jsgatse

I should just have this comment in my full-time cut and paste since it seems to be needed daily:

Shame on Thailand! Karma's gonna eventually get you (let's hope!) one way or the other!

PM says he will not bow to threats or intimidation

....and then adds, "But, I will use them constantly without trepidation or hesitation!"

Thank you, sir. The world could use more people like him. Or, at the very least, more people who gave a damn and will even take a small stand for what is right.

The pity / shame / frustration (whatever you want to call it) in this whole thing is that sometimes you just have to give up because some people are just so clueless that they don't even realize that they are clueless.

But, I thought (accordingly to conventional wisdom these days) that Thai's were incapable of such horrendous attacks against fellow Thais?

RIP to this poor woman, and prayers and condolences to her family. I hope they lock up this animal and throw away the key.

absolutely shameful and embarrassing.

Which is worse, losing face, or being the laughing stock of the international community???!!!

Come on, "leaders", get it together - think before you act - and maybe you will start to earn some respect, both here and abroad.

This is the 2nd best news story today, after Jason Day winning the PGA. Although his sentence should of come with a castration.

Personally, I don't think they should castrate PGA winners....hahahaha

But, seriously, good to see this creep get what he deserves.

RIP for Freedom of Speech in Thailand

My real intent is "hate Thai hate"?! Despite not making any grammatical sense, your analysis is way off. I listed my top 3 things I liked and the top 3 things I didn't like.

I don't like that the current government puts dissenting journalists in jail - do you??? Does that mean that I "hate Thai hate"? No, it means I don't like that people aren't given the freedom to voice their opinions on "controversial matters"

If I said I don't like that a Chinese guy just threw trash in my front yard, does that mean that I "hate Chinese hate"?

Either you are so blinded by your inferiority complex or you are just a bully who thinks by shouting louder you win...either way, it's "sad AYADEE sad"

You wrote, "Lack of critical thinking & debating skills , Lack of respect for the environment, Lack of freedom of speech"

Those are three generic complaints that could be applied to any of 100 different countries that I can think of.

Do you really not know what it means when a person does that sort of thing?

Your topic was just an invitation to belittle Thailand. In reply other posters like SC jumped on the bandwagon and listed three also common negative stereotypes, insect eating, Monks and Theravada Buddhism.

It would be like me saying I don't like ------ because they don't bath, have bad teeth, terrible food and complain about everything!

Now do you see what I mean? Worthless negative stereotypes that don't need to be repeated on Thai Visa for the 10,000th time.

LoSToday:

I have lived all over the world. I am pretty savvy, thank you. My three "generic comments" are specific to my experience in Thailand and they resonate more here than other places that I have been. That's why i listed them as my opinions.

Let's take one of my "worthless negative stereotypes" as an example - regarding the lack of critical thinking skills...

Here's a comment from a THAI (maybe you will value his opinion more?). In fact, he is the President of the Thailand Development Research Institute (and was nominated one of the Bangkok Post's People of the Year in 2012 (!)), so feel free to discredit him as well, if he doesn't meet your "standards"....

He says:

The Thai education system fails to equip students with the ability to think for themselves. Individuals who know how to think, and can adapt themselves to new environments, are likely to excel in the world. It is depressing that Thailand trains its young people to read, write and do sums but neglects to incorporate other important learning skills such as critical thinking and teambuilding.

The full article is here, if you would like to read it: http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2013/09/17/teach-thais-to-think/

If you want to start calling him a whiner and a complainer and a hater, etc - his email and address and phone are listed here: http://tdri.or.th/en/staff/somkiat-tangkitvanich/ Perhaps you can go after another person who has formed a well-thought out opinion based on personal experience and knowledge - I'm sure he would love to have a battle of the brains with you

still whining I see.

And dining.

What is it that particularly enamours the Thai people to you? Their lack of capital letters?

Similarly Thai food? I've never tried the various beetles and other insects on offer, but they do look quite tasty - I just worry they would have the same slightly unpleasant texture as shrimp limbs. But then, I'm a pretty conservative eater.

What are the aspects of the Thai countryside that you particularly like? I'm pretty much a city boy, but I appreciate a bit of greenery from time to time. I find that for a lot of the year, the Thai countryside seems dustily dry on the Central Plains

I'm surprised that you didn't mention Thai culture - you could've stretched to four, and pushed the limits - or combined it with one of the others. Or perhaps you see Thai culture as an aspect of its people. Or it's food. Or countryside. I love the extravagant temples and glorification of Buddha. I think ostentatious temples and religious displays highlight by contrast the poverty to which the monks are committed.

