Good service from any company?

[FracturedRabbit]

Big Camera Pattaya. Always good service; but when a camera I had purchased from them developed a fault; one of the staff took it on a bus to Bangkok, made Olympus replace the faulty part immediately, and had it back in my hands the same day.

http://www.pattayadays.com/2013/11/now-thats-what-i-call-service/

[manarak]

Do what Thais do, just let it go ......

And thats the reason service is so bad. They dont/are afraid to complain. This face thing causes thais to put up with all kinds of problems instead of complaining.

Constructive criticism is unheard of.

Err, no. Not all of them.

I once participated in an academic workshop in a luxury hotel near Cha Am. We were only a couple of westerners invited, all others mostly Thais and a few other Asians. The dinner was supposed to the festive event and indeed, it wasn't bad. Well, sure, they were a few glitches: food not prepared as well as expected or being served a bit late, incorrect drinks brought etc. Both us "farangs" were quite ready to put up with this given the relaxed atmosphere. However, much to my surprise the organizer of the workshop, a Thai lady professor in the university, started complaining very loudly, calling the waiters and telling them things that I could not catch but that made them instantly sweat, turn red faced and flee walking backwards, bent and mumbling apologies. After a while a manager of the hotel came and he was almost insulted in front of us.

Quite an embarrassment. Probably not typical thai reaction I concur, but in several occasions in restaurants I've seen Thais being very aggressive to waiters when things aren't up to their expectations.

This is how so called hi-so Thais behave and that is also how they are successful in getting what they want, i.e. good quality, and are often successful in their businesses.

It's difficult for foreigners to attain the same level of commanding authority.

[Thian]

The problem is stupid defamation law, they all shiiite in their pants to publish and complain about anything ! Foreigners included !

Been here over 10 years, can count on one hand the amount of "bad" service incidents that I can re-call.

I also think its not that Thais tolerate it, they dont, they just seldom verbalise it, but vote with their feet and wallet and just wont go there or use it again, which has become my preferred course of action since living here.

On tripadvisor website you can just name and shame them. Also you can compliment them there.

I agree the level of service in restaurants is very bad. I prefer buffet restaurants now or i cook myself.

For Western style kitchens you need a farang to install it, Thai have never ever seen a kitchen like that.

[chrisandsu]

Just had a pretty bad experience with a kitchen installation company - a major, well-known name. That left me wondering whether there was any company in Thailand that offers good service (that's good service by western standards). I really struggle to think of even one (apart from the 5* hotels).

I also wonder why Thai people are so willing to put up with service that is indifferent at best. A few days ago I went for a birthday celebration to a pretty expensive restaurant specialising in raw oysters and such. There was a 20 minute delay before the first starter arrived after ordering. I received my main course moments before my starter arrived, and my partner's main course arrived 25 minutes after we'd both finished the other three dishes. Plus the food was very mediocre and the price totally unjustifiable. Over a thousand baht for 4 small pieces of overcooked and tough lobster between two slices of bread, some frozen fries and a small salad (and that's before tax and [barely existent] "service"). Ludicrous.

Please restore my faith in Thai service and mention a few companies here that consistently provide exceptional service.

Such trivial things to complain about!! if you pay peanuts you get monkeys ! In the west you pay top dollar to get a top service . It's that simple . Just live and let live

[Don Mega]

Apart from stupidly losing the rights to the Premier League, Truevisions provide an efficient service with good customer support in English.

Cancelled my contract with them a month or so ago. Haven't watched their programming for 3 or 4 years. The box was just gathering dust. Far too many repeats, long after broadcast in the original countries. Frequent, pointless renumbering of channels.

Even with removing the dish, they failed to turn up on the appointed day.

A few years ago my box broke. They didn't come to pick it up. I had to go quite a long way to the local service centre to get a replacement. They didn't mention I also had to bring the handset (which wasn't broken). So, that was two round trips.

