Tourists by locals in Bangkok: mad, bad, and dangerous to know
Pre-Covid-19 Bangkok was the most visited city in the world according to Mastercardโs Global Destination Cities Index.
The Land of Smilesโ capital city attracted about 23 million visitors, more than any of the globeโs favourite other destinations including Paris, London, and Singapore. But ever wondered what the locals think of millions of farangs who visit the metropolis?
The Latvian-based independent online platform, Insider, asked just that in a survey only last month. The findings may not be surprising but they are interesting all the same.
Foreign travellers to Bangkok do a lot of pointing at people or things, with their feet, locals observed.
One Bangkok local, Mandy Itthikaiwan, revealed it is offensive to Thai people to signal or point at things with oneโs feet.
โWhen you take public transportation, for example, you just donโt put your feet up. Itโs common in the West but in Thailand, itโs a big no-no.โ
Another observation trait is that tourists donโt care much for wearing clothes when visiting temples.
One local called Jee noted that foreigners donโt wear the appropriate clothing when visiting temples.
โThais know that itโs really hot, and we know that tourists come to Bangkok to relax and enjoy their holidays. But tourists should try to follow customs and refrain from wearing shorts.โ
Another foreigner stereotype is eating at expensive or popular restaurants instead of dining at places where locals go.
A Bangkok taxi driver, Nakhon Ratchapong, admitted locals prefer eating at roadside restaurants and eateries in malls.
โLocals love eating at shopping centers. The best food surprisingly comes from the food court. Itโs also very cheap.โ
Foreigners are rarely respectful of spirit houses. Spirit houses are common in many Asian cities and they are everywhere in Bangkok. Spirit houses look like miniature temples or houses and are usually decorated with several strings of flowers.
A Bangkok tour guide, Uma Puacksumran, believes tourists are ignorant of what they are.
โThe spirit house is a sacred place. Sometimes foreigners donโt know, they sit next to it and some even use the shrine as a table to eat their meal.โ
Another poor foreigner trait is entering sacred shrines with their shoes on.
Puacksumran revealed taking oneโs shoes off when entering a Thai home is a local custom, and shrines are the same.
โIโve seen tourists who are reluctant to go into shrines because they donโt know if they should remove their shoes.โ
Puacksumran also added that tourists should also avoid stepping on the ledge as itโs considered bad luck.
The final popular observation made by locals is how foreigners underestimate how dangerous the roads are in Bangkok.
The Accident Data Center of Thailand revealed there are about 100,000 road accidents every year.
Puacksumran revealed Bangkok drivers arenโt conventional in regards to road safety and said tourists are far better getting the MRT or BTS to get around rather than using a motorbike taxi or tuk-tuk.
SOURCE: Insider