The One Thing I Never Expected to Experience in Thailand
- MissHollywoodMedia
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
By Renee "Miss Hollywood" Whitley
Media Host • Author • World Traveler • Founder of The Chat with Miss Hollywood
📍 Patpong Night Market
61 Soi Thanon Phat Phong, Suriya Wong, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand 🇹🇭
Sometimes the hardest stories to tell are the most important ones.
For the past four years, my husband and I have traveled throughout Thailand, and if you've followed my travel blogs, you already know how much I genuinely love this country.
I've shared stories about the breathtaking temples, incredible food, welcoming people, beautiful beaches, bustling cities, and unforgettable experiences that continue to draw us back year after year.
But before I tell this story, there's something I want every reader to understand.
Everything I write on The Chat with Miss Hollywood is based on my personal experiences.
I'm not here to sell fantasies.
I'm not interested in creating the picture-perfect version of travel that often fills social media.
I'm committed to sharing the experiences I actually lived—both the beautiful moments and the difficult ones.
This is one of those stories.
A Night at Patpong Night Market
One evening, my husband and I decided to visit one of our favorite places in Bangkok—the Patpong Night Market.
Even when we're not looking to buy anything, we enjoy strolling through the market to see what's new. Maybe we'll discover a unique souvenir, a handmade trinket, or in my case...
Another pair of sunglasses.
If you know me, you know I can never have too many.
Around 9:00 p.m., the market was alive.
Music echoed through the streets.
Tourists wandered from table to table.
Vendors enthusiastically invited people to browse their merchandise.
It was everything we've come to expect from one of Bangkok's most famous night markets.
As we walked through the vendors, we eventually stopped at one particular table operated by a Thai man whose face I still remember vividly.
His appearance wasn't what made him memorable.
It was what happened next.
"No Touching."
As we examined the items on his table, my husband picked one up to get a closer look.
Almost immediately the vendor stepped forward.
"No... no touching."
His tone surprised us.
In all of our years shopping throughout Thailand, vendors had always encouraged us to look closely at their merchandise before making a purchase.
This felt different.
The interaction was unusually cold.
Almost aggressive.
Without saying much, my husband simply placed the item back on the table.
We exchanged a quick glance with one another.
Then we started walking away.
Words I'll Never Forget
As we turned to leave, the vendor called out to us.
"I don't like your color."
For a brief moment, I wasn't even sure I had heard him correctly.
We are African Americans.
My husband turned around and calmly replied,
"That's okay... you just lost a sale."
The vendor responded again.
"I don't care. I don't like your color."
We simply walked away.
We Didn't Let One Person Ruin Our Night
Instead of allowing one person's hatred to dictate the rest of our evening, we continued shopping.
We visited several other vendors.
We purchased gifts.
We supported local businesses.
Because that's what we've always done whenever we visit Thailand.
Later that evening my husband looked at me and simply said,
"That was crazy."
He was right.
It was.
It was disappointing.
It was hurtful.
And after four years of traveling throughout Thailand, it was the very first time either of us had experienced racism there.
Back We Went
A couple of nights later...
We returned to Patpong Night Market.
Just like always.
We browsed the vendors.
We laughed.
We shopped.
And yes...
We walked right past that same vendor as though he didn't exist.
We happily spent our money elsewhere.
My Honest Thoughts
Unfortunately, racism exists everywhere.
Thailand is not immune from it.
I've heard other travelers share similar experiences over the years.
That doesn't mean it will happen to you.
It may never happen at all.
For us, it was an incredibly rare experience.
One that stood out precisely because it was so different from everything else we had experienced in Thailand.
What one individual could not take away from us was our love for this incredible country.
Thailand has given us countless beautiful memories.
Extraordinary friendships.
Amazing food.
Unforgettable adventures.
And a second home that we continue to return to with excitement.
As I write these words today, I'm only a short time away from boarding another Emirates flight back to Thailand.
That should tell you everything you need to know.
Final Thoughts
Travel is about experiencing people.
Sometimes you'll meet the kindest souls you've ever encountered.
Occasionally you'll meet someone who reminds you that prejudice knows no borders.
Don't allow one person to define an entire country.
Judge people individually.
Support the good people you meet along the way.
And keep exploring the world with an open heart.
Because despite this experience...
Thailand is still one of my favorite places on Earth.
— Miss Hollywood
About the Author
Renee "Miss Hollywood" Whitley is a media host, author, world traveler, and the founder of The Chat with Miss Hollywood. Through her travel features, she shares authentic experiences from around the world, offering readers an honest look at each destination—the breathtaking moments, the cultural discoveries, and the real-life challenges that can come with travel.
Having explored Thailand over multiple visits spanning four years, Renee is passionate about helping travelers make informed decisions through firsthand experiences rather than social media hype. Her goal is simple: inspire others to explore the world with confidence, curiosity, and an open mind while always putting safety first.
When she's not covering breaking news or interviewing guests, you'll likely find her planning her next international adventure—or boarding another flight back to one of her favorite places in the world: Thailand.
Related Links: Thailand Through My Eyes: Why I Keep Going Back
Comments