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AIBU?

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Original poster

To host a “Thai Party” and invite someone of Thai descent?

31 replies

srapa · 23/02/2026 20:25

I love Thailand and go at least once a year. I love the food, people, atmosphere. More specifically, I love a Thai holiday.

I was going to host a Thai themed dinner party. So I would cook Thai dishes from scratch, buy Thai beers, have some “Tropical” decorations, maybe play some Thai/Beach Bar music. Have people dress up (if they want!) in holiday clothes/shirts.

I didn’t think anything of this, until I realised someone on my invite list is adopted from Thailand.

AIBU? Is this culturally insensitive?

OP posts:
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Aintgointogoa · 23/02/2026 22:53

@Moocherbot high five !

Aintgointogoa · 23/02/2026 22:41

Errrm,,,just hopping on to say that Plastic Bertrand is Belge. And I would also leave out the 'dressing up' factor. But bring on Thai food and beers ! My friend cooks the most amazing Thai fish curry here (different continent !) but we don't need to wear garlands or garish shirts / sarongs to enjoy. Ça plane pour moi 🤭

INX · 23/02/2026 22:37

It just seems a bit odd and try hard.

Literally the only connection you have to Thailand is a holiday once a year?

I might suggest a Skegness party to DH.

Original poster
srapa · 23/02/2026 22:33

CambridgeCats · 23/02/2026 22:30

It’s cringe beyond words 😳 I’m embarrassed and I’m not even invited! Just cook the food and have a normal dinner party 🙈

No you’re not invited 😎

OP posts:
CambridgeCats · 23/02/2026 22:30

It’s cringe beyond words 😳 I’m embarrassed and I’m not even invited! Just cook the food and have a normal dinner party 🙈

Moocherbot · 23/02/2026 22:01

Also Plastic Bertrand is Belgian. Just saying.

GrannyAchingsShepherdsHut · 23/02/2026 22:01

It's the 'Thai holiday' bit that's the problem.

CypressGrove · 23/02/2026 21:59

I'd leave out the dress up component. What are holiday clothes? I've been to Thailand multiple times and don't wear anything different than I do in any warm climate (and for the activity).

Namechangerage · 23/02/2026 21:59

srapa · 23/02/2026 21:36

Maybe if I make it clear that it’s a “Thai Holiday” dinner party. Also who said I only go to beaches in Thailand?

I wouldn’t. Just serve the food and beers etc. The theme sounds a bit cringe anyway.

faithfultoGeorgeMichael · 23/02/2026 21:57

This is super bizarre. The food is normal - but please enlighten me - exactly what decorations are you planning? This is a minefield OP!

MasterBeth · 23/02/2026 21:54

The music and dressing up and "tropical" decorations sound cringe.

Cook Thai food. Drink Thai beer. Job done.

Coconutter24 · 23/02/2026 21:50

srapa · 23/02/2026 21:36

Maybe if I make it clear that it’s a “Thai Holiday” dinner party. Also who said I only go to beaches in Thailand?

Reading all the comments no one has said you only go to beaches in Thailand so that’s a random comment from you

PollyBell · 23/02/2026 21:37

srapa · 23/02/2026 21:36

Maybe if I make it clear that it’s a “Thai Holiday” dinner party. Also who said I only go to beaches in Thailand?

It makes even less sense, why not just serve thai food

Original poster
srapa · 23/02/2026 21:36

Maybe if I make it clear that it’s a “Thai Holiday” dinner party. Also who said I only go to beaches in Thailand?

OP posts:
RichPetuniaAgain · 23/02/2026 20:57

Just go for it and have a great time. Sounds like fun 🌸

Coconutter24 · 23/02/2026 20:52

gototogo · 23/02/2026 20:30

It’s fine, it’s cultural appreciation. You aren’t pretending you are Thai

It sounds more like cultural appropriation not appreciation

ChimpanzeeThatMonkeyNews · 23/02/2026 20:51

Throw your party, @srapait sounds lovely.

Lots of very earnest people on this thread.

JHound · 23/02/2026 20:51

Depends if it’s an authentic experience or “cringe”.

That individual presumably knows you well enough to know if they will attend or skip it.

giddyaunt19 · 23/02/2026 20:48

Sounds lovely! Enjoy your night

OtherS · 23/02/2026 20:46

Just do the food and leave everything else. I'd be very confused if I was invited to a Thai party and it was all beach stuff, I've been several times and never been to the beach. I think Thailand and think exciting city, night markets, temples - and food.

7238SM · 23/02/2026 20:43

I agree that the meal idea sounds lovely, but the decor and dress up is a bit much for a dinner party. Have a dress-up at another time if you want.

Out of interest, what is on your menu? I love Thai food and always looking to try new recipes.

PollyBell · 23/02/2026 20:42

Having Thai food is normal same with any other dishes but it is not a theme park

4ad4ever · 23/02/2026 20:40

You love the experience of being a tourist in Thailand.
If you are careful to be aware of the distinction between that and celebrating actual Thai culture, I suppose you should be safe from causing offence.
Where the lines may become blurred is things like cooking the food from scratch. Unless you happen to be really good at cooking Thai food for some reason, it’s going to look more like you’re making light of their culture by doing a half arsed theme party. You’d be better to order authentic food than do a bad job of cooking it.
Being brutally honest, the whole thing sounds kind of tacky no matter where you’re from.

Furlane · 23/02/2026 20:37

We have dinner parties where the main theme is French, we have winter bratwurst bbqs, summer Middle Eastern feasts - all enjoyed by everyone. We don’t wear lederhosen, or onions around our neck though!! Have the party, but I don’t understand the ‘dress up’ bit?

hoarahloux · 23/02/2026 20:31

Do the Thai food and drink but make it clear it's a beach holiday party rather than a Thailand party. Thailand is a big country and not all about beaches and parties.