Why We Stopped Traveling International for Leisure
In 2014, my family and I embarked on our first-ever international leisure journey—flying from Mumbai to Thailand. We dreamed of exotic temples, island breezes, and cultural immersion in Pattaya, Bangkok, and the idyllic Ko Phi Phi. But rather than feeling adventurous, I found myself disappointed, even embarrassed, by what we encountered.
Thailand has long been a favorite for Indian tourists—and that showed everywhere we went. Whether wandering through bustling Bangkok markets or basking on Ko Phi Phi’s sunny beaches, we were constantly surrounded by fellow Indians. Instead of feeling like cultural explorers, it sometimes felt more like being on a group tour from home. The sheer presence of our compatriots, often loud and boisterous, diluted the sense of discovery we hoped for. It’s a strange kind of crowd fatigue—when home feels too close to away.
Our discomfort grew as we witnessed disrespectful behavior: litter on pristine sands, tourists ignoring temple etiquette, and disregard for Thai customs. This behavior isn’t unique or anecdotal—it's widely reported. A feature in The New Indian Express described online outcry over Indian men harassing foreign tourists and making crude jokes tagged as “prostitution prices,” turning India’s tour image ugly.
Another unsettling pattern emerged: a noticeable number of solo male tourists, seemingly in search of paid companionship. Thailand’s reputation for nightlife and adult entertainment is well-known, but seeing this dynamic in action during a family vacation struck me deeply. It felt like a cultural mismatch that overshadowed our goals of family travel and respectful cultural engagement.
Nothing encapsulated the trip’s disappointment more than our return flight. On board, two North Indian men were refused free drinks by Thai cabin crew. In response, they hurled objectionable remarks in Rajasthani—broadcasting harassment over the aisle, visibly upsetting both crew and passengers. Videos of Thai AirAsia flights where Indian travelers stand and party mid-flight, ignoring safety rules, have gone viral, prompting widespread criticism. One clip captured this chaos: men lounging in airplane aisles, treating the flight more like a train ride. A bystander’s comment encapsulated it:
“Indians love to insult themselves… They’ve turned the flight into a train or bus.”
By that point, I realized it wasn’t about Thailand—it was about how our collective behavior abroad was shaping the experience for all of us.
These incidents don’t just spoil individual trips—they contribute to growing international critique. Thailand, having shifted from Chinese tourists to expanding Indian arrivals, faces complaints about public misbehavior, discrimination, and safety concerns. Such backlash affects not only government strategies but also the atmosphere we, as responsible travelers, hoped to enjoy.
India is a vibrant, proud nation. But our collective behavior abroad shouldn't undermine that pride. Thailand offered beauty and opportunity—but the overshadowing issue was us, not the destination. We didn’t see Thailand through Thai eyes; we saw it through crowded lenses of misplaced behavior and cultural dissonance. Until we change that, international travel for me remains an anxiety-laden gamble.
Let’s reclaim the joy of cross-cultural exploration—and do India proud, every step, plane ride, and temple visit of the way
#DesiFamilyTravelers
@DesiFamilyTravelers
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