English What Now? is an ongoing series based around the humorous, head-scratching, or just plain amusing English found around Thailand observed by PCVs and currently written by Teresa Derr (who is now transitioning to being a RPCV).
Teresa Derr, 134 YinD
Whenever you’re in a foreign country, one of the very first things you need to do is get some local currency. In Thailand (for any who aren’t aware), this is the Baht. While I’ve been in Thailand, the exchange rate to the US dollar has been about $1 = ~ 34THB. While that means the dollar goes a lot further here, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other weird money things we see here!
I have fallen prey to this spelling mistake several times, myself, so I cannot fault this person too much. In English, bath is a much more common word than Baht (even here in Thailand, if only because it is the start of the word bathroom), so my fingers naturally go to type letters in the order they’re used to. Understanding this doesn’t make it any less amusing to see it on signs, especially when they aren’t selling bath products!
Because the dollar (and, presumably, several other strong currencies from foreign countries) go a lot further here, Thai people have (wisely/frustratingly) decided to take advantage of this by bumping prices for farangs who come to tour around. This abrupt sign ordering foreigners to buy the ticket is common enough!
Alternatively, they can advertise “special realistic factory prices”, because you might be closer to the source of goods here than whatever Western Country you’re from. I doubt how special and how realistic the price is (per the last photo, locals always get the better deal, and Foreigners always get the “special just for you!” price), but hey, so long as it is cheaper than you think you might get it back home, they hope you’ll be happy.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Whatever you pay, whatever currency you use, I hope you’re pleased with your purchases and you weren’t too confused by the signs advertising them!
Sticky Rice 