SC

Quite a Thai hater now are we? You don't live in Thailand do you? The thread was about three good things and three bad things but I see you have discerned the OP's real intent -hate Thai hate. Lets see what tired old negative stereotypes have you managed to dredge up: Insects, monks and Theravada Buddhism.

My real intent is "hate Thai hate"?! Despite not making any grammatical sense, your analysis is way off. I listed my top 3 things I liked and the top 3 things I didn't like.

I don't like that the current government puts dissenting journalists in jail - do you??? Does that mean that I "hate Thai hate"? No, it means I don't like that people aren't given the freedom to voice their opinions on "controversial matters"

If I said I don't like that a Chinese guy just threw trash in my front yard, does that mean that I "hate Chinese hate"?

Either you are so blinded by your inferiority complex or you are just a bully who thinks by shouting louder you win...either way, it's "sad AYADEE sad"

1) thai people

2)thai food

3) thai countryside

1)farang whiners

2)farang whiners

3)farang whiners

I get fed up with people complaining about farang whiners.

I think if all three of the things that upset me most in Thailand were farang whiners, I'd probably stop going to those places I was exposed to them, and stop opening threads where I might read their comments. Unless I was a glutton for punishment

SC

still whining I see.

And dining.

What is it that particularly enamours the Thai people to you? Their lack of capital letters?

Similarly Thai food? I've never tried the various beetles and other insects on offer, but they do look quite tasty - I just worry they would have the same slightly unpleasant texture as shrimp limbs. But then, I'm a pretty conservative eater.

What are the aspects of the Thai countryside that you particularly like? I'm pretty much a city boy, but I appreciate a bit of greenery from time to time. I find that for a lot of the year, the Thai countryside seems dustily dry on the Central Plains

I'm surprised that you didn't mention Thai culture - you could've stretched to four, and pushed the limits - or combined it with one of the others. Or perhaps you see Thai culture as an aspect of its people. Or it's food. Or countryside. I love the extravagant temples and glorification of Buddha. I think ostentatious temples and religious displays highlight by contrast the poverty to which the monks are committed.

SC

Touche!

Yes. On you go. post a positive stereotype. Plenty of others have - mostly along the lines of stereotyping Thais as friendly and hospitable. And so far, no-one has contradicted them.

Come to that, no-one has contradicted any of the negative stereotypes either, you (and others) have just criticised the posters for expressing them.

SC

You are correct. I can't argue with negative stereotypes or the people who give them credence. A kid in the US a couple of days ago believing in negative stereotypes killed 9 black people in a church. It wasn't the gun that killed them it was the negative stereotypes.

The OP gives us negative stereotypes about Thai people and critical thinking and debate. Are all Thai people incapable of critical thinking or debate? Of course not and there exists no evidence to support that conclusion.

The OP gives us negative stereotypes about Thai people and the environment. Tons of Co2 emissions Australia 25.9, Canada 24, USA, 22, Thailand 5.

Lack of freedom of speech? Walking in the grocery store today I told a woman 40 years my junior she had a nice figure. Try that in your Western country. Freedom of speech my butt.

Do you really think adults should deal in comparing national stereotypes? Aren't you a bit older and wiser than that?

LoSToday - you are the ultimate apologist. In case you don't know that word either - the definition is: a person who defends or supports something (such as a religion, cause, or organization) that is being criticized or attacked by other people

You make it your mission to defend against other's opinions and points of view with your anecdotal quips, failure to grasp the true meaning and intent of the opinions and concepts (ie, Freedom of speech does not equate to the ability to make lecherous comments with impunity at your local Big C), and then usually wind up your tirades with personal slams against the poster.

The post was "your top 3 favorite and top 3 least favorite things" - not "state 3 indisputable facts that everyone will agree to". The intent was to solicit opinions and to hear from fellow ex-pats on their experiences on living in Thailand.

You are tiring and predictable. God speed on your quest to be the savior of Thailand.

Lack of critical thinking skills among expats living in Thailand.

Let me give you an example. A person posted a topic and said he didn't want it to become a Thai bash and then He started off the posting by writing the below - a major Thai bash.

Lack of critical thinking & debating skills - most people just seem to believe whatever they are told, never question authority, and are unable to operate outside a predefined set of operating procedures.

