For those that actually watched the video you will see that this is indeed somewhat of a debunking - this is about discrimination in general not exclusively from Thais. Frankly I couldn’t give a hoot about paying a few extra baht to help the local economy. HOWEVER there is one change I would love to see in Thailand that I forgot to mention, In order for many mothers and fathers to support our families here after so many years we must sometimes hire Thai staff that we don’t necessarily need and form a company structure or be hired by a limited number of companies that are far from our homes. I hope one day those farang with children that have been here a certain number of years are able to provide for their families without expensive company structures that many are not as lucky as I to afford. A human being should never have to be wealthy in order to legally put food on the table for his/her children 🙏 WHY EXPAT & NOT IMMIGRANT: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-UEpcvcFVCD0.html 👉 SUBSCRIBE: www.youtube.com/@thenakedguruthailand 👉 MAIN CHANNEL: www.youtube.com/@LifeInRuralThailand 👉 OUR FULL STORY IN UNDER 20 MINS: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-6ctdGJqBaUg.html 👉 OUR COTTAGE BUILD: tinyurl.com/bdd8uh3a 👉 COSTS OF LIVING IN THAILAND 2024: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-wWhns2J1Lxw.htmlsi=5MQb89Nykwfsjaml 👉 PATREON: www.patreon.com/lifeinbamboo
I don't understand what you mean about hiring Thai staff and company structure. A man and a woman have kids, they work and provide for said kids. Is that not how this works in Thailand?
In Thailand you cannot work unless you are a citizen, or start a company and issue yourself a work permit, or work for a very limited number of companies to issue a work permit, you cannot do very simple jobs like drive a tuk tuk or open a market stall legally, which is fine and I agree should be the case, unless you are a parent trying to support children.
Is the difference really just a few extra baht? often i find it can be a big difference, however i do except for some, it helps in some cases to allow the poorer Thia family to visit national establishments.
One hundred percent accurate. I am exactly in this situation and I am one of the few, that is able to afford the company structure like this. But still it puts you under pressure because you are not competitive with other businesses, that do not have the same standards you are held to as a company. In the area I am residing, They do not even offer you a possibility of getting a working permit legally through your company. Therefore I am only hiring thai staff and sitting back, watching my manager and shareholder manage. I love this country and I respect the culture, laws and the monarch system put in place to profit thailand and thai people. But actually I've started to feel unwelcome recently. I have built my life here with my girlfriend, who happens to be thai, we have two dogs and a long term rent contract for a house. I employ over 9 staff, all thai. I would not lean myself far out the window if I'm saying that I am actually helping out the economics of the area I am residing. I am planning to stay now. But if this continues to worsen,I will consider moving elsewhere.
I love you guys without you having to cut cord's 🤔 your family is beautiful and without crying I care deeply for you and want nothing but life to be beautiful, and that is my vibrations to you always 💯🎶💯
On Samui I got a flat tyre on my scooter. A local Thai lady living where it happened got her husband to take the scooter down the road 3km to local mechanic. She drove me down in her car. I tried to give them money for helping ,time,fuel etc. No way she would take a cent. In Chiang Mai I was walking to immigration and I asked guy on scooter directions. He said it’s a long way on the other side of main highway. He told me hop on the scooter and drove me to the doorstep. Again I offer to pay him and again no way would take a cent. Amazing people and beautiful culture. As a westerner I feel I can always learn from these people. I could go on but experience has shown me all I need to know.
My pushbike had puncture ..a thai stranger put my bike in his pickup took me to his house and repaired it ..gave me a chang beer whilst waiting..wouldnt take any money... I gave his two young kids 100 baht each..he was very surprised and thanked me !!!
Just like to clear up for any comedians in the comments replies. I offered the lady 500 baht not a cent. Cant remember for the guy in Chiang Mai. But hey comedy is I a good thing.
I was in the Krabi airport with my girlfriend (51yo) and her 16 yo daughter this past weekend for a wedding. My gf had gone to the toilet and as I stood alone with her daughter, I noticed this western man staring at me with distain. I absolutely think he was thinking I was with the 16 yo romantically. It was very uncomfortable and I couldn’t wait for my gf to return. When she did I made it clear that I was with her. So sad that this happens, but also so sad that I cared so much.
Im in BKK Im 51 but look 45. Former actor. Ive got a good look. You know this when you worked as much as I did 8n the enyertainment biz... My gf is 23 but she looks younger. She get looks all the time as shes pretty attractive. She took me to see her family for song kran in Korat. They liked me and Ive never had any strange looks in BKK or Korat... Maybe I would get looks if I was on the islands... In the end I dont give a damn what other people think about me.
Friend of mine was in London walking down the street with his thai daughter. His daughter heard two older thai women talking amongst themselves that how disgusted they were thinking they were a couple. His daughter stopped and told the thai women that he’s my dad. The thai women lost face and walked off.
