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tatom
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Posts posted by tatom
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Kevin, I understand what youre saying. When talking to other farangs, they too say thier driving habits have changed since being here. It doesnt pose a problem when driving here, but while driving back in the home country, one can get in real hot water. Back in the US, I once went to the post office. It was on a one way street. To save time I went the wrong way, after all, it was only 30 meters up the street. I really didnt give it a thought. I pulled into the PO and a cop pulled in right behind me! I admitted my guilt, (didnt have much choice anyway), and he let me go. Sometimes I will pull out into a road infront of an oncoming vehicle, out of habit, then immediatly realize I shouldnt have, but its too late and I do feel ashamed. On a different note, many of you may not understand, driving on the left for us Americans, can be confusing, especialy when turning at an intersection. And there have been times Ive driven on the left when visiting the US! As I tell my British friends, " we drive on the right side of the road, you drive on the wrong side".
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I got a high school diploma, but I have a feeling they gave it to me just so I wouldnt be there anymore. Then one of the skills I learned in the army, digging ditches, I put to good use and got a job with a concrete construction company, where I dug ditches for 25 years. My brother is a retired FBI agent and my sister is a doctor, but Ill bet they couldnt dig a decent ditch if thier life depended on it!
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Well, thanks for all the replys. I dont really buy the religion part, they dont want to die any more than we do. As for not being able to process all the incoming data, such as sights and sounds on the road as well as in the vehicle, I agree 100%! Add a mobile phone to the equation and its a miracle there arnt more accidents. Actually, Ive always envied the fact that thier minds are occupied by only one thought at a time. Our minds are constantly being bombbarded by countless thoughts and that can be unnerving at times. I think its a positive trait the Thais have, it just doesnt mix well with operating a motor vehicle. The bad driving was only part of my question, perhaps I should have been more clear. Why do they drive so fast? Ive never seen a Thai in a hurry to do anything. For example, a group of people are hanging around, some sleeping, some watching tv, and of course some eating. Just killing time in general. Someone suggests they go visit lets say, thier brother who lives 10-20 km. away. It takes an hour for everyone to finally get in gear and get in the car. All very casual. The driver starts the car, gets on the road, and floors it all the way. Once there, they get out, some go back to sleep, some watch tv and some start eating again. Everything in slow motion except the driving. I just dont get it. Why does the driving have to be fast while everything else is at a snails pace?
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Yeah, my wife has been mad about something Ive done in a dream, but she gets over it quickly. And she cant believe I dont remember my dreams, because she remembers every detail of hers. Thier dreams are like our superstitions. For instance, if you dream of catching fish, you will come into some money. The eirie thing is, she has told me several times a certain event would happen because she dreamed it, and it came true.
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Oldasiahand, I know what youre saying, but Im still not convinced. They act as though its the end of the world when 14 people die of the bird virus, and they stop eating chicken. But, 7-8 hundred people die on the roads during Songkran, and its just "mai pen li". It seems that it bothers us farangs more than it does the Thais that they are slaughtering each other out there.
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I dont really care for the squat toilet, but I prefer them to the "western style" toilets. Its quite evedent the western style toilets are not built to the same specifications "size", as the toilets in the west. Dont get me wrong, Im not bragging, I would never be considered for a role in a porn film, but when I sit on these "Thai western style" toilets, I have to sit way back on the seat,"not too far", or my dick touches the inside of the bowl. One time, it even dangled in the water, "that really grossed me out!" Now, whenever I sit down, I usually use one hand to hold it up to prevent another disgusting incident. Name witheld by embarassment.
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We all know what its like on the roads here, so Im not going to get into storys about what Ive seen. Im a natural student of human nature and I would just like to know WHY do they drive this way? Rich, poor, educated or not, male or female, it makes no difference, the majority, it seems, drive like maniacs. Im sure Ill get alot of wisecracks in responce to this, but I hope there are some serious posts as well. Tom Salarak Khon Kaen
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From my observations, thai people have many aquaintenences, but few TRUE friends. Several years ago, a Thai woman in America told me, her father once told her, a person only needs 3 friends. So perhaps it is a matter of the farang and thai definition of the word "friend".
