In the film Pay it Forward, the plot of the story has the protagonist doing random good deeds for someone with the only stipulation that they do a random good deed for someone else, thus paying the good deed forward. It's a nice thought, but sometimes random acts of kindness can have their unintended consequences, especially in Thailand.

Stopping for pedestrians

     Since the unwritten traffic rule in Thailand is that the larger vehicle has the right of way, the little pedestrian is out of luck. You could be old, or pregnant, or walking with a cane and no one will stop to let you cross even the narrowest of soi. Back in Seattle, if a driver sees anyone even thinking about crossing the street, you have to make a full stop and wait until they get to the other side. If, through attempting to commit a random act of kindness, you tried that here then do it very slowly and watch your back.

     Unintended consequence: If you stopped in traffic to let pedestrians cross they would have no idea why you had stopped. They would stare at you incredulously until you frantically waved at them before they realised what this crazy farang was up to. And the cars behind you, never thinking you would do something that foolish, would probably ram right into your behind.

Tipping

     Tipping is still not required here although in the higher end restaurants in the bigger cities waitresses may be aware of this western tradition. Some of the fancy places may even have a service charge. But this is a very recent custom and most people are not familiar with the concept of tipping. If you do leave a tip, especially at an upcountry restaurant, be prepared for an interesting reaction.

     Unintended consequence: The other day a group of us were at a small sandwich bar. We had been there for a while and had been rather boisterous so we thought we would leave the waitress a little something for her trouble. The bill came to 280 baht so we laid down 300 on the table and left. A minute later she came running down the block after us to return our 20 baht and then scolded us for being so careless with our money.

Picking up at the food court

     At any food court or fast food restaurant in the west it is customary to pick up your used trays and clean up after yourself. It is the height of rudeness to leave a mess behind. If you try that here then you would be doing a very selfish thing.

     Unintended consequence: If everyone bussed their own tables at the food courts then the people who earn a living picking up after us by doing this would be out of work. Babies would go hungry just because you couldn't leave your empty plates and bowls on the table. How unthoughtful of you.

Releasing birds, turtles, fish

     It is a Thai and a Buddhist custom to make merit by releasing birds, and sometimes fish, turtles and other animals on auspicious occasions. At temples and outdoor markets you will frequently encounter vendors selling these animals especially to be released. It is a great feeling to give a poor trapped animal its freedom. That great feeling sometimes comes with its unintended consequences.

     Unintended consequence: It was the King's birthday and we went to a temple on the Ping River to release some fish in his honour. Right after releasing the fish and a few turtles into the river we decided to take a little excursion and got into one of the long-tailed boats waiting to give tourists a ride. Just down river, around a bend, we saw a bunch of people with nets dipping out the lethargic fish and turtles that we had just released. They put them in buckets and brought them right back to the temple for resale. If no one bought birds, fish, and other animals to be released then no one would catch and cage them like they do. Instead of making merit we should be careful that we are not adding to their misery.