- Lack of respect for the environment - Thailand has such natural beauty, and most people seem to not even think twice about throwing their crap out of their car window, dumping trash on the side of the road, throwing trash into the rivers/storm drains

- Lack of freedom of speech - closely tied to the first item above in this category. But, the criminal / legal consequences for making statements about the government, voicing opinions on judicial rulings (and, of course you all know the big one that I can't even probably specifically mention here! (case in point)) goes squarely against the basic tenets of freedom of speech that are common in my home country.

That is three big Thai bashes in a row and sets the tone for the topic to become an out and out Thai bash.

I feel sad that whatever school system he comes from has stopped teaching critical thinking.

Perhaps you aren't familiar with the definition of "critical thinking". It's defined as: the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment

You question my education, but perhaps you should evaluate your own since you seem to immediately resort to name calling and defensiveness and instead miss the intent of the original post which was to foster dialogue and to allow people to share their opinions and views.

And, I'll be sure to share with the university I attended (a globally ranked top 20 university) that you "feel sad for them" - I'm sure they will lose some sleep over this issue.

We don't need another Thai-bashing thread.

Ummm....excuse me?

I specifically said "Let's not turn this into a ranting session" And, I asked for the top 3 favorite things as well.

So, it's more of a conversation than a bash...

If you asked me about my home country, I'd be happy to give you the top 3 and bottom 3 there as well....

So, relax, Mesquite.

"I specifically said "Let's not turn this into a ranting session"

Try to serious. Do you really think saying that will deter all the disgruntled, bored and self-loathing posters from having a go? Everyday people post 101 things, mainly imaginary or misunderstood things, they dislike

This is Thai Visa. Most bashing threads have some caveat or disclaimer about bashing and then quickly turn to bash, bash, bash. What could you possibly hope to achieve by starting another thread that is unlikely to come up with a

We don't need another Thai-bashing thread.

Ummm....excuse me?

I specifically said "Let's not turn this into a ranting session" And, I asked for the top 3 favorite things as well.

So, it's more of a conversation than a bash...

If you asked me about my home country, I'd be happy to give you the top 3 and bottom 3 there as well....

So, relax, Mesquite.

"I specifically said "Let's not turn this into a ranting session"

Try to serious. Do you really think saying that will deter all the disgruntled, bored and self-loathing posters from having a go? Everyday people post 101 things, mainly imaginary or misunderstood things, they dislike

This is Thai Visa. Most bashing threads have some caveat or disclaimer about bashing and then quickly turn to bash, bash, bash. What could you possibly hope to achieve by starting another thread that is unlikely to come up with anything new or interesting?

Well, I am trying to have an interesting and enlightening discussion, that I, for one, find interesting. Following your "reasoning", any topic that could turn into "bash, bash, bash" should be avoided since they could possibly allow someone to voice a genuine and well-founded opinion?

If your colleagues aren't mature enough to have a intelligent conversation, that's not my fault. While I appreciate your pedantic concern, I am discerning enough to see thru immature and hateful comments that have no merit or not well founded.

Since you seem to profess that you know what's best for me, and the Thai Visa community at large, I would be most interested in hearing your comments on my list, for instance, since you essentially discount them as "imaginary or misunderstood". I'm eager to hear your views.

And, I am serious.

We don't need another Thai-bashing thread.

Ummm....excuse me?

I specifically said "Let's not turn this into a ranting session" And, I asked for the top 3 favorite things as well.

So, it's more of a conversation than a bash...

If you asked me about my home country, I'd be happy to give you the top 3 and bottom 3 there as well....

So, relax, Mesquite.

Hello all,

I've been living here in Thailand for about 5 years now - and I am often asked - what's your favorite, and least favorite, thing(s) about living in Thailand. While they can vary from week to week, I think it's an interesting topic. So, I'd love to ask all the people Thai Visa to share their views/opinions as well.

Let's not turn this into a ranting session - please just try to keep your answers as short and sweet as possible

Here are mine:

Top 3 Favorite (in no particular order):

- Relative inexpensive cost of living

- MOST people seem sincerely pleasant and nice on the surface with casual interactions (give a smile, get a nice smile in return)

- Location. I work all throughout Asia, and it's pretty easy and reasonably inexpensive to get just about anywhere in the AP region

-

Top 3 Least Favorite (in no particular order):

- Lack of critical thinking & debating skills - most people just seem to believe whatever they are told, never question authority, and are unable to operate outside a predefined set of operating procedures.

