Are Thai People actually Nice?

[@emptyemptiness8372]

As the only farang in a small village for the last 15 yrs I can tell you Thai people are good people, I am a single father that has to find my way through everything as an illiterate here with 3 kids at school and everyone has always helped. I never had a home before I came here....and the villagers helped me and my kids get a home. That wouldn't happen for a old tattooed pierced guy with a bunch of kids anywhere else. Thai people have been good to me since I was in my early 20s..I'm 57 now.

[@josh.onthemove]

🙌🏻🇹🇭

[@bigmark2424]

You been everywhere before?

[@bigal2417]

there not being nice to you , there thinking about ur kids

[@User3494-s5i]

Woooow. พ่อลุงมีความสุขที่อยู่ที่นี่ใช่มั้ยคะ

[@User3494-s5i]

@@bigal2417แล้วมันยังไงอะ? ดูเหมือนชีวิตคุณขมน่าดูเลยนะคะ 😂

[@lineage13]

As an Asian American living in Phuket. I am treated 500% better here than in the US.

[@josh.onthemove]

Love that!

[@urquhmc]

As a black person from the Caribbean who grew up in Britain and Canada, and been to the US on numerous occasions for vacation, visiting family or for work, I am never afraid to walk the streets of Thailand. Never harassed by police or given the side eye by Thais. They are extremely friendly.

[@keanodaley512]

@@urquhmcWow, I was so scared of this. Thanks for the peace of mind.

[@cadence_ong5291]

Hey there wanted to ask you if it’s rainy heavily for the past few days in Phuket ? Planning to go there in 2 days time. @lineage13

[@lineage13]

@@cadence_ong5291 Dry

[@metubenoggin07]

Having watched your vid, my neck hurts -- I agree so strongly I couldn't stop nodding with approval. Good job. 👏

[@josh.onthemove]

Thanks for the comment 🫡

[@johnmellyn2700]

I agree with you 100 % , I’m friendly and respectable to everyone until they give me reason not to be, I love the Thai people and how friendly they are , my first visit to Thailand in 2013, I sprained my ankle and was on crutches that I carried with me on my scooter, I don’t think I pulled up to stop once that a local Thai person didn’t step off the sidewalk to offer to help me off my scooter . ( that’s really what keeps me coming back ),.. l spent the last winter in Phuket ,.. when I returned to America , the very next morning I went to Dunkin’ Donuts and with a big smile I said hello to the girl behind the counter, the only response I got back was she gave me a dirty look as if I was hitting on her ,.. I had just spent months in Thailand among very friendly people and it quickly dawned on me how miserable people are in America and I just shook my head and burst out laughing at her response . I just booked my airline tickets for this winter, one month in hua hin followed by two months in Phuket

[@abเอบี]

welcome back😊😊😊😊😊

[@bigmark2424]

USA is twenty times bigger than Thailand, you’re going to find more miserable people. There are miserable people everywhere including Thailand.

[@paulharrison25]

Love Thailand, been scammed a few times, it's a learning curve, I'd say 99.99% of the Thai people I've met have been great

[@josh.onthemove]

Agreed fully Paul 🙏🏻

[@JoeHan268]

Bro I became nicer since Ive visited Thailand. I've learn to let little things go back here in the states. Most stuff don't matter.

[@josh.onthemove]

Thanks for the comment bro! I always notice first hand how much less road rage there is compared to the UK. It’s completely changed how my perspective on driving and other small daily things when back in the UK too.

[@trebnik817]

A great perspective. Completely agree.

[@MJP1970]

Another great one Josh. The best experience in Thailand is to as you say understand the culture and play along with those rules. I usually surprise them with a fair few things in Thai and I love their surprise. I’m from Glasgow and tell people Thais are like Glaswegians in that they are fun, chatty, helpful and very kind indeed but don’t piss them off or your for it! Just like Glasgow I think. Keep the vids coming please Josh as they are great.

[@josh.onthemove]

Appreciate you mate 🙏🏻 I think learning a little Thai goes along way and haha, good comparison you might be onto something there. Thanks again 👊🏻

[@AlexNapierHolland]

Great take. Most people have no idea how much they shape the interactions that they have with other people. If you’re cynical and expect the worst then you’ll get far more negative experiences.

