Thai Mentality: You’re in my way. Move!

I sort of defend Thai-style easy-goingness on my post dated Aug 23, 08, but for this one, forget it.

In my humblest opinion, easy-goingness is actually the way to go for many matters. A dear friend broke your vintage vase by mistake. Your hot blind date stood you up. An old man next door thunderously clears his throat a few times every day. Thousands of matters don’t really matter actually.

But not each and every! For example, some people seem to be far too laid back/care-free to the point of becoming inconsiderate.

When in Bangkok, you will surely be out and about on her rail-based transportation. Going to Suanlum Night Bazaar? Take the underground MRT and get off at the Lumpini Station. Viewing cozy condos on Langsuan Street? Use the elevated BTS and leave at Chidlom. Seems a like a piece of cake, doesn’t it?

Totally.

Still, some people – some Thai people, if they need naming – can give you a hard time.

“Please let passengers exit first.” This is what you will hear. It’s in crystal clear English, American-accented, along w/ the articulate Thai version that comes before. So, there’s no excuse for some local people to ignore this civilized request.

Besides, every station provides all the signs that you need so that you know where to stand when a train door opens to allow other passengers to exit first.

One of these days, I will write the nicest letter to the operating companies suggesting that the BTS guards could do more than whistling, and the MRT platform personnel more than just standing by in case a passenger faints??

It would be nice if the staff was also responsible for politely asking stray people to give way. Until that happens, you and I might need to remind them not to be in other people’s way. Not that we’re in a big rush or trying to locate our lost buffalo or anything. It’s just a matter of principle, right?

I don’t endorse confrontation here or anywhere else and I’m sure it’s not your intention either. Just smile and suggest w/ a friendly motion that they should move aside. Be careful not to touch or push anyone, an action that comes across as very unfriendly. While violence begets violence, I maintain that friendliness encourages cooperation. Let’s do that.

Let’s also celebrate the laid-back, care-free character in Thai people in general but not on this one.

Joe