Yeah, if I don't want a bag I wave my hand and say no, same with the sissy-stick.

Maybe these guys having trouble speak Thai...

If your not using the bags can I have them please?....can never get enough of them.

Plenty old bags in Pattaya beach road, try there.

Why not empty the bags and leave them there?

Massive loss of face to thai cashier.

I've never had an issue with saying I don't want plastic bags.

You guys always try to push this "loss of face thing too far""

I always get a smile and an admiring look whenever I refuse plastic bags; never a look of consternation or annoyance.

I say things like "tong raksa sing wet lom" (have to protect the environment) and "lok rawn" (global warming).

Thais have a growing awareness of climate change, and we all can set a good example by showing individual initiative and responsibility.

While it is total unsure if there is a global warming at all, but even if you believe it how do plastic bags contribute to it?

It takes a huge amount of oil to make plastic. If you don't believe there is global warming you have your head up your backside. Overwhelming evidence.

Why not empty the bags and leave them there?

Massive loss of face to thai cashier.

Loss of face for a 19 year old clerk, or loss of environment...your choice I guess.

Two hints

:

1) that Thai smile doesn't really mean she wants you.

,2) If you don't talk down to her and treat her like an idiot' she doesn't lose any face.

I don't think I have ever offended anyone by declining a bag.