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paulian
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Posts posted by paulian
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It's beyond me why anyone would want to cancel their medicare or any part of it? If I read the post right you will have no insurance whatsoever and pay for your meds here because they are cheaper ? Anyways, if nobodies told you medicare is actually a good value at $96 a month and to cancel and then get back in will raise your monthly payment depending on how long your out of it. I live here like you and would never cancel it in case of a major illness.
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I like the American story too, does your Dad know why the Americans drive on the wrong side of the road.
6 years and I still get confused with the light switches.
The electric wiring in Thailand is supposed to be BLACK live and GREY neutral, the alleged electrician that did our house wiring made all GREY wire LIVE, and so again coming from the UK myself I prefer that, as it is common for older electric wiring in UK to be a BLACK neutral.
Well they cant build good cars so it doesnt matter which side they drive on....................he said hahhah
That's odd about the driving, because that's exactly what we ask in the US, How come everybody in the world is driving on the wrong side of the road ? However, have to agree about the part that we build crappy cars. You should know that only started when the American Unions got the guys on the assembly line $32 an hour to screw in 1 bolt. They got so rich they could afford the expensive Japanese and German cars and never looked back.
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Most of them realize the world is flat and if they go too far outside of Thailand they will fall off into space.
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Thanks for the advise, Punk !
Insurance is mandated just go to a motorbike shop and get some.
who would have thought paulian, eh.................. go to a motorbike shop and get some.
kinda obvious now when you think about it, Punk.
Gee, going back over my posts, I never realized who you were ! Your the jerk that made fun of me on what was like my first post months ago after I had asked a logical question about motorbike Insurance. and... to think I've posted to a number of your topics trying to help you and giving my advise after you smart mouthed a new member you never even knew. Guess if it's doesn't pertain to your family or 11 year old kid or your visiting friends, everyone else can go to hell. Just me, me, me, me,me,me ,me .......
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The crime on the books here in Thailand was committed in the US, however, it was against the laws of Thailand which the suspect knew. He knew he was breaking the law when he did it and thought perhaps time would make it disappear so he foolishly returned to Thailand thinking they would forget it. Why would they ? It's a law many Thai's feel very strongly about and he knew this. The question is not whether it's a good or bad law, it's a law and he broke it. Would be considered a felony if something like this was on the books in his country and he knew that also. He went outside the box and almost dared Thailand to do something about it and they did ! There's no Bill of Rights here. In my opinion, He deserves whatever he gets. You can't break law just because you think it may be unjust. That's not his decision.
Yes but sadly its a law that cant be discussed so we dont really know how people feel about it, they may all want it removed as these days it only seems to be used in stupid political games.
People mIs-interpreted my post reply, I was not trying to cause a controversy. I was stating facts and my opinion about breaking laws in general from my past experience as a Law Enforcement officer. If there's a law in a State anywhere in the world and especially if you are living in the State or plan to visit it, why would you be so stupid to break it and then even more idiotic to think nobody will notice. Whether I agree with the law is irrelevant to the post and assuming anything in that respect as some have only exhibits their lack of general intelligence in all matters.
This post should be CLOSED due to the number of posters with total brain fade on this subject. Instead the moderators irrationally close others that are insignificant, I find that quite odd !
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I am looking everywhere for the article I read in the paper 1-2 days ago and can not find it. However, it kind of said the bus situation from Bangkok up north was a mess due to the flooding in Ayutthaya. A few Thai friends I have here in Pattaya that were planning trips above Ayutthaya have cancelled their trips. The article said the buses were being diverted to different routes. It said nothing about them being cancelled. However, from everything we see on TV, I would suggest your friends go by plane from Utopia if there's an airport near you. You know how long the bus trips are when normal, I can just imagine what there like now.
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GET OUT OF PATTAYA.
So who died and made you dictator of where people choose to live?
He is asking, so I am giving him my 2 cents.
Pattaya is not part of his problems. Every place in the world has limited things one can do and then its : Been there, Done that.
OP is having withdrawal symptoms from his former active lifestyle and would have this problem everywhere. Variety is the spice of everything in life.
If one cannot accept the "Thainess" of Thailand then being in another place in Thailand is not going to help is it?
Just my 2 cents after living here for over 25 years.
Yermanee :jap:
Pattaya can be a problem. It's not THE problem, but it can be A problem. So much extreme negativity and unhealthy things going on there. If you let it get to you or are unable to deal with such extremes day and night, it can beat you down mentally, and does so to many good farangs.