And have you tried to use the TV schedule on their website? I haven't used it recently, but for years it was completely unusable.

So, not even close to good service in my opinion.

You have not watched for 3 to 4 years and yet you only just cancel your contract, also how did you know the box was broke if you have not watched ?

As for good service my most recent was getting a replacement number plate for the car, I lodged the paperwork about 2 months ago and still not received the numberplate..... annoys me not end when the police keep giving me tickets for the missing plate.

[AyG]

Apart from stupidly losing the rights to the Premier League, Truevisions provide an efficient service with good customer support in English.

Cancelled my contract with them a month or so ago. Haven't watched their programming for 3 or 4 years. The box was just gathering dust. Far too many repeats, long after broadcast in the original countries. Frequent, pointless renumbering of channels.

Even with removing the dish, they failed to turn up on the appointed day.

A few years ago my box broke. They didn't come to pick it up. I had to go quite a long way to the local service centre to get a replacement. They didn't mention I also had to bring the handset (which wasn't broken). So, that was two round trips.

And have you tried to use the TV schedule on their website? I haven't used it recently, but for years it was completely unusable.

So, not even close to good service in my opinion.

You have not watched for 3 to 4 years and yet you only just cancel your contract, also how did you know the box was broke if you have not watched ?

Uh, I wrote "a few years ago my box broke". It was more than 4 years ago that happened.

[jonw8uk]

B-Quik is OK...

I beg to differ. Four hour wait for a simple tyre change.

Actually, it was one hour for the actual tyre change, then a further 3 hours before they were able to produce the bill.

went to B-Quick on Ratchada with a punctured tyre in the boot, and the space saver spare on.

The puncture was repairable.

Did it for FREE, fitted wheel back on, and checked pressures all around.

Wouldn't accept a tip (not allowed)

Excellent service, I'll be a return customer for sure

[kannot]

I think I am extremely lucky!

When we constructed our house, all went too smooth.

Contractors had pride in their work especially the tilers.

photos? and your level of "good" as mine may be different

I do not own a camera. My definition of 'good' commences with excellent! As good as any I've seen in a western country. Further, my father was a builder.

means nothing

[kannot]

Just had a pretty bad experience with a kitchen installation company - a major, well-known name. That left me wondering whether there was any company in Thailand that offers good service (that's good service by western standards). I really struggle to think of even one (apart from the 5* hotels).

I also wonder why Thai people are so willing to put up with service that is indifferent at best. A few days ago I went for a birthday celebration to a pretty expensive restaurant specialising in raw oysters and such. There was a 20 minute delay before the first starter arrived after ordering. I received my main course moments before my starter arrived, and my partner's main course arrived 25 minutes after we'd both finished the other three dishes. Plus the food was very mediocre and the price totally unjustifiable. Over a thousand baht for 4 small pieces of overcooked and tough lobster between two slices of bread, some frozen fries and a small salad (and that's before tax and [barely existent] "service"). Ludicrous.

Please restore my faith in Thai service and mention a few companies here that consistently provide exceptional service.

Such trivial things to complain about!! if you pay peanuts you get monkeys ! In the west you pay top dollar to get a top service . It's that simple . Just live and let live

Hmmmmmmmm I dont think so you can pay top dollar as the guy said for his kitchen and still got crap service, more money does not always mean better service by a long way, it seems folk are either good or no good at their job regardless of cost.

[Don Mega]

Apart from stupidly losing the rights to the Premier League, Truevisions provide an efficient service with good customer support in English.

Cancelled my contract with them a month or so ago. Haven't watched their programming for 3 or 4 years. The box was just gathering dust. Far too many repeats, long after broadcast in the original countries. Frequent, pointless renumbering of channels.

Even with removing the dish, they failed to turn up on the appointed day.

A few years ago my box broke. They didn't come to pick it up. I had to go quite a long way to the local service centre to get a replacement. They didn't mention I also had to bring the handset (which wasn't broken). So, that was two round trips.