Before I moved to Thailand, my wife came to Australia a few times. One time we were in a pharmacy and I turned around to talk to her but she had wandered off. A middle-aged woman walked past me and said 'your toy's over there' .. I didn't know what to say. Since living here I remember a few instances of people giving us odd looks, my wife probably notices it more than I do. Probably doesn't help that our son, my wife's sister and her husband all call me 'daddy '. Oh! I'm 73 and the misses is 34 and as for what other people think ...I don't care. As for dual pricing ... I see it as a matter of principal. Not all farung are wealthy. Everyone should pay the same price. When Thais visit Australia, there would be outrage if they were charged a different entry price .... and rightly so too. PS, I don't lay awake at night stressing about it though.
My husband was 24 years older than me. We lived in a small English village. Boy, did the gossips have fun! Age makes no difference, love is the most important thing.
I doubt Thais would be outraged for paying a different price since that's exactly what they have to do when visiting Cambodia, Laos and other neighboring countries. In those countries they make sure Thais pay the foreigner rate, unlike in Thailand where Asian foreigners can sometimes get away with the Thai price
On the topic of dual pricing it extends to at least one Thai Bank. Yesterday I decided to put some of my Thai savings account into a fixed term deposit. Upon receiving my passbook it quoted an interest rate of 1.22% pa for 1 year versus the advertised rate of 1.7%...why the difference? Bank Officer's reply...you are a foreigner. So not only am I a Thai Tax Payer, I am also effectively taxed again on my meagre interest. Whilst I love Thailand and understand the dual pricing for tourists I think this is pushing things a bit too far for foreign tax residents Thailand is for Thai people. Just saying.🤔
The time I faced xenephobia in Thailand was back in 2020 when Covid was scaring everyone and the health minister at the time said "farangs were dirty..." Many villagers in my area thought farangs were spreading Covid. I even had a neighbor woman ask me to leave. I would walk into a bank and no one would sit near a "farang"-they would rather stand. It was a very ugly experience for me during the Covid lockdown but I realized many rural people are very superstitious and not well educated... the village gossip can be a rural Thais "Google Search".
I wouldn't take it personally. Every man, woman, and child, foreign or Thai are all victims of the village gossip. It was just your turn to be the pantomime villan of the month
Duel pricing happens in many countries im Australian I visited Croatia Dubrovnik and I sat down at a pizza restaurant and the prices on the menu where expensive but when my friend spoke Croatian to the server they disappeared and came back with a locals menu that was 1/3rd to price 😂😂😂 the museum and tours where also less than half the price when a local speaker purchased them
I found that when I tip at a favorite family restaurant with good service and praise there food I get extras like maybe a larger portion of some fruit or a drink. I always support family business and people at the market. Especially the older people. That’s their livelihood and I love their reactions from it. I once got a coconut drink from a old lady at the market and she was working so hard so I paid double and she was confused but all the vendors around her started yelling “tip,tip”. She was so thankful and we all had a great time.
I stayed on a small cocoa farm/ resort near Prachin Buri, the whole family made me so welcome, treating me like one of their own and including me in family occasions. The local villagers so friendly towards me too. I'm going back for a month in July, can't wait.
Hi Ryan, I had the same when I was traveling in Pai with my girlfriend, to the extend that a young woman asked my girlfriend if she was ok. I was seriously offended. There is about 8-9 year age gap between us. I challenged the young lady, some of these so called woke youngsters, are more judgemental than anyone. I felt a bit the same on Koh Phangan with westerners. Again so called “tolerant woke” people being anything but accepting. Ironically these are two of the best places I’ve been as everyone is not like this. I now tend to avoid a lot of tourist places just because I like mountains and countryside. I love Koh Chang too, didn’t have any issues there too much. My view is we all judge and I can’t control it. I’m open in uk 🇬🇧 with people about my relationship and everyone I know is cool about it. I fully understand how you feel. I’m normal guy, not fat, old, ugly and I’m fairly successful l, I’d say of equal looks to my partner. Still people just have their opinion. To be honest I’m not sure I care, it irritates but I think oh well
I don't see why people would be critical of your commentary .. as long as it's logically and factually based. You have experience .. in rural Thailand and in Thailand in general .. so I am happy to hear perspectives of that world vs the western world, etc. Lived experience .. and not just an example or two .. forms the basis of good value advice and content.
Hello to you and your wife. I have been watching you for quite some time now. I am a Thai women married to a Canadian for 40 years now. In regards to getting looks or judged by other walking with your farang husband is not new. 40 years ago when I met my husband in Goa India and came back to Thailand I was always walking at a distance in front of him because of all the judging eyes. I understand exactly your wife’s feeling when this happens. Unfortunately people judge other all the time for all sorts of things any were around the world. Thailand made it’s name around the world for prostitution since the Vietnam war and this has been an inconvenience for Thai women married to a farrang. I have told myself all those years not to care about what people think but sometime it still gets to you. Continue living your life in Thailand happily and don’t let people or stupid comment ruin your peaceful life with your family. By the way I like your place in Thailand. Thanks
Interesting but I don't think that Thais view those married to farang like that anymore unless it's an obvious case such as when a skimpy clad, tattoo covered petite Isarn woman who's 21 is with an old 73 year old farang because then it's really obvious. A 35 year old Thai with a 38 year old westerner, both of whom work ordinary jobs and have children aren't going to be seen in a negative light. This is 2024 where tens of thousands, possibly even over 100,000 Thais living in Thailand are married to farang and many of them have children together.
