I've always wondered whether these service charges actually get passed on to the staff and you've confirmed my suspicions. Thanks for creating awareness!
@@ThailandBound Thanks for the video. This is disgusting. If it's not going to the staff, it should be included in the price. This is really, really dishonest...and in some cases the service charge is not shown anywhere until you're hit with the bill...and the VAT is often not indicated anywhere other than the bill either.
So the manager collects his salary or wages and he wants the service charges as well and his wages that’s so so wrong…or are the girls making just as much as the manager’s wages on tips with there tips & wages combined together that is the question…
The restaurant is providing the food and the service to you as a customer. You pay for that and they pay the staff a wage. It’s not reasonable to expect the service charge to be passed on to the staff directly as they are paid a wage. If you want to leave a tip then by all means do so in cash and hand it to them.
@@stevena9305 that's just wrong. That is not how it normally works elsewhere. If it's going to the restaurant, it should be in the price. Often service charges are not indicated anywhere on the menu or anywhere else in restaurants in Thailand, so what you are proposing is just a fraudulent way of understating the price. Most customers will also look at that and assume the tip is covered, so they won't leave anything more.
Also, if you tip on the card, goes to the boss. If you want your server to get a tip you better push cash directly into their hand or they aren't gonna see it. Was told this years ago by more than one server
Well then, it is not actually a "Service Charge," then is it. The people actually providing service aren't getting it. It is a hidden cost of, essentially, a 10% (or whatever) increase in the price of the food. It's a kind of "middle man" sucking extra out of the customer. I'd ask for the owner, and do my best to make it clear I don't like it if it isn't going to the actual service staff. I would hand 10% to the staff while the owner/manager is standing there, then pay 10% less than the bill calls for. Yes, you are putting the staff person in a "pickle," maybe. But they got the tip as she/he provided the actual service. Let them call the police. You gave the business the total amount actually, didn't you.
@fromSpringfield easy to say and to dream of doing but sometimes it is big big hassle to cause a scene in thailand and often not worth the social point u are trying to make. Sad but most us will continue to just assume everything 10% more than. It say and the. Tip server cash if we can
Peter this is worthy of widespread distribution. We need to really inform as many people as possible. This is clearly deceitful and unfair on the staff. I’ll defo be looking out for service charges before ordering and if the staff do not receive it I will either agree up front to not pay it or i will leave and eat elsewhere
I was in a restaurant last year when in Bangkok.... saw there was a service charge so left no tip.... the waiter looked at me funnily and i pointed out the SC and said you don't get tipped twice.... i assumed, like you, that the charge went to the staff, didn't realise it was extra for the greedy owners! So, in future i'll just pass on by any place that has one.....
That makes me angry- the owner is pocketing the 10% on top of what you spent for the food/services? Ridiculous.. thank you for this. I’ll be in Bangkok next week and will tip the staff… and I thought the States were bad with excess services charges and tipping
They will not agree to this but each time you can tell them I will leave a 10% tip instead of the services charge and if they disagree then tell them I think this is wrong and will not be eating here again and if enough customers say this then they may change their policy if they get a reduction in customers.
I’m in Thailand and I’ve just had a taste of 2 bar girls…… WOW what an experience, it was amazing, way more than I expected, certainly going back for more. Love your stories.
just like gambling is supposed to be illegal,crap ,I went to the races in Udon,there were 30 tote windows to lay a bet, plus they have a national lottery
@@ThailandBoundNot true at all in my experience. This might be more prevalent in tourist areas but tips are just not expected in Thai areas. Thai’s don’t typically tip. They might round up or leave some coins. I have been coming to Thailand since 1998 and lived here for nearly 13 years. I have this argument mostly with 2 week millionaires coming on holiday didn’t expect someone who lives here to have this opinion. Just to be clear I am not saying you should not tip. I will leave that up to the individual as it is their money to do with what they please. Also this 10% service charge that does not go to the serving staff happens in many bars as well. It seems to be only a fairly recent phenomenon since Covid as I don’t recall seeing this much before. We should name and shame the establishments that do this. Although this is fraught with danger due to Thai defamation laws. Just vote with your feet.
That's a good heart talking there..a blessed heart. Happiness will follow you everywhere you go brother. Little bit love will go a long way and will come back to you in unexpected ways...keep going.
I was so scared when I got here, hid in my room not knowing what to do, but then I said fuck it, go to a 7 11 and see what happens. Then I went roaming and ended up a bar with only 2 girls in it. You can guess the rest and I didn’t leave disappointed. I thank you so much for your stories. It’s what got me here and I’m in Bangkok ffs. On my first day, certainly not disappointed. Cost me a few bob, but I was expecting that. 7,000 for 2 girls. Come on, amazing experience. Almost felt like a dream. First day, what a result. 🎉🎉🎉🎉
Im in Thailand on vacation at moment… oct 24-nov4…. And ive seem 10% service charges at all restaurants… and haven’t tipped because of it. Thanks for info… i will tip starting today.
Hey Peter! Hope you're doing well! Im coming Thailand tomorrow for 2 weeks This is my 4th time Please tell me a good place to chill Pattaya, Bangkok, Phuket... I have been to these 3 places multiple times.. Where should i go now? Im confused
Well said lad. When you’re going to Thailand with western money it’s always worth remembering that what is not much to us makes a bit of a difference to the Thais. I’m not in the slightest bit bothered about tipping on top of a service charge as it’s pennies in real terms and these guys work incredibly hard for relatively little whilst taking great care of us.
