Even small gestures of kindness can trigger unexpected reactions in a city grappling with visible distress. PATTAYA, Thailand – What begins as a kind-hearted gesture — handing over a few coins or a bottle of water — can sometimes turn into an uncomfortable, even hostile exchange on the streets of Pattaya. While foreign tourists often mean well when they offer money or food to those in distress, especially the visibly homeless or mentally ill, some say the gesture is not always welcomed — and might even be unintentionally offensive. One visitor recalled: “When I was in Pattaya in March, I spoke with a lady who was shouting at other people and talking to herself. I knew she was under the influence of something, but she looked so sad. She just wanted someone to listen to her. I got her some water and food, listened for a bit. She waved me off with a smile.” Such compassion stands in stark contrast to other encounters that end badly. Several locals and tourists have reported being shouted at, or even chased away, after giving small tips or donations. A sarcastic comment circulating online captures the sentiment: “Of course you’re going to get yelled at — what kind of animal gives a 30 cent tip?” Another poster reflected more bluntly: “‘Give 10 Baht, Get Shouted At’ – Disturbed woman sparks panic in Jomtien as public highlights similar incidents across Pattaya.” Street-level life in parts of Pattaya is increasingly shaped by the confluence of drug use, untreated mental illness, homelessness, and a tourism economy in flux. Areas like the south end of Beach Road are frequently cited: “It’s kind of everywhere,” one commenter observed. “The south end of Beach Road seems to have it 24/7. The overlap of the homeless, mental illness, scammers, ladyboys, etc. Even 7, 8, 9 in the morning — that isn’t really user-friendly.” There are stories — repeated and often heartbreaking — of individuals who roam the streets in obvious distress, yelling into the void or lashing out unpredictably. “There used to be a lady in Pattaya that would stand outside the 7/11 on Soi Buakhao,” one tourist recalled. “Non-stop shouting, then she’s gone after an hour. No one would go to her — not even the local taxi riders.” “That lady you are talking about is shouting at the girls in the bars not to trust foreign men. Apparently, she was badly done to by a farang a long time ago. I know this because I asked one of the girls. I originally thought she was preaching.” Another layer of tension lies in the increasingly awkward tipping culture. Many visitors report feeling pressured to tip in situations where it was never previously expected, while locals appear divided between expecting gratitude and expressing frustration. What once felt generous now risks being seen as insulting — or even dangerous. “Thais do expect a tip, regardless of often poor miserable service!” wrote one frustrated tourist. “I wish that I was tipped just for doing my job that I am paid to do.” Others argue it’s a foreign import. “They never used to expect a tip. Blame the American tourists who think they’re the saviors of Thailand.” One practical suggestion? Tip where it’s appropriate, but don’t feel obliged — and avoid treating tipping like charity. “If the salary is poor and they depend on tips, then shout at your employer, not your customers!” someone posted. Still, the street reactions can seem unpredictable. “Had it happen to me by a woman and a man,” one user said of being shouted at despite offering a small amount of money. Yet others remain quietly optimistic. “People can give me free money all day long, regardless of how much, and I will greatly appreciate it.” Visitors and locals alike describe chaotic scenes fueled by addiction, trauma, and desperation. Ultimately, these encounters reveal more than just cultural clashes — they show the limits of performative kindness and the importance of understanding deeper social problems. “Good to see the non-stop progression of people’s understanding of mental health,” one commenter noted. “If she had a broken leg sat on the street, everyone would be fussing over her. But if you can’t see the health condition?…” Whether it’s mental illness, trauma, substance addiction, or plain frustration with a changing city, offering help on the streets of Pattaya now requires more than good intentions. A little empathy, awareness — and yes, discretion — can go a long way. Because sometimes, even a 10-baht gesture says more about us than it does about the person we’re trying to help. Earlier Report: https://www.pattayamail.com/news/give-10-baht-get-shouted-at-disturbed-woman-sparks-panic-in-jomtien-as-public-highlights-similar-incidents-across-pattaya-505006 (‘Give 10 Baht, Get Shouted At’ – Disturbed woman sparks panic in Jomtien as public highlights similar incidents across Pattaya)