[@josh.onthemove]

Agreed! Thanks for the comment

[@AnthonyMcCleane]

Well said Josh. I completely agree. I’ve travelled to Thailand many times and many places throughout the world, including many shady countries. I find that If you’re humble and polite people will reciprocate and will even go out of their way to help.

[@josh.onthemove]

Thanks for the comment! I agree completely

[@karenanon9156]

Great video. Saving up to come over. Love your video and the scenery is amazing ❤️

[@josh.onthemove]

Thank you 💙

[@JasonS-n5d]

Great video Josh. I’ve been to Phuket twice this year and I have never met such wonderful people, and this wasn’t just people in the tourist parts it was everywhere.

[@josh.onthemove]

It’s a great place man!

[@garyjennyholidays2043]

Every thai I’ve ever met has been nice and respectful man. Love the aerial shots of big budda. Keep up the videos they are getting better, very informative & helpful

[@rmt9645]

Some unreal shots in this 😍 Brilliant video and completely agree!

[@josh.onthemove]

Thank you 🙌🏻

[@mark_______]

First visit '89. Most recent visit - this week / last week. My values Josh seem to be aligned with yours. Be kind, Be nice, smile and take an interest in people. For my visits to Thailand (and in general), this has stood me in such good stead, where I've gotten back way more than I've given. Yes, people have bad days as do we. People will try to take advantage. That's part of the journey right. You genuinely connect with Thai's and they are so open and generous. It's a major part of why I love the place....its people. 🙏

[@josh.onthemove]

Love this Mark, thanks for the comment, I’d love to have seen Thailand in 89!!

[@mmcin719]

I've been to Thailand 20 plus times and never had an issue. The people are friendly and happy. Sure, there are scams, but i have copped them in every country, and you just need to keep your wits about you. I love Thailand, and now I can not be bothered visiting another country.

[@josh.onthemove]

Thanks for the comment, it's my favourite place too for sure!

[@perrybakr4252]

This is my experience. I met my Thai wife outside of Thailand, and followed her to Thailand. for the first 4 years, I was travelling back and forth. Had a great time together. And I really found the Thai people so friendly and welcoming. But this was always in places like Pataya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Phuket. Then I moved there... My philosophy is, speak English if spoken to in English and speak Thai as best you can. Do not compare Thailand to your home country. Do not criticize Thailand. Learn when and how to wai. Take an interest in your community. It works, sort of. Outside of touristy places, I find Thais more than a little rude. There is an underlying discrimination that you must deal with. After 4 years my Thai is not progressing well because everyday Thai people can't be bothered trying to take the time to teach you. Given the choice, they'd rather try their hand at English. Outside of my wife and a few close Thai friends, I found myself pretty much an outsider. But I persevered... The last year we spent in my wife's home village in Ubon. The first three months were hard, but then one day I went to the village wat and started cleaning it up. Then my wife and I bought new lights for outside as it did not have any. I got to be quite friendly with a few of the monks around me, who then, last September, invited me up to the raised platform to help serve them food. The people in our village took notice, and life changed. They accepted me, which is something the other two Westerners in the village are not. The village would be quite happy if they left. Believe me, I've listened to my mother-in-law talk to my wife about the other "farangs," and what she has to say, and how the other villagers feel about them, makes you wonder if one day they will disappear. They really are not liked, yet the villagers smile nicely whenever they walk into a local store or restaurant. Make you wonder about how honestly friendly Thais are in the touristy areas. After all, they don't have to like you to get your money, and you are their bread and butter. In closing, I am not too keen on Thai people in general. It's not like when I was in Singapore and just made true friends openly and sincerely. But if you are willing to be "Thai" then you can win their hearts. (PS. They don't like me riding around on my mountain bike all over hell's half acre because they tell me straight up, I'm a farang, and there are Thais who would think nothing of hurting you if they thought there was something to be gained from it.)

[@FindingStephan-fx2yx]

Understandable, my brother who is from Bangkok but living in Ubon. He has Ubon wife and kids. One thing he told me about the difficulty to deal with about the locals are about gossiping and hurting words. Generally, we are human and talked about someone else sometimes. But people in some society seems to be good to created issues to hurt someone by group criticize.

