13/01/2026
ASEAN Drama: Filipina tourist blasts Thais over English skills 🔥🔥
BANGKOK – Thailand is renowned globally as the "Land of Smiles," a welcoming hub for travelers from every corner of the world. However, a recent social media firestorm has sparked intense debate over cultural respect and the expectations placed on locals in non-English speaking nations.
The Spark: "My English is F-ing Useless Here"
The controversy began when a Filipina tourist shared a video venting her frustrations regarding the language barrier in Thailand. In the clip, which quickly went viral, she expressed anger that her fluency in English did not facilitate easier communication with locals.
“I’m Filipina. Of course my English is good but when I arrive in Thailand it’s f-ing useless," she stated in the video. "Even if I speak good English nobody can understand me. Especially the Grab driver and the local people here. They need a translator, what the f.”
The tone of the video triggered a wave of backlash from Thai netizens and international observers alike, with many calling her comments "disrespectful" and "entitled," noting that English is not the primary language of Thailand.
The Response: Respect Over Fluency
In response to the viral rant, a Thai English educator and influencer known as Crispy Froid posted a calm, eloquent rebuttal that has since been praised for its grace and perspective.
Addressing the tourist directly, Crispy Froid acknowledged the frustration of miscommunication but pivoted the focus toward the ethics of travel:
"As a Thai person, I understand how frustrating language barriers can be, and your English is clearly very good... However, when we travel, we become representatives of our countries. The way we speak about others reflects not just on us, but on where we come from."
The educator emphasized that while linguistic skills are valuable, they do not supersede basic human decency.
"Being able to communicate well in English is great, but mutual respect matters more than perfect language skills. No matter where we travel, respecting the people and their culture makes the experience truly meaningful," she added.
Crispy Froid concluded her message with an invitation to look past the language gap: "Thailand is a warm and welcoming country, and with mutual respect, you’ll discover the true beauty of this place and the hearts of its people."