- Lack of respect for the environment - Thailand has such natural beauty, and most people seem to not even think twice about throwing their crap out of their car window, dumping trash on the side of the road, throwing trash into the rivers/storm drains

- Lack of freedom of speech - closely tied to the first item above in this category. But, the criminal / legal consequences for making statements about the government, voicing opinions on judicial rulings (and, of course you all know the big one that I can't even probably specifically mention here! (case in point)) goes squarely against the basic tenets of freedom of speech that are common in my home country.

So....let's hear yours!

Wow, it's good to know that they also have their share of clueless politicians south of the border....

Why do you hope they catch the rapist and throw away the key? You know that is not going to happen here as you stated. Is that not your Judaeo-Christian upbringing speaking? Are you not looking down on Thailand's judicial and value systems?

CB

So, what is your suggestion? You seem to condone, or at least accept, that nothing will happen. Why not stand up for common sense and the right thing? Or, can your point be extrapolated to mean - you move to Thailand and you must live like an animal?

"SONGKHLA Fishery Association president Praporn Ekuru said the issuing of a yellow card for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices and the threat to ban Thai fishery exports could have been driven by the European Union's economic protectionism or its desire to see the military regime of General Prayut Chan-o-cha return the country to democracy."

Or, could it possibly be driven by the desire to end slave labor and unlawful techniques?

Man up, and fix the problem and stop crying like a baby....

OK, so the votes (as I calculate/decipher) were

2 for Whirlybird

and

2 for attic floor insulation

The attic floor insulation is easy - they sell it and install it down the street at the local HomePro. Any history with a good brand/R level that you can recommend?

For the whirlybird - they sell them at these little mom and pop hardware stores around my house. But, they look super cheap and as if they would stop spinning well and start squeeking up a storm rather soon. Is there anyone in Thailand who sells/imports/installs proper whirlybirds that anyone out there knows of?

Thanks to all.

Hi All,

I'm the guy who originally started this thread - thanks to all who have replied.

But, I'm now having "analysis paralysis" based on all the info (a lot of it conflicting!).

I'd like to take this a step at a time....

So, based on what you all know, and have read...as my first step, should I:

1) Put a whirlybird at the highest possible point in my attic roof (fyi, i do have some soffits in the roof overhang/lowest part of my attic which would allow for cooler air to be drawn in)?

or

2) Insulate the interior attic ceiling (aka, the bottom of my roof tiles) with foil reflective insulation?

or

3) Put down insulation on the interior attic floor (aka on the ceiling of my 2nd/top floor)?

If you guys were going to take one step this year - which one of these would you do?

Thanks!

-Scott

Yup ^^^ let the hot air out.

Do you have gables? Gable vents would look nicer than whirlybirds and be equally effective, and you could add fans later if they weren't enough.

Nope, no gables, as my roof is like a pyramid...the only solution is to let this air out would thru a whirlybird, as I see it.

Is this foil insulation that is noted as a good source of REFLECTION?

it is reflective but the efficiency is quite low. no matter what you do do with additional insulation, your first mandatory step is ventilating your attic.

Two sides of the house have soffits decent incoming air access.

how/where's the air going out and what is "decent"?

Yes, that's the main issue...there are the two sets of soffits on 2 parallel sides of the roof...but there is nothing else...no whirlybird or anything to suck in the cooler air/remove the hotter air.

I don't know how to quantify decent - but. each of the two sides of the roof overhang has 3 intake strips for the air - about 1.5 cm wide each - and this runs for about 7m.,..this is just an eyeball guestimate, however.

So, my first step would seem to install a whirlybird/some sort of exit for this hot air, yes?

I just went up to my attic - it's not so hot today because of the rain.

Here's what I found...

It's a single peaked roof (like a pyramid shape).

Two sides of the house have soffits decent incoming air access.

The roof is a standard tile roof, with metal frame support.

Under the tiles (so on the INSIDE side of my attic) there is some foil like paper - in other words, I can't see the tiles unless I pull back this foil like paper. This substance looks like cheap tin foil sandwiched around a piece of VERY thin cardboard like paper. It's about as thick as a magazine cover, I would say - and can be ripped.

Is this foil insulation that is noted as a good source of REFLECTION?

THe ceiling of my 2nd floor is basically the floor of my attic - basically sheet rock suspended by some wire cables tied to the metal frame of the house.

I have no whirlybird or anything else up there.

Based on this, what would you suggest?

Thanks!