kennypowers

Experienced this for years, usually in 7-Eleven, nearly always Thai men, and usually motorbike taxi drivers and alike. Staff would often point out I was first, but not always. Quite often the Thai was bemused, finding it strange that the foreigner should be given such a status. Now I speak enough Thai to politely state my case. Foreigners are second class citizens.

Not true. That is one of the benefits. Also reported here on Thaiger: https://thethaiger.com/other-services/pink-id/guides/thai-pink-id-card-procedures-and-requirements/#:~:text=With a Thai Pink ID,around your passport with you.

Probably not worth it in my opinion. Lots of feedback from those who have got it here: https://www.thethailandlife.com/pink-id-card

The harmful use of alcohol is a causal factor in more than 200 disease and injury conditions. Worldwide, 3 million deaths every year result from harmful use of alcohol. This represents 5.3% of all deaths. 🤫

Bizarre. OP, go to the hospital immediately for blood tests. Won't cost much and could save your life.

You're welcome. All the best for 2024!

I think there is some truth in this. Over time many foreigners become increasingly subservient to the family, beaten down by the constant guilt requests, as if they are doing you the favour by letting you be part of their toxic enmeshment. The reality is, for many, that when you turned up they had very little, and now they have way more than they ever had, and feel increasingly entitled to it. Yet, they couldn't care less about you, and if you were suddenly up the creek without a paddle, they wouldn't be rushing to the ATM to help you out. It's all about them. So yes, you should recognize your worth, and make sure you get some darn respect for it.

They have your wife's emotions at ransom. They will constantly emotionally blackmail her with reports of neighbors gossiping, her cultural disrespect to her family, not fulfilling her daughter duties, etc. They can't bear the thought that their expectations of their daughter having a "farang" partner have not come to fruition; not the cash cow they expected. They can't get past their selfishness and narcissism to simply be happy that their daughter has found real love and happiness. They aren't mature enough to acknowledge that they have had their lives, that they are responsible for their lives: their happiness, choices and opportunities – not your wife. They use all the excuses in the world to avoid taking personal accountability. They would rather your wife be stressed, depressed and struggling financially so that they can tell the village how much money their daughter sends home, and show off all the goods they bought with the money – goods that they didn't in any way earn. They would rather she loses you and ends up alone. This type of Thai parent is sadly all too common. So many daughters' lives are plagued with this sense of duty that destroys their happiness. Sadly your wife will continue to suffer the trauma of family enmeshment, unless she is able to develop a very thick skin. Cutting them off completely is not really an option, since this will eat your wife from the inside out. The best way to manage these people is to treat them as they are, like children. Don't get into arguments or entertain any of the emotional immaturity. They love the drama, and feed off it. Don't get dragged down to their level. Any attention is good attention; just like a child. Establish clear boundaries. Be direct and truthful, calmly and politely. Pull them up when they are misbehaving, and let them know the potential consequences. In essence, take full control. As children, they will naturally begin to gravitate towards and obey an adult who provides fair, consistent discipline. Let them know full well that village gossip and losing face are of no concern to you, as you are above such a childish mentality. Your wife must tell them that she has her own family now, and her priority is to nurture that family. Moreover, that her husband is in control of the family finances and who he gives money to is at his discretion. Sin sod is common and still very much part of the marriage tradition. But take the lead as I have described. Remember, it must also be agreed by your parents, not just hers. Will it be just for show? Will it be returned? Will it be kept? If so, spent on what? And yes, you can state that since you are sending money home, adhering to a "so-called part of the culture", where Sin Sod is concerned, you will be taking the Western approach and not entertaining this custom. A fair compromise. Good luck to you both.

Save yourself the hassle of speculation and read this: https://www.thethailandlife.com/expat-tax-thailand It has the facts and latest updates. Thank me later :)

Indeed. More specific details are needed.