Saw another post about this not too long ago, the guy said they use the service charge to buy cleaning materials and bog roll etc. I've since learnt that the best way to tip for good service is to "hide" the tip under the leather booklet thing they bring the bill in when you pass it back to them so they can pocket it for themselves 👍
@@ThailandBound The hospitality industry in the Uk - particularly in the tourist areas of London is trying to sneak this in too which is despicable. I believe it can be challenged if they're not up front about it before you order. I also read somewhere that they're now making owners pay all monies earned to waiting staff through tips. Some business's have been pilfering that too.
I’ve heard that before that the service charge goes to the owner. Some of the questions I have are (1) Is the service charge mandatory/required? Tips although greatly encouraged are generally still considered optional in most places. (2) Is it a percentage of the price of the meal, or just the same standard fixed amount every time? (3) Would it make any difference to try to boycott the restaurants that impose an extra charge only for the owners and make a determined effort to ensure the owner knows why? Some expats say tipping is a US practice and should be left there. I’m happy to give the servers a little extra, but don’t want to create pressure or a bad experience for anyone who feels they are unable to give extra.
So, it sounds like it’s up to the restaurant owner to decide whether to add a service charge or not. But if added, then becomes part of the required payment and not to be confused with optional tips that are best given separately to the server.
Thx Peter very good info, so It's a tricky way to make the food 10% more expensive for the owner, while the staff get nothing really sad, better give the staff some tip also.
We should keep in mind that the locals don’t tip. It’s the same in the UK, the charge is a wage contribution. The economy of adding line items to a bill or invoice is proliferating in every vertical. It’s like showing the price without VAT all over again - i’m sure you remember those days old bean. I avoid restaurants with service charges. I tip for perfect, humble, friendly, or handsome service. I’ve seen a bar POS have a “friends and family” function that removes 30% AND does not charge service - why? It’s cost effective to track promotions rather than have staff giving things away free, which is technically theft.
Just leave 10% less, hand the server the tip separate. Let them call the Tourist Police… I’ve done this multiple times. Never a problem, I tell boss man, call the Tourist PD if he doesn’t like me paying for the food & drinks I ate & tipped the server.
Hey Peter, thanks for the info. I will be traveling to Bangkok on Nov 6th arriving on the 7th, very late. Hopefully we could catch a beer sometime while I am there. I will be there for 5 weeks.
Thank you, Peter. This is extremely important information as far as I am concerned. I always thought the 10% went to the service staff. So sad that it doesn't. I will try to make certain that I leave a tip for the Thai restaurant service staff. I will just consider the 10% service fee part of the cost of the food and drinks. I think it is important to tip those servers who do a very good job, especially if their wages are not very high. I read so much incorrect information regarding tipping before my first, very brief, trip to Thailand. I read it wasn't a place where people tipped. Now, I feel like crap because apparently what I read is not true. I must have looked like a complete jerk at times 😟 Thankfully, I did tip about 75% of the time because something told me it just seemed like the right thing to do. I'll try to be better next time. In the US tipping has become completely absurd. There are tip jars almost everywhere. It's out of control. Especially, with the prices in the US which are way too high. So Thank You again for this info!!! Not sure if you know the answer to this question, but is that true of just the Thai restrictions, or is it the same for Indian restaurants, or any other kind of restaurant in Thailand that is not Thai?
I am glad the video was helpful. It's always sad to hear that workers aren't being paid properly but it's not just Thai restaurants, it's many other restaurants too.
if you want to tip the service staff you can give it directly to them, any money left in the check bin tray or wallet goes to the bar/restuarant but money given to the girl is hers,
If you tip and you leave the money in the envelope it will be split or might even go to the boss. So if you have a good server give him / her directly. But I think overall tipping is not expected in Thailand for just delivering your meal. Normally they will not say anything and just put the food / drink in front of you so it's optional to tip -- service charge or not.
Thanks for the heads up! From Google search, this goes on everywhere, not just Thailand. I wasn't aware. Here in the States, a tip can be divided between several people. However, 100% of the tip goes to your server if handed to or placed in her/his pocket or person. I guess we would know these things if we weren't saving all our money for our next Thailand trip! 😂
Interesting video and quite the quandary …. I don’t feel good at all tipping and paying the service charge . Costa Rica has the same set up . I guess though if your going to a place more than once it’s like you almost have to tip .
Agree, no Tip if a service fee, I still won't. It's wrong the owner keeps it all - this is the owners problem to pay staff more - We are not in the USA. On holiday agree, tip, but when living here full time nope.
If you do want to tip the waitress; when she comes to your table to collect the box with your payment, just give her the box while holding the little extra against the bottom of the box. In most restaurants they will appreciate this without losing face.
Similar to what happens in Taiwan. Most mid- to high-end restaurants charge a 10% service charge, and it normally goes to the boss. Why have that charge, then? Just raise the prices by 10%.
Hi, i think the only way forward with this one is to simply boycott the restaurants that are doing this, not only us it unfair on the hardworking staff, but it's incredibly deceitful to the paying customers.
Yes they get to keep their tips as it's a one-on-one situation the customer puts the tip in the massage ladies hand I think most guys tip about 100 Baht.
