A few years ago, the first time I came here, the Thais were quite friendly and of course, smile at you when they talk to you. But now I feel like the Thais are not as friendly as before. Some of them are quite rude. For example, one day I went to a place where I stayed before and told the person at the lobby that I stayed there before and asked her how much was the room rate over there now, and she answered with a question. “Why do ask me that if you had stayed here before?” And I was like, “that was a few years ago, so I assumed that the prices have changed.” And another instance was with my host. The first time I dealt with her, she acted as if I wasn't welcome when I arrived (I booked my room for three nights). And every morning, I would say good morning, and she does not even respond as if I were talking to a wall. I don't know why this is happening, and I heard the same experience with another traveler. Is it because there are now too many foreign tourists and expats living here. They should be happy with a big smile on their faces because tourism brings money to their economy, and I do believe this is their biggest source of income. Just to think of it, Thailand is supposed to be the top destination in the world these past few years. They should keep it that way by remaining “The Land of Smiles.”