Yea, that's a good way to put it .... I am indeed having withdrawal symptoms from my career and life in LA. It was hectic, unbelievable stressful at times and many times extremely rewarding. Now that all that is gone there doesn't seem to be anything here to come even close to my prior life. The Thai's just stare at you with a look that's hard to interpret or know what they are thinking or want. Much of it is a cultural thing as back home I had no problem reading a person and almost instinctively knew if they were sincere or not. That was kind of my job. Here, it's like a different planet. and .... Pattaya is like Disneyland, it's great to occasionally visit but after a while it just bores the heck out of you. I am sure if I had a family and was out of the city my attitude would be different. This post has helped me quite a lot and I realize now, as others have mentioned, I probably will never be happy here for a long term maybe not happy anywhere until I change my attitude about where I am now in life and where I was. Thank all you guys for your input !
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"That's why you hear so many unhappy Farangs complaining about the Thais.
What they really mean is they are bored, but don't want to admit that, so instead they blame it on the Thais.
That way it isn't their fault, it's the fault of the Thais around them."
How true this statement is proving to be ......
The only person who can help you ............ is you.
If you keep looking for negatives then that's what you will find and may I add not only in Thailand.
You complain that the work for father Ray doesn't bring any financial benefit, where the fact that you are helping people worse of than you should be a reward in itself.
I believe you to be in a negative spiral (I have been there) and again only you can change that.
I know it's not easy but believe me it's feasible, millions of people have done it.
You say you have been a fighter pilot, time to start fighting again, this time for yourself.
OK, Thanks. Most of the fight is out of me these days as most of my great accomplishments in my life were so many years ago. However, as you say, I must try.
Best wishes,
Yermanee :jap:
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Are you joking?
Of course, that happens to many if not all of us who stay in Thailand long-term.
The "bloom" wears of the Rose...and we get bored.
I'm retired, have been here in Bangkok for about a year now...and I know what you're talikng about.
I try to do a short trip out of Thailand...maybe Penang or Singapore for a couple of days at least once a year. Will probably do another one in January...possible Vietnam this time...if I can afford it.
That's why you hear so many unhappy Farangs complaining about the Thais.
What they really mean is they are bored, but don't want to admit that, so instead they blame it on the Thais.
That way it isn't their fault, it's the fault of the Thais around them.
"That's why you hear so many unhappy Farangs complaining about the Thais.
What they really mean is they are bored, but don't want to admit that, so instead they blame it on the Thais.
That way it isn't their fault, it's the fault of the Thais around them."
How true this statement is proving to be ......
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I've been visiting LOS for 25 yrs and living full time married for 10+ yrs and yes my rose colored glasses need new tinting.......starting to see more of the negative [mostly] petty irritations that are now overwhelming the positive and have shrunken into my own little shell with my family out in a remote rice field up north.
Before moving to LOS, I had spent 8 yrs in the Philippines and went thru the same burnout and LOS was the 'cure' for the Phil insanity. I have recently come up with a plan to keep the tint fresh on my rose colored glases......change locations a couple of times a year and am in the process of setting up a place to escape to in the Phil and hope that 6 months there and 6 months here will help make me appreciate both places more and be a more happy camper.
If that doesn't work, I don't know what I'll do because the 'alternative' of moving back to the states is most probably the last thing I want to do. My occasional trips back to the US have always made me feel like a stranger in a strange world and couldn't see myself spending much time there......
Any suggestions??
Lately, my occasional trips back to the US have made me feel the same way as you, like a stranger. When I was living there, due to the career I was in I was actually a stranger to most people that were not in the same field as me. It was kind of like a big club that only certain people could get in to. Now, although I still have friends in the "club", it's just not the same. I do not think I would be happy moving back as after only a few weeks there I am ready to leave. Also, your situation and the poster above you are much different than mine and many others that live here. Many of you guys are lucky enough to find a mate and start a family and live out of the city, Out of the city, I feel in Thailand, is like living in a different country. People are different in the villages, they treat you different than they treat you in the cities. I'm not saying they accept you 100%, but, more so than in the cities like Pattaya where I live. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find someone I care about that cares about me as much. and ... it is harder now since am totally burnt out on the bar scene and only go occasionally to watch a football game and have a drink. So, I stay alone much of the time, doing what I do most and what I'm doing now, pounding the this silly computer.
