ccarbaugh

I caught a van to BKK at the (Van?) Bus Station on Soi 51 last week.

   .... On a multiple-choice test, a monkey can score 250!   ( a, b, c , or d - eeniminee, miney-moh, ...) 

I first came to Thailand in 1973.  Thai English-speakers were virtually non-existent at that time.  We now find ourselves approaching 2018, (45 years later,) and there are times when you can meet a Thai that can understand and have a (meaningful) conversation, but it is still painfully rare.  .... I have observed that much of the "anti-English" is actually promoted by the Government, the System, the Bureaucrats, the good General, ... and of course, by the well-meaning "Patriotic" Thais! (e.g. Dual-pricing, ...)  The large majority of people in every country fail to recognize that whatever government exists, has to propagandize the "special-ness and unique-ness"  of their flag-waving country  in order to solidify and prolong their power.   Thais are not aware and (covertly) encouraged to not acknowledge that there are other places outside of Thailand and that basically, all people- everywhere, are the same. (-Even Farangs!)

Most no. Rarely, yes.

Encourage her to talk with someone- and wish her well.  (Then, DELETE your "Tinder" account!) 

..... slip-sliding down the road to more and more of a total "Police-State."  (-just like the U.S.A. has already become!    )

hmmmm, probably a toss-up between NetAndYeahWhoo and Lord Jacob.

I would work at a restaurant, or a 7-11, or a Tesco  or Big-C, ... just for the 'Social-Exposure."  I'm retired so I don't NEED the money but it would be nice to be able to develop some friendships with some co-workers and customers.  However, about the only job approved for farangs is English Teacher and that really sucks!

My "difficulty" has been finding a Thai Lady that isn't totally invested in "The Entrapment Game."  Thai Ladies can be charming, sweet, beautiful, .... , until they find out that you're not interested in marrying them and remaining in an absolutely sexually-exclusive relationship with them - for life!   

I have accepted "Couchsurfers" many times but have given it up. - Not fun!

They want free lodging, and tour-guide, translator,... but only in the service of THEIR agenda!

... Sure, being young, slim, fluent in Thai, acclimated to the (Thai) societal norms, ... does seem desirable for a brief period.

But, after a few moments and seeing, thinking about jealousy or envy, - NOOOO! I wouldn't trade my (mildly) overweight,

easily sunburnt skin, somewhat past "middle-age," to be a young, slim Thai. Such a lack of opportunity! Such a brutal,

hard, cruel, distrusting,... society! Such a limited worldview! .... No thank you!

... Take a book to read.

The OP's original question:

No.

As has already been stated ad nauseum, "Thai ladies aren't particularly interested in farangs- unless they're seeking financial security."

I have been in Thailand for 8+ years. Went to "Thai-School" for a year and learned enough Thai to get my needs met. Traveled nearly

everywhere in Thailand and seen numerous Thai/Farang couples. For the most part, they only exist because they are based on the

Thai societal version of what we in the west would classify as "codependence." (- Over dependence on others to make you happy.)

I have been in a relationship with a wonderful ("office") lady for 5 years here in Bangkok. Even after 5 years, and me speaking (limited) Thai

and her speaking comparatively advanced English, there are still communication and cultural barriers that make "True Love," (whatever that

means to you,) - difficult.

Learn to enjoy your solitude and when you can share a "happy-time" with someone - RELISH IT!

Hope this helps,

.... I use an ATM Card from my bank in the states. With the lower exchange rates, the 200 baht "fee," and the $3.50 charge from my bank in the states, it comes to nearly 10% every withdrawl. (1,800 baht on a 20,000 baht withdrawl.) - Yet another instance of "legalized-thievery."

Fortunately, S.E. Asia is still 20 - 30 years behind the U.S.A. and Western Europe in morphing into the overreaching Police-State that they have become. Soon, there will be a considerable fine for "farting-sideways" as well. Helluva revenue generating source when you pass so many laws that the average person has committed multiple misdemeanor crimes every time they step out of their front door!

JarekN, When are you planning on making the trip to Sihanoukville? I have been thinking about going on Jan. 25th.

(I'm an old, retired fart that no longer needs discomfort as well - just like your parents.) Perhaps we could share the

costs? .... After reading this thread, I can either cancel my plans to go or, fly to Phnom Phen then take a bus

to Sihanoukville- ????? (PM me if you'd like.)

I have worked at several schools all around the Bangkok area. This is a very common situation. The Thai teachers often disrespect, ignore, insult and are passive/aggressive toward the foreign teachers. I attribute it to a lack of education on their part and try to find someone that can treat me like a human being- both students and teachers! Have to be very "thick-skinned" to teach in Thailand!

... Yes - "Chang Rai Nightlife = oxymoron." I went a couple of years ago and

couldn't find anywhere to enjoy some music or meet someone friendly.

A lot of "Massage Shops" with aggressive employees - but none of which

provide any sort of "happy-ending."

... I first came in 1973. The biggest change I've seen,

(besides a doubling of the population,) is the increase in blind nationalism-

(frequently with an air of superiority)

I observe Thais automatically assuming that I am one of the

"drunken, womanizing, disrespectful foreigners" - without judging

me on my attitude and behavior. We all (to varying degrees,) will

live up - or down - to whatever expectations others have of us.

I know from experience that disgruntled ex-wives and crafty, unscrupulous lawyers

can fabricate ridiculously untrue "assault charges." Since there's no real penalty for perjury

and of course there is no resources for a proper investigation and no edidence required,

the courts could have issued said warrant on a whim.

As stated earlier, there was no indication as to whether this warrant had any factual basis whatsoever.

I often ride various busses and vans throughout Bangkok.

Whenever I am fortuante enough to have a Thai sit next to me,

I ask, "Can you speak English?"

90% of the time, the answer is either "NO!" or just silence.

(I immediately follow-up with "Poot Thai die mai?" and the

response is usually a nod in the affirmative.)

5% of the time, the answer is "Nit-Noy."

5 % of the time the answer is "Yes," and we then are

able to have a conversation in English at an Elementary School level.

... aside from the total appreciation of the abundant "eye-candy,"

I've had pleasant experiences staying in moderately priced (500 baht/day,)

hotels and renting a motorbike, (200 baht/day,) at numerous locations- Kao Yai National Park,

Chiang Rai/Golden Triangle, Koh Chang, Surin, .....

My lady and I flew Bangkok to Rome, (via Moscow,) on Aeroflot

2 years ago and again 4 months ago. Both times the trip was

comfortable, pleasant and delightful. Excellent customer service

and in-flight entertainment. I wouldn't hesitate for fly Aeroflot

again at all.