Is it mandatory to pay this service charge? Obviously in the UK you can refuse to pay it but usually the funds go to the service staff. Very wary about challenging the bill in Thailand as the management swiftly get the heavies in 😳
I go to a couple of not too expensive restaurants in Siam Science Center, 3rd floor, (part of the Siam Paragon mall complex), which have a no 10% policy. I also go regularly to a high end restaurant in my neighborhood and without me asking they stopped charging me the 10% service fee to show appreciation for my regular visits.
I will ask the same question. If they do not get the tip, I will take my business elsewhere! They need to be shown that we as paying customers will not stand for it!
@ThailandBound I had a feeling you would say that. I wouldn't tip and I wouldn't go back either. Got hit with a service charge in soi 11, i boycott the bar now, I spend thousands of baht a night in bk, so that bar has lost out as far as I'm concerned.
Will they take it off the bill if you ask? Pizza delivery places (in usa) have started adding a "delivery fee" on tour total bill. I asked if this fee ( $5) was given to the driver. They said no. You still have to tip. I refuse to pay. They need to determine the total price for their product.
I’m ok with tipping for the waitresses, since it’s what we do in America regardless. What I would like to know is what does the average Thai waitress consider to be an impressive tip? Yes, I know the bigger the better, but at what amount does a tip go from insulting to impressive? Also, what is the average tip amount? Here in the United States it’s about 18%, so anything over that is considered a pretty good tip. Does Thailand have such a set in stone standard?
It is also possible that part or most of the charge is to offset inflation over the past few years as it seems they haven't raised menu prices nearly as much as other countries. And so the owners can give workers a pay rise - hopefully they have.
I will say that the big hotel brands always give their staff the full service charge. How do i know this? My wife worked for Minor at several of their properties. The service change in high season can be almost as much as the salary and everyone receives it. There is a facebook group devoted to what the service charge is for each month, at all the big hotels in Bangkok etc. However, i am disappointed to hear that some restaurants are doing this. I would say name and shame them....but you can't do that here.
All Thai hotels have these service charges and VATs, even western-owned hotel chains, and you know that the service chargers are not going to the staff. However for restaurants, while it could be true that the staff do not get the 10%, the Thai are very clever. They told you that so you would leave them an additional tip.
What is the justification for a 10% service charge if the owner pockets it . Why not just increase the overall price , the customer doesnt need to know about it if the management feel they need an extra 10% . Vote with your feet people .
I guess he realizes that if he's too expensive people will eat elsewhere but people will accept a service charge because they like to help them Thai people
Well then, it is not actually a "Service Charge," then is it. The people actually providing service aren't getting it. It is a hidden cost of, essentially, a 10% (or whatever) increase in the price of the food. It's a kind of "middle man" sucking extra out of the customer. I'd ask for the owner, and do my best to make it clear I don't like it if it isn't going to the actual service staff. I would hand 10% to the staff while the owner/manager is standing there, then pay 10% less than the bill calls for. Yes, you are putting the staff person in a "pickle," maybe. But they got the tip as she/he provided the actual service. Let them call the police. You gave the business the total amount actually, didn't you.
Selfish business owners rubbing their hands 🤲 and figuring they can get another 10% revenue for free and at the cost of the servers getting a little tipsy so that their travel costs are covered, or they can buy something for themselves or their families... It really is so deceptive
The actual price increase isn’t greedy per se its the scummy way they are presenting it. Restaurants have low margins I assume this is a way to keep up with inflation. Terrible ethics here
I was under the impression that that 10% service charge was only for restaurants that were part of a hotel or resort in Thailand? Sort of like an extra tax that Thailand government imposes and the business passes it along to the customers. But now I'm thinking that is not necessarily the case? That is really quite sneaky/greedy by restaurant owner, especially because this insidious charge is not advertised before you order the meal. Once I get zinged with this fee I will never go back there again so penny wise pound foolish perhaps by the greedy owner.
That doesnt sound right. So what about all the restaurants that dont charge a service charge, pay their staff thin air? This is clearly a rip by the restaurant to make an extra 10%. If inflation costs of running a business goes up do the honest thing and raise your prices accordingly, then customers can make an informed decision.
I'm sorry but I could never agree with that most customers assume a service charge goes to the staff if the greeny owner is keeping it that's just not right
@chrisstone4648 you can't tax service charge. Restaurants in South East Asia work on this model. Tipping is not compulsory in Asia, and customers will not take lightly to being forced to pay tips, whereas we are more willing to accept to pay for service provided.
@@ThailandBound I mean, this is a perfect example of western expectations and accepting Asian cultures. In Asia, tips are given as a REWARD for exceptional service, not your normal table service. Let's not forget that only mostly AMERICANS give tips as a norm. Even Europeans don't tip like Americans do.
What is wrong with the 10% service charge going to the owner after all he / she is the one that is making the service possible. To provide restaurant service 3 things are needed Land | labour | Capital The waiter only brings one of these. 2. The free market will determine if what the waiters get paid is reasonable. 3. If the waiter wants to keep the 10% service charge then they should either try to find someone that can supply the capital or try and start something small and cheap and build on that
@@ThailandBound if the boss is providing conditions and payment that are not reasonable in the marketplace, then the employee will leave. It’s a simple as that . I know you’ve spent the vast majority of your career as an employee however I would urge you to consider the other side. PS: my wife and I love listening to your channel of a Saturday and it brings us great amusement. Wishing you good health continued success in your channel.
