ChrisThailand1977

I was afraid of an entire collapse of the social order whether they come to power or not, moreso if they do - coupled with violence. My husband grew up in Germany but was always aware of a certain background level of racism, which was likely to get worse. On top of that, despite being legally equal, many people view same-sex relationships with considerable hostility. On this point, Thailand is de facto ahead of Germany, if not de jure (just yet, this is changing). I do not think these fears are overblown actually. Do you have anything to add?

It's understandable that people want things like this if people in countries like Thailand can see how a lot of people in Western countries or indeed South Korea or Japan live. It's a phenomenon happening everywhere isn't it? The cost of living in many parts of Europe and North America, for instance, has risen to astronomical heights. I was recently in Germany and shocked about the prices there, especially renting an apartment and eating out. Thais earn a pittance and are massively in debt - even or especially the so-called middle class. The real poor class are basically slaves. It is shocking. Unfortunately, I think you are right that it will get worse and I wonder how long until the next uprising followed by another violent military coup (in Thailand anyway). In Europe and the US, the far right are likely to get into power in many countries. That's an utterly horrific scenario and one main reason we left Europe 3 years ago. I could see it coming.

Actually, I love hiking and have been searching for a hiking group. To no avail so far. But will keep looking.

You are absolutely right. I really need to learn Thai. And I have been trying, and I can speak a little (basic phrases for everyday use). I've been looking for a school nearby as I can't find a private teacher. I just can't find one that isn't too far from us and which is a genuine school rather than just a place that people attend just to get a visa. When I go out, I can ask simple questions and give simple greetings. At first, I was proud of this. Meanwhile I really think I'm well behind on what I could have achieved so far. Partly, it's laziness having a partner who speaks Thai. I did a course online but I would rather go to a (physical) school where I can also meet people and interact in a more realistic way. I'm a bit old fashioned in that way. Anyhow, thanks for your positive comments and experience. It's nice to read!

Mr 0 baht.. well I'm not quite that stingy...

I do that too, though I don't want it to seem weird. Do you know what I mean? Or perhaps that's just a Western attitude in my head?

Now that's the stereotype I wanted to avoid. I've heard this expression a lot... Do people really see us like this? Or just the bar girls in Pattaya? I have to admit, my partner's family do seem to view me as such...

I ALWAYS smile back when someone smiles at me 🙂 I kind of hope they'll talk to me but then it's just a fleeting encounter usually

Well, you may be right. My partner and I are German, he is German/Thai. We're 47 and 38, respectively. So far, I've refused to engage with the 'expat community' as I wanted to make friends among Thais. So I even did a course in Thai with a private teacher, who eventually asked me to lend them money. Which I refused to do. So that was that. I find it very hard to make friends. I have tried, but I find Thai people extremely shy or almost afraid. I understand their English is perhaps poor or non-existent (like my Thai) and I don't hold that against anyone. This is certainly not unique to Thailand. People seem to assume I must have a lot of money, which is not the case, and I don't want to buy everything. I'm very much aware of scams and scammers and avoid them successfully. I have a lot of problems with my Thai "in laws". They assume I'm here to finance them - which I also refuse to do. So they ignore me. My partner accepts that, as he doesn't want to finance them either. So it's just the two of us. We knew it would be hard, but I thought (wrongly) that getting in touch with genuine people would be easier. But it isn't. It's fair to say that this can happen anywhere in the world and it's not just Thailand. The words I used in my initial post were not very carefully considered. Obviously not all Thais are this way. But perhaps someone has some ideas to get in touch with other people. What I miss most is intelligent conversation. I'm not a drinker or someone who parties, unfortunately. I like cooking and entertaining, travelling and culture. I also miss public transportation in Europe as I was able to get around more easily. As someone with epilepsy, I don't drive so my partner does that. That's obviously a big drawback, especially in a country like this. My apologies again for the unfortunate choice of words above. I miss many things about my home in Europe but I want to find out what I'm doing wrong here. I'm very unhappy currently. Thanks Chris

Fair enough 🤣 I'm probably generalising enormously. I'm just interested in other people's experience. Chris

Hi everyone I know each person's experience of Thailand is different, but Thailand is often called the Land of Smiles. Is that really a fair description nowadays? My feeling is that people will smile as long as they can get money from you. As soon as they've got it, it's over with the friendliness. Thais seem extremely hypocritical to me. I feel like I can't really trust anyone. Even Thai friends say this. Is it true? Generally, the country seems very backward in many ways. The majority of people are hugely exploited, but they just seem to accept it as if it were normal. Perhaps that's the deferent culture of the Thais. I've been here for 3 years, but I'm not happy really. Maybe I've just had a bad experience, which is not representative of the country as a whole. Any thoughts on this? Chris