[@ElendrielG]

I think it's about the relationship with the community. Many Thai local village, they are a small tight unit that know everyone in the village. So when there's a stranger comes to live with the village, the villagers will feel uneasy and uncomfortable because they don't know about the stranger's habit, character etc. And there's the different language that make it harder for the villagers to understand. It's a must to make some relationship with the villagers or take a part in the community. Wat is the place that is the village's center to do some activities together. If you helped wat or the monk in some ways, that will touch the local's hearts. You will gain some respecful and trust from the locals. I think you situation with the locals will be better, if you take some part with the community continuously.

[@stevesharp1823]

Drinking 10 years. Divorced . Skint and had a bad experience 😂 you just described half the male ferangs in Thailand 😂. O.k maybe not half 😂. Love your stuff josh. Love your attitude to life. Love thai people. There take on life and there friendly nature.

[@josh.onthemove]

Hahah this might get pinned 🤣🙌🏻. Thanks for the comment, appreciate it Steve!

[@keanodaley512]

Love the video bro! If you ever make some more about your business, and how you fund your trips, i'd love to watch!

[@josh.onthemove]

Thanks for the comment, will keep this in mind and try to do something for this!

[@alias7859]

Agreed. You are one of very few foreigners that pronounced "Pattaya" the way I say it and recognizable. My family and I used to live there in the late 60's. Glad you are having a good stay.

[@josh.onthemove]

Thanks, must’ve been a different world in the 60’s!!

[@karllarsson4469]

I've lived in Patong for almost three years and have never had a bad experience. I respect the Thai people and get respect back. Bit tired of the tourists though. Moving up to Hua Hin with my Thai gf soon.

[@Kwippy]

First of all, smiling is part of the culture, Thais smile even when they are being contrite or upset, it's about maintaining politeness, rather than being amused. Second of all, if you are subjected to a lot of fake smiles over time, consider the possibility that people are not finding you very nice, or you have become tiresome in some ways, and it's all they can do to keep smiling and avoid offending you.

[@josh.onthemove]

Thanks for the comment and Interesting take on the second part!

[@twofaceone7]

They smile when something is funny, when they are wrong, when they dont what to do, and its a nervous reaction, it can be annoying at times, when the situation is serious. Its what it is.

[@Pauly183]

I know Thailand very well. I think your views are quite balanced and mature.

[@josh.onthemove]

👊🏻🇹🇭

[@FindingStephan-fx2yx]

As a thai, I’d love to say that we are human and cannot be too good or too bad all the time. It’s depend on people and circumstances. Btw, thais are kind in general. And we mostly feel love and welcome when tourists come. Not only about money, we like to have good foreigner friends. Many thais feel closer and more trust to foreigners than locals for some reason( eventhough we speak the same language ). However, we also ready to rid off the foreigners who show bad & disrespectful behaviors. As a thai phrase “ไทยนี้รักสงบ แต่ถึงรบไม่ขลาด” means basicly, thais love peaceful. But we’ve never scared of fighting on war.

[@paulseoighemcgee5772]

I think Thais are brill - after 5 years there , they just get better - loads of wisdom .

[@josh.onthemove]

Great country, great people! Thanks for the comment

[@donaldcastillo2408]

Been to parts of Philippines and Thailand and never a problem.... but, went to Bali Indonesia and definitely felt the locals ONLY cared about getting thier hands on my money.

[@josh.onthemove]

Ironically I’ve had similar in Bali. Hopefully it was a one off and I’ll give it another chance but yeah, similar experience to you

[@jasonjudkins2056]

Same been to Bali 3 times on connecting flights all 5hey care about is money and look down their nose at you. Never had that in Thailand, mind you I’m married to a Thai now, even went back to her village during Songkran by myself and always felt welcome.

[@sumetn21]

