Originally Posted by
mario33
What else do you expect them to say, laugh uncontrollably at you ? I would
Just ask yourself this question, does a Thai person (with the same financial means as yourself) leave a BHT100 per person tip for buffet breakfast ? Just because you do it in the US doesn't make it 'normal' elsewhere.
And if you still don't get it, do you offer a BHT100 tip to the ladies who clear your tray at the Terminal 21 food court (mind you they would appreciate it much more than the waitresses at the SGS ) ? While there is nothing morally wrong with it, you will probably create more laughter than putting on a red nose.
It amazes me there are so many Americans who claim to be frequent visitors to Thailand, and yet so far removed from Thai society or rather totally clueless on what's inappropriate outside of North America.
It's not only the Americans that tip people offering them a good service.
I'm not here to criticize the people of a country that I visit very often, but I don't think that I have to behave the same way many well off Thai people are treating lower income people. However, this is not true for all wealthy Thai people: the owner of the LMBKK, the LMCM, the PA and many other properties and businesses, leaves very generous tips for the staff, each time he stays at one of his hotels.
They do what they feel is right and I do the same.
Trust me, tips are well appreciated by the people that receive them. I don't know where you get that strange idea that guests that leave a tip are being laughed at. I leave small tips and I am much more respected and better served than most guests, but I don't believe that it is related to my small tips.
If you don't want to leave tips, just don't, nobody will judge you.