And have you tried to use the TV schedule on their website? I haven't used it recently, but for years it was completely unusable.

So, not even close to good service in my opinion.

You have not watched for 3 to 4 years and yet you only just cancel your contract, also how did you know the box was broke if you have not watched ?

Uh, I wrote "a few years ago my box broke". It was more than 4 years ago that happened.

Ahhh ok, my bad.

Did not realise a "few" is "more than 4".

[AyG]

Just had a pretty bad experience with a kitchen installation company - a major, well-known name. That left me wondering whether there was any company in Thailand that offers good service (that's good service by western standards). I really struggle to think of even one (apart from the 5* hotels).

I also wonder why Thai people are so willing to put up with service that is indifferent at best. A few days ago I went for a birthday celebration to a pretty expensive restaurant specialising in raw oysters and such. There was a 20 minute delay before the first starter arrived after ordering. I received my main course moments before my starter arrived, and my partner's main course arrived 25 minutes after we'd both finished the other three dishes. Plus the food was very mediocre and the price totally unjustifiable. Over a thousand baht for 4 small pieces of overcooked and tough lobster between two slices of bread, some frozen fries and a small salad (and that's before tax and [barely existent] "service"). Ludicrous.

Please restore my faith in Thai service and mention a few companies here that consistently provide exceptional service.

Such trivial things to complain about!! if you pay peanuts you get monkeys ! In the west you pay top dollar to get a top service . It's that simple . Just live and let live

Except I wasn't paying peanuts. The kitchen was an expensive European import. And I don't think anybody would consider 1,000 baht for a mediocre sandwich peanuts even by western standards. That's roughly double what one would pay for a (probably more generous) lobster roll in America.

[chrisandsu]

Just had a pretty bad experience with a kitchen installation company - a major, well-known name. That left me wondering whether there was any company in Thailand that offers good service (that's good service by western standards). I really struggle to think of even one (apart from the 5* hotels).

I also wonder why Thai people are so willing to put up with service that is indifferent at best. A few days ago I went for a birthday celebration to a pretty expensive restaurant specialising in raw oysters and such. There was a 20 minute delay before the first starter arrived after ordering. I received my main course moments before my starter arrived, and my partner's main course arrived 25 minutes after we'd both finished the other three dishes. Plus the food was very mediocre and the price totally unjustifiable. Over a thousand baht for 4 small pieces of overcooked and tough lobster between two slices of bread, some frozen fries and a small salad (and that's before tax and [barely existent] "service"). Ludicrous.

Please restore my faith in Thai service and mention a few companies here that consistently provide exceptional service.

Such trivial things to complain about!! if you pay peanuts you get monkeys ! In the west you pay top dollar to get a top service . It's that simple . Just live and let live

Hmmmmmmmm I dont think so you can pay top dollar as the guy said for his kitchen and still got crap service, more money does not always mean better service by a long way, it seems folk are either good or no good at their job regardless of cost.

Or he could

Be one of those people that nothing or no one could please and likes to moan about everything ?

[kannot]

Just had a pretty bad experience with a kitchen installation company - a major, well-known name. That left me wondering whether there was any company in Thailand that offers good service (that's good service by western standards). I really struggle to think of even one (apart from the 5* hotels).

I also wonder why Thai people are so willing to put up with service that is indifferent at best. A few days ago I went for a birthday celebration to a pretty expensive restaurant specialising in raw oysters and such. There was a 20 minute delay before the first starter arrived after ordering. I received my main course moments before my starter arrived, and my partner's main course arrived 25 minutes after we'd both finished the other three dishes. Plus the food was very mediocre and the price totally unjustifiable. Over a thousand baht for 4 small pieces of overcooked and tough lobster between two slices of bread, some frozen fries and a small salad (and that's before tax and [barely existent] "service"). Ludicrous.

Please restore my faith in Thai service and mention a few companies here that consistently provide exceptional service.

