PeterGriffin

what a wonderful gesture!

May I ask when and where you obtained your results?

thank you for pointing out i used the wrong word, i'm not a native speaker.

My results are from the time i've been in Thailand during the last couple of years, talking to the people I meet. I like to talk to the people i encounter, for example those sitting on the same bus, or on a porch. I just noticed that many of them sympathize with the red shirts. even though they do not always believe the red shirts are truly representing them.

it is easy to find out that the large majority of the Thai are supporting the red shirts. just ask around randomly. Suggesting it is otherwise is just silly.

A large majority? The PTP won less than 40% of the popular vote in the last election. I guess that some of that 'large majority' supports the red shirts but votes for the Democrats.

Exactly. bravo, sir.

Not claiming to know a lot about Thai politics or even wanting to get involved, I have to say i am appalled by the stupidity of the replies in this topic. For everybody, even the drunkards among us farang, it is easy to find out that the large majority of the Thai are supporting the red shirts. just ask around randomly. Suggesting it is otherwise is just silly. Secondly I would like to point you all to the fact that it is never a good thing when the military is interfering with governmental responsibilities regularly, even in a corrupt democracy this is still very dangerous... thirdly, politics in general, even more so in a country like Thailand, is very populistic.

I heard Siam commercial Bank has the most ATM's in Thailand, meaning you won't have to pay extra fees often. (just as with any other Thai bank, using ATM's from other banks costs a few baht, as well as using ATM's from outside of your region.) (i've never heard of TMB being an exemption to this?)

Before I traveled to Vietnam i also heard stories of people that were very positive and people that were negative. I had a very good experience and am very happy I went. It is another great south-east Asian country (best countries in the world) and it's great to see the little differences between them. So definitely go.

I think that many tourists travelling to Thailand are so much impressed by the ''Thai smile'' and friendliness, that they don't see it when they're scammed. It always amazes me how oblivious some people can be. The Vietnamese are more direct. they don't hide it when they're doing business. However most of them can still be very friendly, if not while doing business, then certainly in other situations. unless you are more of a sensitive person who likes to flatter and be flattered in all situations, then you should definitely go there.

another thing that's more apparent in Vietnam than in Thailand is their nationalism. it's more apparent for the same reason as the above. Same for the Thai, they also are very nationalist. Could be a good thing, but for a small percentage of the people it turns into disrespect, hate and mistreatment of the foreigners. I'm living in Bangkok, so i have some authority on the subject.

For living there, there are other things coming into question. you'll have to start from zero learning the language and social culture. Also, don't forget it has a completely different kind of governance. you do not have as much personal freedom as you have in Thailand. There are more rules, and you are more expected to uphold them.

I personally really like Vietnam, and would like to go try out living there. although some of the rules will be a pain in the ass, it's definitely not a Singapore. There have been some harsh mis-governance in the past sold under the name of communism, but things are getting better every year. The women for me are definitely as pretty as Thai women, the cities are beautiful with a great ambiance, Less cars and more motorbikes in the cities is definitely a plus (better traffic, very 'romantic') and there are some beautiful pieces of nature. There's definitely not as much nightlife though. less working girls as well. depending on what you want at this point in your life, make a decision.

EDIT:

Be mindful though, the quality of English taught in schools and universities in Asia is very low. hard to take serious even. As a career, i wouldn't really recommend it. I'd say, temp it, until you find a more rewarding job.