I feel like when people complain about their homes and sort of make it seem like Thailand is some sort of paradise are often quite blind to how things really are. They will cite things like politics in the UK or wherever being some dysfunctional mess, which it is, but they are kind of unaware at how bad some of these things are in Thailand. Going on about how expensive the west is, but not taking into account how much more people are paid in the west than they are in Thailand. Often they will talk about immigration and the overflow of immigrants in their home country, but neglect to see the irony of them fleeing their country and coming to a new place.
The important thing is balance, on this channel i am reading comments, pro Uk , pro Thailand, anti UK, anti Thailand. People just get more upset on the anti part, they selectively don't hear when i say the UK has many splendid areas, that the education system is superior and how I miss things like festivals and cultural activities. They also disregard when i talk about the drug problem in Thailand, the work laws, the generalisation of attitudes to farang. The balance is often missed, on purpose or by accident., i don't know.
I personally think you do well at keeping on the fence and I feel like thats the best place to be. You accept both places have their issues and you make the best out of the place you want to be in. I'm sure this type of video keeps you busy in the comment section haha
@@Ned88Man You are right that the grass is never greener. The good and bad things in one country you simply swap for other good and bad things in others. As for your immigrant comment, that is really ignorant and short-sighted. The (illegal) immigration problem in the West is real and there is a huge distinction between that mass illegal immigration and legal immigration. The illegal migrants, many of which are trafficked for use in, and forced into, terrible "vice" industries - including underage victims - and where they otherwise are illiterate and cannot speak the local language/language of business (English) means they are a drain on society, outside of their liberty being violated. They didn't get to the shores of England from their own volition, almost all are forced into it otherwise the problem would have been going on for decades. Otherwise dangerous criminals are entering where had they tried legally, their visa application would have been rejected. Those that remain just want the government handouts, which the taxpayer is funding. This is all a recent thing. The migration into Thailand, which is legal, has a net positive outcome on society. Those relocating to Thailand are not forced by another person. Do not conflate all migration as equal. It is not. The concern about illegal immigration into the West is absolutely legit and not ironic at all. They are very different things.
When I worked on Samui, a friend of mine was involved in a motorcycle accident. A girl on a scooter was texting while she drove and drifted into the wrong lane where she collided with my friend who is a white Englishman. It was a busy street and there were many witnesses, none of whom knew either of the people involved in the accident. When the police turned up, all the local witnesses rushed to the police to blame my English friend and say it was his fault. Fortunately my friend is fluent in Thai and asked the girl in front of the police who she thought was responsible and she admitted it was her. In my opinion, farang will always be second class citizens in Thailand. Behaving well and learning the language definitely help but you'll still be treated differently and with prejudice. Personally, I think that if you can accept that in your heart and just move on, then it won't really have much effect at all on your quality of life in Thailand. It isn't the West. There is no equality there but its a beautiful place filled with good people. It's just that their moral compass points in a different direction.
WELCOME to the WEST, were all minorities are ALSO treated as SECOND CLASS CITIZEN, but we'll just ignore the part where living in the WEST treats people like sh1t, we'll just focus on OTHER PEOPLE in other nations. If you want the world to change, YOU MUST BE the change yourself first before expecting others to change.
I’m glad it isn’t the West! Do you not look on the flip side and think nationalism and patriotism is a good thing? It’s about time the West started putting their countries first like the UK & USA and they wouldn’t be in the complete mess they are in right now. Equality does not work there is living proof right across the world now of that.
@@kaleeysmith8801is this the same west that millions of foreigners willingly move to and are paid handsomely in state benefits? The same west whose native populations are persecuted for criticizing mass immigration, and where foreigners are given preferential treatment through diversity quotas in just about every industry and educational institution, and the children of immigrants allowed to enter into politics?
In a weird way I find the dual pricing amusing, every time we go anywhere that has the dual prices displayed I like to imagine the absolute meltdown that some people would have if you introduced it in northern Europe or the US, " Hmmm you don't look very white British, that's 3x the price for you me laddo "
That's what they should do in our western countries. If this PC nonsense continues, there won't be any white people left by the end of the century (other than the Amish perhaps)!
I live in Florida and Disneyworld has Florida resident deals. Disney does it in California too. I used to live in Las Vegas and they had Nevada Resident deals. Most locals wouldn't ever go at full price. We have all been there done that. Many places have senior discounts. Adult prices vs. child prices are often different. Matinee vs. evening prices at the movie theatre. In the US we have more cleverly disguised dual pricing but it is dual pricing just the same. We are just used to the way we do it here.
I have lived in Bangkok, Thailand since 2009. I have seen no changes in discrimination and I travel through the city to work twice a day. In fact, things have gotten better as I have had incidents in the past but none for a long time.
