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Ok update I have gone out and looked at numerous condos all over pattaya. Most are by far superior to the view Talay unit I am renting. I think I have found the perfect one and hope to finalize everything next week. I now know I will stay in hotel and look for a unit in the future. I have begun the dialogue with the current condo agent who is Russian. The property is owned by a fin I believe. I have asked first if he has any better quality units to try to save my security deposit of 25,000b but I have little hope. He did recommend one place which I looked at a unit in but here is the thing they are building a new development right next to the. Unit so it would be non stop construction noise,no view and not in a very good location. Thank you for advice. Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Indeed, adjacent construction can be brutally brain rattling. You won't be here that long, but for extended stays you also have to be wary of nearby vacant lots or rundown buildings that look ripe for demolition. Labor is cheap, regulations are negligible and they will build just for the hell of it. You may not see the need for another strip of nail salons, massage shops and noodle purveyors, but plenty of Thai with baht enough to lay some slab and slam up some walls will.

Also, look out for roosters cutting loose from 03:00 on, chained and caged dogs going insane, barking 24/7, and slap-up Karaoke bars. The Thai (pretty much most of SE Asia) consider those sleep-deprivers to be background noise of the normal sort (seems like).

Well you certainly are having a miserable time Fabulousheart. Broken sofa, dirty sheets, TV not working, no internet, a plague of ants, condo full of noxious fumes after spraying for bugs, etc etc. And you can't even escape to the beach for some respite from all this misery without someone having the temerity to light up a cigarette, turning the whole of Jomtien beach into a "Non stop chimney"! My advice to you for 2014 is,' Don't even think about buying a lottery ticket'! If you fell into a barrel of boobs you would come up sucking your thumb!

Typical statement from the classless acts that infest Pattaya/Jomtien. The kind of guy that Pattaya made its reputation on.

Come on. Don't sugarcoat it. What do you really think?

Yeah, agree with others. Get out. Just pack your stuff and scram. Landlord nailed you cold and nothing you can do about it. Your deposit and *sweat equity* are history.

Again, as stated above, serviced apartments are all over the place. Also great hotels renting at monthly and weekly rates, cheap and easy. Check classifieds at this thing called "Thai Visa". See also Craigslist (sometimes more Western-savvy), look for the word "new" and be ready to negotiate. Their "high season" will not be high for long.

(Really, you're thinking about doing battle with the bugs? Again, best to surrender now than surrender later. The crap landlord and his insects beat you on this one.)

Pretty much the same all over China and SE Asia (Singapore excluded, of course).

The average Chinese has no conception. I've watched them throw garbage on the ground literally next to a trash bin. I've seen several acres of land covered with plastic bags. (They have since largely done-away with plastic shopping bags, at least.) I've been out in some of the most remote and otherwise pristine areas, still cannot get away from the discarded styrofoam containers, food bags, etc.

Remote untended Islands in Malaysia, choked with plastic bottles. And I mean the beaches are totally blanketed.

Try Bali, swimming off the beaches or diving the reefs. You pull a bad day you swim in garbage. Reason being the sh-tbag Indo government is so busy pilfering and destroying their environment (like destruction of rain forest for palm oil industry) they don't bother with basic services, like garbage collection. The lower-end populace dumps their garbage in the rivers. The rivers choke with the crud and plastic. The rains come and the ocean fills up with everything you can imagine. Not the least of which, as always, is the plastic.

Decades ago when I was a kid in US, it was drilled into my head not to litter. Even as a child I would put a gum wrapper in my pocket rather than throw it on the ground or street.

So, the answer is, in short, crap and corrupt governments which do not serve or educate the people.

As expected, some good advice, personal insults and condescending remarks.

To set the record straight, the post was not about Thailand, it was a general post about life I guess. The point being, I am equally happy or unhappy, whichever way you want to look at it, anywhere. I just like to take stock at the end of each year. Since I am in Thailand and joined this forum, I thought I will put my thoughts in here to get an outside view, if you will.

I can see how my post would have given an impression that I am depressed. I don’t really think that I am, but then I am not an expert. I guess a person can show signs of clinical depression, or bipolar syndrome as some suggested, but still lead a normal life (that is how I look at my life).

To those who say that I sound like a self-obsessed narcissist, I think that is a bit extreme. It is true that I live for myself, a sort of selfish life (one can say), but I really don’t think there is anything wrong with it. To each his own, I say. I don’t tell people who are married with kids that they should live their lives another way, or my way for that matter. I am very happy for those who have found a reason and I will not comment on it.

