DraxNet

I don't know if the OP is still around but I guess I'll add my perspective:

It's true to say that much of it is cultural and what appears to sexism to a westerner is cultural norm to a Thai. I employ about 200 Thai's and not a day goes by when I'm in one way or another amazed by what appears to me to be 'crossing the boundaries' of decency is perfectly normal to them (ie; judging potential job candidates not on merit, but their photo; both male and female) but I have to hold back because this is their country and unless one of my employees is upset by their behaviour I have to respect these boundairies.

My English wife is a teacher out here though and she can certainly empathise with you a great deal. Whilst not such a male dominated profession as yours, she comes from a senior management position in the UK and is used to be able to demonstrate ability an aptitude to be promoted, but often is overlooked or 'bypassed' because not only is she farang but a female farang. Her solution much like another poster is to preserver with kindness and not react emotionally. Rather than forcing integration she finds a way for them to be interested in her (usually via a new teaching method or a extra-curricular idea, and she always ensures she copies the school's director in on any new ideas/processes because they are not adverse to stealing her ideas). In terms of the lifestyle she had also had the same things said to her about me finding a Thai woman out here etc etc (sorry, but ain't gonna happen; Thai women just aren't curvy in the right places and the ones that are usually come with 'hidden extras') but she also has come to adore the relaxed attitude to life and the lack of regulation to everything. Sure, it's frustrating at times for both of us but at the same time not for one minute do either of us regret the move and certainly do not feel inclined to return to the UK. I hope you reach the same conclusion!

"No, I work here and my wife is English. I don't want a pingpong show and I'm *not* Russian."

Tops is part of Central, same as the company I work for. Policy is that such breakages are at the manager's discretion but never pursue the issue generally it's not something that causes a problem. The intriguing flipside is that staff are generally made to pay for such breakages.

"No, I work here and my wife is English. I don't want a pingpong show and I'm *not* Russian."

You are the cheap Charlie who would rather see your step kid have no phone or transportation to save a few bucks you don't even need and since your friends and neighbors know it's nonsense have to try and gain sympathy on the internet from random strangers ........ who is the one cutting the nose off ? her ? or you ? ........... you are the one who is refusing to give your step kid a decent product you can easily afford so you look like a cheap Charlie douchebag ..... and you are ....... It's you who is cutting your own nose off to spite your own face because you are wanting to save a couple of bucks you don't need to look like and be a douchebag parent instead and the only hope in hell of getting anyone to side with you is on the internet.

With the number of occasions the word 'douchebag' is used I would suspect that said 14 yr old stepdaughter has found the OP?

"No, I work here and my wife is English. I don't want a pingpong show and I'm *not* Russian."