Thai Chivalry

[Big Boy]

I was pleasantly surprised today when my wife, 2 grand daughters and I caught a crowded songthaew. There were no spare seats but 3 young Thai men (I would guess about 18 years old) stood up to allow my wife and grand daughters sit down.

It's a long time since I've seen such a gesture in the West. I hope this is the norm here, rather than a one off.

[Nereus]

I was pleasantly surprised today when my wife, 2 grand daughters and I caught a crowded songthaew. There were no spare seats but 3 young Thai men (I would guess about 18 years old) stood up to allow my wife and grand daughters sit down.

It's a long time since I've seen such a gesture in the West. I hope this is the norm here, rather than a one off.

It was probably your presence that prompted them Big Boy! It certainly does not happen in Bangkok on the BTS Skytrain. The only ones that they will stand up for are little kids, and Monks. I remember when my Daughter was about 6 months pregnant and not one of the ignorant pricks would give up their seat for her. I hobble around with a walking stick now, and even that does not entice them. One ignorant bitch just a couple of days ago very nearly tripped over my walking stick pushing past me to get to a seat!

If the girls are still young, that is probably the reason.

[Takiap]

Unfortunately, I don't think this is Thailand specific. Hell, I'm almost 50 and I still offer my seat to one of the fairer sex, or to the elderly. Suppose it's just the way I was brought up.

[usual suspect]

I have this mental image of a crowded sontaew stopping to let a heavily-pregnant young lady on-board.
Who would get up,stand on the back step so as the mother-to-be could sit in comfort..??
The Thai kid with bullet-belt around waist & Mp3..? Nah
The fat cow still eating..like she has since she woke up..? Nah
It would be either an old Thai lady or one of us..the rest would not give up their seat.
(Us being brought-up to have manners & respect, maybe could say same-same for the old lady)

[migrant]

I rarely ever sit on the skytrain, even with lots of open seats, but always offer if I do.

Just the other day two westerners were sitting (teachers it sounded like) and a very older lady was in front, but they didn't even look, much less offer their seats

[hhfarang]

^ I'm with you on that one Migrant... never sit on the BTS or MRT. I find a corner to stand in and watch the circus.

[PeteC]

^ I'm with you on that one Migrant... never sit on the BTS or MRT. I find a corner to stand in and watch the circus.

As one gets older it's always fun to stand and not hold on to the rail or overhead loop to see if we can still surf the roads and rails without falling on our faces. When becoming unbalanced (physically, not mentally) grab on to the Thai cutie next to you and claim old age, with a smile of course. Pete

[lomuamart]

I'm getting worried. I've had Thai folk, especially school kids and military people, vacate their seats for me on songthaews particularly if I've got my golf clubs with me.
I politely decline, but might think about it more in a few years.

[hhfarang]

When becoming unbalanced (physically, not mentally)

Glad you clarified that Pete, I have no problem whatsoever physically...

I'm getting worried. I've had Thai folk, especially school kids and military people, vacate their seats for me on songthaews particularly if I've got my golf clubs with me.

It wasn't just the clubs Lomu, they knew it would be hard for you to hold on with golf clubs in one hand and a Chang in the other...

[PeteC]

Chivalry in action!

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