And the suggestion that I should have a kid and may be my perspective will change is just absurd. What if it doesn't? A kid doesn't come with a money-back guarantee. I don’t think that it will be a good experiment to perform, especially since there will be another life involved. I can do whatever with my life, screw it up in whichever way I deem fit, or not. I don’t have any right to screw with another human being’s life.

Someone suggested that I should jump off a balcony and end this. I will not lie and say that I have never thought about that. But I gave up on the idea. I will see this through, even if I am miserable, for the sole reason that there is so much for me learn yet. So many books to read, so many countries to visit and so many things to experience still. This was one of the reasons for this post, to get a second and a third and a hundredth opinion on a subject that has tortured me for quite some years now.

Cheers!

I'm not going to tell you to cheer up. It never helps.

I get this. Also some of my best friends in the UK get the same. Two examples. A paramedic with 18 years in emergency medicine. Very active chap too, but gets seriously down, I mean really down. A big tough demolition manager who works for one of the biggest demo firms in the UK, he's the same, lovely bloke too, he has told me about his suicidal thoughts before.

I don't know what it is. Perhaps modern day life. Perhaps it's just us. Perhaps some are just deep thinkers in an increasingly shallow world. One thing I do know is that if you're starting topics like this on a public forum at least you're admitting this has become a problem, which is the first step. Next, get treatment for it. Go to Bangkok Hospital or whoever Sheryl recommends. Get hold of the moderator named Sheryl and ask her. She's quite the most wonderful person and will give the best advice on this.

Please ignore the nasty comments on here, it's a vipers pit. Those people probably have similar issues but aren't ready to take the first step in at least admitting it to themselves.

Yeah, what he said.

As expected, some good advice, personal insults and condescending remarks.

To set the record straight, the post was not about Thailand, it was a general post about life I guess. The point being, I am equally happy or unhappy, whichever way you want to look at it, anywhere. I just like to take stock at the end of each year. Since I am in Thailand and joined this forum, I thought I will put my thoughts in here to get an outside view, if you will.

I can see how my post would have given an impression that I am depressed. I don’t really think that I am, but then I am not an expert. I guess a person can show signs of clinical depression, or bipolar syndrome as some suggested, but still lead a normal life (that is how I look at my life).

To those who say that I sound like a self-obsessed narcissist, I think that is a bit extreme. It is true that I live for myself, a sort of selfish life (one can say), but I really don’t think there is anything wrong with it. To each his own, I say. I don’t tell people who are married with kids that they should live their lives another way, or my way for that matter. I am very happy for those who have found a reason and I will not comment on it.

And the suggestion that I should have a kid and may be my perspective will change is just absurd. What if it doesn't? A kid doesn't come with a money-back guarantee. I don’t think that it will be a good experiment to perform, especially since there will be another life involved. I can do whatever with my life, screw it up in whichever way I deem fit, or not. I don’t have any right to screw with another human being’s life.

Someone suggested that I should jump off a balcony and end this. I will not lie and say that I have never thought about that. But I gave up on the idea. I will see this through, even if I am miserable, for the sole reason that there is so much for me learn yet. So many books to read, so many countries to visit and so many things to experience still. This was one of the reasons for this post, to get a second and a third and a hundredth opinion on a subject that has tortured me for quite some years now.

Cheers!

Right, having a child to give you purpose in life, feel better about yourself -- the word *selfish* doesn't quite get there. Think you maybe need to relax, as best you can, understand that with a bigger brain and increased awareness you get the sense of doubt and, yeah, depression. Way it goes. Hang tough and don't go near any ledges. You're still young. Who knows? You might even connect with a soul-mate, change everything.

Just another pesimist, please leave Thailand and leave us Happy People Alone.

Ah yes. I can smell the kindling burning .........

Since you obviously find it distressing to read posts intimating that, for some, living in Thailand may be a somewhat less than idyllic experience, may I suggest that you simply ignore them? That way you will not be discomforted by them and may remain ensconced and undisturbed in your rose-tinted bubble, thus sparing the rest of us from having to read yet another hackneyed "if you don't like it here go home" comment.

Agreed. Some truly pointless vindictive crap in this string. Like some embittered afternoon boozers looking to gain some twisted ego hit by laying into a guy who may honestly be seeking some possibly helpful advice and empathy. I guess they get a charge out it, but I can't figure out why. >>> Really messed up.