Then you sir are lying. I have been going to Thailand since 1998 and just left there a few days ago. There’s a definite sense of discrimination towards western tourists or foreigners in general. I will add that I don’t drink, smoke, or do drugs. I also don’t bring prostitues back to my room/Airbnb either. You can lie to some people some times but you can’t lie to all people all of the time.
Random thai tracked me down and gave me my brand 1200.00 usd cell phone back. Its experiences like this that keep me saying positive things about Thai culture
Great video. Many thanks!👏 I’ve visited Thailand every year for the past 20 years (except during COVID) and find the vast majority of Thai to be incredibly kind and welcoming. In one case, a Thai friend took me to visit his very rural home village where many people made their living hand weaving very delicate and detailed tapestries. Still, it was almost subsistence living. Nonetheless, neighbors joined my friend’s family in assembling a feast to welcome this farang. The evening included elders offering innumerable prayers and white string bracelets for blessings. I knew their generosity might create a hardship later for them, so arranged with my friend to quietly return their kindness. It saddens me to hear the selfish whining of farang (especially tourists) about paying a few baht more to enjoy certain experiences that are primarily supported by taxes paid by Thais. So alert to imagined “discrimination” and so unaware of kindness and beauty.
The anxiety with Thailand for me is having enough money to stay if I live well into my 80’s etc. Am 50 now 🤔🤔 As well as affording the heath insurance😩😩😩 to keep my visa.
@@thenakedguru as you know most Thais just usually think about the present moment and not what will happen in the future. My wife tells me I worry too much about the future😂😂😂
Dual pricing here in Thailand doesn't bother me at all. My first thought when I first encountered it was that wasn't it nice that locals could go here at a lower price. Another perspective I take is to consider what the cost is and decide whether the venue is worth the price and it almost always is worth the price. Similar venues in the US are very expensive. There there are places that don't have dual pricing. I remember once going to the Temple of Truth in Pattaya. The whole family that drove us there was going to wait for us outside because the price was too high. I would not let them do that. I paid for all the entries and they loved it. Finally, I avail myself of senior pricing when available. I've encountered senior pricing for my Rabbit Card on the Bangkok MRT line and I've gotten into several venues in Bangkok for free or reduced price as a senior. We live in an age where people are looking for opportunities to feel offended. Complaints about dual pricing seem to be part of the phenomenon.
You mentioned something people often forget about their own country. Getting in to this or that temple or theme park, etc, would cost so much more in the US (I'm also an American). Instead, a farang may feel slighted simply because he had to pay more than the other person. Not about cost .. it seems to be about competition. As you say also, just looking for opportunities to feel offended. It's silly .. and not seen from a broader view.
@@jerrymylove1754 You missed the parts where sometimes I pay more, sometimes we all pay the same, sometimes I pay less. Even when I pay more I pay less than what I would have paid in the US. Even in the US people don’t pay the same. You must be one of those people who get up every morning looking to be offended. Relax! Sabai Sabai 🙏
Its racistic.If there is a chinese tourist and doesn't speak anything he'll pay the Thaiprice.If somthing like that happens in Germany the cry would be heard till in England!
I’m new to your channel, I wouldn’t worry about what the trolls say , keep being your self , I think Iv said be for : I’m moving to Thailand in 2 years : been coming to thialand for 25 years Iv got a Thai girl friend, Iv built a little house for her mum and dad cost me £3500 and payed 3800 baht for a water hole ie drill hole for water. Iv done that cos they r lovely human being , I can build me own house in her village but I’m not ready to move to rural Thailand yet ; they live in a place called sa Kaeo province : chanthaburi side I don’t know if you know the area : it’s a very poor place and it make you feel great full when your there : keep up the good work ; amd Iv been in recovery for 24 years clean and sober 🙏
@@thenakedguru and you me old mate I’m from the East end of London but live in Bournemouth, went in to rehab in 1999 and stayed here but selling up in 2 years for the big move to thialand as loads of my recovery friends live there now 🙏
Truly me myself, i couldn't give a damn what people think of me , here in Australia or in Thailand , but my thai wife that's another story, she always thinks other thai people see her as a bar girl ..
At first I thought they should deport the Swiss guy for kicking the lady, but really they should treat him as they would a Thai person who did the same thing (unless he has a history of antisocial behavior)
With regards to disapproving looks, i deal with it by instantly addressing it. One glance is fine but a second disapproving stare is not. Many of those people run when you simply ask them, 'Can i help you'. If a karen decides to push her opinion just address her firmly and educate her. Correction will change the attitude, as its extremely rude to stare disapprovingly and they know it. From experience, this works and ive had more apologies than i can remember. Im 46 and my wife is 33. 🙏
Fortunalety, my Thai partner is not much younger than me and can make with her appearance or just 3 words clear, that she has never worked as a bar girl. So in Thailand there are no disapproving looks. But in my home country it is different and many people look on me as someone beeing unable to find a woman from my country. They also have no eye to differ between a working woman and a bargirl. Different to you I don't try to educate them, saving my energy for something better. Only exception is if they look on my partner as if she is only looking for the financial hammock, when I make it clear to them that their level of (often stupid media) education is just low.
