TikToker says most Thai locals are rude for not speaking English or using translation apps

2026-02-23 - 08:23

BANGKOK — Social media influencer Farah Shams, who has more than 2.4 million followers on TikTok, has sparked controversy after posting a video criticising what she described as rude behaviour by the majority of Thai locals during her visit. In the clip, which has drawn nearly 400,000 views, Shams said she “genuinely” loves Thailand and called it a “lovely place”, but questioned why “the majority” of locals were, in her view, disrespectful towards foreigners and tourists. She said that when she spoke English to local people, many did not understand her and appeared to ignore her rather than attempt to communicate. @fdontcareSo bad I love it here but be ready for rudeness and people ignoring you ♬ original sound – Farah Shams “The language barrier is very natural for humans, especially when you go to the other side of the world,” she said. “But just pull out Google Translate if you don’t understand what I’m saying. Don’t ignore me. Just say ‘no English’.” Shams compared her experience unfavourably with trips to Turkey and Egypt, saying those destinations could be “pretty bad”, but adding that Thailand “tops them all”. While noting that some locals were “lovely”, she said the majority were “the most disrespectful people I’ve ever met in my life”. Despite the criticism, she said she would still return to Thailand because she loves the country. The video prompted strong reactions online. Some users told her to “stop coming”, while others defended Thailand. One commenter said translation apps work both ways, while another wrote that they had lived in the country for two years without experiencing rudeness. Several Thai users argued that travellers should adapt when visiting another country, noting that not everyone speaks English and that tourists should also make efforts to use translation tools. When questioned whether her own behaviour may have contributed to the situation, Shams replied: “I am genuinely very kind until people disrespect me first!” In the days following the backlash, some users called on her to apologise. However, in an Instagram story, she said she stood by her comments and would not retract them, saying she was simply sharing her personal experience. The incident has reignited debate on social media over cultural expectations, language barriers and the responsibilities of both tourists and host communities.