kwilco

Adolf Eichmann could read and write Hebrew fluently.

don't think you can read - so all 3 of those points fall to you BUT there is a point I overlooked Many expats show little interest in Thai language, culture, or politics — yet speak with total authority on all three. Often with limited education themselves, they still carry a sense of superiority over Thais who are, in many cases, far more educated and informed than they are. Criticism isn’t an attack — it’s a mirror.

It's the "Expat Paradox" and it seems to have worked as such and hit a few nerves. I guess it's not surprising —despite the fact it's meant to show a paradox, when people feel personally attacked by a general observation, it often means it struck a little too close to home. This wasn’t about individuals, but behaviours that deserve scrutiny. If pointing out hypocrisy, entitlement, or lack of integration feels threatening, maybe it’s not the post that’s the problem. Criticism isn’t hatred. It’s just a mirror a paradox .... what you see in it is up to you.

oh dear, a classic expat defence mechanism: ignore the argument, invent a (wildly inaccurate and spruious - based on yourself?) backstory, and diagnose someone else's mental state — all before breakfast. If a post pointing out hypocrisy gets you this rattled, maybe it wasn’t shade. Maybe it was a mirror. THis is the whole point of a "paradox"! And if the best you can do is label every criticism as “trolling,” it says a lot about the limits of your worldview — and possibly your whisky tolerance. I’m not here to tear anyone down. I’m here to call out double standards that deserve scrutiny. If that makes you uncomfortable… maybe ask yourself why.

do you not understand the premise?? - "An Appraisal of Westerners in Thailand" - if you take it personally, it's down to you.

Ah - The "I can't be racist I married one " paradox...... “I can’t be racist — I married one. Mock Thai culture, stereotype locals, refuse to learn the language etc. etc. but think marrying a Thai woman gives them a free pass. It’s not understanding. - It’s entitlement. Proximity to someone doesn’t cancel prejudice —it often just hides it behind a smile. to be accompanied by the "cashier" cliche?

THanks for the quote and repost, then.

I'm referring to expats, but tourists may fit some of those descriptions too. I guess so far are the reactions (or icons) of those who see themselves are most obvious.

Appreciate you taking the time to comment despite being so incredibly bored. Must’ve hit close to home. ... nevertheless despite how uninterested you are ...... yet, here you are. That’s commitment.

I think that's a huge plus for Pattaya

what is the significance of that?

smokers just trying to divert from their personal disgusting habit

How?

It seems to me that expats in Thailand are pretty bad at looking at themselves.... Western expats often arrive in Thailand with a suitcase full of grievances about their home countries. “It’s gone downhill,” they say. “Too woke, too expensive, full of immigrants.” So they leave — only to recreate the very ignorance, entitlement, and intolerance they supposedly escaped. They sit in bars criticising Thailand while romanticising the country they couldn’t wait to abandon. Some even voted for Brexit, then act bewildered when their visas expire and nobody rolls out a red carpet. But their contradictions go deeper than politics. Healthcare Ignorance & Gullibility Expats routinely rave about “cheap and excellent” Thai healthcare — without the slightest understanding of what actually happened in their treatment. If they feel better, it must have worked. Never mind the overprescription, unnecessary procedures, or the profit-driven nature of many private clinics. Most are utterly unqualified to assess the care they receive, but declare themselves experts regardless. Roads, Rules & Arrogance They sneer at Thai drivers, mock the roads, and complain about “chaos.” Meanwhile, they ride motorcycles without licences, flout traffic laws they’ve never bothered to learn, and assume they’re superior simply because they’ve held a UK or EU driver’s licence since 1989. Many can’t even parallel park a motorbike, let alone navigate Thai roads responsibly. The Comfort Zone of Prostitution & Beer For too many, life in Thailand revolves around prostitution, cheap beer, and whining about prices — usually from the plastic chairs of a roadside bar. They're proud consumers of an exploitative industry they wouldn’t dare talk about back home, yet somehow feel morally untouchable. “I can’t be a misogynist — I married one,” they say, confusing companionship with ownership. Language & Cultural Illiteracy Years (even decades) in the country — yet most can’t read a Thai menu, write their own address, or hold a basic conversation without pointing. They rely on their wives, waitresses, or dodgy Facebook groups for filtered info, yet hold forth as if they understand Thai politics, culture, and society. They stereotype relentlessly: “Thais are like this, Thais are like that.” But if someone made sweeping comments about their home country based on chats with a single barmaid or taxi driver, they’d throw a tantrum. Democracy? They Don’t Get It Ask them about Thai democracy, and you’ll hear either conspiracy theories or colonial condescension. Few grasp the basics — like the military’s role under the Thai constitution — yet they’ll complain about Thai elections while cheerfully forgetting they supported Brexit or Trump. Identity Denial & Economic Delusion They recoil at being called immigrants — because that’s what “those other people” are. No, they're different. They’re investors, retirees, or digital nomads — never immigrants. They overestimate their value to the Thai economy and vastly underestimate what it costs Thailand to keep them here — from overstretched hospitals to under-policed roads. Diet, Dress & Disgrace They don’t actually like Thai food — too spicy, too weird — and spend a fortune on imported cheese and sausages. They dress like they’ve been expelled from a campsite: singlets, cargo shorts, sunburned skin, and flip-flops in restaurants. They sweat like broken fridges but shower no more than they would in Manchester. Basic hygiene? Optional. Self-awareness? Nonexistent. Conclusion: The Ultimate Irony Expats in Thailand fled change, diversity, and accountability in their own countries — and then became the very stereotype they feared. They are loud, uninformed, entitled, and often deeply disrespectful to the country they now call home. They left their countries calling them broken. They sit in Thailand complaining about the locals. And they remain oblivious to the fact that they are the problem.

Yes it does If you qualify for the DTV, you can include an unlimited number of immediate family members on your visa by having them apply for the DTV under the dependent category. This includes your spouse and any unmarried children under 20.

He is in the process of doing so.

But you wouldn't let it lie! If you can't accept a post to be genuine why not sort it out for yourself.. you are just sealioning

if they kept the house and rented it out, they would have at least some income.

I read it, but don't think that will happen.

I think DTV makes provision for families - Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) does allow for family members to accompany the primary visa holder. Specifically, the spouse and unmarried children under 20 years of age are eligible to apply for the DTV as dependents.

Yes I do - but it occurs to me that you are just sealioning - gt onto his tik-tok.

I would think the kids will be fine so long as he sends them to a Thai school or a local "international" school - I assum he's budgeted for this.

He's going for DTV - so he's going to have to keep his balance up to £15k for as long s e's here. He will get income from working for foreign companies paying from abroad. I presume he realises that most jobs in Thailand are unavailable to home and he'll need a B visa and work permit if he does find a job actually in Thailand.

what makes you say that?

..and a coup in Thailand?