Such trivial things to complain about!! if you pay peanuts you get monkeys ! In the west you pay top dollar to get a top service . It's that simple . Just live and let live

Hmmmmmmmm I dont think so you can pay top dollar as the guy said for his kitchen and still got crap service, more money does not always mean better service by a long way, it seems folk are either good or no good at their job regardless of cost.

Or he could

Be one of those people that nothing or no one could please and likes to moan about everything ?

Unlike some who will accept any old crap eh I think he has EVERY right to complain

[CMHomeboy78]

They all are mediocre, even working on a 20 million baht condo or house, it's hopeless !

The situation is only hopeless if you're clueless.

Agreed, the ordinary tradesmen are mediocre - but what else would you expect for 300 baht per day?

If you are willing to pay 500 baht you can get skilled craftsmen whose work is equal to, or better than, their counterparts in western countries.

For a long time I've been doing renovations and additions to the houses we've lived in and several rental properties that my wife owns. I do almost all of the carpentry work myself, but hire masons, electricians, plumbers etc. when needed. My experiences with them have been, for the most part, very good.

A total condemnation of Thais who work in the building trades is unfair and inaccurate and shouldn't go unchallenged.

I beg to differ, I would be relatively happy with mediocre tradesmen ! (mediocre means "average").

There might be some who are good, but the vast majority of tradesmen here are about on the same level as "do it yourself learnt from internet", minus the thought before action.

From about 20 tradesmen I used so far, about 3 were okay, among which one is a Westerner and another actually just ordered people around, 2 were mediocre and the rest were just purely useless.

Obviously, your experiences have been different from mine.

There is no question that highly skilled workers in the building trades exist in Thailand. That fact is self-evident from the many fine examples of traditional Thai houses, to the ostentatious mansions of the newly rich.

The complaints of so many farangs that they are unable to hire competent workmen are perennial.

Problems for newcomers can be overcome by learning from the experience of those who have lived here long enough to understand how things are done.

You can indeed get good and capable people to work for you, but there's a right way, a wrong way, and a Thai way to go about it.

If you don't listen to the advice of farangs who have been here a while, you will get lessons from Thais that you won't forget anytime soon.

[kannot]

They all are mediocre, even working on a 20 million baht condo or house, it's hopeless !

The situation is only hopeless if you're clueless.

Agreed, the ordinary tradesmen are mediocre - but what else would you expect for 300 baht per day?

If you are willing to pay 500 baht you can get skilled craftsmen whose work is equal to, or better than, their counterparts in western countries.

For a long time I've been doing renovations and additions to the houses we've lived in and several rental properties that my wife owns. I do almost all of the carpentry work myself, but hire masons, electricians, plumbers etc. when needed. My experiences with them have been, for the most part, very good.

A total condemnation of Thais who work in the building trades is unfair and inaccurate and shouldn't go unchallenged.

I beg to differ, I would be relatively happy with mediocre tradesmen ! (mediocre means "average").

There might be some who are good, but the vast majority of tradesmen here are about on the same level as "do it yourself learnt from internet", minus the thought before action.

From about 20 tradesmen I used so far, about 3 were okay, among which one is a Westerner and another actually just ordered people around, 2 were mediocre and the rest were just purely useless.

Obviously, your experiences have been different from mine.

There is no question that highly skilled workers in the building trades exist in Thailand. That fact is self-evident from the many fine examples of traditional Thai houses, to the ostentatious mansions of the newly rich.

The complaints of so many farangs that they are unable to hire competent workmen are perennial.

Problems for newcomers can be overcome by learning from the experience of those who have lived here long enough to understand how things are done.

You can indeed get good and capable people to work for you, but there's a right way, a wrong way, and a Thai way to go about it.

If you don't listen to the advice of farangs who have been here a while, you will get lessons from Thais that you won't forget anytime soon.

