In a video that has sparked discussions on social media, indian tourists are depicted being mocked by shop owners in Thailand, with comments like "You indian people, you don't buy anything." This 70.17-second clip, shared by WokePandemic on X on june 28, 2025, at 14:32, offers a glimpse into the interactions between indian visitors and local vendors in Phuket, shedding light on underlying cultural misunderstandings and stereotypes.
The video features a woman, presumably of indian descent, navigating through various shops in a bustling market area. She expresses frustration over the treatment she and other indian tourists receive, noting that shopkeepers often refuse to sell to them, citing a perception that indians do not purchase items. The subtitles reveal her bewilderment and disappointment as she recounts visiting multiple shops where she was met with hostility despite her attempts to engage in Nepali, a language she shares with some locals.
The narrative takes a turn when she encounters a Nepali shopkeeper who acknowledges the prejudice but also points out a behavioral pattern among indian tourists that might contribute to this perception. He mentions that indians often haggle aggressively, sometimes offering prices far below what is reasonable, and then walk away without buying, leaving vendors feeling disrespected and frustrated.
In many parts of Thailand, particularly in tourist-heavy areas like Phuket, vendors rely heavily on sales to tourists. The expectation is often that tourists will buy items at or near the asking price, especially in fixed-price shops. However, indian tourists, known for their bargaining culture back home, may approach these transactions differently, leading to misunderstandings.
Social media Reacts
The tweet and video have elicited a range of responses on social media. Some users defend indian tourists, arguing that their economic contributions to Thailand's tourism industry are substantial and should not be overshadowed by a few negative interactions. Others acknowledge the validity of the shopkeepers' frustrations, suggesting that cultural sensitivity and awareness could improve these encounters.
One respondent, aishwarya Ram, notes, "They mock our wallets, not knowing that indians made their tourism thrive," pointing out the irony that indian tourists are a significant market for Thai tourism. Another, Premanand, adds a critical perspective, suggesting that the behavior of some indian tourists, particularly those from North India, might contribute to these negative perceptions due to aggressive bargaining and lack of decorum.
The video features a woman, presumably of indian descent, navigating through various shops in a bustling market area. She expresses frustration over the treatment she and other indian tourists receive, noting that shopkeepers often refuse to sell to them, citing a perception that indians do not purchase items. The subtitles reveal her bewilderment and disappointment as she recounts visiting multiple shops where she was met with hostility despite her attempts to engage in Nepali, a language she shares with some locals.
The narrative takes a turn when she encounters a Nepali shopkeeper who acknowledges the prejudice but also points out a behavioral pattern among indian tourists that might contribute to this perception. He mentions that indians often haggle aggressively, sometimes offering prices far below what is reasonable, and then walk away without buying, leaving vendors feeling disrespected and frustrated.
In many parts of Thailand, particularly in tourist-heavy areas like Phuket, vendors rely heavily on sales to tourists. The expectation is often that tourists will buy items at or near the asking price, especially in fixed-price shops. However, indian tourists, known for their bargaining culture back home, may approach these transactions differently, leading to misunderstandings.
Social media Reacts
The tweet and video have elicited a range of responses on social media. Some users defend indian tourists, arguing that their economic contributions to Thailand's tourism industry are substantial and should not be overshadowed by a few negative interactions. Others acknowledge the validity of the shopkeepers' frustrations, suggesting that cultural sensitivity and awareness could improve these encounters.
One respondent, aishwarya Ram, notes, "They mock our wallets, not knowing that indians made their tourism thrive," pointing out the irony that indian tourists are a significant market for Thai tourism. Another, Premanand, adds a critical perspective, suggesting that the behavior of some indian tourists, particularly those from North India, might contribute to these negative perceptions due to aggressive bargaining and lack of decorum.
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