After the sad death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in Thailand, the famously monarchist country has gone into a period of mourning, which has prompted many Western tourists to complain that their holidays have been ruined.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej died on Thursday after a long illness, which for Thailand is a national tragedy and has prompted a period of mourning across the entire country.
This has meant that nightlife has been seriously curtailed for at least a month following the orders of the Thai Prime Minister, the infamous full moon parties have been effectively shut down and foreign travellers have been issued with government safety warnings to wear respectful, sombre clothing in public and show respect to the feelings and sensitivities to the Thai people during this time.
And what is the response from tourists? They cry because they can’t party all night or visit a red light district and claim their holiday has been ruined.
For crying out loud.
Are tourists so ignorant that they think their ‘right’ to have a good time on holiday takes precedent over national tragedies or events?
The Thai people are extreme monarchists and revere the royal family almost as god like figures. Their lese majeste laws are among the strictest in the world because of this, and the death of their king is something that is going to affect the Thai people deeply.
Yet all some tourists can think about is that their holiday is ruined and how dare the Thai people stop them from drinking and having a good time?
Seriously?
This attitude is seriously disgusting. In part this is probably the Thai governments fault for courting package tourists over travellers in recent years, this is the caliber of people you get I suppose.
To be fair I know this attitude is not shown by every traveller or holidaymaker to Thailand, and that many will show the respect that is warranted in this situation, but the fact that there are some – even if it is a minority – is disappointing.
Thailand is far more than it’s bars, full moon parties and sordid nightlife, it has a deep, rich culture, a society with fascinating layers of complexity and a genuinely warm and amazing people.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand itself has issued advice for tourists during this mourning period, saying that there is no need to cancel or change plans to visit the country. That is very true. The truth is that although some bars may close early (or altogether for a few nights), the volume may be turned down on the music for a while and a few shops may close up for a couple of days, things will gradually return to normal and travellers on the whole will not be affected, especially those visiting long term. Many tourist attractions will remain open, the traditional and cultural events will largely remain unaffected with perhaps slight changes for appropriateness or dedications to the late king, and all transport and other infrastructure will be operating as normal. Despite reports to the contrary, it isn’t even required of visitors to wear the white or black T Shirts or clothing many Thais will be wearing as a mark of respect and mourning, but it will be appreciated if sombre and respectful clothing are worn.
Things are carrying on as normal to an extent, but the country is in mourning and are just asking for a little bit of understanding.
The only people who will be affected in the short term seem to be those who come over on a week long package holiday and think Thailand is only about drinking and red light districts and nothing else. Frankly I don’t really care about their opinion anyway.
For the majority of other travellers heading to Thailand, I’m sure you will show the respect and consideration that a country in mourning deserves, and take the opportunity to witness a unique part of Thai culture and a unique moment in Thailand’s history during your time there. Take the time to witness how truly remarkable the Thai people are and how united they can be, even if it is in grief. Maybe even take the time to learn a little about the king and the royal family they revere so much. You will get just as much out of your time there, if not more.
My thoughts go out to all my Thai friends and all the Thai people during this time of mourning. And for those who think all tourists are like those in the news reports, I am sure that the backpackers and travellers who do show respect and travel through Thailand to see how amazing and wonderful a country it really is will absolutely outnumber those package tour idiots who would probably be better off on the TV set of ‘Benidorm’ anyway.
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Michael Huxley is a published author, professional adventurer and founder of the travel website, Bemused Backpacker. He has spent the last twenty years travelling to over 100 countries on almost every continent, slowly building Bemused Backpacker into a successful business after leaving a former career in emergency nursing and travel medicine, and continues to travel the world on numerous adventures every year.
Bemused Backpacker 
The selfishness of some people never fails to surprise me. A countries monarch dies, the country asks for respect in a time of mourning, and all some people can do is whinge that they cant get drunk and sleep around? It is deplorable.
I know what you mean Taff. Thanks for the comment.
Yes, I agree, couldn’t put it better myself… Well said, and nicely put. Unfortunately, Pattaya, Bangkok, and the rest of the Thai Kingdom does attract some down right idiots throughout the year, especially the two mentioned places… tell me about them, I know. I would like to think that those figures are outweighed by other people, such as the long stayer in Thailand and ex-pats, presently living there.