You are assuming waaaaaaaaaaay to much, Ive built two houses here over a 9 year period, Thais will take any shortcut t hey can and if you arent on site all day you will get a goddamnawful mess, even big companies like CPAC cannot mix concrete properly Ive had slump tests done where it falls to the floor in a sloppy mess and had the cpac guy standing there saying "Ok" time after time until they now make it "thick" for me its actually not thick its how it should be, theyve just never seen it correctly mixed as the lazy Thai way is to pour it in like water as it saves them having to spread it it ends up self levelling its that wet

The vast majority of Thai houses are as rough as a dogs arse they dont have much in the way of finishing skills.

Ive seen 40 million baht houses with cracked leaking swimming pools and far worse

Im still waiting to find a good builder one whose work I can see over many jobs not just the odd one as "consistency" is something also lacking.

If you can stand over them all day you might get something half decent but I wouldnt let them do any of the finishing work.

Now if you have a builder whose any good REALLY Ill have his number.

Im well aware of CoolThai House and <URL Automatically Removed> websites plenty of horror stories there some from BIG companies I particularly remember the "PD House" one where it got abandoned about 30% of the way through

Edited December 9, 2015 by kannot

[Gutenberg]

B-Quik is OK...

I beg to differ. Four hour wait for a simple tyre change.

Actually, it was one hour for the actual tyre change, then a further 3 hours before they were able to produce the bill.

BQuik in Phuket sold me old tyres resulting in my first accident. Stay away from this company.

[weka]

There is (was) a Bosch service and repair garage (for vehicles) on Ramkhamhaeng road past the ring road which was the equal of anything in the west including service, friendliness, competency and cleanliness. Prices ok too I think

[morpho]

As far as restaurants go, I have found that the best service I usually get is at the local mom and pop places that set up along the streets. I mainly attribute the better service to the fact that they own their business and are not working for someone else. I also have found that a small tip at the local street restaurants that I frequent near my apartment goes a long way to getting great service each time I come back...the proprietors seem extremely grateful and appreciative.

[manarak]

They all are mediocre, even working on a 20 million baht condo or house, it's hopeless !

The situation is only hopeless if you're clueless.

Agreed, the ordinary tradesmen are mediocre - but what else would you expect for 300 baht per day?

If you are willing to pay 500 baht you can get skilled craftsmen whose work is equal to, or better than, their counterparts in western countries.

For a long time I've been doing renovations and additions to the houses we've lived in and several rental properties that my wife owns. I do almost all of the carpentry work myself, but hire masons, electricians, plumbers etc. when needed. My experiences with them have been, for the most part, very good.

A total condemnation of Thais who work in the building trades is unfair and inaccurate and shouldn't go unchallenged.

I beg to differ, I would be relatively happy with mediocre tradesmen ! (mediocre means "average").

There might be some who are good, but the vast majority of tradesmen here are about on the same level as "do it yourself learnt from internet", minus the thought before action.

From about 20 tradesmen I used so far, about 3 were okay, among which one is a Westerner and another actually just ordered people around, 2 were mediocre and the rest were just purely useless.

Obviously, your experiences have been different from mine.

There is no question that highly skilled workers in the building trades exist in Thailand. That fact is self-evident from the many fine examples of traditional Thai houses, to the ostentatious mansions of the newly rich.

The complaints of so many farangs that they are unable to hire competent workmen are perennial.

Problems for newcomers can be overcome by learning from the experience of those who have lived here long enough to understand how things are done.

You can indeed get good and capable people to work for you, but there's a right way, a wrong way, and a Thai way to go about it.

If you don't listen to the advice of farangs who have been here a while, you will get lessons from Thais that you won't forget anytime soon.

The ostentatious mansions look good from afar, but when you get close you see all the imperfections and often they are numerous. Botched paint jobs, unhermetic window frames, various things such as light switches and power outlets that are not level, ceiling cornices that aren't straight, tiles not at exactly the same height, walls not at a straight angle, corroded screws that then leak rust on any wall below, etc.

