The Land of Smiles ....
or rather, the lack of it

Some stuff about my trip to sunny Thailand. Phuket is hot and cold at the same time; it's either raining heavily or it's so freaking hot u can cook eggs on the bloody floor. I would say that generally I had a great time; there was a lot of getting-to-know each other better, and i would have to say it's pretty successful. I got to know almost the entire team better, even my boss's boss.

However, our experience was very much marred by the hostility of the locals. Given that tourism in Phuket has taken a huge dive, I would expect the locals to be warmer and much more eager to please, so as to attract more tourists. This was not the case. Let me give you some examples:

1) It was suddenly pouring when we got to Patong Beach, where the night life and pasar malam are. We ran into a store for some shelter and started browsing. This was the first store we entered at Patong. The owner, who thought that we were just taking cover, refused to let us proceed further into the shop. Even when my colleague was enquiring about the price of something that she fancied, the owner refused to serve her. He said something to the effect of, "Don't touch my stuff if you're not buying."

Naturally, we were pissed. So we left the shop into the rain and head for the next one.

2) Everyone knows that bargaining is an essential skill when shopping in Thailand. And if you've been there, you would know that you always have to bargain for a much lower price than the stated one. But in many instances, when we tried to bargain, the locals either said, "xxx baht for looking only" or "20 baht. Tomorrow." This was their way of showing that you're unwelcomed to bargain.

3) If a negotiation fell through, and you decide to leave (since there are hundreds of shops there selling the exact same thing), they will say, "Go! Go!" in Cantonese or Hokkien, to chase you out of their shop.


Now, I'm not an unreasonable person. I do know that 100 baht means nothing to Singaporeans but it could mean something to the Thais. Which was why, when I did encounter good service, I didn't bargain that much. After all, it wasn't juz the product that I was paying for. I would say that the shops that did earn my money are those that offered friendly service, and truly represent the spirit of being The Land of Smiles.

Nonetheless, the staff at Club Med were great. They truly take care of you from the time you board the coach all the way till you leave for the airport. Warm and friendly.

Obviously, I needn't mention how good the authentic Thai massage was. I almost snored when the masseuse was twisting my body.

Oh, I didn't have money or much time to buy anyone any gift. So don't come asking me for sourvenirs or presents. And that means you, Sian.