5 Things that Foreigners do that Annoy Thai People

Living in a new country there are always things that will annoy you. However, there are also lots of things that we do that annoy Thai people. Some you probably don’t even realize you are doing. My Thai girlfriend is very patient and like many Thai people will normally not mention annoying things that I do. But we sat down today and she told me the top 5 things that foreigners do that annoy Thai people.

Complaining

“Complaining is just not in our culture” said my girlfriend. “Foreigners like to complain about everything!”

I guess I can believe that and I know I am guilty of getting stressed out and complaining. People arriving late, customer service and endless paperwork all drive me a little crazy sometimes. However, I have learnt to let a lot of things go but I think its in our nature to get stressed and start complaining.

The biggest scene of foreigner complaining is at the immigration department, I can feel the stress it causes many people from well outside the building. My girlfriend also gets stressed but this is mainly caused by the tutting and looks of frustration from the foreigners there.

Giving up Learning Thai

 I’m lucky that my girlfriend speaks almost perfect English but she does get  frustrated at being my personal translator whenever I need help. From  dealing with the bank to talking with friends she often has to help me out. I  know many other couples who have the same issues and it can get frustrating  for the Thai partner.

I started learning Thai when I arrived and was keen to become fluent, or at  least get by, but after a couple of setbacks I gave up. Not once, not twice but several times now.

My poor pronunciation means many Thai people struggle to understand me and it frustrated me which led to the end of my lessons. However, I think these issues are small and considering my girlfriend always speaks English with me I feel guilty about not trying harder.

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Thinking you Know Everything About Thailand

You know the situation, someone asks you for some advice or has a question about Thailand and you correct or change the advice Thai people give. You think you know best and maybe you are just keen to give advice but often Thai people think it is poor advice or you are just trying to show off.

This is especially true when it comes to Thai culture and history. Thai people are very proud of their culture and rightly so. Hearing foreigners talk negatively about it does not go down well.

All Foreigners Dress the Same

My girlfriend tells me that all foreigners in Thailand dress the same. I guess its true, my wardrobe consists of my work clothes and numerous pairs of shorts and T-shirts.

Fashion is important for many Thai people, especially in Bangkok. The image of baggy shorts and flip flops is linked to the many backpackers and tourists. For the many Expats here they want to try and avoid the image of  Khao San road but if you’re like me the weather normally prevents this.

 Spending Too Much Time in the Sun

Thai people love the shade and hate the sun. Most foreigners have the opposite views,  especially if from cold countries. You often see Thai women walking around with  umbrellas to escape the sun, but for me I love to be in the sun.

I have had problems at the beach. My group of Thai friends all want to stay inside during  the day and avoid the sun at all costs. I wanted to get out there and enjoy it. Normally a  little compromise is needed but dont expect your Thai friends to join you away from the  umbrella for too long.