The UK is falling apart, that’s not political as both main political parties are as bad as each other and switching between them doesn’t address the problems. The dual pricing is insulting. I pay more tax in Thailand than 99% of Thais. There would be an outrage in UK if muslims need to pay a higher price. Having said this, I’m not demanding equality, I love the fact that Thais put Thais first. I’m all for this, UK is broken because citizens come last.
Great contents! Been in London for almost twenty years and know exactly what you are talking about re local Brit’sscrape by. Four more years to go before my daughter gets into uni and I will be packing up the next day for Chiangmai Mei or Phuket. And I am a Chinese by ethnic. Carry on Mite. Do not be bothered by the negative people.
Micks thai travels really enjoying my trip to uk for a month weather great, lovely in the Derbyshire dales nice walks Missing the hot blistering weather of Thailand, not Will be back soon vlogging my trip here in uk, it might surprise some people its quite nice
A lot of the problems are that the only part of Thailand a lot of foreigners see is Pattaya they fall in love with a bar girl who rips them off and suddenly all Thai women are the same which is simply not true 10 years with my girlfriend never asked me for a penny.dual pricing no problem don’t bother me at all Thai people have been nothing but friendly towards me I think they are amazing and they smile and always look happy 😊
Brilliant post my man! I'm also happily married to a Thai and we have being together happily for about 14 years now...we have 3 children (2 boys and a daughter) and I too suffer the judging "looks" when we are out and about - the discomfort never gets easier to deal with and I never quite know how to deal with it but I do feel quite violated by their judgement everytime. Just goes to show - people are people all over the world...this is not a phenomenon isolated to Thailand but you're right, the sex tourists don't help our plight!
I think that’s part of it. Thailand spent decades building the sex industry. I think it’s trying to get away from that. But it doesn’t quite know how to do it. There’s a lot more Indian family and Chinese people there and I don’t think they’re into that. Seems hypocritical for Thais to work so hard to build that industry then secretly loathe the very customers they spent to much time and energy to court.
Dual pricing, I have experienced this a few times, and it passes me off. Nowadays, I have to look at it as the price is discounted for Thai citizens and we have to pay the full price as foreigners.
Hi Ryan. I am really loving your 'Ranting ' videos and the other channel as well. I live in Australia and have a Thai girlfriend. I get the look all the time, even though there are only a few years between us. The Thai people are amazing, and we hope to live near Udon Thani in the next 12 months. I wish you and your family well. Hopefully some cooler weather soon.
Related to healthcare, I heard in an interview with a Thai insurance agent that there had been a problem in the past with foreigners using Thai health resources and not paying. Not 100% sure how accurate that is, but it could be a reason for some price differences as well as Visa health insurance requirements.
Dual pricing comes in many forms. Go to the market some vendors will put the prices in Thai numbers, if you know Thai numbers ask the vendor in Thai or English how much. If they give the same price as the sign you know they are honest. They don't expect you to read Thai. This happens alot in barber shops as well. On the window signs or in side.
I see this is a 4 months old video but I felt like writing something.I have lived here for 16 years and the duel pricing pissed me off a lot in the start. After I understood it's only the real tourist they are after.Not the foreigners that actually live here. Sometimes a Thai drivers licence is enough.If that dont work,pull out your thai pink ID card. That has worked for me all the time after I got it. Its not the price its the double standard that upset me the most.Especially when many of us living here full time spend the same in 1 month as the average Thai annual pay.Good channel by the way.Cheers
Good video as always. Thank you. One question. What camera are you using that always overheats? DJI Osmo? I'm wondering what I might pickup for myself at some point that can withstand the heat there. Thanks.
So much in this video. I don't mind the duel pricing at parks. Most Thais make less than $15 US dollars a day so the price should be low for them. Unless you are a senior in the the states it costs a lot more than $10 to go to a national park. Where I live in Thailand most of the wifes of Farangs were bar girls when they met, so I think most Thais assume correctly. That is not saying they all look down on them though. When I built our house, my wife's brothers would do all the negotiations so the yards wouldn't know a Farang was paying for it. I have felt at times my presents wasn't wanted, but if you join in in their fun, they are more than willing to except you. And then there are the little things-- I remember a time riding on a bus. A young Thai girl sat next to me. I was looking out the window and absent mindedly flicking on the plastic on the top my water bottle to remove the cap while looking out the window. Suddenly I felt her hand on mine, I looked at her, she smiled and took the bottle out of my hand, took the plastic off and handed it back to me. A little thing, but very Thai.
A true picture of Thai culture, being broke or stranded in a bind, and rescued by the good nature of these people. I have had these experiences also in Thailand as a young man, now much older I come here with good things to share with my kids, a world I want them to discover also. My oldest son says he will never leave. Happier back now in the east where I want to expire.
I am 68 and my Thai wife is 26 years younger than me. We’ve been together 7 years, married for 5 years. I guess I’ve been lucky. We’ve never encountered a look or a comment when we are together in public whether in the city or countryside.
doing a tour of Asian countries with my daughter a few years back, the looks from farang while in Thailand were just as you mentioned. they seemed to go out of their way to show their disgust. We didn't go to Phuket or Pattaya, but we didn't experience this in any of the other 6 countries.
