Living in Thailand is difficult at times, running a business here can be even worse, particularly when the locals start getting the idea that Farangs or foreigners have money and that they are Gang jai.  Which means they have a good heart, that is also Thai for them thinking you are a ATM machine and a charity all rolled up into one.  Recently, I took some pictures of some of my customers stores for my business, I negotiated with each one of the stores and got permission before I did so.  Then I paid each store based on the highest amount from the negotiations.  I have to be fare, these are my customers and I do not want anyone mad.  Anyway, now I have a few of them complaining that I did not give them enough for the pictures.  You can get a picture taken anywhere in Thailand for a hundred baht, but somehow these ladies think I should give them 500 now.  A hundred was fine a week ago, but now it is to low.  I hate it when they think that, since I am from a foreign country that I have money and they are entitled to it.

Before I post this, let me say that I understand that it is not all Thais that act like this.  I have 106 daily customers but only 2 act like this.  Still that being said, it is the job of the other 104 to set these people in line.  You would not do this to other Thai people, so why should you do it to me.

Some good points, and it can be quite frustrating. Why not have 104 customers and get rid of the problems? It won't affect income too much, and can make week to week work much more tolerable.

Also, "gang jai" or "ghreng jai" in English is a bit like having a good heart, but closer to the word "considerate" for us.

What kind of business are you running if I may ask?

Yeah, why do you let those 2 bothering you instead of be happy with those 104 customers ? ...I guess in business they are not doing this only to you, they would do to anyone they think the can!

yeah 2% is not much of a problem, in fact maybeyou are lucky...

I'm am thinking in any culture, there is going to be at least 2% that are creeps!

and if their behavior is not proper, I think it is your responsibility to "get them in line"

not the other 104 Good Luck with the business!

I don't think it's Thailand specific. I think anywhere you go there are going to be some greedy people.

agree with Admin. I feel so sorry for you

It's only two out of one hundred and six..

That's a really small percentage..why even worry about it

The reason why I keep them for now is that we have just started to hit our goals, which creates a marketable franchise. These two people even though they are trouble are friends with about 10 other customers. That would knock us backward and we would not be able to market this franchise for a few more weeks, not to mention the growth charts would not look as good. So I keep them for that reason. In a few weeks I will begin to cut them once we have had a franchise sell or two. Then I will not be so worried about the future big success of everything. If I was growing this business by myself, I would have already cut them, but their is a bigger goal at stake and cutting them would delay our goals.

For the sake of disclosure, I deleted my previous post on this subject for fear that it might be construed as spamming, due to the fact that I answered andy's question in the post. I promise that my statements have not changed in a considerable way, that being said, I understand that any deleted post breads mistrust in the writter. Still I cannot say what was in the post again, because it could be construed as spamming.

i'm sorry that you feel that way, but I understand what you mean. I happen to live in america and when i go back to visit my family in thailand they all ask me for money. i dont think they understand i myself am trying to put myself through school and not everyone from america is rich lol.

Next time be a little more assertive and not so passive to thai people who are looking to make cheap money. its sad for me to say this people these are my own people.. even i feel embarrass at times. Anyways I hope things get better for you.

Well now I am in Thailand and the ATM is my best friend or worst enemy???