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Does anyone know if there are any English language news shows on tv? I have a UBC satelite dish and really miss the news programs in English such as the Nation channel news and I think UBC channel used to have a program too. Also, Andrew Biggs used to do a news program that was very good. Tom Salarak, Khon Kaen
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I am American, 54, Thai wife, living here in Thailand 7 years. Next week I plan on applying for my first extension. With 1.3 million baht in a Thai bank, I thought I was all set. I never touch my bank account, I live off a small investment in the US that gives me about 16000 baht a month, which is enough to live comfotably here in Issan. The catch is, as I read the rules, I do not just need 400,000 baht in a Thai bank, (as of July this year), but I am required to deposit an additional 400,000, each year. Is this correct? It seems that a farang is expected to support his Thai family at a higher standard than a Thai citizen. Can someone please clarify this for me?
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I am going to Nong Khai for my first visa extension. I have all the paperwork and requirements in order. They asked that my wife go also so she could be interviewed. What can she expect the interview to be like?
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Thanks again and one more question. What about a criminal background check? Where does one get one and do they really require them?
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Sevinow, Where can I find cheap flights on the internet? Ive tried Travelocity, Orbitz, and some others and they are always much more expensive than at the travel agent.
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Dr. Pat Pong and Lopburi, thanks for the replys. Im still a little confused. Im 53 and get my non O multi, by submitting my marriage certificate. I have 1300000 Bt in a joint bank account with my wife. What visa would be best, or perhaps with the least paperwork and running around? Plus, can I do it at immigration in Nong Khai? Please bear with me, Im not too sharp when it comes to these matters. Ta Tom
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OK, Ive read everything and get most of it. My question is, what are the advantages of one visa over the others? Every year I get a non O multiple. Every 3 months I go to Nong Khai, cross the bridge for 20 minutes, then go back home. Not really a big deal but it would be nice if I didnt have to. Is a visa run required with a marriagevisa, or a retirement visa? And what about permanant residency? I read that they only accept 100 applicants from each country per year. As an American, what are my chances of being one of those 100? Plus, when the new fees go into effect, if an applicant doesnt get in, there goes 7500 baht down the drain, right? Id like all the facts before I start anything. Anyone know the answers? By the way, this is a pretty good website. Ta Tom
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I dont know if Id give them any Beer Chang. If you think they are noisy now, just wait till they are drunk! And a small village doesnt= quiet. I live in a very small village and they can stir up quit a racket. With thier love of sunuk and an endless streem of weddings, holidays and whatnot, it seems the party trucks are doing a brisk business. For those who arnt familiar with the party trucks, they are trucks loaded with tables, chairs, tents, and HUMUNGUS speakers and sound systems. For a fee the cater to any type celebration. Even when a party is going on in a town 2 or 3 miles away, the decible level is enough to make it difficult to hear the tv on high volume! The best way to deal with it is "jai yen yen", dont loose your cool. Many farangs make the mistake of trying to change them. We are the ones who need to change. Learn to develope your "uppaka" at a temple near you. Choke dee, Ta Tom
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Banana, the bananas you are refering to are called "guay hom"( banana smell good ). They are grown all over Thailand and can be bought at most nurserys. I just went to a neighbors and dug up some of his. They send up shoots that become new trees. They multiply like crazy and soon you will be digging up shoots and throwing them away! Did you know, after you harvest a bunch of bananas, you chop the tree down? Good luck, Ta Tom
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Dave Yo, I know your comments were intended to be inocent, but remember when You get to Thailand, talk like that could get you in alot of trouble. Dont get me wrong, Im just offering some constructive critizism.
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You should be at the building site every day! My builder had the blue prints I drew and I explained everything several times but still he wanted to do things his way. I wanted 1 window in each bedroom but he insisted there wouldnt be enough light. I stuck to my guns and he did it my way. I have a British mate who left his Thai father in law to overseer the building while he was gone. When he got back the house was finished. He walked in the front door and was standing in a bedroom! Be your own general contractor and be on site AND make them do it your way. Write up a contract and dish the money out a little at a time. Good luck.
