Rampung Jaruenklang:
“I’ve learned a few Russian words…”
Nutsara Duangsri
With Pattaya transforming over the past decade from the vacation choice
of westerners to the holiday enclave for Russia and Eastern Europe, the
city’s retail vendors are struggling to cope with new challenges.
For years, Thais in Pattaya scrambled to learn English to deal with the
waves of Europeans, Britons, Americans and Aussies that filled the
city’s hotels and bars. Now that most have gained at least a working
knowledge of “shopping English,” vendors and store clerks are faced with
a Russian-speaking population with little inclination to use either
English or Thai.
Omara Santee, 33, said she appreciates the large numbers of
Russian-speaking tourists who have made it possible for her to earn a
living in Pattaya. The downside is that the language barrier is making
her job more difficult, she said.
Omara Santee says she
appreciates the large numbers of Russian-speaking tourists.
“Many of them like to bargain, even though they don’t
speak Thai or English,” Omara said. “But I still welcome Russian
tourists here.”
“There are other ways to communicate with them,” said fruit vendor
Rampung Jaruenklang, adding that calculators or body language helps.
“I’ve also learned a few Russian words to better interact with them.
But, of course, it would be better if they could speak English.”
“I don’t really understand why they don’t speak English at all,” said
motorbike-taxi driver Anuchan Oangram, 45. “I have talked with many
different foreigners from other countries and I could understand them,
but I don’t understand Russians at all. Looks like I have to learn the
Russian language.”
Motorbike taxi rider
Anuchan Oangram: “I don’t really understand why they don’t speak
English…”