It would help, I believe, if I had more monthly income so I could travel more, however finding work here is as hard as finding working the US now, at my age. I was helping for a while at the Police station last year when the subject came up of they wanted me to come on full time. At first, I thought this was the answer to my problems. Then we discussed about how I was to train investigators and handle a case load, work 6 billion hours a month, put my life at risk while not even understanding what most of the suspects were saying or even thinking due to the culture and language difference. All this fun ..... for about the same money a month I was making in a few days back in LA. Obviously, I declined and decided to help out at the Father Ray foundation which was much better for me but didn't help my financial position.
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Now I live here for the past 17 years it is still the same and my opinion is,it's a paradise as long as you don't have to get involved with the local's on a daily base.
I'd generally rather be among Thais than my own people in my own land; however, I'd also go along with what you say... keep em at arm's length.
Op, try heading down to Malaysia for a week or so. Used to do this when I'd had enough of Muang Thai and even just a few days in Penang did the trick... what a sh1t hole.
Used to feel very comfortable about spending time with Thai's. Many years ago, before their attitudes changed about Westerners , before the scams became widespread and when they had a little respect for us. Now, especially in the cities Thai's tend to treat all Westerners as "marks". Not all Thai's, but the majority of them in the major tourist destinations. I trust few of them any longer and am uncomfortable of their unknown looks and thoughts. Even the unfamilar climate and food which I should be used to by now upsets me at times. Like others, I travel when I can afford it, to get out of the country or province and it sometimes rejuvenates me towards their attitudes. But lately, much less of the traveling and when I return much less of a comfortable feeling with them.
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What do you do for a living MegaRanter, if you dont mind me asking?
No way jose, if I tell you, i would have to waterboard you.
I make 5 baht per piece, depends on how many they buy each month.
I don't want to get water boarded. However, I hope your not the one who makes those stupid pop up post card scenes they keep bothering me at the beach to buy ?
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The guy you are talking about was born in Thailand, so maybe they feel he is still a Thai national. Or, maybe we're not getting the whole story, and he is in fact a dual national.
His nationality is not relevant to the crime.
Perhaps not in the eyes of the law. However, I wonder if it would have been handled different if others were involved. Perhaps, if it were an American born renowned news analyst or anchor from a major US publication who had it interpreted. Think Thailand would arrest a Peter Jennings or a Brian Williams. I doubt it. As I stated in my first response, wonder what the guy was really thinking when he decided to come back to Thailand ? Doesn't make much sense. Either way, I do not think this guy will get sent to prison or if he does probably only till November 5th. The US has already made their feelings clear when they sent a small delegation to Thailand to monitor this deal.
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Some people need to understand they will never be happy with the external stimulation that change provides. The problem is often on the inside and its difficult to slow down and enjoy the simple things whilst the internal demons are raging.
Yea, that's probably it in two sentences.... that PERMANENT change provides. At home, during my career, my life seemed always to be on the edge, sometimes dealing with stressful life and death situations that I wasn't always sure what the best way to go was. So.... when I was able to get away from it in those days, I can remember just a walk on the beach alone or a photo day watching the surfers at Huntington Beach would totally get my head back to where it should be. Here, I can do those things everyday and they change nothing. Suppose, I'm not growing old too gracefully and will find it almost impossible to change I think. Maybe time to get drunk ! At least I have a positive attitude about my destructive habits.
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Let me share my memory's with you.I came her the first time January 1994 then at a 16 days visa exempt.Stayed Bangkok 2 days and Pattaya the other 14 days.When I flew home I thought by myself " been there done that ",but when I landed in my homecountry at - ? degree celsius I booked a return flight within the next 6 hours to arrive back only 12 days later.
This time I made a tourist visa,but before the visa was expired I was happy already I could change my flight home to an earlier date.
To make a long story short,every time I arrived in my home country i couldn't wait to book my next flight,I made 7 return flights in 1994,but when I stayed here for a few weeks I would have thoughts about renting a pick up with a MI 50 and enough ammunition installed on the back instead of a hiring taxi to go to the airport.
Now I live here for the past 17 years it is still the same and my opinion is,it's a paradise as long as you don't have to get involved with the local's on a daily base.
Before the rose tinted glasses people jump in,buying beer or food from the locals doesn't account as getting involved.
I think many of my problems living here are culture related pertaining to the values and mores of the Thai people. It is so much different from what I am used to and different from many 1st world countries I have spent time in. You say everything is fine as long as you don't get the locals involved ..... That's pretty hard to do in their country. We're the visitors, not them. They control it all or at least try to.