Tips : Thai people will change to be better if you can speak Thai language especially when buying things. If you can speak Thai and become a regular customer, they will treat you like a Thai, not a foreigner. For example, you may get extra amount of food without paying more. 😊 Thailand is not only the land of smiles but also the land of giving. If you have nothing to eat, no money, you can go to ask for help at any Wat (Thai temple) of 40,000 places in Thailand. You don't see so many beggars in Thailand because Thai people know they can get free leftover foods from monks after lunch (Thai monks eat breakfast and lunch. After that they will pray and give the leftover foods to people or animals because they cannot keep food. The monks must walk to get food from donors every morning. Thai people give foods to the monks everyday because they know that their foods will be useful for not only monks but also poor people and dogs etc.) So, 99% of beggars are from Cambodia or Myanmar or else. Thai people know they can survive without money or job because of Wats. This is another reason why Thai people have the lazy instinct, they can live without money. No need to work hard to earn money to buy food. No need to be a beggar asking money to buy food. 😮 Learn Thai language and study more about Thai lifestyle, then you understand why many people stay here for 20 years or more. Very low stress. Very peaceful. Very low discrimination. People don't have to kill each other to survive. Thailand has plenty of food and love giving or sharing. ❤ Please don't be fooled by people who look like Thais but actually come from Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia to do bad things. For example, those you think they are Thai girls met in pubs or bars, may not be Thais though they can speak Thai. 😉 The truly dark side of Thailand is that politicians are all bad. Without the king and his royal family, Thailand will become bankrupted. 😢 Living in Thailand will be hard if your job involves with politician. 😅 Anyway, wishing everyone enjoy their time in Thailand. ❤ God bless you. 🙏

[@BaanPhuThara]

Being polite, showing respect and humility and knowing a bit of the language goes a long way in Thailand. If you can do these things it's highly unlikely you'll find trouble here.

[@josh.onthemove]

🙌🏻

[@jasonjudkins2056]

First time I went to Thailand with my mate who’s is married to a Thai and we went to her village outside Nakhon Phanom I’ve always them to be very hospitable as you show them respect and don’t bring your bad western attitude here and look down at them. 2nd time I went back it was on blind date up in Issan with a Thai lady during songkran and it was amazing Thai people running up giving me drinks and throwing water on to you, just fantastic people in the true Thailand, as I’ve never been to Pattaya, Phuket, I can’t really comment on the scams or pitfalls and quite frankly I don’t want to go there, but if I ever do it will be with my wife’s family, so I’ll be looked after. As long as you show respect and try to understand their culture, they will look out for,you, act like a idiot by trying to skip out on bar bill or want to fight them, then you’ll find out.

[@josh.onthemove]

Thanks for the comment, kicking a relationship off in songkran ain’t a bad way to start 😎

[@tongdeeandmoon]

Good sensible video. Arseholes the world over, including expats in Thailand. Imagine being a local trying to make a living in Pattaya or Phuket and having to deal with drunk, arrogant, bitter old men. I'm speaking as an old expat but one who has tried very hard to properly integrate.

[@josh.onthemove]

You see the type so often! Thanks for the comment 👍🏻

[@alchemist7182]

Same here, and echo your statement.

[@EB-jf5oi]

And what does Pattaya and Phuket promote to the world?

[@bigphill67]

i have noticed as you mentioned there is a difference from rural thailand to tourist thailand, but the people who live and work in tourist areas have to deal with some very rude falang (foriegn) people on a daily basis, and politeness and good maners go a long way anywhere in the world, one thing i have noticed is that in general thia people can read body language a little better than me and will notice small changes in someones demeanour, learning a little bit of thai language goes a long way to and they generally appreciate your efforts thanks for sharing

[@User3494-s5i]

ใช่ค่ะ คนไืทยมองปราดเดียวก็รู้แล้วค่ะว่าใครมาดีมาร้าย ไม่จำเป็นต้องจ้องจริงจัง คนผิวสี คนดำหลายคนบอกว่าพวกเขาได้รับการปฏิบัติที่ดีในปนะเทศไทย คนไทยไม่ค่อยจ้องมองพวกเขาเหมือนตัวประหลาดอย่างจงใจเหมือนในประเทศอื่นในเอเชีย เช่น จีน เกาหลี ญี่ปั่น จริงๆแล้วไม่ใช่เพราะเราไม่ได้รู้สึกอยากรู้เห็นอยากเห็นเหมือนคนในประเทศอื่นๆ แต่เรามองและเห็นได้โดยที่ไม่ต้องจ้องมองแบบไร้มารยาท มองแค่ปราดเดียวก็เห็นรายละเอียดทั้งหมด และเราระวังที่จะไม่แสดงทัศนคติหรือกิริยาท่าทางบางอย่างออกไปให้คนอื่นรู้สึกอึดอัดหรือรู้สึกแย่ มันเป็นมารยาททางสังคม การจ้องมองคนอื่นอย่างจริงจังโดยทึ่พวกเขาไม่ได้ทำอะไรผิด นั่นคือความหยาบคายสำหรับคนไทยค่ะ ความสุภาพและการเคารพซึ่งกันและกันเป็นสิ่งสำคัญมากในสังคมไทย

[@earthroamer8139]

Well,Thank you for you like..well come to "Thailand "..hopefully you be happy out there and feel free..chilling up..Take care sweetheart. ( from uk too.)