Been here 8 months,in Bang Saray 5 months, the people are professional I deal with but not too friendly and I dont blame them ,after all it is their country. Once I interacted with a smile and kindness and a tip here and there I have now seen the other side. Wonderful people who care for each other.
I must admit, i don't like different pricing for tourist, seems to be common in Asia, not just Thailand. I lived in Asia for the past 20 years and rarely visit home. But from what i recall in England, there is no price differences when visiting tourist places, everyone pays the same, whether your local or a visitor?. The only price difference i recall was for pensioners and students or children under certain ages and apply to any child, not just local or has this all changed?
I initially felt that the dual pricing at national parks, general visiting was not right. I changed my mind 100% and now appreciate it in the same way foreigners cant own land or more than 49% in property without putting it into a limited company etc. These rules/laws (among others) protect the interests of the nationals and Thai people and its right that a country should look after its people. When I consider that, the Thai approach is correct. Other countries should do the same, in the west for example, then perhaps there would be more consideration given when those countries have visitors who should and need to remember they are guests. Well done Thailand, if the UK applied a similar approach perhaps affordability and cost of living for the indiginous people of the UK would be much better rather than allowing the farcical situation the country now finds itself in where everyone outside of the most financially well off 20% will struggle to survive living pay cheque to pay cheque no matter how much harder the work gets and how much more the boss man wants against natural aging. Look at the retirement situation, now its 67 , soon to be 68 and talk it will be going up to 70 years of age before you can access your state pension which you have paid 25% of your earnings towards over a lifetime to be able to access. 50% of people aged 70 or older living in the UK today have a mobility or disability issue and the governments want them out working full time. I would rather live in a country where the sun shines 24/7 but i know when i step off the plane i don't have some of the same rights and privileges as those born in the country than where i currently do under the illusion that I am not a second class citzen where in the eyes of the decision makers currently in charge I am even more despised than that. With the last person leaving the west please turn out the light, get me to Asia all day everyday.
I have lived and worked in Bangkok for over 22 years now. I just feel as welcome as I felt when I just came off the boat. Most Thais are just very helpful, welcoming and have a healthy curiosity towards us falang. I take the double pricing any time over living in a country where most of the people seem downright hostile.
Don’t take notice of what the critics say, just continue what you’re doing and express how you feel from a genuine perspective. You can’t please everyone at the end of the day.
Imagine if we treated other cultures, nationalities or people of religion as monoliths in the west… this is a worldwide problem, when we want to gather information in the little time we have, news segments, article headlines, social media are where we go to. It’s a shame but it’s not going to go away.
It seems as soon as you settle here among the locals long term things seem to be deliberately made difficult for you.Your kids playing at the condo pool and security’s scowling and condo staff messaging about people trying to rest ,thai kids playing the same day making twice the noise and smiles all round.Pop in the condo office for your post and the staff treat you as an intruder,locals coming in later and it’s all good for them.Simple maintenance jobs need carried out and you’re ignored then treat as a nuisance.Lots more but no time to rant..
Hey Ryan I think a lot is to do with how good your channel is and how famous you and the wonderful Damo now are... People do tend to stare slightly longer at famous folk😂
My superslow (weight machines) trainer in Seattle, who is a single, very conservative and religious man in his fifties, said to me he would never travel to Thailand because his other evangelical friends would then think he is a pedophile. He does not speak negatively of Thailand, and he listens to my reasoning why this is nonsensical, but still I think he would never go for that reason.
So judgement of people exists everywhere. We can make people uncomfortable by being our self and be offended by being themselves. We are from different cultures and they get what we offer (quite a bit from us and our country) and we get what they offer (quite a bit from them and their country). Heaven is Heaven…no country on earth will feed our delusions that one country is going to be everything to us. Lastly, travel…do what you did to get there. You’re a bird and want to now behave like a plotted plant and wonder why you’re unhappy. This isn’t for the host of the channel alone, it’s for my ears as well…a reminder to keep moving if you’re a mover.
In 15 years of living here and visiting I’ve never experienced any outward discrimination here. Been treated great by the Thais. Married to a Thai for 13 years and simply love the culture and living here. Far more discrimination towards my wife in the U.S. as an Asian American than I’ve ever experienced here in Thailand. We are about to have a daughter who will be half Thai half American, and no way we raise her anywhere but here as a Thai. I just show my pink card and I always get Thai prices.
I just live my life and sail peacefully along each day Thais are the most honest kind and loving people in their heart have i had bad experiences of course butbits a bump on a great road i carry on dont think too much and move on.everything here will set you on the right path if you understand the journey of the lotus. Or then again you could listen to my favorite poem. By Edgar a guest When you get to know a fellow. Or take the wisdom Lucy gave Paddington as she sent him from the jungle into civilization Be nice and polite and everything will be alright. 😂
I got confronted by a man and asked to leave a temple complex in Chiang Mai for being a farang. No disrespectful behavior, he just didn’t want a white guy there. Blew my mind. Still love Thailand.
