Neeranam

Indeed, I know a guy who refuses to integrate and lives in rural Isarn. He called me to ask for a lift home after a big operation as no one in the village could do it. He can't get anyone to do odd jobs as they don't like him. He can't speak any Thai after 30 years here. Lives on his computer a Netflix, unable to chat to neighbours.

I was at a friends wedding a few years back who married a Hi So Thai. HM the King made an appearance at the wedding. I'd say much better educated than most here, including myself. My friend showed 10 million baht and more in gold for Sin Sod. Many Thais just borrow it for show.

You refused to comply with Thai customs, so I was wondering what you think about Middle Eastern people refusing to comply with your customs. It's the same thing as I see it. Fair dinkum, no need to answer.

Do you respect Muslim immigrants in Australia not assimilating to Ozzy culture?

Are you talking about all Thais here or just your woman's family?

The golden rules if living in Thailand. 1 - Never get married until you have lived here for 5 years. 2 - Never buy a house until you've been married for 5 years.

You keep mentioning a question, what question?

The DoL does not tell immigration. I got a job once, left after a month and kept my visa with no issue. Never cancelled WP. The only issue was I was fined when I got a new visa and new job/WP. 1500 baht from the Din Daeng police station. This was 20 years ago so may have changed. I believe only an immigration officer can cancel a visa.

Some come here because of certain customs but refuse others. For example, they marry women whose parents are younger than them and this is accepted here but then turn around and refuse sinsot. You can't have your cake and eat it.

Assimilating to local customs holds great significance in Thailand. Sinsod is deeply rooted in Thai culture and plays a vital role in demonstrating respect and commitment to the bride's family. Embracing and participating in this tradition not only shows a genuine understanding of and appreciation for Thai customs but also fosters positive relationships between the marrying individuals and their respective families. It symbolizes the groom's acknowledgment of the responsibility he undertakes in marrying the woman, reinforcing the cultural value of family bonds. By actively engaging in local customs like sinsod, a man not only demonstrates cultural sensitivity but also strengthens the foundation of his marital relationship within the broader Thai social context. This assimilation fosters harmony and mutual understanding, contributing to the richness of the marital experience within the Thai cultural framework. Embracing new customs can be personally enriching. It provides individuals with a broader perspective on life, fosters personal growth, and opens the door to new experiences and friendships. It's also important to remember one's own cultural identity. It's not about completely abandoning one's background but rather about finding common ground and respecting the cultural context in which one is living. Failing to adapt to local customs may lead to social isolation. People may find it challenging to connect with others in the community, form friendships, or participate in social events if they don't align with the cultural norms. Failing to adapt may result in missed opportunities for personal and professional growth. Engaging with local customs allows individuals to broaden their perspectives, learn new skills, and fully experience the richness of their new surroundings. Integrating myself, learning to speak Thai fluently, and becoming a Thai citizen have utterly transformed my life for the better. I secured excellent job opportunities that paid five times more than what I earned as a teacher. Engaging in networking, a crucial aspect of Thai society, enabled me to connect with influential individuals who significantly elevated my position on the hierarchical social ladder. Choosing not to integrate means missing out on the chance to climb even the initial rung of this ladder. Embracing the local culture and language has not only opened doors professionally but has also enriched my personal life in ways I never imagined.

Regarding the Thai help allowance(not pension), it depends how old gran is, it's 1000 baht if over 90. This is not given to all over 60. Thai pensions depend on work history. I say tradition as it has been going on for many years. Before the wedding, the families of the bride and groom negotiate the sinsod amount. This negotiation involves discussions about the groom's financial ability to fulfill this tradition. The groom, or sometimes his family, presents the agreed-upon sinsod amount to the bride's family during the wedding ceremony. This payment is a symbol of respect and gratitude to the bride's parents for raising and caring for her.

OK, I see what you meant, sorry. Some others think 2,000 baht a month is generous.

Off topic, nothing to do with your country killing 8,000 and rising children. Iranians view the creation of Israel as an unjust dispossession of Palestinian land(apparent reason). Iran has consistently opposed Israeli policies in the Palestinian territories(apparent reason).

Why would you date a sex-worker?

huh?

I'd say that's about right, Thai generally don't like farang.

In cultural situations, I often imagine my sister marrying a Middle Eastern guy with the long white gown. Imagine if he said he had no money, would anyone believe him? Imagine if he refused to have alcohol at his wedding out of principle as in UAE they don't do that. What would the family think? Imagine is he refused to give Christmas presents.

What bull-deleted? Ever heard of 'when in Rome....'?

I know Thais that earn 15,000 a month and give more than that. If their daughter married a Thai, they would help out the relatives, if a foreigner doesn't, it's a kick in the teeth. Even if the guy doesn't give the 2,000 baht, the wife will find a way to send something home, it's the Thai way, filial piety and all that

I hear you, when I got married, 23 years ago, I was working as a teacher at a government school and was 35 . It's important to let them know you are not rich but they will never believe you, they will think you have a house back home or something, so the main thing is to be firm but always be polite. Saying it's against your principles is the wrong thing - you'll need your wife's support here. It took my wife a few years to realize I had no money hidden away :) You'll be asked to finance business ideas etc - I suggest say you'd love to help but first write down the first year business projected profits and a detailed repayment plan, 9/10 times they will not do that. My father in law hated me at first and on our first meeting sat and polished his gun(retired army) but when we had kids things changed a lot. They are half of your future kids' heritage, remember that. In time, you'll grow tounderstand their way of thinking.

2,000 baht a month is not generous, esp from a farang.

I don't understand, do you not have the money? It's important to negotiate, you never know how the family can help in the future for you and your kids. What will your kids think of dad refusing to practice Thai traditions? They might feel less than as they are half Thai - seen this often.

You are in Thailand, do as the Thais do. The Sinsod is just for show and should be returned after the wedding. If they refuse, it is a bessing in disguies - they didn't stick to the rules, so stop the 2,000 a month to grannie.

Spot on.

Because you probably only heard about Bitcoin last year, or you would not avoid the question.