Respect will always do more for anyone certainly in a country like Thailand where Theravada Buddhism is widely practiced by around 95 % of the entire population – a practice which goes hand in hand and, even more so, with any Thai national and their undiluted love, for: “The Thai Royal Family” who they idolize. Even down to simply things like: friendly body language, a Thai Wai, and a friendly smile will go a long way rather than Western habit’s which many take for granted whilst visiting Thailand – perhaps the new comer to the Kingdom springs to mind in a case like this.
Have as much respect as you can muster in times like these, now that King Bhumidol Adulyadej (1927 – 2016) the worlds longest reigning monarch has sadly passed away, now, deeply effecting the lives of all Thais, in a way; not as we Westerners would be in a similar set of circumstances, if you know what I mean…no disrespect meant. Yes “Benidorm” and a few other places do spring to mind with this ilk and where they would be far better being re located to, for the good of everyone.
Dear Trevor Aindow,
As one of Thai citizens, I do appreciated on your kind understanding on our people during this situation. Thank you very much.
Yours sincerely,
One of Thai citizens.
Dear Jeff Prajuabphan,
Thanks also for your kind comment about my recent comments. It’s appreciated very much. Although I don’t actually live in Thailand, I have spent rather a lot of time there especially in Pattaya City which these-days feels more like home to me, and I couldn’t think of a nicer place to be, even now, as things are on going – despite all entertainments put on hualt for a month, so what, who cares, it’s a pleasure just to be there. Also the one year of mourning isn’t so bad when you actually think about it.
The trouble is: many foreigners behave and act far worse than ever before once they set foot in the “Land Of Smiles” who are fully and foolishly in the mindset they are Gods gift to almost anything that moves, or thinks, or makes an impression and, who show much disrespect for people, money, Thai girls, and almost anything that is descent.
Usually in most cases, this type can’t bear to be alone, and in their own company for any amount of time, and are totally out of any comfort zone by it… I have seen it so many times over. Niether can they go for one single night with being bladdered or cuasing grief to other people, just for attention.
You are totally right, these people should stick to Benidorm.
Haha, I genuinely think some people should.
Lesley.
Nice to hear from you,
Thanks for the reply
Well said sir!
Thank you sir! 🙂
If you tourists don’t understand the feeling of Thai people. Please don’t come. Our Loss is great
I’m sure there are many travellers who do understand Aat, and I agree thoses that don’t should perhaps visit elsewhere. I’m sure those that do will be respectful at this time. Your country has my condolences.
I’m sure you are right and that these morons are in the minority, it is just a shame that there are still people with attitudes like this. There really IS a difference between travellers and tourists.
I agree.
thais love being so dramatic, why not 10 years of mouning. 1 year it seems to me very short period
Well that isn’t for you or anyone else to decide apart from the Thai people, is it?
The Thai people didn’t decide this, the (unelected) Thai military government did.
And how exactly did the government make people collectively mourn?
Dear Bemused Backpacker,
Thank you very much for your understanding, appreciated!
Yours sincerely,
Exactly no one is telling anybody to mourn, people are mourning because of the love they have for His majesty, you seen the pictures yet? In the hundreds of thousands everyday since his passing ppl are there,you have loads of people sleeping on the streets staying there camping overnight for the king.And for travelers or whoever is complaining show some goddam class ffs
I don’t blame people who don’t live here for being curious why we love out monarchs but I’m disgusted by those who ignorantly assume that people are forced to mourn for the passed King. If you don’t understand our culture and don’t want to learn anything about it maybe you should never come here because nobody would welcome idiots like you here. My King probably did more than any of your 10 presidents combined.
@Harry Barrucada
Actually, the people did decide on this. Things would have happened this way with or without the military government in place.
Look up links above there are pictures of the King during his reign. Notice how in all but a few of them He was out working on projects to help feed the people? Notice he did this for 70 years? Notice the people crying after He died? Notice the complaints from the tourists were all about not being able to go to the red light district?
Dear fs,
I do really don’t know that your message are your opinion OR your sarcastic.
Therefore, if your message are sarcastic and you are not Thai. You don’t know anything about Thai, so don’t judge our country, our people….
All Thai people now don’t want any sympathy, or even understanding BUT respect.