@@tccco9738 That’s absurd. Price in a restaurant must include “service”(a table, a waiter, cutlery etc..). That’s why it is called restaurant and not a takeaway cart. What will be next, selling cars without wheels? People like you trying to justify this are simply scammers. You offer a product for a certain price and once the customer has accepted it you you show up with a 10% on top of the price the customer and you had agreed before. That’s a scam and if you call it SC in order to make the customer believe that money goes to the staff but it goes to you (the owner) it’s a double scam because you are scamming the customer and taking advantage of you staff. To sum up, if you do this, sorry to say but you are a disgusting person. Someone had to tell you…
Sure, you feel free Mr restaurant owner to hold it back from your staff because we the customer are rolling in cash and more than happy to subsidize your tightfistedness. In fact, why don't you add 40 or 50% on the bill...,we dont mind, we are happy to pay with our millions...unbelievable!
Its not up to the customer to find out if the service charge is given to the waitress...the staff should choose not to work somewhere the tip is stolen by the owner..many places that do it correctly...by tipping on top of the service charge you keep the rotten system in tact..and stimulate some owners to keep stealing the tips..dpnt do it
I avoid restaurants with this ++ policy. The end price including everything should be visible for the customer always at first glance. Any law in Thailand about it? Last time I had to pay that oncost was in Margarita Storm corner of Suk Soi 13. I discussed this topic with the manager, but he pretended not to understand me. My point of view is if you want 234 for something just write it on the menu, not say 200 +10% +7%... I am afraid there will be a cooking fee and a cleaning fee soon. Anyway the food there was so-so, didnt eat it all, same as american girls at the next table (who looked like they were always eating a lot :) ).
You don't have a choice, you have to pay it. They don't have the authority from the boss to take it off the bill, which he wouldn't agree to anyway. It's pretty bad I know.
@@ThailandBound I understand that. My proposal was to rise menu prices and include everything. For me that ++ is an american thing only. Should stay there. Nobody ever tipped me :)
When I see a 10% service charge or/and 7% VAT on the menu I just leave.
@@yam-yam682 This is the way.
I've always wondered whether these service charges actually get passed on to the staff and you've confirmed my suspicions. Thanks for creating awareness!
Any time!
@@ThailandBound Thanks for the video. This is disgusting. If it's not going to the staff, it should be included in the price. This is really, really dishonest...and in some cases the service charge is not shown anywhere until you're hit with the bill...and the VAT is often not indicated anywhere other than the bill either.
So the manager collects his salary or wages and he wants the service charges as well and his wages that’s so so wrong…or are the girls making just as much as the manager’s wages on tips with there tips & wages combined together that is the question…
The restaurant is providing the food and the service to you as a customer. You pay for that and they pay the staff a wage. It’s not reasonable to expect the service charge to be passed on to the staff directly as they are paid a wage. If you want to leave a tip then by all means do so in cash and hand it to them.
@@stevena9305 that's just wrong. That is not how it normally works elsewhere. If it's going to the restaurant, it should be in the price. Often service charges are not indicated anywhere on the menu or anywhere else in restaurants in Thailand, so what you are proposing is just a fraudulent way of understating the price. Most customers will also look at that and assume the tip is covered, so they won't leave anything more.
Also, if you tip on the card, goes to the boss. If you want your server to get a tip you better push cash directly into their hand or they aren't gonna see it. Was told this years ago by more than one server
I know exactly what you mean
@@AlaskaGuy71 put the tip directly in your waiter or waitress hand
@@TheNicholaas Yup, that's exactly what I said above ^^^
Well then, it is not actually a "Service Charge," then is it. The people actually providing service aren't getting it. It is a hidden cost of, essentially, a 10% (or whatever) increase in the price of the food. It's a kind of "middle man" sucking extra out of the customer.
I'd ask for the owner, and do my best to make it clear I don't like it if it isn't going to the actual service staff. I would hand 10% to the staff while the owner/manager is standing there, then pay 10% less than the bill calls for. Yes, you are putting the staff person in a "pickle," maybe. But they got the tip as she/he provided the actual service. Let them call the police. You gave the business the total amount actually, didn't you.
@fromSpringfield easy to say and to dream of doing but sometimes it is big big hassle to cause a scene in thailand and often not worth the social point u are trying to make. Sad but most us will continue to just assume everything 10% more than. It say and the. Tip server cash if we can
The answer is, when you enter a restaurant, ask do you put a service charge on the bill? if the answer is yes, say thank you and leave.
The problem with that is you won't be left with a lot of eating options
@@ThailandBound cook then
That's terrible. A "service charge" should go to the people providing the "service." Thanks for the heads up, Peter!
Thanks for the heads up, Peter!
No problem
Peter this is worthy of widespread distribution. We need to really inform as many people as possible. This is clearly deceitful and unfair on the staff. I’ll defo be looking out for service charges before ordering and if the staff do not receive it I will either agree up front to not pay it or i will leave and eat elsewhere
Unfortunately the 10% service charge is not optional
I was in a restaurant last year when in Bangkok.... saw there was a service charge so left no tip.... the waiter looked at me funnily and i pointed out the SC and said you don't get tipped twice.... i assumed, like you, that the charge went to the staff, didn't realise it was extra for the greedy owners! So, in future i'll just pass on by any place that has one.....
That makes me angry- the owner is pocketing the 10% on top of what you spent for the food/services? Ridiculous.. thank you for this. I’ll be in Bangkok next week and will tip the staff… and I thought the States were bad with excess services charges and tipping
You shouldn’t use establishments with this practice
Can you remove the service charge from the bill and leave a cash tip for the server?