[@josh.onthemove]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@elkarlos814]

Very well put. I'm an American living in SW Costa Rica for about 15 years. I had a tour business for about 12 of those. I learned the language and have spent probably more time with locals than other gringos. Been out partying many times when I was the only foreigner and never even felt the least bit uncomfortable around Costa Ricans. It's like you said; you get what you give. If you're going to be an obnoxious, arrogant person, you will be treated as such. Not that you'll be attacked, but you will definitely be kept at a distance. On the other hand, if you are kind, humble and respectful, you are generally treated in kind. For me, speaking the language makes all the difference in the world and opens a lot of otherwise closed doors. Especially, when dealing with government, or business. Sooo many foreigners think they are better than people of other cultures, act arrogantly and know nothing of humility. I can spot them a kilometer away. Americans seem to be the worst. Of course, sometimes people try to overcharge, or short change you but that is everywhere. Some cultures are notorious for it. I have had nothing but kindness shown to me while in the Kingdom. Your mileage may vary depending on actions and attitude.

[@josh.onthemove]

I believe some people believe they’re better than other cultures because of where they’re from too. Thanks for the comment!

[@megaworldasia360]

Thai people are generally decent people. As a long termer in the LOS, my issue with the place is that it's just getting too popular and too crowded with tourists. If you're a young party goer, then hanging out in Patong will fill your needs. If you're looking for a bit of peace and quiet, Phuket isn't the place to go anymore. And it's not even about the prices. Compared to the western world, its still cheap. For me, it's the crowds and traffic jams. In the high season the whole island becomes a giant traffic jam.

[@uk7831]

When someone looks other people around the world, it reflects his perception and attitude. Each person has his own experience.

[@OrganicFaithFactory]

People in the Northern Thailand value manner and put on fake face more toward each other more😂😂

[@KKikiii333]

I’m Thai and I think majority of Thai people are genuinely nice. We are treated like family and treat others like family as well.

[@josh.onthemove]

I think so too 🙏🏻

[@EB-jf5oi]

Lol

[@robertbest4398]

Your absolutely correct

[@josh.onthemove]

Thanks

[@evansmusic2009]

Phuket is by far the most expensive place in Thailand for both Thais and Farangs... Afaik outside of Bangkok, and possibly chonburi it has the most local migrant workers... There isn't a lot of work outside of the tourism sector, so as far as people expecting to make money by any means goes it's a hotspot.... As someone that spends a lot of time visiting I tend to avoid Phuket... Isaan is without a doubt the friendliest, and most affordable area of Thailand for daily life, and other than the Farangs that get caught up in dubious relationships I don't know that scams actually really exist... Of course BKK has a lot of gouging for many farangs - I never spent much time there, because of it..taxis and tuktuks alike.... I spent time in chonburi quite a bit, anc never had any issues with scams. I do see price gouging for taxis / mototaxis, but generally everything is easy to avoid...

[@josh.onthemove]

Thanks for the comment. Look forward to visiting Isaan at some point

[@danielplatt6638]

It’s a common misconception that most of the jobs are in the tourist industry and unemployment in Thailand is always very low

[@evansmusic2009]

@@danielplatt6638 Does that really apply to Phuket? I must say that I never spent enough time there - obviously there would be the usual businesses to sustain life, but what other industries are there on the island?

[@undiscloseduser2004]

Lived there for 10 years from age 22-32.5 from 2008-2018. Thai people can be nice and they can also be scamming users just like any country in the world. It depends on who you surround yourself with and what activities you involve yourself with.

[@americaninchina4853]

Nice drone shots buddy

[@josh.onthemove]

Thanks big man!

[@BiteAdust4857]

My two cents, but the dude who commented in 1:30 probably misspelled 'Japan' into 'Thailand'.

