IsaanT

If something unexpected happened on the road in front of them (have Thai drivers ever pulled out in front of oncoming traffic...?), their ability to control the scooter is compromised, thus placing them at much higher risk of things outside of their control. This might be impressive in a circus but not on public roads.

You don't need to be a subscriber to view a YT video. Only a small subset of viewers might choose to subscribe.

In my area, it's the three rocket bangs in quick succession that alerts the locals about a death. The rockets are set off by the local monks. I hear them most weeks. p.s. You are right @simon43, I do count each day as a blessing.

Bob, Elvis, Don... Yet another identity to ignore. Leopards can't change their spots Bob/Elvis/Don. You are so easy to spot (no pun intended). Each new personality tries to start positively but quickly degenerates into attacks and negativity. Only a personality change would be effective, not a new name on the same old angry rants. Is being nice so hard?

Gamma, you're obviously an intelligent chap but your style of presentation is apparently not universally popular on the forum. It's a tough gig here and the critics sometimes speak in a way that they would never do to one's face. That's anonymity for you. I remember a while back you asked for help with your presentation style. I offered but I heard no more. You are clearly motivated but your motivations are unclear. Do PM me - I'd be interested to have a chat with you and see if we could possibly find a way forward for you.

I have read every post in this thread, and the vast majority of replies appear to be constructed from the viewpoint of a westerner. With respect, if you want to know how Thais feel about any apparent inequality (to use the western term) to know whether any guilt is justified, it's necessary to look at it from the Thai viewpoint. In Thailand, there isn't the same societal focus on inequality as there often is in Western countries. The Thai approach is generally more accepting and pragmatic. The key factors that shape how Thais feel about foreigners with more money are respect for local culture, economic contribution, and personal behaviour. As long as a foreigner is considerate, humble, and respectful, their financial status is typically not a point of contention. Instead, it may even be viewed as a source of positive influence on the local economy and community. Foreigners with more money can be viewed with a sense of curiosity or admiration, especially if they live in a way that respects Thai values. There may be a sense of fascination or even respect for their lifestyle and the opportunities they have had.

As the only farang in my large village - and I don't shop in 7/11 (prefer Lotus, for milk and apples - everything else from the local markets and shops) - it has to be the locals keeping them in business. Just saying.

@swissie, you are right. I reflect on my gratitude most days. The next generations will never have it so good. I took early retirement two years ago. I worked hard all my life but I always knew I was a good time to be born. My investments currently keep me going, and when all my pensions kick in the next few years I'll be getting more than when I retired from a good job in IT in the UK. We are comfortable but consumption for its own sake is unfulfilling so I'm expecting most of my money will be left to the children. They're going to need it more than me.

Sometimes it takes longer for some people to adapt to their chosen adopted country than others.

Indeed. 40% of all vehicles sold in Thailand are pick-ups, although possibly not so many in the cities and coastal resorts. They're good to drive, cope comfortably with any roads and are not intimidated by the occasional flooded road. The road tax incentive is a bonus. I have a Mitsubishi Triton (the thinking man's pick-up). 😉

That's rather ironic, given your handle on this forum. I'm pleased you came to no harm.

Back in 1977 I had a motorcycle accident. As I was sliding across the road, everything slowed down and my life did, indeed, flash before my eyes. The experience at that moment was remarkably peaceful. To me, that is the classic near-death experience. Normality returned when I stopped sliding and realised I was OK and unhurt (full motorcycle suit, gloves and boots). I had been overtaking a line of traffic slowly, picking off each car in turn. I was doing 40-50mph. I must have failed to see that the particular car I was overtaking was itself lining up for an overtake because it pulled out unexpectedly and my front wheel hit its rear offside bumper, which threw me off. Me and my bike slide across the oncoming lane, coming to rest in the oncoming lane's kerb. Obviously, if there had been any oncoming traffic there would have been a different outcome (but I hope I wouldn't have been so stupid as to try to overtake between oncoming traffic). For those that haven't experienced it, when someone says that 'their life flashed before their eyes' it is like being in a video presentation of significant moments in your life. Each 'slide' in the presentation only lasts a fraction of a second but long enough to be able to recognise it. Perhaps 15-20 of these images occurred. The 'slow motion' aspect is also interesting. I must have been sliding across the road for no more than five seconds but it seemed like 10-15 seconds and, as I said, very peaceful, as though someone had turned the sound down and isolated me from all that was happening around me. If that is how the mind prepares one for death in exceptional circumstances, I recommend it! That's as close to death as I wish to experience until my time is finally up. p.s. My bike was a Honda 250 G5. I can still remember the registration.

Update: It still resides somewhere behind the toilet and makes an occasional appearance (see below) but we've bought a snake net and hope to ensnare it soon...

No, not a condo.

If it helps, FritsSikkink evidently knows what he is talking about. Public wifi is a big hazard. The best and most convenient approach is to buy a local SIM.