Seven-language 7-Eleven worker goes viral in Thailand

A 48-year-old 7-Eleven assistant store manager in Bangkok has gone viral for his ability to communicate in seven languages, drawing attention to how he uses his multilingual skills to welcome and assist international customers.

Known as Tony, or Phi Tho among his younger colleagues, Teerawat Wanichkam works at a 7-Eleven branch at BITEC Bang Na. He has been with the convenience store chain for more than three years and also works as an interpreter and master of ceremonies.

The attention began after TikTok user @gameboyz666 posted a video showing him speaking foreign languages fluently. The clip attracted widespread attention, and another TikTok account, @711idol, interviewed him on 23 October.

Teerawat said colleagues showed him the viral video, but he had not expected it to reach millions of views. He was particularly touched by comments describing him as a positive representative of Thailand.

“I work in the service industry. You could compare my role to that of a goodwill ambassador, welcoming visitors from around the world and making them feel at home,” he said. “I want them to feel that 7-Eleven in Thailand is different from elsewhere, so they will appreciate the experience and want to return to Thailand.”

Teerawat said he can use all seven languages in everyday communication and at work: English, Chinese, Japanese, Malay, Indonesian, German and Burmese. He is most proficient in English, Chinese and Malay.

Originally from Ayutthaya, a city that attracts international visitors, he said he had been comfortable interacting with foreigners since childhood. His education includes a bachelor’s degree in communications, studies in law and master’s degrees in languages and tourism.

He also spent time living and working in the Malay Peninsula and was posted to Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, experiences that helped him become accustomed to switching between languages.

Teerawat joined 7-Eleven during the Covid-19 pandemic, when restrictions brought tourism and international travel to a standstill. As opportunities in the tourism sector contracted, he found work with the convenience store chain, where he could continue interacting with people while putting his language skills to use.

He recalled that the job brought an early opportunity to do just that. During his first days, more than 10 tour buses arrived, bringing hundreds of Chinese tourists into the store to buy souvenirs. The rush gave him a chance to use his language skills to help customers.

For Teerawat, the role is about more than serving customers. He sees each interaction with foreign visitors as an opportunity to offer a warm welcome and leave them with a positive impression of Thailand.