Yours sincerely,
Well said Jeff… It costs nothing to show respect for the country you are going to visit or for the passing of one of the greatest kings who has ruled… He showed love for his people and they loved him back… Makes me ashamed to what some Non-Thai individuals think or say… Go to Butlins or Disney world if they don’t like to follow a country’s rules or laws
If you cannot say anything nice, say nothing at all
hahaha i agree it’s such a drama , better go to philippines
Why? No reason not to to go to Thailand, just be respectful. If you can’t do that I’m sure the Philippines won’t want you either.
Yet another article where I could not agree with you more. I looked at some of the newspaper quotes after reading this and could not believe how ignorant some people are!
I know exactly what you mean.
I take some of your point, but it does seem that the government’s actions are stopping people who badly need money from earning it.
Westerners come from a culture where it’s left to the individual to decide how they grieve.
And stop with this “Thai people” nonsense as if you have some kind of inside line.
There were plenty of Thais where I was that opened, turned the music and lights down and continued to serve tourists, because they have staff to pay and they in turn have families to feed.
So for all the valid complaints about whinging tourists, there is still room for criticism of the authorities. It should be left to the Thai people to decide, not some authoritarian edict.
And certainly not patronising, pompous arseholes like yourself.
How are the government’s actions stopping people who badly need money from earning it exactly? The official line directly from the Thai government itself (and I quote directly here) is “The Government has asked for the cooperation from the entertainment venues; such as, bars and nightclubs to consider the opening of their business operations during this time. The decision will be made by the individual owners”. Some are still open, some are operating limited hours and some are shutting entirely, based entirely on the owners discretion, so in essence not only have you missed the entire point of the article but your entire point is completely invalid. I know people like yourself don’t exactly like arguing with actual facts but the proof is in the link provided above to the official advice. I even stated in the article things will return to normal and tourists precious holidays won’t be affected too much for too long. That does not mean however that tourists should not be respectful. So whatever your criticism or opinion of the government, it IS left to the Thai people to decide, and they are on the whole collectively mourning at the moment. It is not too much to ask for travellers AND tourists to show a little respect at this time, something they should really be doing anyway.
Dear Harry Barracuda,
Yes, Westerners come from the culture where it’s left to the individual to decide how they grieve. I do absolutely respect your belief.
I am Thai, and I thought that I understood the majority of Thai people on their belief. Our Thai people don’t want this kind of sadness, but we have to face with this grieve. You may not understand on what’s going on here in Thailand at this moment. But don’t use your belief to judge our people, our government. You have no rights to say things base on your belief, your tradition, your custom or your experiences. It’s not a matter of elected or unelected government. They will do the same thing.
As you said that the Thai people didn’t decide this, the (unelected) Thai military government did. You don’t know our history, so let me tell you. It’s our custom, our tradition. We do not sell alcohol on every Buddhist lent days, bar and entertainment will close their services on these kind of Buddhism events. Tourists were familiar with these for many years. And this time with the death of our beloved King! So you have no rights to criticize on what we are doing now. If you are not happy to come to Thailand during this time, we do respect. If you are coming to our country, then you are welcoming. Nothing else, only respect.
Yours sincerely,
Me as one of Thai citizens.
Harry Barracuda. Are you serious or are you just trying to troll?
Go live somewhere else .. There is a saying in Belfast…You get no more from a pig but a grunt and that about sums you up
We love tourists in Thailand but they have to no that this is a deeply sad time for us and we will still run tourist bars and activities but they need be respectful too. If they dont like having no full moon party there are flights leaving every day.
Exactly Nan, and I am sure many travellers will be respectful.
Screw you, I respect that the Thais have lost their king but so what? This is 2016, a whole country shouldn’t shut down for that. I only have two weeks in Thailand starting tomorrow and I paid a lot of money for it, why should I have to miss out? Are they going to reimburse me?
And what a charming individual you are. Don’t worry, I’m sure the resort you paid to stay at will still serve you your precious alcohol and still run relatively normally, as ignorant tourists dive bomb the pool in their union jack shorts and demand their refills at the bar. Meanwhile much more respectful travellers will be experiencing the country in a much more respectful and meaningful way and negating at least some of the bad reputation of Westerners that many tourists bring.
Well Said BB 555555555
I’ll reimburse you so you never go to Thailand. The country doesn’t need more tourists like you. Where can I send the check?
Dear Nomadic Matt
Ha ha ha, I love your response!!!!!
Yours sincerely,
From me as one of Thai citizens.
That is a humanitarian cause we can all get behind! ;D We should start a collection!