No they will never agree to that
Change rest. to one without service charge. That power is in our hands!
@@uffetrader8134 how do you figure out which restaurant has a service charge before you order?
They will not agree to this but each time you can tell them I will leave a 10% tip instead of the services charge and if they disagree then tell them I think this is wrong and will not be eating here again and if enough customers say this then they may change their policy if they get a reduction in customers.
I’m in Thailand and I’ve just had a taste of 2 bar girls…… WOW what an experience, it was amazing, way more than I expected, certainly going back for more. Love your stories.
Thank you for bringing awareness to this truth that is tragically unfair. You are a good man Peter. ✊
I guess the boss grabs everything in the little collection boxes meant for orphanages and rescue dogs as well🙄
Rich mans problem Peter old Bean . I just dont go to such places .
Tipping is not a custom in Thailand and Westerners should not make it one. It won't lead to better wages, just more profit for owners.
I'm sorry but I have to disagree with your comment Thailand is totally a tipping Society lower paid staff depend on tips
just like gambling is supposed to be illegal,crap ,I went to the races in Udon,there were 30 tote windows to lay a bet, plus they have a national lottery
@@ThailandBoundNot true at all in my experience. This might be more prevalent in tourist areas but tips are just not expected in Thai areas. Thai’s don’t typically tip. They might round up or leave some coins. I have been coming to Thailand since 1998 and lived here for nearly 13 years. I have this argument mostly with 2 week millionaires coming on holiday didn’t expect someone who lives here to have this opinion. Just to be clear I am not saying you should not tip. I will leave that up to the individual as it is their money to do with what they please. Also this 10% service charge that does not go to the serving staff happens in many bars as well. It seems to be only a fairly recent phenomenon since Covid as I don’t recall seeing this much before. We should name and shame the establishments that do this. Although this is fraught with danger due to Thai defamation laws. Just vote with your feet.
Remember the days when you would tip because the service and attitude of the staff was excellent, not just because you were expected to?
It used to be that way in Thailand, but things have changed.
That's a good heart talking there..a blessed heart. Happiness will follow you everywhere you go brother. Little bit love will go a long way and will come back to you in unexpected ways...keep going.
I know what you mean!
I was so scared when I got here, hid in my room not knowing what to do, but then I said fuck it, go to a 7 11 and see what happens. Then I went roaming and ended up a bar with only 2 girls in it. You can guess the rest and I didn’t leave disappointed. I thank you so much for your stories. It’s what got me here and I’m in Bangkok ffs. On my first day, certainly not disappointed. Cost me a few bob, but I was expecting that. 7,000 for 2 girls. Come on, amazing experience. Almost felt like a dream. First day, what a result. 🎉🎉🎉🎉
Hi, so what is the form about asking for it to be removed, which you can do in the UK, and then give the server a tip. Or is this a no-no?!!
They will never remove it from the bill, they're not giving that option and the owner is never there.
Im in Thailand on vacation at moment… oct 24-nov4…. And ive seem 10% service charges at all restaurants… and haven’t tipped because of it. Thanks for info… i will tip starting today.
Hey Peter! Hope you're doing well!
Im coming Thailand tomorrow for 2 weeks
This is my 4th time
Please tell me a good place to chill
Pattaya, Bangkok, Phuket... I have been to these 3 places multiple times.. Where should i go now? Im confused
Try Hua Hin, I love it in Hua Hin
@ThailandBound thank you so much Peter!
Well said lad. When you’re going to Thailand with western money it’s always worth remembering that what is not much to us makes a bit of a difference to the Thais. I’m not in the slightest bit bothered about tipping on top of a service charge as it’s pennies in real terms and these guys work incredibly hard for relatively little whilst taking great care of us.
Saw another post about this not too long ago, the guy said they use the service charge to buy cleaning materials and bog roll etc. I've since learnt that the best way to tip for good service is to "hide" the tip under the leather booklet thing they bring the bill in when you pass it back to them so they can pocket it for themselves 👍
Pure greed by these scumbag owners. They also do not value their staff. I'd leave before I ordered food. They don't deserve a business.
Some of them charge 15% not 10%.
@@ThailandBound The hospitality industry in the Uk - particularly in the tourist areas of London is trying to sneak this in too which is despicable. I believe it can be challenged if they're not up front about it before you order. I also read somewhere that they're now making owners pay all monies earned to waiting staff through tips. Some business's have been pilfering that too.
I’ve heard that before that the service charge goes to the owner. Some of the questions I have are
(1) Is the service charge mandatory/required? Tips although greatly encouraged are generally still considered optional in most places.
(2) Is it a percentage of the price of the meal, or just the same standard fixed amount every time?
(3) Would it make any difference to try to boycott the restaurants that impose an extra charge only for the owners and make a determined effort to ensure the owner knows why?
Some expats say tipping is a US practice and should be left there. I’m happy to give the servers a little extra, but don’t want to create pressure or a bad experience for anyone who feels they are unable to give extra.
I’m sorry but I cannot answer your questions as that will have me breaking the law. It is illegal to tell people not to pay the service charge.
So, it sounds like it’s up to the restaurant owner to decide whether to add a service charge or not. But if added, then becomes part of the required payment and not to be confused with optional tips that are best given separately to the server.
Of course the restaurant owner is pocketing the service charge. Greedy bastards...
Thx Peter very good info, so It's a tricky way to make the food 10% more expensive for the owner, while the staff get nothing really sad, better give the staff some tip also.
Very true!
