Quote:
Originally Posted by frogblogger
Can't say I've come across anything like that. But then I only ask for what's on the menu. If I don't like the look of the menu, I don't go in in the first place!
Never encountered the slightest resentment from any Thais, of any generation, in any situation.
Yes there is a certain national pride, not entirely justified in some respects, but if you know how to work around it there's nothing easier than gaining their acceptance. I do go out of my way to fit in with the culture and traditions. If there's any stereotype at all, Westerners are perceived as unsmiling, boorish, ill-mannered, pushy and arrogant - and unfortunately plenty of visitors, whether tourists or expats who should know better, live up to that image. The key is to concentrate on behaving in a diametrically opposed fashion.
It doesn't bother me to behave in that manner because a) I'm a guest in their country and b) I agree with them that many Westerners are unsmiling, boorish, ill-mannered, pushy and arrogant  |
Good one!
I see your point, but doesn't really answer my question, so k I appreciate in thought either way.
I'm in the hospitality industry and perhaps what everit is you're doing in Thailand might be more easy going. I do agree with the stereotype of Western tourist and ex-pats, but being in a percieved 5star environment it's not easy as pie to please a paying guest that puts jobs and money into local pockets and at the same time be sabai sabai. What I'm witnessing is unfair behavior on the part of some Thai's, in that some of us foriegners give alot but much is not appreciated. At least from my side I give money to my staff when they are in need, spend endless hours trainig and teaching.
Effort is always put towards fitting in, as some of us like myself are married to Thai's.
Ok, let me put it more blunt, where I lived in Samui and now in Phuket I can honestly tell you it's like the old American "Wild West", the mafia rules are more respected that the police and often the police are the mafia themselves.
I'm curious to know how long you've been in Thailand and wonder if all the smiles and good nature blocks the other side of places in Thailand. Not to say this is not a beautiful country, I just feel that people here can snap and when they do the consequences are much more grave than I would find back home where I am from.
Appreciate the reply and will enjoy reading your response...