Come to Switzerland or Germany and look at newer (built in the last 20 years) high quality constructions there. Even people from France or UK are amazed.

[Gutenberg]

B-Quik is OK...

I beg to differ. Four hour wait for a simple tyre change.

Actually, it was one hour for the actual tyre change, then a further 3 hours before they were able to produce the bill.

BQuik in Phuket sold me old tyres resulting in my first accident. Stay away from this company.

Expand on that....Please

After I got the new tyre from BQuik Phuket I went to a Mitsubishi shop in BKK and they asked me if I want to change the old tyre to new. I was stunned and denied and felt they wanted to get just more money.

Some days later, one of the rear tyre bursted and after slinging around crashed the back of the car into a tree.

Mitsubishi shop ask me if I want to keep the 2 front tyre which were still intact. I agreed and they left them but they mentioned that they "are very old". I thought nevermind, I will change them back in Phuket.

While driving back from BKK to Phuket, I drive in a corner and the car is just sliding away and slinging around, no understeering, with approx. 50km. Lucky no other car around me.

BQuik first denied selling me tyre and then denied any refunds. I just put the bursted tyre on the desk of that clerk and left.

Nevermind.

[maderaroja]

I have had excellent service from the Index Shopping Mall in Chiang Mai. I ordered a set of kitchen cabinets. They arrived on the scheduled day of delivery. They came with two men to construct and install them. The constructors did a snappy and efficient job of work. The driver even assisted the two installers. I am a happy customer.

[Don Mega]

Ive always had good service from Numchai.

Always deliver on time and the set-up/installation is quick.

To date that is 2 fridges, A washing machine and 2 TV's (A 50" plasma about 3 years ago and last week a 65" smart).

They always take the packaging away (after asking if I want them to).

Had an issue with the wash machine so the missus called them. the next day a service tech showed up found the fault but was unable to fix on the spot as he did not have the parts (A rat had eaten through the power cable and shorted out the mainboard). He was back 3 days later and had it sorted, free of charge (claimed it on the waranty even though it was clearly not an issue with the machine that caused the fault).

[NoshowJones]

I've had good service from plenty of Thai companies.

Maybe I'm just lucky.

I live in a village upcountry, and apart from the very odd occasion, I have always had good service from the Thai companies round about.

[johnson36]

Do what Thais do, just let it go ......

And thats the reason service is so bad. They dont/are afraid to complain. This face thing causes thais to put up with all kinds of problems instead of complaining.

Constructive criticism is unheard of.

You are right there. You can not advise them on anything. They know best and think us from the west are just stupid. ( I am married to a Thai for 11yrs )

[SoiBiker]

I've had good service from plenty of Thai companies.

Maybe I'm just lucky.

I live in a village upcountry, and apart from the very odd occasion, I have always had good service from the Thai companies round about.

I think some people just focus on the negative.

[bridge2bridge]

Thai People very rarely complain.

I think it is the norm here.

[Gutterboy]

If the service is terrible then refuse to pay the service charge. I've successfully done this twice now and they were so embarrassed they didn't even try to argue.

Only works in restaurants of course but it feels great. Highly recommended

[georgemandm]

It is all about lose face and the service in thailand to me is mostly bad but it is a 3 rd world country a I would say 20 years behind the western world when it comes to good service.

[fang37]

In CNX, I shop at a privately-owned retailer. He prides himself on service. Staff receive technical training in their particular dept.

[chilli42]

I will take Thai service over anything the "West" has to offer. It's friendly, flexible and inexpensive. Sure you can find contractors who are slipshod but there are no building trades in Thailand so there is no proper training, it's mainly rice farmers with a hammer and a bottle in the truck. Again labour is very, very inexpensive compared to the "West". Having said that if you are willing to pay for it you can get great work. I suspect you went with the lowest bid and for what you paid for.