Mango-Guy

I'm not suggesting that all Thai universities are as good as those in the West, but I imagine that some, maybe many, are. Perhaps not as good as Oxbridge/Ivy League, but they must compare with average Western universities. Many Thai students enrol in Western masters programs, and this would indicate that Western uinviersities value Thai undergraduate degrees.

I accept that there may be cultural reasons to place Western kids in Western schools and universities, but I still haven't heard any evidence that there is a problem in the Thai system. My suspicion is that it is simple a case of Western arrogance and perceived superiorty.

Does that mean you earn $125K in the US? if so what the f#@# are you doing in Thailand ?!

Probably your best bet would be to speak to an IT headhunter to establish what your real market value is in Thailand.

Why are "International Schools not what they claim to be" after age 13, do they revert to Thai education? Are there any facts here or just expat prejudices?

On the subject of the Thai education system, is it really that bad? Why wouldn't someone with a Thai high school education and fluent English be admitted to a Western university? As for the Thai elite sending their offspring to foreign schools, surely that's just another status play for them, rather than genuine fears about the Thai system ???

Just some general points - or questions really - I'm not making any specific comments on threekids' situation...

The trick Mr Lucas is to avoid the "touristic areas" and you will find what you seek. Oh, and turn off the PC at 5pm or you'll fry your brain.

So is it open or not, I'm CONFUSED...

From your post it seems like living in Belgium is your ideal situation, and living in Thailand a secondary alternative (neatly proving how Belgian you are). If this is the case, then try and get TG over there and start your life there. She will enjoy the adventure and get to understand the Western way a bit better, the after you've saved a couple of million baht give Thailand a try.

Tesco-Lotus or Villa, but it's such an overated whiskey.

Does anyone know how and when the fair city of "Krueng Thep...." became "Bangkok" ? It doesn't sound like an anglicization (as in Bombay for Mumbai) and it can't really be a name the US navy coined, could it?

No problems with guys wearing sarongs, can't say the same for KSR.

Cool. Sounds like getting decent bread will not be a problem. Thanks for these pointers everyone.

Hey Guys, these are all great suggestions. Thanks I will definitely try a few of them out!

Have noted LIVINGSTONES. Sounds good? What's the average price for a meal?

What's the hoo-hah about "self-promotion" if somebody happens to be doing that on a public forum - good luck to any farang that starts a business in BKK and wants to get the message out

Within a few skytrain stops of Chitlom would be ideal, but anywhere withing central BKK is ok.

Would like to get some recommendations on restaurants serving non-Asian farang food (doesn't need to be farang owned/operated). Not business class restaurants, just regular eat-out type places...

Can anyone recommend a half-decent bakery in central BKK? If there is one?

You need to divulge more about yourself to get any advice. Are you looking for work in Thailand, Asia, or anywhere? What's your education / work experience. Which fields interest you?

HUH! How much would all these beers cost? Are the Issan boys being "freeloaders" or just getting you to gain some village-cred by showing what a big earning farang you really are?! Are they sitting around afterwards laughing at how they fleeced you, or saying what a great guy you are to buy them a few rounds?! Get with the program fellas, money talks in Thailand and you know it, we're not down at the local where someone is shirking their round.

It reminds me of the stories of backpackers who don't want to done out of ten baht by the guy who loads their pack onto a bus.

SNOOPHOUND, here's a poll on age differences...

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=17240&hl=

(not sure if the link works, I just pasted it).

That's a good point English Noodles.

Actually I was hoping to get some input on what kind "farang groups" live in Thailand. I don't view my own quick classification as complete or accurate, that's why it's not a poll. Anyway, whatever.

...er the category for No 2 is "Retired / Semi-Retired" Folk

A comment by LC got me thinkin'...what kinda people are faranging it in LOS? I'm not that well qualified to comment as I'm still not over there, but reading this forum you get an idea. Leaving aside the tourists, it seems there are three farang groups:

1) True Expats - on assignment at a multinational or university

2) Retired / Semi Folk - who have jumped their own country for Thailand life

3) ESL Teachers - long term travellers or lost souls who eek out a living

Is that about right? Anyone have a better segmentation?

I think Ministry of Sound has some "global underground" type club tour which includes BKK. Something to look into, perhaps?

Hey Igotworms, what did you mean by the maple leaf doesn't matter in Thailand but may come in handy in China or Korea?

As long as you don't sew one of those "hey I'm not a Yank" Canadian flags on your pack, you can be forgiven. Oh, and as long as you have the brains and courtesy to take your pack off when you're on the skytrain.