Thailand isn’t what unsettles me. It’s the attitude and behaviour of certain farangs.
Some act as if Thailand were their own personal playground – careless, self-absorbed, and completely oblivious to the reality around them.
But that’s not how it works.
Thailand isn’t some theme park. It’s a country with its own hierarchies, its own manners, and a real sensitivity when it comes to saving face and showing respect.
Being loud comes across as rude. Being impatient feels patronising. And if you swagger about like you’re “the boss”, all you’re really showing is that you haven’t quite understood the place.
It gets especially tricky when some foreigners start looking down on “the Thais” – as if they know better, as if they’re somehow superior. The truth is, we’re guests. Even if we live here, in a way, we still are.
Respect isn’t about talking about culture – it shows in how you actually behave.
- In how you dress.
- In how you speak.
- In how you treat the people you cross paths with every single day.
We live near the Old Town in a muban – a gated estate where hardly any farangs stay, right among Thai families. Exactly how we wanted it. When I hear voices outside, it’s Thai – not English, German or Russian. And to me, that’s just normal. After all, this is where I live.
In Thailand, Thai is what you hear. That goes without saying.
What really gets to me about some farangs
You see it time and time again: women in bikinis in 7-Eleven, on motorbikes, wandering through the night market. Men – ripped or with a beer belly – riding shirtless past schoolkids and market stalls. And honestly, I often find myself thinking: why?
This isn’t about preaching. It’s not about being prudish. It’s about respect. Thailand isn’t just a beach resort – it’s a country. People live here. Families. Everyday life.
A bikini belongs on the beach. A bare chest belongs by the pool. Not in the supermarket. Not in residential streets. And not in a cultural setting where modesty and outward dignity actually matter.
If you’re a guest – or even if you live here – the question isn’t just what’s allowed, but what’s appropriate. Respect isn’t shown in big speeches. It shows in the small things. The everyday gestures. Even in what you choose to wear.
Thailand is more than beaches, temples and sunsets. It’s a country with its own history, its own rules, its own sense of dignity. And if you stay long enough, you realise something quite quickly: you don’t understand Thailand if you insist on judging it through your own lens.
How Thais See Tourists – Who’s Liked and Who’s Not So Much
Every tourist is different – no matter where they’re from. This ranking simply reflects how Thais tend to perceive certain nationalities in general, based on experience, stereotypes and behaviour.
Of course, there are always exceptions. Not all Swiss are quiet, not all Russians are loud, and every nation has its fair share of “black sheep”. This isn’t about labelling individuals – it’s about the clichés and general impressions that shape which tourists tend to be liked more, and which less so.
Tourists whom Thais tend to find more likeable
Japanese
Japanese tourists are particularly well liked by Thais because they tend to be polite and reserved, respect local rules, and rarely cause trouble. They often come across as shy and somewhat low-key, sticking closely to the rules – which leaves many Thais with the impression: “They’re exemplary, they do everything properly.”
Koreans
Korean tourists often come across as friendly and considerate. They tend to care about their appearance, are fashion-conscious, and usually behave in a clean and orderly way – something that is viewed very positively by many Thais.
Swiss / Scandinavian
Swiss and Scandinavians tourists tend to stand out for their calm and reserved manner. They often keep a low profile, rarely disturb others, and leave a very tidy, well-mannered impression – which many Thais see as a sign of respect and good upbringing.
Germans
German tourists are generally seen as reliable and well organised. They tend to plan their trips carefully, pay fairly, and usually stick to the rules – which often gives Thais the impression: “They know how to behave respectfully.”
Italians
Italian tourists are often seen as temperamental, sociable and – let’s say – not exactly quiet. When travelling in groups, you tend to notice them straight away. Their lively manner and expressive way of communicating can feel a bit intense to some Thais. At the same time, they’re frequently experienced as warm, humorous and very open.
Brits / Australians
British and Australian tourists are often perceived in party areas as loud and demanding, especially when alcohol is involved. When they behave inconsiderately, it can quickly give Thais the impression that they think they know better than everyone else.
At the same time, many are seen as friendly, easy to chat to, and generous customers. The difference usually comes down to behaviour – those who show respect and keep things measured are generally welcomed just like anyone else.
Chinese
Chinese tourists are often perceived as loud and fast-paced. They can be very direct and sometimes come across as lacking consideration, even though many are friendly and open-minded. As a result, Thais tend to have mixed feelings – on the one hand they’re appreciated, on the other they can be seen as a bit overwhelming at times.
Russians
Russian tourists can sometimes come across as blunt or direct, particularly in their manner. Loud or attention-grabbing behaviour tends to stand out quickly, which can lead some Thais to view them with a degree of caution or scepticism.
French
French tourists are sometimes stereotyped as proud or a little distant. Their self-assured manner can, to some Thais, come across as arrogance – even though it’s often simply a different style of communication.
Indians
Indian tourists are viewed somewhat critically by some Thais. Frequent and persistent bargaining, strong price negotiations, or a very assertive manner – especially in larger groups -can at times be perceived as demanding or tiring.
Israelis
Israeli tourists are also viewed critically by some Thais. A very direct, self-assured manner, loud communication, or strongly pushing their own preferences – particularly in groups or in party areas – can at times be perceived as demanding or lacking consideration.
Tourists from the Middle East
Travellers from the Middle East are sometimes described as generous and enthusiastic consumers, particularly in hotels and while shopping. At the same time, a very assertive manner or high expectations towards service staff can occasionally be perceived as demanding.
Some Thais also find it a little unusual when visitors wear strong perfumes – especially in the tropical heat.
Why People Find Some Nations More Likeable Than Others
You’ll often hear Thais say, “I like Italians, but Russians… not so much.” And it’s not always just about behaviour – sometimes it’s about how a language actually sounds. Certain languages can come across as sharp, loud or very direct, and that can subconsciously feel unfriendly or a bit intimidating, even if the person speaking is perfectly nice.
So sympathy isn’t shaped by experience alone. It’s also about subtle impressions – the tone of someone’s voice, the rhythm of their speech, how they laugh, how they sound in everyday conversation. That’s why a whole nationality can end up seeming “more likeable” or “less friendly” in people’s minds, even though in reality every country has its fair share of lovely people – and difficult ones too.
One single bad experience with someone from a particular country can be enough for us to subconsciously lump everyone into the same box. It’s human – our brains love simple patterns.
But it isn’t fair. No one person represents an entire nation. Every country has polite, respectful people – and others who rub people up the wrong way.
That’s why we should be careful with generalisations. One encounter is just that – a single encounter, not the truth about millions of others.
What really matters is that this isn’t about branding any nation as “good” or “bad”. Every society is diverse, and there are always exceptions – positive and negative alike. What’s being described here are simply general tendencies or impressions that grow out of observation, not final judgements on people or entire countries.
As a Guest in the Country: Respecting Local Customs
Start with the small gestures. Put a T-shirt on when riding your motorbike and choose clothing that fits the setting – visiting a temple isn’t the same as spending a day at the beach. Keeping your shoulders and knees covered is a simple way of showing respect for Thai culture.
And think about it: back home, you wouldn’t pop into the supermarket in a bikini, walk into a jewellery shop shirtless, or turn up to Sunday service half-dressed. Thailand will give you so much in return if you’re willing to adapt to local customs and stay open to the culture.