Jim, You do realise that you belong to the small group that the newspaper reports are talking about and that every traveller across the world is embarrassed by? You should seriously stay away from Thailand and stick to your all inclusive in Spain like Bemused Backpacker said.
Dear Jim,
I do really sorry to hear and to learn on what you had plan for your 2 weeks holidays in Thailand starting on 17 Oct 16. If you asking me as one of Thai citizens, then I don’t want our beloved King to leave our people, we want our beloved King to be an immortal King. So this is an unexpected from our people, our country………..so sorry to say that our culture, our tradition, our country may not suit with your needs. There are plenty of place that may suit you.
Yours sincerely,
One of Thai citizens.
Thank you for your respect for our loss. Yes this is 2016, but do you know that ” a ‘whole country’ shut down ” isn’t forced by government or anyone? The government asked for cooperations from bars / entertainments’ owners and they gladly cooperate.
Thais were not forced by our government to wear black / mourn, we individually chose to do it so.
I really do hope you enjoy your 2 weeks holidays here. There’re so much more than alcohol and nightlife here to offer you.
Cheers
Respect hahaha sorry but you don’t Jim you just know and what’s 2016 got to do with it.If you did any research you will find the whole country hasn’t been shut down.And what is it you gonna be missing out on Jim the Red light district!???! Cmon mate sort it out hahhaha
Your just a Baffoon
Exactly. It IS 2016 Jim and that means you should be civilised enough to know that all cultures are different or do you still live in a world where you think all cultures should be like yours? That wouldn’t be very open-minded of you would it?
The Thai people are mourning and we should be respectful of that. Dear friends of Thailand we are truly sorry for your loss. Although I am not Thai I can feel your pain. What a great King the Thai people have lost and what an outstanding role model
His Majesty has been for people of the world.
To me and my family, this is the greatest loss we’ve ever experienced.
When we cry, we sad, it is truly from our deep feeling.
Let’s just say, If your mom, your dad or your love ones died, will you be happy enough to entertain your guest? Think about it. If we’d known the date of our King’s death like 5 weeks eariler, we would definitely tell you not to spend the last saving you have in your life coming here.
Im delighted your going to have a shit holiday. The ladyboys are still out and about if thats what your worried about.
I can’t believe that some tourists are so disrespectful. It gives all of us a bad name!
I know what you mean. Fortunately I do think these fools are in the minority.
I am not an expat in Bangkok exactly but I do live here for at least 6 or 7 months out of the year, and I have to say there are definitely people like those papers report about, but there are also a lot of travellers of all nationalities who are showing a lot of respect too.
That’s always an important point to remember Alex and it’s pretty awesome to hear that there are decent and respectful travellers out there too. Thank you for your comment. 🙂
Perfect response to these ignorant fools and the sensationalist newspaper reports about them.
Thank you Laura. 🙂
Thank you for understanding, its not like we’re stuck with fantasies or being anti-reality or hypocrites about this. But think of a person who is very important to you, who’s like a father, a part of everyone’s family who has done so much and sacrifice so much for the country. If he passed away, if your father passed away, I imagined partying or getting wasted is the last thing on your mind to. Life goes on, but is it too much to stay in mourning for just a short period of time? Where I come from this is called กาลเทศะ or being appropriate, considerate.
If those people which to party and get trash, please do it elsewhere, not here, not now. That’s not too much to ask.
Thank you for this beautiful article
I think being appropriate and considerate are the perfect ways to describe it Paswadee, and it certainly isn’t too much to ask at all. I hope the majority of travellers you come across show you that respect and thank you for your comment.
I absolutely agree with your comments, I have been visiting Thai relatives for three days and they have had the TV coverage on from early morning to late at night. I learned some very interesting facts about the King which I didn’t know. Some of the visitors should just go home to wherever they came from.
Thank you Ginge, and I totally agree. As travellers, even if we may not share or understand the level of grief the Thai people are going through, we should respect it, and we should remember that it is an opportunity to be in a place at a very significant period in their modern history, so learning and observing should be priorities alongside being respectful. Those who cant do that should go elsewhere.
But even the pond scum quoted in the articles must realise that even the tourism authority of Thailand has said that it won’t affect tourism all that much, maybe a bar or two closes early or turns the volume down, so the FMP doesn’t go ahead (no great loss in my opinion). All they are asking for is some respect and consideration.