Discrimination, as you described it here, is certainly not unique to Thailand of today. It happens (and has seemingly always happened) everywhere that there are interactions between "locals" and "non-locals" - ie. pretty much anywhere that there is more than one human being. I have personally seen it in the United States, in Western Europe, in Asia, and in the South Pacific - and read & heard about the exact same problems in Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. And, always, a few highly-publicized bad actors can result in painting an entire group (based on nationality, race, religion, etc.) with the same brush. To me, the most amusing (well,maybe "irritating" is a better word) aspect is how people believe & behave differently when they switch between being the "local" and being the "foreigner". The same ill-mannered person who rants about how bad all of the (fill-in--the-blank) foreigners are in his/her country tends to frequently be the one who demonstrates equally, or worse, bad behavior when visiting other countries, as a tourist or expat. I have been guilty of this myself, in the past, so, in no way am I trying to paint myself as being holier or better than anyone else. I am also someone who talks, and does not know s**t - but without a hat. :) Anyways, rant on, brother. I enjoy both of your channels, depending on my current mood, and think it was a great idea to separate the content.
Difficult to distinguish between locals and foreigners in such a diverse country such as America. Discrimination certainly exists but a white person visiting from Europe should be seen as more of a local than an American born Asian. This may not be the politically correct way of looking at things, but at the end of the day, America is a white construction; it wouldn't exist without whites. It was never supposed to be multicultural. Multiculturalism doesn't work.
It's a throw back to Gary glitter that has stuck(bit like the damage that 'Jaws,' did to sharks) haha,not a great analogy! What I mean is stereotypes do stick. However,when I told people here on my planned first visit there back in 1999; it was all nudge,nudge,wink,wink. So I guess it has always been an undertone?!?
Again, it's one of those things where you can't mirror whatever hostility is directed against you. You have to discipline your mind to treat everyone as human beings, even when certain people may view you as a slightly different kind of human being, or maybe even less of one. Now I would imagine that in Thailand this type of experience would not be that common, given Thailand's relaxed culture, but even a little bit can fuck with your head and lead you to a dark place. But the minute you go that way, people pick up on it and it gets worse, so you really have no choice but to be open to people. And in many cases that will go unappreciated, but it doesn't matter - it's for your own sake.
I'm going to pay to see a waterfall because I'm from Canada not because of a skin tax but because waterfalls mountains and breathtaking scenery is what I've live surrounded by my whole life. Commenting from chaing khan loei right now it is nice here and happy to have seen it great vibe the culture here is more interesting than Canada I must say but yes I have experienced negative attitudes from a few thais and I do mean s few of the hundreds I have interacted with
i just wanna say my wife is thai and she feels awkward walking with her dad too(he is thai too).... its the sex tourism culture that garners the looks i guess
I live in Bangkok in a luxury building in Sukhumvit. Very nice place - we're half farang, half thai in this building.. It is very STRANGE. For the most part, the Thai are completely unfriendly. You walk into the elevator and they will not look at you, acknowledge your presence etc. Of course there are exceptions, and a few a very sweet. But for the most part when they see one of us foreigners coming they get this cold blank stare straight ahead as if to say "you don't even exist". Kind of a bummer. PS - A few times when I've opened a conversation with one of these Zombies, they look shocked. I have to laugh.
Like in emglamd for every foreigner that comes here you lose your culture your identity in a country that changes with migration and the same will happen with Thailand for all the xpats that come here way of lofe and how you live it changes i hope i have explained the best i can
If a western Karen gives you grief about your hot young GF or wife in Asia just laugh at her. Tell her you are in Asia because of people like her. what am I supposed to do? date a middle aged western woman with cats? In fact when I had a young russian GF in Asia who insisted on calling me daddy I would always make it abundantly clear she was not my daughter.
I really think the world has gone downhill since the pandemic. I blame all the governments for this. Very poorly managed, divide and conquer. I also think the internet has a lot to do with the problems we are now experiencing. I live in Cambodia and a lot of attitudes have changed. People are much more untrusting angry now. Could be wrong.
Its all interesting, your trying to bridge gaps , that's all any of us can do , I don't live in Thailand but , to be quite honest , most of the problems you speak of , are the same everywhere , the main thing is , is to keep honest conversation ongoing , the dual pricing , I'm sure there is good reasoning behind it , the fact that it is openly stated says alot, I recon if you spoke a little Thai , you'd probably get the Thai price 😉, good luck selling the oinkers 🐷 😊✌️
Vince & Julie in Sth Aust here, it must be upsetting to feel hostility & at times you may feel you're living in exile, but the Thais are protective of their country and maybe if the Brit's were alittle more protective of their country and it's culture they wouldn't be in the mess they're in.