For instance, you *happy person* above, if you really feel the need to take the time to attempt to make the guy feel worse, maybe also take the time to get your spelling and punctuation correct within the also otherwise illiterate sentence you managed to slobber onto the keyboard. Better yet, how about just saving some of your "Happy People Alone" time and not bother trying to mess with the guy's head. >>> Un-<deleted>-believable.

Bangkok Hospital has an excellent hearing center that I strongly recommend, Had tests there for tinnitus as requested by the U,S, Veterans Administration,

If it's recent, then a good idea to get it checked out, as it can be treatable in some cases e.g. ear wax removal.

I tried the ear wax removal before. While it cleaned out my lugs the tinnitus got worse!

It sucks, believe me, I know, but you likely need to stick it out for a few weeks, see if it improves. And this may sound a little stupid, but the traditional ear wash of 1/2 alcohol (of the medical variety) and 1/2 vinegar (of the Western variety) daily for maybe a week, could not hurt.

Some would argue (to tweak a phrase): *If you aren't depressed, you aren't paying attention.* Start with environmental degradation and climate change, go from there. I do (sort of) envy those who just turn it off. Like my ex said: "You cannot do anything about it... You think too much." She got that right.

Sounds like where you're at, that's a place you will not depart from anytime soon. Certainly, from the sound of things, Thailand ain't the answer. For starters, you likely need to be back around people with whom you can more relate.

And this will come off as trite, but you might try a serious exercise regimen. Really push it. Maybe join a good gym with a substantial percentage of Westerners. That way you better your body and can't hurt the brain, either. You'll boost endorphin levels and accomplish something tangible while you are figuring out that whole existential thing.

Six years ago descending in aircraft with congested head, could not clear ears, *crickets* in ears ever since. Sucks. I believe Mayo Clinic states on their website that Xanax may help in some cases. BUT, if so, cure would be worse than the ailment. You likely know, regular use of Xanax is bad news. Relaxing and a *feel good*, but an easy addiction and a brutal withdrawal. Maybe on occasion if you are going mad would be worth it to have around, drop 1/2 - 1 milligram.

No cure, but as others said, checking with a specialist would be worthwhile. Could be some minor sorts of treatment, like maybe even just cleaning or drops, might lessen *noise*.

For temporary relief, you might use the iPod with soothing sound / voice audio.

They have a lot to learn from farang: steal the batteries from the tv remote control, ask for upgrade because 'on honeymoon' , steal the toilet paper, bargain with a vendor over 2 baht, etc etc etc

'Thai bashing' is not allowed on this forum, but a red shirt 'Farang bashing' is acceptable behavior ? Just asking

Yeah, all new to me... "Steal the toilet paper"? I'd hate to hear what the "etc etc etc"s are. Eat the soi dogs, maybe?

I was just quoting from hospitality industry sources. It seems the batteries from the remote control is quite common. There is a certain mindset that, having paid for a hotel room, some people believe that everything in it is fair game.

On the matter of Chinese tourists, it can only be good that they are getting out to see something of the world. The next generation will become more independent and travel more widely rather than in groups. Good for Thailand if more come (but not on the cheap scam shopping trips of the past couple of years).

Wow. I don't doubt your sources, but that's gotta be some pretty low-budget accommodations. I can't imagine a farang with even an iota of self-respect wanting to get busted on checkout for swiping batteries from the remote. But then, again, some real deadbeats running around this country.

Indeed, given a generation (barring *inhibiting* global events), the traveling Chinese may improve. But now their rep is well deserved (as a generalization). Even in the best of hotels in China, before they allow you to check out housekeeping must inspect the rooms for missing items (credit card on file no matter). That's not a laowai-specific standard. It is standard procedure because many mainlanders just can't help themselves. When Taiwan opened up to mainlanders a few years back the Taiwanese tourism / hotel industry freaked out. The mainlanders were stealing everything not bolted down. Not to mention burning holes into the carpets and scorching surfaces with their butts, spitting on the floor, that sort of thing. Same in HK.

A couple months ago upon arrival a flight in China could not discharge their mainland passengers because those passengers were under the impression they could keep the silverware. And they would not give it up. Personal experience: A few years back at Pudong International my connecting flight to KL was nearly three hours late, finally they assigned another aircraft. Reason, we finally discovered, is because that would-be connecting flight coming in was about 20 minutes late arriving and the mainlander group on board heard that if a plane is late, they get a full refund. They refused to disembark until they were refunded in full in cash. Aircraft was still sitting there when we took off, so not sure how that turned out.