Exactly! It’s not too hard to understand, is it? Thanks for commenting.
Could not agree more. Well said.
Thank you. 🙂
I loved reading this, there needs to be more balance to the negative press of all the disrespectful idiots out there.
Thank you, I totally agree!
If only people weren’t so selfish seems it the norm for the modern western society unfortunately.
Just respect the law of the land and get on with it. All the people having a moan I’ll have a wild guess there going to exploit the girls of Thailand for there personal gain as can’t get it in there own country.
Great article.. shame about the minority with no respect
Bemused and Laura, Instead of sending some people to get drunk in Spain, why don’t you keep them in your own country? One of Spain citizens
Ah good point, I understand why no country would want these drunken package tourists on their doorstep, but to be fair when I said ‘Benidorm’ I was referring to the TV show about a resort (and the resort mentality) that could be in any country. They are all the same!
Actually your article is typical of a certain demographic of white westerners who have nothing good to say about their own race but overlook any faults of other nations. This is predominant amongst some ‘born-again’ expats.
Let’s just reverse roles for a moment.
A Thai has planned a holiday for an entire year to the UK but sadly the Queen of England dies and he finds that he is not allowed to buy alcohol or go near Buckingham Palace. Entertainment is not allowed in the entire country and the Edinburgh festival (one of the other attractions on his family’s bucket list) is cancelled.
While he may understand the reasons for this, he may still have a grumble or two and even write as much on Facebook. He may also remark that the locals expect him to wear a black shirt. They may not say as much but their stares say it all.
Of course, the UK government would never impose such limitations on travelers to Britain because despite it’s many faults the UK is far more sophisticated and has a civilian population that are not oppressed.
Most Thai people are getting on with their lives not sobbing or joining mobs to demand the head of a soy milk seller. The ultra royalists are doing that. A response we not see in the UK even from the Nation Front.
Your other mistake was the snipe about package tourists. First, package tourists are more likely to be Russian, Eastern European or Arabic/Pakistani as these are the nations being sold these kind of trip. Tourism is a newer phenomenon in those countries. When you say ‘travelers’ you seem to be referring to the younger, white, millennial gap-year types who, whilst wearing Thai fisherman’s pants and tank tops with crusty afros that make them look like Sideshow Bob? Those noble people that dress for a Jamaican beach whilst shopping in Siam Paragon? Those politically correct castrati who would never be seen dead in Pattaya or Soi cowboy? The Kao San cruisers? It’s interesting that Kao San Road is full of hookers at midnight on any given weekend. They must make money from someone . . .mmmnn.
The word you were looking for was not ‘travelers’, that bus went by back in the 70’s, Wearing the crusty gear as described above and wanting cheap passage does not make them travelers just wanabees.
In short, being a little disgruntled because a holiday of a lifetime has been curtailed does not make those people who may complain, ‘disgusting’. Seriously, this kind of article is so self aware and a great example of ‘virtue signalling’, the kind of thing that ironically, I find disgusting. But then I am clearly out of step with the moany millennial and ‘more Thai than Thai’ crowd you obviously aimed this lazy piece of writing at.
99% of tourists are respectful and sensitive to the situation in Thailand and are respectfully and cautiously trying to enjoy their holidays and spend lots of money in Thailand (far more than your ‘travelers’ will. Those that may be openly critical will almost certainly not be Westerners.
Think Again!
Okay David, you obviously disagree but thank you for keeping it civil. As such I’ll go through your points one by one because there are a few.
First of all I am not an expat, born again or otherwise, and I am certainly not blind to the virtues of my ‘race’ as you put it, nor am I blind to the negatives of other nationalities. And if you knew me at all you would know how laughable the idea of me virtue signalling like some rampant SJW is. The attitudes and comments I have seen frankly ARE disgusting, and frankly annoy the hell out of me (I’m being polite). Also, traveller is not an outdated term, it is a commonly used umbrella term to describe backpackers, flashpackers and other independent travellers. I never stated anywhere that backpackers or travellers or whatever term you choose are perfect ‘angels’, just look at my other articles on respect if you want proof of that. However on the whole you can expect the majority to be far more respectful and open minded than the package tourists used in the examples of the newspaper reports.
