TikToker with 2.4M followers calls Thai locals 'rude' for not speaking English
Photo courtesy of Khaosod English
TikToker Farah Shams, who has 2.4 million followers, just triggered a massive backlash after posting a video calling most Thai locals "rude" for not speaking English or using translation apps.
The clip, which hit nearly 400,000 views, shows Shams complaining about what she sees as unhelpful behavior during her Thailand visit. Despite saying she "genuinely" loves Thailand, her take didn't go over well.
"Most Thai locals are rude for not speaking English or using translation apps"
Here's the thing — this is peak entitled tourist behavior. Thailand gets around 40 million visitors a year, but that doesn't mean every street vendor, taxi driver, or shop owner needs to speak your language.
The Reality Check
Anyone who's actually spent time in Thailand knows the deal. Most Thai people are incredibly patient with foreigners fumbling through basic phrases. Point at a menu, use Google Translate, learn "hello" and "thank you" — it goes a long way.
The irony? Translation apps work both ways. If communication matters that much to you, you can download the app.
What Travelers Actually Do
Most people figure this out pretty quick:
- Download Google Translate before you go
- Learn basic phrases ("sawadee kah/krap," "kop khun kah/krap")
- Point at things, smile, be patient
- Carry your hotel address written in Thai
- Use apps like Grab where everything's in English
The language barrier is part of traveling. It's not the local's job to accommodate you — it's yours to figure out how to communicate.
The Comments Section
Predictably, the video got roasted. Thai netizens and expats pointed out the obvious: she's visiting their country, not the other way around.
Some noted that many Thai people actually do speak some English, especially in tourist areas. But expecting fluency everywhere? That's not how travel works.
Bottom Line
If you can't handle basic communication challenges, maybe international travel isn't for you. Thailand's hospitality is legendary, but that doesn't include mandatory English lessons for 70 million people.
For what it's worth, this kind of attitude is exactly why some locals in tourist areas are less enthusiastic about helping foreigners these days. The entitlement gets old.
Source: Khaosod English
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Source: TikToker says most Thai locals are rude for not speaking English or using translation apps
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