Just sayin'.

They have a lot to learn from farang: steal the batteries from the tv remote control, ask for upgrade because 'on honeymoon' , steal the toilet paper, bargain with a vendor over 2 baht, etc etc etc

'Thai bashing' is not allowed on this forum, but a red shirt 'Farang bashing' is acceptable behavior ? Just asking

Yeah, all new to me... "Steal the toilet paper"? I'd hate to hear what the "etc etc etc"s are. Eat the soi dogs, maybe?

Bottom line: The worst. Like locusts. Laos will be first to go down, because only LP and VT to take-down. Then all of Thailand. btw - Bali, the Chinese are buying up massive tracts of still rural and pristine seaside land. Pristine no more.

I like to to have a holiday dinner, but I enjoy the fact that the pressure is off in Thailand. If you want to celebrate you can. If not, it is no big deal.

Second that. Local expat bar in CM is doing a BBQ, drop in or do not. US is bad news, jamming Xmas down the collective throat of populace. Must be really distressful for the less advantaged families.

I got some time to kill –

Based in Beijing for 4.5 years, I traveled all over the country, including remote Tibet and far West Xinjiang. About 56 different ethnic groups, depending upon how you figure. Very different people. The complaints are about the majority, the Han. And those complaints are as common in country as when they travel beyond their borders. Even the Han don't like the Han. My enlightened Chinese acquaintances, those who have lived, traveled and studied abroad, will back me up on this. Now standby for more gross generalizations --

Disregard for others is the norm. This is plainly evident on a daily basis; in the stores, on the streets, in the office, at the bars... And you have not lived until you sit there, unable to intervene, as a middle-aged newly middle-class broad viciously berates the poor migrant worker waitress serving her and her fat family and/or associates. Like this hapless, powerless little girl making a few bucks a day is somehow responsible for the overall operation of the restaurant. Right, happens in the west, too. But abuse of those deemed to be of a *lower class* is just a regular deal for the Han (Manchu, too, for that matter).

They get off on that sort of stuff. It is the rule, not the exception. They have little regard for their contemporaries -- when their backs are turned. And those in a lesser (class) position just expect to be verbally abused, cheated out of wages and just generally sh-t on each and every day of their lives.

Add to that the fact that dishonesty is integral to their daily system of oral communication. Lying to coworkers, friends, family and, I would assume, one's spouse, is just assumed. A lot of it goes down under the cover of "face-saving". They just flat-out lie to each other's face -- giving as good as they get.

And so, in accordance with that overall societal dishonesty, screwing the other guy is kind of an expected MO. For instance, I don't think one expat I know was ever returned their lease deposit in full with no problems. Even if the apartment is vacated in pristine condition, the landlord suddenly becomes impossible to reach. Or they will have a middleman, like some A-hole overgrown child of a son, who maybe "speaks more English", step in and run interference until the expat must leave the city or country. (No, not me personally. I outmaneuvered my landlord and her lying rental agent. But they gave it a good shot.)

No big surprise: You can experience a crescendo of hate for the Han in Tibet and Xinjiang. Still, our Tibetan guide kept his mouth shut about the Han. Said the Muslims jizzed in their bread dough, though.

Yesterday dropping off laundry with always smiling youngish woman who operates a generally busy wash-and-dry next to hotel at which I stay. Over the past couple months we exchanged very few words. Never much went beyond usual pleasantries and my request to lay off the perfumed softener. Yesterday she exits her place to accept laundry hand-off, smiling like usual. Literally the first words out of her mouth: "I hate Chinese people." I'm like, "Oh, really?" She adds, "I don't want them to come here anymore."

Yow, man. I can't believe this essentially minor (real minor) interaction generated such controversy, debate and (yes, it's TVF so) even vitriol. I'm guessing the OP is also rather surprised. The Thai woman, on the other hand, she likely forgot about five seconds after she turned away. Guessing she was thinking: *Why this old farang asking me about weight of bar? I not owner, I no buy. If not heavy enough, put more plate on. Who care?* Then SNAP! Foreigner forgotten. ... *Where we have lunch and who gonna be there? Maybe new cute boy work at desk? ... Wait, who that young blond guy with big shoulder on lat pull-down. Never see him before. I see if he need spot..."