[@twofaceone7]

Theres good and bad everywhere. But behind the wheel of a car Thais change. Some are after the money but they do the same to their own. Most thais will have done wrong to their friends and family, its normally about money. They dont treat the dogs to good, the soi dogs have it rough in some areas..They do lie and will always lie at first and its hard to get a sorry out of them even if they know they are wrong, a lot to do with losing face, which they seem to use when it suits them too. There are some idiot tourists but without the money from tourism it would be a lot different, we saw this during covid and to be fair most of the people helping out the thais in the food queues where foreign as they were forgotten about by the powers that be.

[@stephenhurley3078]

nailed it

[@josh.onthemove]

👊🏻

[@abเอบี]

The definition of ''politeness" and "rudeness" can be varied from culture to culture.

[@josh.onthemove]

Maybe but I think respect and manners are universal

[@eddiejohnson4434]

The people who keep it on the surface won’t know what this is talking about. And that’s fine too. Thais don’t emphasize letting someone know how they really feel and westerners who don’t know the culture love this. why mess with their sabai?

[@onalonan]

Those are the selfish guys who just only want everything from people but never give anything back.☺

[@josh.onthemove]

I think you’re right!

[@doomd1816]

They are nice to you if you are skinny and handsome If you are fat or ugly they are rude to you

[@Ned88Man]

Here is the problem I have. I don't necessarily think Thai people are "fake" or that all the smiles are fake, but what I do think is the issue is that if you happen to bring up anything that challenges the long held notion that Thais are all "kind" and "helpful" and "smiley" and maybe point out instances where you have had issues, you are often gaslit and shut down and labelled a "Thai hater" or "Thai basher"...

[@bigal2417]

See the real Thai people at the immigration. having said that ive lived here 26 years and met some great Thais ladies and had some great long term relationships.

[@saxsarayuth389]

I guess I know where the comment came from. Start with C nerby Thailand.???

[@MrNath019]

Mate, I recommend thinking of your choice of words. "Thai People" changed to "Same Thai People"

[@josh.onthemove]

Please elaborate why?

[@MrNath019]

@@josh.onthemove Thanks for your reply! What I meant is that saying 'Thai people' broadly can sound like you're talking about everyone. Using 'some Thai people' makes it clearer that you're referring to a specific group, rather than generalising about the whole population. It’s just a small tweak to be a bit more accurate and respectful. Hope that makes sense!

[@gingjok]

Thailand is an extremely insular culture, yet they are open to mass tourism- so it is an interesting mix.

[@terrythekittieful]

Most Thais don't travel abroad and assume all foreigners are loaded. Not a complaint, just an observation. Prefer to have an interaction with a Thai than a westerner though, any day.

[@PakM3388]

There are good people and bad people in this country like every where else. The risk is the likelihood of getting that bad experience.

[@readwrite1815]

Come to Egypt, we are more friendly here.

[@josh.onthemove]

I've been, would like to go back one day to visit the Pyramids

[@johnerdelyi4208]

Everyone wears a mask be weary of nice people anywhere in the world 😊

[@josh.onthemove]

You can usually tell what’s fake and what’s not :) thanks for the comment 👊🏻

[@zeik04]

Most of Thai men don't really like falang men that much

[@168bansrul16]

1 don't answer where you from! 2 what's ur jobs. Reply FBI agent or special forces comando. 3 don't talk with local over one minutes. 4 no reason release ur own personal to anyone .

[@realsteel2572]

Mostly but not all

[@josh.onthemove]

Think I said that :)

[@EB-jf5oi]

Mostly indifferent. That's the reality

[@kokikoki12345]

BS.thanks

[@josh.onthemove]

What's your experiences?

[@piputnmesawang3015]

I do agree with you completely.We Thais like all foreigners who visit our country.One thing I would like to advise you ,never ever get trouble with Thai guys.Most of the guy have gun,they might come back to get you down.Try avoid getting trouble and you will have present and greet time there.ยินดีต้อนรับอีกครั้ง ขอให้เที่ยวให้สนุก

[@josh.onthemove]

Thank you for the advice and comment 💙🙏🏻🇹🇭

[@thinktwice4227]

Most of them are kind, don't have guns, I believe. 😂😂

[@jayjayt631]

Are you nice enought for the people to be nice to? the answer is in there.

[@josh.onthemove]

Good point