I get the "clap" everyday in Pattaya

[aussie_]

Every time I walk outside my condo in Pattaya there are motorcylcle taxi guys about 10 metres away at the Family Mart loudly clapping their hands above their heads.

I like to walk to nearby places or catch a baht bus but everytime I go out they perform this routine. I find it a mixture of amusing and annoying, they scared the hell out of me the first time it happened and still does after a late night out. :glasses7:

[cdnmatt]

I don't know if I'd call them scary, but yes, they like to clap. :-)

Every time I walk outside my condo in Pattaya there are motorcylcle taxi guys about 10 metres away at the Family Mart loudly clapping their hands above their heads.

I like to walk to nearby places or catch a baht bus but everytime I go out they perform this routine. I find it rather annoying and they scared the hell out of me the first time it happened and still does after a late night out. :glasses7:

Just clap back and smile they will not bite you.....................

[aussie_]

Frankly, you should be greatful that anyone acknowleges you at all :bounce:

I just hope the money boys don't follow this trend or it will sound like World War 3 in the streets of Pattaya.

I will smile and do a little dance for the taxi guys next time I walk past. After two weeks they all know that I do not rquire their services so they can save their energy, the clapping ritual has become a habit for them, they do it even if they do recognise you.

At least I have not been ripped off by the taxi guys in Pattaya, they usually charge a fair price and most that I have used drive safely.

These guys are just trying to get your custom. Nothing worrying about that, just keep taking the clap medicine.

[jimnbkk]

It's the Thai way of yelling "hey you". They want you to hire them. Just smile (that's important) and shake your head 'no'.

It's the Thai way of yelling "hey you".

It's NOT the Thai way. Please don't overgeneralize. I'm Thai, and I don't think clapping is a polite way to engage a prospective customer.

It's the Thai way of yelling "hey you".

It's NOT the Thai way. Please don't overgeneralize. I'm Thai, and I don't think clapping is a polite way to engage a prospective customer.

Absolutely true.
They grab their customers by the crotch and stick their tongues down their throat ... and that's just in the supermarkets :thumbleft:

[Doug]

I have my own motorcycle but Ialways try to develop a good rapport with the local motocy taxi guys. I bow at their clapping. I joke with them asking "How much to Nong Kai"?
In the main, I believe that they are among the best at deterring criminal activity against farangs. Many time I've seen them hurry to assist a farang in distress.
I just wish I didn't have to clutch my St. Christopher's medallion so tightly when riding with them.

In the main, I believe that they are among the best at deterring criminal activity against farangs. Many time I've seen them hurry to assist a farang in distress.

Agreed - for farangs and Thais alike. Quite a few are volunteer police and carry police radios (but with no connection to the uniformed police volunteers), and a few are undercover police.

[aussie_]

As I left my condo last night one of the motorcycle taxi guys ran across the soi, yelled out "Welcome to Thailand" and wrapped his arms around me and sang a song in english about beautiful Thailand and Pattaya. It was a rather unexpected but enjoyable encounter.

Just clap back and smile they will not bite you.....................Not on the first date, anyway.