An Indian woman's account of her recent trip to Thailand has sparked discussion online after she claimed that the warm treatment she received from locals stemmed not from ordinary hospitality, but from surprise at encountering a polite Indian tourist.In an Instagram video posted on June 8, content creator Shree said she had been receiving gifts and discounts from Thai locals during her travels. However, she said the gestures left her feeling conflicted and embarrassed because they appeared to reflect negative perceptions created by the conduct of some Indian visitors.Claims of unexpected treatmentDescribing her experiences, Shree said she was repeatedly offered discounts and complimentary items while shopping, eating out and interacting with local vendors.She said many locals would first ask whether she was Indian and then express surprise at her behaviour. According to Shree, people were taken aback that she was courteous, did not bargain aggressively, and did not act in an entitled or disrespectful manner.The creator argued that the reactions suggested some Indian travellers had left behind an unfavourable impression among locals. She added that cab drivers, restaurant staff and shopkeepers across her trip expressed similar sentiments.Criticism of tourist conductReflecting on what she believed contributed to the perception, Shree criticised behaviour such as littering, spitting and failing to respect local customs while travelling abroad.She urged fellow travellers to show consideration for the countries they visit, arguing that tourists should respect local culture regardless of how they behave at home.Shree also alleged that residents had linked several accidents in the area to reckless scooter riding and drunk driving involving Indian tourists. She questioned whether such behaviour was the image Indians wanted to project overseas.The content creator further criticised conduct that she said made local residents, particularly women, uncomfortable. She argued that financial privilege should not be used as justification for entitlement or disrespectful treatment of others.Warning about India's global imageShree warned that poor behaviour by travellers could have broader consequences, including damaging India's reputation internationally and discouraging people from visiting the country.She stressed that travelling abroad and having financial means do not define success. Instead, she said, success is reflected in how individuals treat others and the impression they leave behind. Her video ended with a caption urging viewers to share in her sense of embarrassment over the issue.Social media users share experiencesThe video resonated with many users, prompting a wave of responses from people who said they had witnessed similar situations during their travels.One user lamented what they described as a decline in basic courtesy, writing that simply behaving humanely no longer appeared to be the minimum standard for some travellers.Another recalled feeling uncomfortable in Thailand after being approached by a fellow Indian tourist on a beach and being asked personal questions.A third user said they had encountered similar reactions while travelling in Thailand, Bali and Vietnam. The traveller claimed locals were often surprised to learn they were Indian and seemed relieved to engage in comfortable conversations, a response the user described as disheartening.Disclaimer: This article is based on claims, statements, images, videos and other information shared by users on social media platforms. The Economic Times has not independently verified the authenticity, accuracy or completeness of these claims unless expressly stated otherwise. The views, allegations and assertions contained in the social media content are those of the respective users and do not reflect the views of The Economic Times. The publication bears no responsibility for the accuracy of such claims and readers are advised to exercise their own judgment and seek independent verification where necessary.