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The crime on the books here in Thailand was committed in the US, however, it was against the laws of Thailand which the suspect knew. He knew he was breaking the law when he did it and thought perhaps time would make it disappear so he foolishly returned to Thailand thinking they would forget it. Why would they ? It's a law many Thai's feel very strongly about and he knew this. The question is not whether it's a good or bad law, it's a law and he broke it. Would be considered a felony if something like this was on the books in his country and he knew that also. He went outside the box and almost dared Thailand to do something about it and they did ! There's no Bill of Rights here. In my opinion, He deserves whatever he gets. You can't break law just because you think it may be unjust. That's not his decision.
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"and own my place here in Pattaya"
That may be part of the problem. Living in Pattaya. that would drive me crazy, burnt out as well
Seriously you went from a busy highly stressed job to ............................. nothing. Not sure if your feeling burnt out or just plain bored out of your skull.
Get around the real Thailand when you can not just the Pattaya disney land.
Yea, I think Pattaya is a big part of my problem. Great for tourists, however, how many times can you do the same things over and over. It would appear to visitors this is the greatest City in the world and at one point that's how it was for me. But ..... now, Been there, Done that, attitude.
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I get burnt out of any place if I have to stay too long without a break, but I haven't found anywhere I wanted to base myself more.
I have a nice break at least every two to three months to keep me sane.
What kind of breaks ? Leaving the country or traveling to another province ?
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I spent 6 weeks out of Thailand recently and caught with the rest of the world, I found out that I have some serious catching up to do now, I am 42.
I have basic monthly income of 200 000, some months its triple that amount, but its no longer fun for me.
Of course if I had that much monthly disposable income it would make it easier, however, I do not. Although, I have some savings and investments and own my place here in Pattaya, I have to watch my money in case I live "too long". I never feel like I have to catch up with the world as I have always been in control of my world and the things around me. I feel Thailand needs to catch up with the world, if it did, I think I would be happier. Too many things here, "not right" and out of order, although much is unique and those are the things that draw people here.
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I understand the OP's request. It makes sense to know the rules if you are applying for a license and need to anwer the questions. Just don't expect others to follow the rules... including the police. And hence, all the funny answers here.
No it doesn't, not at all. Obviously you haven't been to The Land Transport experience lately either. So you know, all the manuals are in Thai. Taking the driving test is quite unique. this was my experience a few months ago. Took the written test to get my motorbike license, I had not studied at all and did not realize many of the signs and procedures were so different in Thailand than in my home country so just assumed I would fail the first time and have to return. As I recall, they give you about an hour to complete a certain amount of questions. I had just read them all through and was about to answer the first one after about 5-6 minutes in the testing area when the "monitor" approached me and tapped me on the shoulder. She was quite a nice girl and explained to me to look out the window of the testing room and look at the long line of people waiting to take the test. She explained that I had to "finish up" and sign off and report to her desk in front. I just assumed it was not my day and I would have to return. When I approached her she handed me my paperwork and said to go down a take my drivers test. I questioned her about the written test and she said I passed fine ! (after answering one question).
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Somebody mentioned about getting info at The Land Transport office. That's a joke, Right ? Been there in the last few years ? There's no intelligent life left, just about everything is in Thai, including driver manuals and rules of the road. The only thing that's not in Thai is the illogical driving test you take on the computer. For Thailand driving rules, as has been mentioned which are useless since no thai's read them, your best bet is this forum and Google. Most Thai driving rules seem to be based on the size and value of the vehicles involved. You got a Mercedes or a big freaking bus, your in good shape. You got a Suzuki, your screwed.
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Yep, have to agree with the rest. Move and get on with your life. As long as she knows where you are she will not let up. That's what stalkers do ! In real bad cases the situation can turn violent which is what you certainly do not want especially in a foreign country with a citizen involved, and you. Don't expect any help from the Police or courts, I do not think stalking from an ex-girlfriend is very high on their priority list.
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Reality check. You feel normal, burnt out.
Anyone that have active mind and is not burnt out in time with thailand must be on something. Its takes a few years or for some the rest of their lives to realise that.
After 13 years, I have had enough. shipping out in a few weeks time. I am taking my infant son and her mom.
Yea, I do feel burnt out, at times, after only 2 years living here. Odd, back home it took almost 30 years of everyday stress and abuse from my job and environment before I felt burnt out. The thought of me staying here 13 years is inconceivable !
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Must have missed this survey. But ... Have to agree with the outrageously uncourteous drivers in Thailand. They do not even slow for pedestrians and it seems would rather commit vehicular manslaughter just to get to their destination 3 minutes earlier. Lack of enforcement which leads to a lack of education about driving.
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Of course I'm not serious ...... I know the % of where people drive after visiting over 52 countries in the world. Are u serious about me being serious ?%$#$