This was tried in the U.K. briefly.
Al the restaurants that obligated a Service Charge went out of business.
This should be made illegal. If it says service charge it should go to the service workers. The government should look into it.
Good to know mate. Thanks
You're welcome!
We should keep in mind that the locals don’t tip. It’s the same in the UK, the charge is a wage contribution. The economy of adding line items to a bill or invoice is proliferating in every vertical. It’s like showing the price without VAT all over again - i’m sure you remember those days old bean.
I avoid restaurants with service charges. I tip for perfect, humble, friendly, or handsome service.
I’ve seen a bar POS have a “friends and family” function that removes 30% AND does not charge service - why? It’s cost effective to track promotions rather than have staff giving things away free, which is technically theft.
Yes but service staff in the UK don't receive £250 a month salary
Just leave 10% less, hand the server the tip separate. Let them call the Tourist Police… I’ve done this multiple times. Never a problem, I tell boss man, call the Tourist PD if he doesn’t like me paying for the food & drinks I ate & tipped the server.
Hey Peter, thanks for the info. I will be traveling to Bangkok on Nov 6th arriving on the 7th, very late. Hopefully we could catch a beer sometime while I am there. I will be there for 5 weeks.
I'll be in Bangkok until the 20th let me know!
@@ThailandBoundI’ll also be in Bangkok from the 6th to the 9th if you’re available ’to meet your fans’ lol
Thank you, Peter. This is extremely important information as far as I am concerned. I always thought the 10% went to the service staff. So sad that it doesn't. I will try to make certain that I leave a tip for the Thai restaurant service staff. I will just consider the 10% service fee part of the cost of the food and drinks. I think it is important to tip those servers who do a very good job, especially if their wages are not very high. I read so much incorrect information regarding tipping before my first, very brief, trip to Thailand. I read it wasn't a place where people tipped. Now, I feel like crap because apparently what I read is not true. I must have looked like a complete jerk at times 😟
Thankfully, I did tip about 75% of the time because something told me it just seemed like the right thing to do. I'll try to be better next time.
In the US tipping has become completely absurd. There are tip jars almost everywhere. It's out of control. Especially, with the prices in the US which are way too high.
So Thank You again for this info!!!
Not sure if you know the answer to this question, but is that true of just the Thai restrictions, or is it the same for Indian restaurants, or any other kind of restaurant in Thailand that is not Thai?
I am glad the video was helpful. It's always sad to hear that workers aren't being paid properly but it's not just Thai restaurants, it's many other restaurants too.
@@ThailandBound Thank you!
if you want to tip the service staff you can give it directly to them, any money left in the check bin tray or wallet goes to the bar/restuarant but money given to the girl is hers,
Thanks K'Peter 🙏
If you tip and you leave the money in the envelope it will be split or might even go to the boss. So if you have a good server give him / her directly. But I think overall tipping is not expected in Thailand for just delivering your meal. Normally they will not say anything and just put the food / drink in front of you so it's optional to tip -- service charge or not.
Service staff in Thailand like service staff anywhere in the world relied greatly on their tips
Thanks for the heads up! From Google search, this goes on everywhere, not just Thailand. I wasn't aware. Here in the States, a tip can be divided between several people. However, 100% of the tip goes to your server if handed to or placed in her/his pocket or person. I guess we would know these things if we weren't saving all our money for our next Thailand trip! 😂
Interesting video and quite the quandary …. I don’t feel good at all tipping and paying the service charge . Costa Rica has the same set up . I guess though if your going to a place more than once it’s like you almost have to tip .
thanks for sharing
My pleasure
I only tip connect 4 players, the ones who give me a good game 😉
A real eye opener !
Nicely put,,thanks for sharing,,😊
Agree, no Tip if a service fee, I still won't. It's wrong the owner keeps it all - this is the owners problem to pay staff more - We are not in the USA. On holiday agree, tip, but when living here full time nope.
If you do want to tip the waitress; when she comes to your table to collect the box with your payment, just give her the box while holding the little extra against the bottom of the box. In most restaurants they will appreciate this without losing face.
Tipping openly makes them lose face? That is strange.
Similar to what happens in Taiwan. Most mid- to high-end restaurants charge a 10% service charge, and it normally goes to the boss. Why have that charge, then? Just raise the prices by 10%.
That's just not right.
Don't pay the service charge and give it to the staff.
They won't take off the bill you have to pay it
Why am I not surprised agree will be leaving a tip from now on
have you ever tried asking for the service charge to be removed? (and then leaving the tip as standard)? I wonder what the reaction would be....
I can tell you straight away without asking then say no way 100% because that's the same as them giving money away
Hi, i think the only way forward with this one is to simply boycott the restaurants that are doing this, not only us it unfair on the hardworking staff, but it's incredibly deceitful to the paying customers.
The only problem with that is you would really limit your places to eat
Do massage girls get to keep their tips? What is the average tip a faring gives for a one hour message anyway? I am talking about real massages only.
Yes they get to keep their tips as it's a one-on-one situation the customer puts the tip in the massage ladies hand I think most guys tip about 100 Baht.
@@ThailandBound Thanks.
Is it mandatory to pay this service charge? Obviously in the UK you can refuse to pay it but usually the funds go to the service staff. Very wary about challenging the bill in Thailand as the management swiftly get the heavies in 😳
I go to a couple of not too expensive restaurants in Siam Science Center, 3rd floor, (part of the Siam Paragon mall complex), which have a no 10% policy. I also go regularly to a high end restaurant in my neighborhood and without me asking they stopped charging me the 10% service fee to show appreciation for my regular visits.
