Should I ask back whether this is a favor or they’re using us as umbrellas to get wet for them — I’m so confused lol

So here’s the deal: I’m 42, been working at a little shop in Nimman, Chiang Mai, almost three years now. I like the shop vibe — tiny corner by the window, this old coffee cup with a chip sits next to the cash register, regulars come in sometimes morning and night. Problem is a new boss started about two months ago, and they clearly like making people work overtime without caring about pay at all.

Yesterday was this exact case. The shop closes at nine but a customer rushed an extra order so we had to stay until 10:15. Around 10 the boss casually said, “Can you stay a bit? I’ll transfer the money.” I agreed because I didn’t want the place left messy, and one coworker who’s been there longer stayed to help too. We finished cleaning around 10pm, the boss popped by briefly and said, “Thanks, I’ll transfer tonight.” Next morning, nothing showed up.

I called politely and got, “I’ll transfer tomorrow.” Two days passed like nothing happened. Sometimes the boss jokes, “You can do it for free, it’s fine,” laughing — can’t laugh it off, felt dead silent inside, but also pretty hurt and confused.

Also sometimes the boss asks us to do all kinds of stuff beyond a shop clerk’s job — carry boxes upstairs, lift heavy equipment — even though we already lugged deliveries in the morning. No extra hours paid, not even a sincere thank you. It’s become normal like we’re supposed to do it. The newer staff are quiet, don’t dare rock the boat, afraid of losing their job. I’m starting to feel like I’m not a servant.

Or maybe I’m just too old and not flexible anymore lolol. But sometimes I remind myself I chose to stay here: the regulars are warm, it’s close to home, five minutes’ walk. Still, when this keeps happening it piles up and I feel taken advantage of and uncomfortable. Maybe I’m overthinking.

I asked coworkers and got mixed answers. Some said to keep silent and endure for now. Others said to talk to the boss directly and ask clearly about overtime pay or at least to be told in advance when help is needed. I hesitate because I don’t want the shop atmosphere to change. If I confront the boss they might get annoyed and the work could get worse.

I’m really torn: if I let it slide I get stepped on, but if I speak up I might be the difficult one or the boss might start picking other people.

What do you all think I should do — should I politely talk straight and ask for clear rules about hours and pay, or quietly start looking for another job? Or is there a middle way to keep the shop nice but stop getting taken advantage of?

P.S. If anyone’s been through this at a small shop, please share how you handled it T_T