Service charge doesn't always go to the servers
Play
Not many servers actually see the service charge you see on your restaurant bill. At an eatery recently, I noticed a meagre two Bt20 bills and some change in the tip box - this was at the end of the day at a place where a meal costs nothing less than Bt30
The cashier said that on some days, tips totalled just Bt20, which had to be divided among the staff. She said patrons possibly assumed that the servers received the service charge, but they were mistaken – it all went to the owners.
Dear reader, times are hard and it’s only fair to reward your servers for the service they provide. Please give generously, especially during the holiday season.
Burin Kantabutra
Bangkok