I will ask the same question. If they do not get the tip, I will take my business elsewhere! They need to be shown that we as paying customers will not stand for it!
The problem with that you will limit the places you can eat
Its a pitty that the laws in Thailand protect the greedy owners so they cant be named and shamed.
Did you tell them to take it off the bill because you didn't order it?
They won't take it off the bill
@ThailandBound I had a feeling you would say that. I wouldn't tip and I wouldn't go back either. Got hit with a service charge in soi 11, i boycott the bar now, I spend thousands of baht a night in bk, so that bar has lost out as far as I'm concerned.
Can you refuse to pay the service charge?
No
Will they take it off the bill if you ask? Pizza delivery places (in usa) have started adding a "delivery fee" on tour total bill. I asked if this fee ( $5) was given to the driver. They said no. You still have to tip.
I refuse to pay. They need to determine the total price for their product.
Currently in Bangkok,soon affordable holidays for tourist will be over,they are money hungry these thais,vietnam,cambodia will be the next big thing.
It's getting more expensive everywhere.
Yhe logic would be to boycot the restraunt
I’m ok with tipping for the waitresses, since it’s what we do in America regardless.
What I would like to know is what does the average Thai waitress consider to be an impressive tip? Yes, I know the bigger the better, but at what amount does a tip go from insulting to impressive? Also, what is the average tip amount? Here in the United States it’s about 18%, so anything over that is considered a pretty good tip. Does Thailand have such a set in stone standard?
could be a sneeky way for the boss to get the tips what would usually be given straight to the waitress
It is also possible that part or most of the charge is to offset inflation over the past few years as it seems they haven't raised menu prices nearly as much as other countries. And so the owners can give workers a pay rise - hopefully they have.
Boycott restaurants in Thailand with service charges
The problem is you won't have many options left for eating
Every baht is important to the staff
By the way, I’m in Bangkok
Can't you refuse the service charge ?
Nope
I will say that the big hotel brands always give their staff the full service charge. How do i know this? My wife worked for Minor at several of their properties. The service change in high season can be almost as much as the salary and everyone receives it. There is a facebook group devoted to what the service charge is for each month, at all the big hotels in Bangkok etc.
However, i am disappointed to hear that some restaurants are doing this. I would say name and shame them....but you can't do that here.
Yes when I was in the hotel industry we gave the 10% to the staff
That’s for the industry to sort out
Shouldn’t be a service charge if it isn’t going to a server
Your making it ok by tipping on top of service charge
All Thai hotels have these service charges and VATs, even western-owned hotel chains, and you know that the service chargers are not going to the staff.
However for restaurants, while it could be true that the staff do not get the 10%, the Thai are very clever. They told you that so you would leave them an additional tip.
I'm sorry but I have to disagree with your comment. When I work in the hotel industry we used to give all of the service charge to the staff
Soon fast food like mac will charge 10% service charge even you service yourself 😅😅
There should only be add ons in hotels...not normal bars or restaurants...service charge if kept by the owner is a complete rip off.
Tipping culture is out of control in the US. Hope it doesn't happen in Thailand.
@@CoralEuphoria Westerners are going out of their way to make sure that happens. Even freelancers and Starbucks' cashiers ask for tips.
If this is “ truly shocking news “ Peter then you need to get a life me old mate 😂
Good job we all don't think like you then isn't it Einstein
What is the justification for a 10% service charge if the owner pockets it . Why not just increase the overall price , the customer doesnt need to know about it if the management feel they need an extra 10% . Vote with your feet people .
I guess he realizes that if he's too expensive people will eat elsewhere but people will accept a service charge because they like to help them Thai people
Thanks for the info. peace
Glad you found it useful!
Well then, it is not actually a "Service Charge," then is it. The people actually providing service aren't getting it. It is a hidden cost of, essentially, a 10% (or whatever) increase in the price of the food. It's a kind of "middle man" sucking extra out of the customer.
I'd ask for the owner, and do my best to make it clear I don't like it if it isn't going to the actual service staff. I would hand 10% to the staff while the owner/manager is standing there, then pay 10% less than the bill calls for. Yes, you are putting the staff person in a "pickle," maybe. But they got the tip as she/he provided the actual service. Let them call the police. You gave the business the total amount actually, didn't you.
Whether it goes to the staff or not, that's all they're getting from me. Thais don't tip anyway.
I've seen plenty of Thai people tip
If allowed , refuse the service charge and give the server a cash tip if merited?
The service charges automatically put onto the bill and they won't remove it
@@ThailandBound I'll ask Thsi Legal Protection about this when I'm over in November 👍
@ThailandBound apologies Peter had issues on Google play with my payments - sorted now 👍
Not so surprised! TIT! If you pay with debit / creditcard or scan. Give the tip in cash..so it goes to the staff!
