Trip reports forum

I can't believe you had surly or rude wait staff at a restaraunt here. That has NEVER happened to me, and I've lived here three and a half years.

Very indeed.

Hey MADMAC,

I'm not surprised that you've never had bad service at a local Mukdahan restaurant or even in Bangkok. Of course, as a Thai-speaking westerner and an overall good guy, you definitely help create your own positive atmosphere. I wouldn't say service is generally poor in Thailand - particularly when you consider the cost of the meal compared to what you'd pay back home. But I have noticed that in the more popular tourist locations, and particularly the types of restaurants where people are likely to only ever visit one time, that service can be less than friendly.

I know you aren't a big beach guy, but that's where the service tends to be the worst. It isn't just being on island time either. It is often just like Miss Adventure describes - surly. I can only guess that it has to do with very low wages and no incentive to do a better job or be nicer. But it does seem a shame that otherwise very friendly Thai people seem to get very jaded when they work at the beach resort.

Maybe that is why I like travelling in the Isan so much. The folks are friendly for sure, but there is also a better chance that the person serving you has some direct connection to the restaurant or shop or noodle cart or whatever. When I'm at the beach, I like to find the small locally-owned restaurants on the non-beach side of the road - the ones frequented by Thais more than western tourists. The food is better, the prices lower, and the service generally friendlier.

Anyway, not that you asked, and I know this was a really old post, but I definitely think that in general anyone will feel more welcome in Muk and other Isan towns than most Thai islands, at least in terms of service.