I don't know who came up with the slogan "Land of Smiles" but he didn't live in Bangkok. In most countries when one passes someone on the street or in a shopping area and that person bows his head or says the equivalent of the Thai Swadekrap he will get at least a head bow in return. Not really often in Bangkok is this practiced. When smiling at someone, the chances of getting a smile in return is about 50%.
Perhaps this is the big city problem and people in larger cities are not as prone to respond politely. In Chiang Mar, it seem that people are more likely to respond with a smile or some form of greeting. Since I don't visit Pattaya very often, I cannot comment on what goes on there.
What are your experiences in this area?
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