Selfish business owners rubbing their hands 🤲 and figuring they can get another 10% revenue for free and at the cost of the servers getting a little tipsy so that their travel costs are covered, or they can buy something for themselves or their families... It really is so deceptive
The actual price increase isn’t greedy per se its the scummy way they are presenting it. Restaurants have low margins I assume this is a way to keep up with inflation. Terrible ethics here
Doesn't "service" charge go into their salary? It isn't supposed to be a "tip" like in the western culture. In asia, tipping is usually not practised.
yea i'd stop patronizing these corrupt restaurants ... total BS
The problem is you really limited your food options then because a lot of places are now charging 10%
@@ThailandBoundThis may be true in tourist areas like lower Sukhumvit but hardly seen it further out
Unreal I always give bar girl 20 baht not a lot but every time I leave something as I’m retired
I was under the impression that that 10% service charge was only for restaurants that were part of a hotel or resort in Thailand? Sort of like an extra tax that Thailand government imposes and the business passes it along to the customers. But now I'm thinking that is not necessarily the case? That is really quite sneaky/greedy by restaurant owner, especially because this insidious charge is not advertised before you order the meal. Once I get zinged with this fee I will never go back there again so penny wise pound foolish perhaps by the greedy owner.
Assuming you're not BSing about not going back to then you have almost no restaurants to go to.
@@emeldahay There are plenty of restaurants in Bangkok that do not have that 10% service charge
So in other words owner has raised prices and hiding it as service charge and staff paying the price.
It is a sad reality of how things work here.
@ThailandBound I always slip the tip into the girls hand that way she gets the money
You have to place the money in the staffs hand, if you want it to go directly to them. Thai custom.
Ask for the service charge to be removed it isn’t compulsory to pay it.
That wouldn't remove your hair
That’s ridiculous but doesn’t surprise me, so greedy
Good to know Peter
this has been on going in the UK for years
Service charge goes to their basic salary, tips are tips, not SERVICE charge. You can't charge service charge on every customer and call it tips.
That doesnt sound right. So what about all the restaurants that dont charge a service charge, pay their staff thin air? This is clearly a rip by the restaurant to make an extra 10%. If inflation costs of running a business goes up do the honest thing and raise your prices accordingly, then customers can make an informed decision.
It's like me, I assumed it went to the staff.
I'm sorry but I could never agree with that most customers assume a service charge goes to the staff if the greeny owner is keeping it that's just not right
@chrisstone4648 you can't tax service charge. Restaurants in South East Asia work on this model. Tipping is not compulsory in Asia, and customers will not take lightly to being forced to pay tips, whereas we are more willing to accept to pay for service provided.
@@ThailandBound I mean, this is a perfect example of western expectations and accepting Asian cultures. In Asia, tips are given as a REWARD for exceptional service, not your normal table service. Let's not forget that only mostly AMERICANS give tips as a norm. Even Europeans don't tip like Americans do.
What is wrong with the 10% service charge going to the owner after all he / she is the one that is making the service possible.
To provide restaurant service 3 things are needed
Land | labour | Capital
The waiter only brings one of these.
2. The free market will determine if what the waiters get paid is reasonable.
3. If the waiter wants to keep the 10% service charge then they should either try to find someone that can supply the capital or try and start something small and cheap and build on that
It's good that we don't all think like you
@@ThailandBound if the boss is providing conditions and payment that are not reasonable in the marketplace, then the employee will leave.
It’s a simple as that .
I know you’ve spent the vast majority of your career as an employee however I would urge you to consider the other side.
PS: my wife and I love listening to your channel of a Saturday and it brings us great amusement. Wishing you good health continued success in your channel.
@@tccco9738 That’s absurd. Price in a restaurant must include “service”(a table, a waiter, cutlery etc..). That’s why it is called restaurant and not a takeaway cart. What will be next, selling cars without wheels? People like you trying to justify this are simply scammers. You offer a product for a certain price and once the customer has accepted it you you show up with a 10% on top of the price the customer and you had agreed before. That’s a scam and if you call it SC in order to make the customer believe that money goes to the staff but it goes to you (the owner) it’s a double scam because you are scamming the customer and taking advantage of you staff. To sum up, if you do this, sorry to say but you are a disgusting person. Someone had to tell you…
Sure, you feel free Mr restaurant owner to hold it back from your staff because we the customer are rolling in cash and more than happy to subsidize your tightfistedness. In fact, why don't you add 40 or 50% on the bill...,we dont mind, we are happy to pay with our millions...unbelievable!
Its not up to the customer to find out if the service charge is given to the waitress...the staff should choose not to work somewhere the tip is stolen by the owner..many places that do it correctly...by tipping on top of the service charge you keep the rotten system in tact..and stimulate some owners to keep stealing the tips..dpnt do it
It's just the way things are in Thailand unfortunately.
@@ThailandBound true..ive lived there for over 30 years and own mulitiple bars and restaurants
Just letting you know it’s same in the Philippines
I avoid restaurants with this ++ policy. The end price including everything should be visible for the customer always at first glance. Any law in Thailand about it? Last time I had to pay that oncost was in Margarita Storm corner of Suk Soi 13. I discussed this topic with the manager, but he pretended not to understand me. My point of view is if you want 234 for something just write it on the menu, not say 200 +10% +7%... I am afraid there will be a cooking fee and a cleaning fee soon. Anyway the food there was so-so, didnt eat it all, same as american girls at the next table (who looked like they were always eating a lot :) ).
You don't have a choice, you have to pay it. They don't have the authority from the boss to take it off the bill, which he wouldn't agree to anyway. It's pretty bad I know.
@@ThailandBound I understand that. My proposal was to rise menu prices and include everything. For me that ++ is an american thing only. Should stay there. Nobody ever tipped me :)
Good remark👍 There are scams in Entertainment venues you could highlight as well, the doubble lady××ink routine..?
I've been making videos for 5 years I think I've covered just about all of those scams
@@ThailandBound Great