BANGKOK, THAILAND – A one-minute TikTok video in which a foreigner dramatically tells viewers not to visit Thailand went viral and quickly turned into an unexpected love letter to the country.
“Do not go to Thailand!” – the viral twist
In the clip, Alex Glandorf (@alex.glandorf) sat behind the wheel of a car, looked straight into the camera and warned viewers:
“Do not go to Thailand!”
said Alex Glandorf, TikToker.
He repeated the line over and over:
“Don’t do it! Really, don’t!”
said Alex Glandorf, TikToker. At first, viewers were confused and wondered what he had against Thailand.
Then came the twist. Alex laughed and explained that he actually meant the exact opposite, turning the ominous warning into an affectionate punchline.
“Thailand will give you a beautiful problem”
According to Alex, anyone who visited Thailand for one or two weeks would end up with a problem – a “beautiful problem.”
“You have to go back home. And then? Then you’re going to hate your job!”
said Alex Glandorf, TikToker.
Everyday life would suddenly feel boring, he suggested, because people could only think about one thing: Thailand. Palm trees, beaches, friendly people and delicious food would cling to their minds like a paradise that refused to let go.
“Thailand took all my money”
Alex spoke from personal experience, saying he had spent a full year in Thailand until his money ran out.
“Thailand took all my money,”
said Alex Glandorf, TikToker.
He said he had to return home, but in his heart he still felt he was there. His conclusion was that visitors would want to sell everything just to come back.
At the end of the video he asked cheekily:
“Who’s coming to Songkran in April?”
said Alex Glandorf, TikToker.
Thai users react with pride
The video quickly racked up millions of views and thousands of comments, with many Thai users expressing how moved they felt.
“We are so proud that our country triggers such feelings,”
said an unnamed user, social media commenter.
Another person wrote that the clip was the most touching caution they had ever heard:
“That is the most beautiful warning I have ever heard!”
said an unnamed user, social media commenter.
Many Thais said they felt honored that a foreigner spoke so lovingly about their country and that this affection made them happy.
Foreign fans share their own stories
International viewers also chimed in, saying they knew exactly what Alex meant. One user commented:
“I’m flying back there in three days!”
said an unnamed user, social media commenter.
Another admitted just how strong the pull of Thailand was for repeat visitors:
“I’ve already been to Thailand eight times and can’t wait to go back again.”
said an unnamed user, social media commenter.
For many, Thailand was simply the best country in the world with the best people, helping explain why Alex’s ironic warning resonated so strongly.
What is Songkran?
At the end of his video, Alex mentioned Songkran, the Thai New Year festival held in April. It was described as a massive water fight that turned entire cities into party zones.
Young and old sprayed each other with water in the streets, creating a huge celebration that drew tourists from around the world. For Alex, Songkran was a clear highlight – just like the country itself.
No surprise, then, that he was already promoting the festival months in advance.
Unpaid tourism promotion that hits a nerve
Observers noted that Thailand could hardly have asked for better advertising. Alex’s video suggested the country cast a spell over visitors, driven not only by beaches and weather but also by a feeling of freedom and the friendliness of its people.
“Do not go to Thailand!”
said Alex Glandorf, TikToker, turning the phrase into what many commenters called the most appealing warning in the world.
With this ironic message, the TikToker appeared to strike a chord: for many travelers, Thailand remained not just a destination but a place of longing that stayed in their minds long after they left.