With all due respect to the family, I would say that an episode of psychosis is a possibility, something he likely had a predisposition for. This is something an above average number of young men experience in Thailand – usually when here for an extended period of time rather than a 2-week holiday. I've followed many cases over the years, including a friend of mine. If I had the budget for a documentary I'd make one on this subject. I'm surprised no one has. These cases are usually brought on by drugs and alcohol, and often extended use of unprescribed sleeping pills to deal with the time zone difference and lack of sleep due to partying, etc. Many members here will recall numerous reports of foreigners going on naked rampages and doing all manor of weird things. Many of these cases are exactly as I described above. Someone experiencing an episode is usually hearing voices, sometimes for many days, starting intermittently and becoming stronger. If not treated, these voices take over, telling the person to do crazy things. Sadly, one of those things can be to kill themselves in a particular way. I may be way off. However, a thorough investigation needs to take place to give the family the respect and closure they deserve. Rest in peace young man.

Met a pleasant Indian family recently. They were negotiating down the price of the 50 Baht Songtaew ride. ????

Standing up for herself and keeping a distance when necessary is the only solution. She should stand up for herself, politely, and tell them that she is a grown woman with her own family now. She has to make it clear that while she will help out where possible, it may not always be possible, be that emotionally or financially, because she has her own life and a future to build with her family. She should also make it clear that passive aggressive comments and gossiping makes her resentful and not want to be around them. With all due respect, treat them like children. If they misbehave, put them on time out by distancing yourselves and ignoring them. They will soon come running acting graciously again. And lastly, don't get dragged into arguments. Treat any shouting, name calling, sarcasm, etc., with silence. Rise above it. Don't get dragged down to their level. Best of luck!

Most Thai women are under this pressure from their parents/family. They are made to feel guilty and like they are never doing enough. When they fight their corner they are met with the usual antiquated thinking of "Respect and do as your parents say, without question". "Never speak badly to your parents". "As the daughter, it's your duty to take care of your parents". When married to a foreign national, there is no excuse, because she has greater access to funds. You don't matter, not one bit. Many here will say they have this wonderful relationship with their in-laws. In truth, this is because the money flows sufficiently or because they do a good job of pretending to care about him. But behind his back, unless he is providing lots, the family and neighbours are saying mean things. Even in wealthy families, though the issue of being poor isn't apparent, guilt and fear of losing family face and gossiping neighbours still plagues many women long after they've left the family home. You'll notice how happy your wife is when away from her family and out of contact. But when that phone rings, her mood will change. You will see similar patterns in Thai-Thai relationships too. Thai people can of course be wonderful in many ways, and there are always exceptions to the general rule. However, the level of emotional maturity in Thai society is arguably its worst trait. I haven't met a foreign national who has been here at least a few years who disagrees with that.

I would imagine it would come as a real shock to any kid to find out their father was the stereotypical creepy guy with a young Asian GF who is only with him because he can provide financial security. It's embarrassing . Young women do not find old men attractive. Your kids know this, so when they see this dynamic playing out it's hard to get used to the idea that your dad is with someone because of convenience; that is: she gets money/her kids/family taken care of, and he gets to slobber over a young woman's body every night (or day). It isn't pleasant to realize that that's who your father is. It's shallow, and hard to come to terms with. Up until that point, your kid(s) probably had this idea that, considering the values their dad taught them growing up, he would date/marry someone he could relate to, someone who grew up in the same era and likes the same music, art, hobbies. Someone on a similar intellectual level when it comes to politics, philosophy, etc. It would also be hard for your children to relate to that woman, to know she is only really there for the handouts, that she doesn't really love your father or find him remotely attractive. Moreover, she couldn't care less for his intelligence and life achievements. Try looking at it from the perspective of your children, rather than your selfish "f*** everyone" point of view. It's all well and god saying, "They have to lump it. It's my life, etc". But if one has children, one should always consider how one's actions make them feel and how they impact the father-child relationship. My relationship with my kids will always come before any woman. What my kids think of me matters. No matter what age I am, I am their role model.

Did you see his speech at the G7 summit? He was out of his mind, babbling like a person with dementia. It's elder abuse. But then, this isn't recent behaviour. Videos were shared around before his election of very strange things he was saying and doing, some of which involved kids (very concerning). I was very sure American people wouldn't vote for him. Weird world.

The weed I quite like the smell of, but the tobacco they roll it with is the problem - both the smell and it's carcinogenic properties. Either way, any inhaled smoke is bad for the lungs and no one should have to inhale second-hand smoke from a neighbor. Complain.

Spot on. It truly is a strange phenomenon here.