I even said that things will return to normal relatively quickly, by which I was implying that I know many Thais ARE getting on with their lives, but that in no way means that travellers, tourists, or ANY visitor should not show them respect during this time while we are there. There is also a huge difference between having a complain and a grumble than in the attitudes of many of the tourists quoted in the articles above (and even of one or two in this comment section). I did say I am sure the majority are being respectful, but the minority who aren’t I will call them out on it because frankly their ‘holiday of a lifetime’ is secondary to events like this.
Finally, if you think your package tourists bring more money, you should look at the gap year industry, one of the biggest, most profitable and fastest growing sectors in the entire travel industry, and that does not include the money coming from actual independent backpackers and travellers.
Frankly most of your points are beside the point, and all make zero sense. I think it is not myself who needs a rethink.
Very well written. It’s very simple. When in Rome, do what Romans do. We are sorry that some of you are here at the time like this but nobody plans for it to happen. Those of you who are here right now should think of this as a very luxurious opportunity to see the very rich culture of Thailand that only happens when the kings pass away (I as a Thai citizen at the age of 36 have not seen a lot of traditions held for the king’s funeral as this is my first time going through it as well). Some traditions are inherited from the old age of Thailand hundreds of years ago. Thailand has more than bars and boozes. You can get drunk anywhere in the world. For the time like this, show some respect. Proper outfits with a smile and a simple bow will take you a long way.
Well said.
@ Jim above. You respect that the Thai’s have lost their king but so what??? hahaha mate that is not respect, don’t kid yourself , the whole country has not shutdown do some research.And what exactly are will you be missing out on, the red light district???
I just want to tell people that come to our country just those night life and clubbing. I think Thailand got so many other activities to do and to see… not just a country which collect all the partying things waiting for others to experience it! Duhhh have some respect !
It definitely does.
How can some people be so ignorant? This has nothing to do with your precious holiday, nothing to do with politics or your ignorant views on the Thai government, it is just about respect. That’s it. Nothing more, nothing less. When you visit a country, just like BB said, you show respect. How hard is that to understand?
Exactly Carol. Thank you.
Round of applause! Perfectly said, you absolutely nailed it! Travellers can still enjoy their trip, they should just be respectful and thankful to see a unique side to the Thai culture.
Thank you, I totally agree.
You are such a nobed. If people want to enjoy there holiday they can. FFS!
It’s actually knob head, (and you’re and their). But okay. 🙂
Hahahaha, love it!
@John why the rudeness? We are all having a civilised conversation here. Surely anyone can enjoy your holidays in Thailand. There will always be booze, bars, parties, guys and girls available. Nobody shuts down the country. Everything is done from the heart of every Thai people. The supplies of all the party stuff you see in Thailand at the moment is what they want to give to the travellers/ tourists. Only that and not more.
As a restaurant owner I have turned down a few requests from foreigners for beers and wines at my own will. Hey, money is hanging in the air and I CHOSE NOT to take it simply because it doesn’t feel right. And good people don’t do things that go against their feelings. This is the feelings of the bar and pub owners in Thailand.
For God sake, the King only passed for not even a week. He’d lived in our lives ever since we were born. So FFS, give us some room to operate on our losses.
Well said! Some people can be real idiots.
Yes they can be. 🙂
this is ripped from fb
no source?
How is this ripped from FB? The sources I am responding to (articles from various newspapers) are very clearly linked to in the article itself. Why not take a little time to read and educate yourself before saying anything?
i would like to say thank you to the writer, you ve concluded everything and replied the world with your written words. i would love to do the same but my English is very limited and yet im in no place of doing it. Thank you very much, this is very much appreciated. Regards,mink
You’re very welcome Mink, and thank you for commenting. 🙂
Thank you very much…
We are actually welcome all tourists who has choosen Thailand as a precious place to spend the holiday..
But with our father passed, during this mourning period, we will definitely feel terrible if our guests jump in to our home dancing-drinking-partying…..
Thank you to the journalist of this article, you have spoken for us all…
The mourning period would be 30 days…stated by the government, but to us, this hole in our hearts will never go away……forever….
Thank you for commenting.
Profoundly touching for your understanding to our root and values. King Bhumibol is a soul of our nation he is like a father to us and he had done so much to conquer poverty & improve our life for 70 years. I don’t know how to describe Thais’feeling now to make foreigners understand how our soul is taken. This moment will mark history of our country and we apologize if this has caused inconvenience to our tourists. May be aside from music and party, you will get to know more Thai culture and values that can bring you new perspective to this country. Again thank you for your kind heart during our grief time.
