Two controversies in Thailand and Bali highlight why modern travel etiquette now extends beyond local laws to everyday respect for communities. (Image by Amanda da Silva)
From a heated exchange on Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain to a running club controversy in Bali, two unrelated incidents have reignited conversations about travel etiquette and what travellers owe the places they visit. While the circumstances differ, both reflect a growing expectation that respect should extend beyond following local laws to everyday interactions with the communities that make destinations what they are.
Two incidents, one bigger conversation
In Thailand, a group of Italian students drew criticism after mocking a Thai commuter who had asked them to lower their voices on a Bangkok Skytrain. The incident eventually led to police fines and public apologies, reminding travellers that everyday courtesy matters just as much as respecting local laws.
Meanwhile, in Bali, a popular running club came under scrutiny after criticism that its registration system had effectively excluded many locals from participating. Although the organisers apologised and said an automated booking system had caused the issue, the controversy reignited wider conversations about inclusivity and whether tourism-focused communities should remain accessible to the people who call the destination home.
Respect goes beyond the law
Although the two incidents are very different, they reflect the same shift in travel expectations. As many destinations grapple with overtourism and its impact on daily life, expectations around responsible travel are changing. Increasingly, travellers are expected not only to follow regulations, but also to respect local customs, treat residents with courtesy, and recognise that communities should never feel like outsiders in their own neighbourhoods.
Social media means everyone is watching
Social media has also changed how travel stories unfold. An incident that might once have remained a local disagreement can now become international news within hours, shaping perceptions of both travellers and destinations. Travellers are increasingly aware that poor behaviour can quickly become part of a destination’s global conversation, making respect an important part of every journey.
Ultimately, these stories are not about any one nationality or destination. Instead, they reflect a broader shift in how travel is viewed by both visitors and host communities. Wherever we travel, respect should extend beyond landmarks and laws to the people whose cultures, traditions, and everyday lives make each destination memorable in the first place.
