Day 5

We spoke to the director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (Chiang Mai) today and he brought up a rather interesting point. His team had introduced a “Do’s and Don’ts” manual for Chinese tourists, instructing visitors on proper etiquette. He told us that after this has been introduced, it was reported that the Chinese tourists were much more well behaved.

This tells me the reason for their behaviour was really because they were unaware. My personal belief is that these tourists are earnest in their learning of proper behaviour. Chinese tourists have built themselves a reputation of having poor manners and of displaying unpleasant and inappropriate behaviour. I realised that the cause could merely be a lack of exposure. The famous incidents reported online have been pretty outrageous, but if we would extend them our empathy, we may find many reasons for their actions.

I read that the rise in Chinese outbound tourism is due to rising affluence amongst the populace, enabling more people to leave the country for overseas vacations. We ought to bear in mind that many more people from rural areas have risen in their mobility and are going on overseas trips. I read an article where a Chinese national spoke up for her people, explaining that these rural people lack exposure and hence understanding about how to act in such contexts. These trips are one of their first times experiencing the outside world.

I am reminded of the situation back home, with migrant workers entering our country and incidents of unpleasant behaviour reported in the media. I am aware of the social stigmas that have been attached to these people. I realise that we ought to be more understanding and forbearing when people have not yet integrated into our way of life, and I want to bring this new mindset back home with me.