No thanks are needed Sasi, my best wishes go to your country. And I am sure the majority of travellers understand the circumstances and are respectful, and I hope that every tourist takes the opportunity to learn more about Thai culture.
I do understand tourists who feel disappointed in this situation. They paid and expected a lot from their trips to Thailand. For those who are afraid you would miss out some things from your trips, well there’s alway beauty even in the ugly days, always good things in a bad time. If you travel to learn about different cultures, now it’s the opportunity. Go and witness the traditional Thai activities in this once-in -a-life-time phenomenon. Maybe you will consider wearing black on the days you visit temples. Mountains and seas awaits. You can still enjoy your trip as planned.
And as a Thai citizen, I can assure you that our government never forces us to wear black. We choose to do it because it’s one of the way to show respect to our belove King for the last time. I’m living abroad. 6,000 miles away from Thailand, but I have been wearing black everyday since then. After all, respect is earned, not commanded.
This is 2016, yeah. But maybe this proverb is still applicable: When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
This article is a rant. And while it certainly has important and legitimate points, I found it a bit offensive. The reason is simple, over-generalizing and stereotyping. The ‘tourists’ you criticize make up a very small percentage of all tourists here yet you lump them all together. I have not met a single tourist with the attitudes you claim they have. Perhaps, 99% have been very respectful. Maybe you just misspoke and meant to say the “party crowd”
Ex. “And what is the response from tourists? They cry because they can’t party…” Are tourists so ignorant that they..”
I suggest that you be more careful about stereotyping. It is the respectful thing to do.
But it’s okay to stereotype the party tourists? That seems like a bit of a double standard but okay.
Yes, this article is absolutely a rant, I make no bones about that, it is 100% an opinion piece, it is as simple as that. I have a right to it just as you do yours, and your right to be offended by it. I agree completely that I am probably stereotyping a little by using package tourists, as I believe the behaviour of the worst type of tourist in Thailand at the moment – the ones who are quoted under the hack headline in the Mail and other newspapers – are absolutely typical of that stereotype. However, I do take issue with the overgeneralising, as I have made it absolutely clear a number of times that these people (whether you want to call them the party crowd, package tourists, whatever) are in the minority. I am sure the absolute majority HAVE been respectful as I have said numerous times previously. And I refuse to be respectful to those who aren’t. Thanks for the comment. 🙂
I totally agree with you here, I know – as you said – that the bottomfeeders who only care about their booze and sex on holiday are a minority and the majority of backpackers will be respectful as life goes on, but the minority still deserve to be called out, as do the pathetic headlines of rags like the Daily Mail.
Exactly, it was the headlines that prompted me to write this to be honest, and it is absolutely the minority giving everyone a bad name.
Thank you.
And thank you. 🙂
Omg! As a Thai person I really love this article! I couldn’t explain anything better than this. Thank you
Thank you for reading 🙂
Then it’s all abt my ways or high ways.
The respected never happen unless they want to.
If you don’t like Thai culture, go somewhere else. 😀
It’s just about everyone showing some respect.
I just wonder many people feel disgusted at Thailand’s nightlife and red zone. When Thailand shuts it down because of period of mourning, many tourists feel it ruins their holiday. So? Why do they look for fun in the nightlife and red zone? Is it a good time for tourists to explore the beautiful culture and wonderful calm nature instead?
No demand, no supply.
I see exactly what you mean, and it annoys me too when people see Thailand as nothing more than the bars and the red light districts. It is SO much more than that and I think a lot more people should start exploring Thailand a lot deeper.
It is very simple, this goes for every country, it does not matter where in the world.
Respect the traditions and culture of the country you are in. It does not matter, if you are a tourist or an inhabitant. Give Respect and you get Respect back !
That is very true.
Strongly agree ! and thanks for understanding in Thai culture & Thai people
No thanks needed 🙂
The country has shown resilience during previous political and social upheavals and will do so now. Thailand is still a good place for tourists. I dont know what these people are afraid will happen.
And that is the exact point, it is basically the lowest common denominator shooting their mouths off without knowing the full facts, but giving every traveller a bad name.
I think no matter where you go, no matter what country, you will always get that certain level of people – wether you call them tourists or travellers it doesn’t matter – who are selfish and only think of their own needs.
That is certainly true.