Gangland Style BKK SG JB

WHEN IN ROME, DO AS THE ROMANS DO

As a foreigner living in three different foreign countries, I have seen my fair share of cantankerous tourists imposing their recalcitrant ways on the locals - so much so that I feel the urbanite locals in Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia nowadays are increasingly getting impatient with foreigners - and worse, reciprocating with rudeness too.  The local customs in each of these countries that I have since called home, bear the hallmarks of true hospitality, kindness and warmth, and it disheartens me to see these cultural traits ebbing as the years pass by due to urbanization and internationalization. 

As intruding tourists, we need to adapt as we travel so that we do not bring attention to ourselves, anger the local folks and in turn risk our safety - Read "How I Survive Asia all these years".

THAI ANGER

Respecting The Locals May Be The Best Policy

We have been reading in recent years how in Thailand, some local Thais had taken matters into their own hands when accosted by rude foreigners - be they tourists or expatriates living in their Land of Smiles.  Thailand's age old tourism slogan was indeed a true reflection of the happy Thai people some twenty years ago when I started frequenting Thailand.  When you were there then, one would indubitably be greeted with a Sawadee Ka or Kup from vendors along the streets - and even if you did not end up buying, smiley farewells were de rigueur.  Nowadays, all you get is a cursory glance to see if you are an interested buyer - if not they would just go about their smart phone surfing or texting. 


Click Photo Above To Find Out Why I Avoid Bangkok Taxi

The case of the American expatriate being stabbed to death some years back over his disrespect for his taxi driver and over a mere B51 (S$2 or MR6) taxi fare highlights the stress bestowed upon both locals and foreigners in Thailand as both groups struggle to co-exist and adapt with the country's fast globalization.  This unfortunate societal change has also manifested in Singapore recent years when we see foreigners visiting or living in Singapore getting themselves on the wrong side of the law due to unruly behaviour.

SINGAPOREAN MISBEHAVIOR
Recently a video posted by an irate Malaysian went viral.  The video documented his altercation with a matured Singaporean couple - the latter was filmed being berated for being inconsiderate to park in a handicap lot when they do not have the proper handicap label.  What could have been settled amicably spiralled into a heated argument when the coupled reversed into the Malaysian's motorbike in an effort to drive away.  To make matters even worse, the couple reneged on their promise to donate a sum to charity in lieu of paying damages for the downed bike.  Again, where is the common courtesy which would have circumvented the entire saga if one has observed the right thing to do - especially in a foreign land?  I must say the Malaysian's virtue is commendable, but attitude? Well, they say the road to hell is paved with good intentions!

MALAYSIAN GANGLAND KILLING
Sad news today from Kota Kinabalu when an innocent twin brother was caught in the middle of a gangland style assassination right during the morning rush hour in East Malaysia.  I have always observed that local business owners adopt a very docile and non-confrontational attitude towards doing business in Malaysia.  I have since realized that is because they know bad elements lurk in dark corners of our society, so the more you treat others with respect and integrity, the less trouble is steered your way.  My supposition is that the intended victim - the driver of the car - ran into some business disagreement with the wrong element and was hence  taken out gangland style in broad daylight.  It is very unfortunate another innocent life was taken along during this hineous drive-by killing.

Innocent Twin Killed

Business Owner Killed In His Car While At Traffic Light

So to all tourists in a foreign land - do as the locals do - be respectful and go Jalan Jalan without bringing your high-horse standards of your motherland to others' homeland.  When we steer clear of trouble, trouble tends to steer clear of you.