Anyone lifting sees the problem... others dont.. one could assume that people working at a gym have some idea what they are doing.. obviously not.

I've been lifting for 30 years... wait, make that 32 years. I'm not seeing a major problem here. Young Thai woman in gym is likely not holding a masters in exercise physiology. Probably got hired because she works out and looks good. Similarly, in Watsons I would not quiz a sales girl about the composition of whitening products and ethics of selling such. (Not addressing OP, here. Other more *energetic* respondents.)

Yow, man. I can't believe this essentially minor (real minor) interaction generated such controversy, debate and (yes, it's TVF so) even vitriol. I'm guessing the OP is also rather surprised. The Thai woman, on the other hand, she likely forgot about five seconds after she turned away. Guessing she was thinking: *Why this old farang asking me about weight of bar? I not owner, I no buy. If not heavy enough, put more plate on. Who care?* Then SNAP! Foreigner forgotten. ... *Where we have lunch and who gonna be there? Maybe new cute boy work at desk? ... Wait, who that young blond guy with big shoulder on lat pull-down. Never see him before. I see if he need spot..."

Likely opted for cheaper Chinese-cast bar, figuring no point in going for standard regulation.

And, right, why argue or attempt to prove a point? Shower water heater at my place (been here about a year) never hot, but now almost useless during this cold snap (Chiang Mai). I knew it would be pointless, but went ahead and got the "engineers" up to take a look. By the time they arrive the sun has been hitting the rooftop tank for some hours, so water almost makes it to lukewarm. They ask if I know how to turn the knob to *On*. *Yeah, thanks, see you later...*

Geezus, man. "Thailand is targeting a 50-percent drop in road fatalities by the year 2020."

Check me on this: Seven (7) years. Seriously? This is an official declaration of a goal? Seven-<deleted>-years?

How about just pumping out some public service announcements between insipid (but popular) Thai TV shows. Get them to grasp basic rules of the road. Like maybe best not to get loaded and drive your van of tourists or a pickup truck of Thai into a tree and/or utility pole.

I read a day or two ago that there were demonstrations and/or uprisings in Singapore. Am I dreaming?

Uhhh... That's a blip. First unrest since 1969. Pretty sure a few hundred Indians unhappy with 2nd-class citizen status are not going to bring down the government and banking industry of one of the most stable nations on the planet. I am now going to bow out. But if want to know more about Singapore, read this: http://www.heritage.org/index/country/singapore

Something ain't Kosher here.

Maybe "kosher" is not quire the word I would choose. But if OP is sincere then... I wish her well.

OP, if you are still tracking, I respectfully suggest you seek some very serious, very honest, very fiduciary financial consultation. In other words: A smart, rational (Western) expert who is not going to tell you what you want to hear, but what you need to hear and know.

You received some very well intentioned, very savvy advise in the course of this post. And the better, the most insightful and most cautionary of that advise was coming from intelligent, rational, old-hand expats in Thailand. These guys know what they are talking about. The idea that a *newbie* (pls excuse expression) buying condos and other property in Thailand is a stable and value-building course of investment, given longstanding conditions and breaking events (not to mention cultural *tendencies* in dealing with farang), as opposed to keeping those liquid assets in a safe place (country -- maybe Singapore) is a stable and value-building route... well. No.

Again, take care of yourself.

Had a wonderful day today. I am now the proud owner of a studio condo so at least I have somewhere to crash out.

I hope by "owner" you mean you are renting and haven't bought a condo so quickly.

Yeah, seriously. I mean, I guess when you gotta own, you gotta own. How many veteran expat posts were of the *don't rush*... *things change*... *be careful...* *take a year or two*... *rent is cheap*... *no downside to renting*... variety? Then bing-bada-bang: spontaneous purchase. Anyway, best of luck, OP. Be careful out there.

About 10 days ago was about to head to Chiang Mai Immigration for extension. Pull out my packet of passport-style photos for application, all I have left are those of me in a heavy gold-yellow T-shirt. Before entering office stopped at vendor, had new photos snapped -- wearing a nice *neutral tone*. The gold-yellow stays in the closet, these days.

Yeah, right, you would assume they would think, no-nothing farang. But no. No point in offering yourself up for participation in the nonsense and maybe coming in contact with the dummies. And, considering this is (relatively speaking) THE major issue now, there is an argument to be made that you are asking for it. Going out of your way to make a statement, meddle -- and make yourself a target. Especially up this way, the CM hood.