Communication issues spark online shopping dispute

A recent debate on social media has left netizens scratching their heads over communication issues. An online seller and a customer found themselves at odds, sparking a wider discussion on the complexities of the Thai language.

The incident began when an online seller posted in the Facebook group ส่งต่อ ตามหา เสื้อผ้าสายคาเฟ่ V.2 (Send and Search for Café Clothes V.2) about a curious exchange with a customer. The customer had shown interest in purchasing a shirt priced at 155 baht, initially transferring 55 baht and promising to pay the remaining 100 baht later. Four days passed without the customer completing the payment, prompting the seller to inform them that if the full amount was not received by 1pm, the order would be cancelled.

When 1pm arrived without any payment, the seller proceeded to cancel the order. However, the customer reached out at 1.24pm, arguing that they had understood “by 1pm” to mean “by 1.60pm,” a non-existent time. The customer insisted that their interpretation was correct and even challenged the seller to post about the incident.

This left many social media users baffled and amused by the unusual interpretation of time.

As the story gained traction, others began sharing their own experiences with online communication mishaps. One user recounted buying a shirt described as “new with tags,” only to receive a washed item with the tags separately included. When questioned, the seller insisted that it had only been worn once. The customer countered that an item worn even once should be considered second-hand, but the seller retorted with the following:

“It’s not second-hand if only I wore it after receiving it from the store.”

Another user shared a misunderstanding over the abbreviation “รส,” which they assumed to mean shipping included. However, the seller clarified that “รส” in their context meant “waiting to be shipped,” and the listed price did not include shipping costs. These examples left many wondering whether the Thai language is inherently difficult to understand or if these communication issues stem from individual misunderstandings.

These stories have resonated widely, sparking a conversation about the need for clearer communication for online transactions. Users have suggested that both buyers and sellers should make an effort to clarify terms and conditions to avoid such misunderstandings. Additionally, a better understanding of common abbreviations and terminology could help bridge the communication gap, reported KhaoSod.