Have to agree that is one of my pet hates in Thailand the staring from Westerners when on holiday with the wife. The fact she is 35 and I’m 42! I just give a icy stare back I’ll be honest 😂
I have been coming to Thailand for 20 years plus lived there for 10 years and most certainly the bad behaviour of a minority few Foriegners does give all foriegners a bad reputation but only by people that generalise and are small minded. Really I dont care what people think of me I let them see who I am. I respect the culture follow the laws and rules and I am respectful to everyone, Ive never had a problem. I find Thai people from all walks of life to be friendly respectful and willing to help if they can. As for walking with my Thai wife and being stared at by Ferangs well it dosent bother me. My attitde is my wife is drop dead gorgeous and Im proud of her 100% and I pinch myself each day that she loves me and wants her life to be with me. My attitude is for those foriegners that are jealous or racist or think Im a dirty old man say they can go to hell accutally I think they are already in hell to think like that. More likely than not they are hypercritical and come to Thailand to go to bars and pick up young girls. I met my wife in Thailand she works a very good job she isnt a bar girl not that there is anything wrong with that because we all have to eat dont we? These people are entitled to ther opinion but they should keep it to themselves especially in public in Thailand because most times they will be wrong about the situation they are looking at. The two price system has never botherd me Thailand is cheap compared to my home country so paying the Thais a few extra baht to enter a national park etc. has never impacted on me. I am a guest in this country and always remember that and I feel it to be a privilege to be allowed to stay in Thailand and experience all it has to offer.
Sad when farang behaving badly can drive the a paradygm shift of the sheep. I can say now at 70 and with Thai 50 year old, she looks younger to foreigners as she body builds and can look quite Arab to many, thus I dont know what they are thinking. So I get the stares however never experienced a direct statement of disgust to my face, just smiles, perhaps because we smile a lot, look so happy and respectful all the time? Her daughter is stunning inheirting her mothers natural Thai/Arab beauty. So there may be a future moment of a snide comment if we are put in that situation. Maybe I am behaving badly? By thai standards I can get generous in a tip when I see a Thai hard working, however smile and say something like you are hard working and this is for your family. I never dispute dual pricing, however it is seldom we encounter dual pricing as we walk the Thai path more than the Tourist path. ... in thinking this through, if I was to base everything to include the abundance of bad stories I may say I am the odd duck being blessed with good people in my cicles immersed in Thailand. Peace be with you.
For a Canadian watching and leaning about Thailand I like the Thai government puts its people first from a pricing model. Non Thai's are guests in the country, and because of these differences is why other services are far cheaper in Thailand when compared abroad, like eating out, accommodations etc..Other countries should learn from this model, in Canada, Canadians born and raised are second class citizens, the government caters to immigrants and non Canadians first. Love your information.
I know there is dual pricing but i have never paid more than Thai people, many years ago when i became a single father every restaurant, food stall , market stall knew, knew my thai language skill was low so they remembered what my children liked and organized it for me, i have received all the same benefits as thai people for my kids and school and local councils knew my situation and just acted as thai family helping me navigate. I have never experienced racism really over 30 yrs in Thailand ( i was 26 when i first came...57 now)
Show goodwill and 90% of Thais return it with interest. On a broken scooter near Mai Hong Son; bike shop liaised with my renter in Pattaya and fitted the part when it arrived by Kerry (within 24 hours) ; no charge, only for sundries like oil. Friend had a puncture outside Korat and a car tyre place repaired it; no charge ( but he did tip). Never happened to me in any other country.
From my research. Thai old timers are grudge FR since Siam the word Farang originally refer to "French" as "Francs" but present it become stereotype refer westerners like calling India and middle east as Kaek.
I’ve lived in worked in Thailand for over 10 years & now I live & work in Laos I’ve never directly experienced discrimination against me personally I’ve have a beautiful son & daughter people are simply curious if you feel uncomfortable because you believe a person is making an assumption which is fields apartment from discrimination it’s easy just polity ask if there a problem I’ll guarantee they’ll feel so embarrassed once you clear their concerns my son is always the center of attention people stir at him Then look me & my wife & tell us hey to make more 555 my point Thai people Lao people do not knowingly discrimination…!!! I could talk For hours about my experiences most is which sre positive hey for the MotoGP you have to book at least a year in advance I’d suggest pricing is the same…!!!
Definitely a race thing. As an Asian male in my 50s, whenever I date Asian women in their 20s I don’t get that look or comments. They probably assume she’s my daughter or even if they think we’re a couple it doesn’t really raise an eyebrow. The worst they’ll assume is I’m her rich sugar daddy which might not be far off the truth, so I can’t complain.
Crazy timing as I am just back from CM and a date with a beautiful very hot looking young (35) woman. Mid way through our date we are approached by a young man who offered me money to walk away from my date right then and there. I was shocked and surprised! When I refuse he asked her if he could be ‘next. she said “I’m not a prostitute” and he apologized. Cray cray!
That dual pricing has me concerned. 1) I think it encourages differences and discrimination even scams, this type of thinking. 2) Where is the border where you do and don't do dual pricing? They gonna start doing it at that hardware store? 3) Can the glitz of Thailand survive?
I mean, imagine if Germany, the UK or the USA started having two different prices for things. How would that effect the world and how we see each other.
