Paleface

RichardW,

It was an attempt at humor. The Thai posters here have said sometimes the words they use to relate the time can change depending on thier mood.

Paleface no lie.

Im starting this thread after reading a post that questioned the intelligence of security guards, petrol attendants etc.

As for thier intelligence or lack of, I would rather not comment. They have in the past been the cause of my rising blood pressure, but now I really find thier antics quite amusing.

For instance, the petrol attendants who continue to pump petrol as it runs out all over the ground, just so they can round off to the nearest 10 baht.

And a security guard I once saw, who was so skinny he made Barney Fife look like Arnold Swartennegger. His hat was 6 sizes too big and covered his eyes. He had a pair of handcuffs, but I couldnt really picture him apprehending a crook.

Then, what are all the employees for at Big C? If you ask them where something is, all you get is a blank stare and a "duhhhh?". All they do is squat in the aisles and put on thier makeup. (the girls and the boys)

I suggest instead of getting upset, just enjoy the show.

Oh my! I still am a bit confused(make that alot confused), but Im having fun here.

And ichubbygirl, you mean now I have to learn "old people time" and "young people time". (insert smiley face here)

Well, its paad narikar and I dont feel so well, I have to go now.

Wait! Im feeling better. It must be paad mong chau!

Random,

Im in Issan. You should hear that dialect!

My wife has done well teaching me for the past 25 years however its been difficult as she didnt have any formal education. (she was born crippled and wasnt able to go to school).

I did meet a university lecturer about 2 years ago and we have morning coffee together. We are teaching each other, although it seems Im doing most of the teaching. Its great that he can explain things my wife isnt able to.

Ive only been reading for 2 years, but its opened up a new world for me. Who knew all those signs really said something!

Im quite content with my current level of speaking and Ill just keep plugging along.

Im sure many of you have had the same experience as I have.

A Thai person speaks English to me and I dont understand. Nothing wrong with his English, but my mind and ears are expecting him to speak Thai.

Thank you all for clearing that up for me. So, the answer to my question is: no, nobody fully understands it.

At least I dont feel so bad that I dont get it.

Thanks again. I find it frustrating but very interesting.

I learned the hard way. Never had a book or ever been in a classroom.

From day 1, it was 1 word at a time. "What does krap mean? I hear that word alot.".

I would ask someone to spell my name and learn 1 letter at a time.

Its a hard way to learn and I wish I had, had access to a language school.

When ever I try Expedia, travelocity, etc., the flights are way more expensive than a travel agent.

What am I doing wrong?

The "am-pm" time system is quite simple and the 24 hour military system is foolproof.

The Thai time system, now thats another matter! I try learning it, get frustrated and quit, then after awhile try again.

The Thais themselves dont really seem to get it. Countless times, Ive heard Thais mention a certain time and then have to discuss if they are both talking about the same time.

Do most people understand thier system or not?

Medical certificate?

What documents are needed for license renewal?

I spent 35 years in the concrete business and Ive seen alot of do-it-yourself horror stories. Usually, they involve people reading a book about concrete and then thinking it will be as easy as in the book. After alot of work and money down the drain, they clean up the mess and call an expert.

If I built a pool in Thailand, I would do the concrete work and hire someone to tile the entire inside. When it comes to concrete, there are many things that could go wrong. I just hope I can save someone a big head ache.

Thanks everyone, I got more than I bargained for with that question!

I was under the impression "mun" was a separate taste altogether.

So, something salty, or sweet could also be described as mun?

Could the word be used in place of "aroi" or "saab" ?

I know of the tastes, salty, bitter, sweet, and sour. I have heard some Thais refer to the taste, "mun". My wife says it is like peanuts. Could someone give me a better explanation?

Well, heres one farang whos not complaining. I love Thailand, most of the people, the weather, the food, the easy laid back life and most of all my wife. We have been married 25 years and the honeymoon isnt over yet.

We dated for a year and a half. Got to know each other and that may be one reason we are still together and happy. I dont think of her as my "Thai wife", just my wife.

I get pissed off at the same things that piss me off back home. Life just doesnt always go the way we would like. There are some differences in Thailand of course. I dont complain about things I dont like ,Im just concerned. For example Thai driving. Im just concerned because so many people die on the roadways. Im sure many of the complainers also feel this way. Sometimes it seems we farangs care more for the lives of the Thais than the Thais themselves.

Complaining isnt my style but as someone said, maybe its just a way for some to let off steam.

How many of you have seen cashews growing?

I picked up some from the temple grounds and planted them. In 6 years the trees were 12 feet high and had fruit. The fruit looks just like a medium sized pear, red in color and on the bottom of each is 1 cashew!

I used to think cashews were expensive but now I think the price is quite resonable. It would require alot of effort to get a pound of them!

Water convulvus is "pak boong"

Another squash or pumpkin in English is "fahk tong", very easy to grow and delichious!

Does anyone know why the farang or guava is sometimes called "buc seeda" in Issan?

Phra Peter really knows his stuff and goes by the book.

There is an old monk that lives near me with one leg. I dont know his story so, maybe he lost it after his ordination.

I do know that some temples are more lenient with ordination and Im sure you could find a temple in whitch to ordain.

Good luck, Paleface

The wife and I are a team. She worked her ass off in the US for 20 years, so Im not really giving her anything. We always pooled our money in a joint account and I never had a secret account.

We have a house in the US in my name and the house in Thailand is in her name. We did it this way just because it was the easiest way. If we ever split up, which Im sure will never happen, we can go our separate ways and no one will get hurt (financially, that is).

We keep a joint bank account also, trust each other 100%!

It was my lucky day when I met her.

Can someone please explain mushy peas and marmite to a yank?

I think <deleted> is a riot. The only thing I dont like about this thread is all the crap in between his posts.

Can anyone teach me to pull a rabbit out of my hat?

I do not file income tax.

Not required if earning under $6,000 for single, or $12,500 for married.

Wife is Thai and in Thailand but I can still claim married filing jointly.

Thank you all for your replys. Its sad to say, but my neighbor was the only one in town that I felt would pay me back. The guy who built our house asked to borrow 6k and I told him I valued our friendship to much and so I refused.

When I was about 20, I lent a very good friend $300, to be repaid in 30 days. I got lame excuse after lamer excuses for 2 years. Some excuses were even repeats (income tax returns etc). As a last resort I asked one more time and after the sob story, I punched him in the mouth very hard, and did the blood ever fly! The next morning he was at my door with the money. He shoved it in my hand and said, "there, happy now?" I hated to resort to violence, but it worked.

As some of you have said, a hundred bucks, thats not bad. I dont even care about the money. Just like back home, the end of a friendship over a little money.

Oh well, mai pen lai, The Paleface bank is officially closed.