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I think house building would make a good topic for a new thread. It was quite an experience let me tell you! I have since talked to several people about this and shared many interesting and funny stories. Seems it makes no difference if you are farang or Thai, the Thai contractors can be a real pain at times. I finally had to put my foot down, say to #### with customs and saving face, and tell the builder Im the boss! Anyway, the house came out great and we are happy with it and we are still neighbors and friends with the builder. I was in the construction business for 30 years but things are done a little differently in Thailand. I worked alongside the builders, because I enjoy it, and to keep an eye on them but others without knowledge of construction could benefit from our experiences and mistakes, Im sure. What do you think?
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The train from BKK to Korat is only 4 hours now. Why would anyone need to travel there faster? Hey, this is Thailand, relax and enjoy the ride!
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Living in a small village is great! I really think a person would know if it was right for them. If you are a night owl, party person, need to be around your own kind, and generally require alot of mental stimulation, then forget it. For the right individual its a great way to live. Especially, with a good woman, a good dog, some land to work on and for privacy. Being the only farang around has its advantages. You have no choice but to learn the language and the culture. Its not always easy to adjust, it takes awhile to rid yourself of the years of built up stress, but eventually you will mello out and a feeling of calm and contentment will replace the heavy baggage you brought with you. Its best to try to fit in with your neighbors and keep a low profile. Just remember, you will always be a farang. No matter what others tell you, you will never be one of them, they will alway see you as a farang. Thats not a bad thing, thats just the way it is. A short wave radio and stalite dish really helps too! So, the bottom line is, I think down deep one already knows if its the right life for them. It is a good life, good luck.
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Do you like the Buddha the way it is? If so dont clean it. If you want it clean, then clean it. If you ask a dozen people or monks, you will get a dozen answers. I have more Buddas than I can count. It seems every trip to a temple, I wind up with another. I politely accept them and take them home and put them in the Buddha room with the rest where they are treated with respect. They will not protect you from bullets or win you the lottery and the Buddha specifically forbid his monks from practising such superstisions. Some farangs think it is crazy to believe those little images can perform such amazing magic, yet they walk around with the amputated foot of a rabbit in thier pocket believing it will bring them good luck!Anyway, I personally dont believe a Buddha image has any power, but I am glad there are so many around. I find that seeing them often helps keep me mindful. So, wash or dont wash, they should still be treated carefully and with respect
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Joshua, I think many of us expats speak Thai.Those who live in Bangkok have the opportunity to go to schools to learn and those who live upcountry learn out of nessesity. I think some are just lazy and prefer to let the wife learn thier language.Whatever, just living in Thailand, one cant help but pick up some of the lingo. When I first moved to Issarn it was very difficult to learn the dialect but in a few years I picked it up. It was helpful that there arnt any English speakers around. As for reading and writing, I think very few ever learn. Just looking at all those wierd letters can be quite intimidating. I never planed to even attempt to learn to read Thai, but I noticed I was learning a few letters and small words without trying. Last year I deceided to give it a try and bought some books for little kids to learn the Thai alphabet and write simple words. With the help of my wife, in 2 months I knew the alphabet and was reading road signs, restaurant menues, etc.! No one was more surprized than me! I really encourage everyone to give it a try, it has made life much easier. No more asking little kids to read train schedules or which is the mens bathroom. Speaking the language will make the whole Thai experience so much better. Thai people tend to shy away from foreigners if they cant communicate but they are so friendly and happy to know you love thier country enough to learn thier language. Also, they are always willing to help you learn and to learn English from you. It really is fun, mistakes and all. Hope Ive been of help, Tom Salarak Khon Kaen
Why Leave Home For Thailand?
in General Topics
Posted
I moved here for a number of reasons. My wife hated her job, (the boss loved her, he treated her like shit, but she still worked her ass off). We both were getting sick of the cold weather in New Hampshire. (snow is fun when youre a kid, but when you get older, all you do is shovel it and get stuck in it). My job was ok, but after doing the same thing for 25 years, I really wasnt looking forward to another 20 before I could retire. We live a very modest lifestyle and had enough money to make it in Issarn so, sayonara Uncle Sam!