I hate that too.

What irritates me more, though, is that the days are the same length all year round.

I think Thailand should have much longer days in the summer, and shorter ones in the summer, just like at home.

Try asking the Thai people about it, though. They just look at you funny and walk off muttering in Thai.

I think most of them would like to fix it, but they'd lose face by admitting our farang daylight system is better.

It's all about face, here...

so you figure daylight saving would be a big benefit in thailand? do tell.

[Docno]

Wait until you walk into a Japanese restaurant and all the staff literally shout at you, "SHIMASEI!!!" (welcome) ... You''ll miss the gentle 'sawasdees' then

[Keesters]

Kind of agree with the OP but not so sure I'd make a thread about it.

As for my best peeve of sales assistants is those girls at the wine department who shove a bottle of the most expensive wine in your face saying "this one good". "Why?" I ask "When did you last drink some?" "Never" comes the start of the silly reply. "I don't like wine. But it's soooo expensive it has to be good".

[bkkcanuck8]

Kind of agree with the OP but not so sure I'd make a thread about it.

As for my best peeve of sales assistants is those girls at the wine department who shove a bottle of the most expensive wine in your face saying "this one good". "Why?" I ask "When did you last drink some?" "Never" comes the start of the silly reply. "I don't like wine. But it's soooo expensive it has to be good".

expensive = good : It is actually a quite common way to shop for wine in North America.... (majority). Expensive only really relates to supply vs demand

[Keesters]

Kind of agree with the OP but not so sure I'd make a thread about it.

As for my best peeve of sales assistants is those girls at the wine department who shove a bottle of the most expensive wine in your face saying "this one good". "Why?" I ask "When did you last drink some?" "Never" comes the start of the silly reply. "I don't like wine. But it's soooo expensive it has to be good".

expensive = good : It is actually a quite common way to shop for wine in North America.... (majority). Expensive only really relates to supply vs demand

Sorry but expensive <> good. Expensive = high-priced and IMO cannot be a measure of quality. I've had wines that tasted far better than other wine costing far more. And I'm pretty sure that in North America any wine salesperson would have dunk at least one glass of wine before getting the job.

[AYJAYDEE]

Kind of agree with the OP but not so sure I'd make a thread about it.

As for my best peeve of sales assistants is those girls at the wine department who shove a bottle of the most expensive wine in your face saying "this one good". "Why?" I ask "When did you last drink some?" "Never" comes the start of the silly reply. "I don't like wine. But it's soooo expensive it has to be good".

expensive = good : It is actually a quite common way to shop for wine in North America.... (majority). Expensive only really relates to supply vs demand

Sorry but expensive <> good. Expensive = high-priced and IMO cannot be a measure of quality. I've had wines that tasted far better than other wine costing far more. And I'm pretty sure that in North America any wine salesperson would have dunk at least one glass of wine before getting the job.

perhaps you should order your wine in north america

[bkkcanuck8]

Kind of agree with the OP but not so sure I'd make a thread about it.

As for my best peeve of sales assistants is those girls at the wine department who shove a bottle of the most expensive wine in your face saying "this one good". "Why?" I ask "When did you last drink some?" "Never" comes the start of the silly reply. "I don't like wine. But it's soooo expensive it has to be good".

expensive = good : It is actually a quite common way to shop for wine in North America.... (majority). Expensive only really relates to supply vs demand

Sorry but expensive <> good. Expensive = high-priced and IMO cannot be a measure of quality. I've had wines that tasted far better than other wine costing far more. And I'm pretty sure that in North America any wine salesperson would have dunk at least one glass of wine before getting the job.

In many cases that glass came out of a box