Mark1969

There are a certain group of people I have found interesting who avoid that negativity. It's digital nomad communities. I'm not sure exactly why, but I have some theories. I think it's because they are focused on doing their own thing. That gives them a kind of cocoon of familiarity that keeps them oriented and stable. Being in Thailand is secondary in many ways. Some of the happiest people I have met in Thailand do remote work, hang out in nomad cafes and don't concern themselves with Thailand issues or people much. They never get caught up in Thai issues or the problems of Thai people because their attention is not focused in that direction. That translates into not complaining about the location or country much. So my recommendation is find something else to work on to occupy your time and attention that will better your life. Don't sit around waiting for Thailand to be your answer.

Serious Thai relationships have pretty much been a no-go for me ever since I first arrived. Most of the population don't seem to have the ability to face problems that arise in a relationship since it involves being patiently critical of oneself and others and voicing and communicating those problems. They prefer to simply move on and repeat the same issue with new partners.

Get them shipped from Amazon Usa. You will have to pay a hefty import duty though on new shoes. I think it was around 30% or more. I wear a US 15 btw. I did that with some of my shirts as well. I got tired of wearing cheap flimsy Thai materials. Shipping in is very fast and reliable with no problems. It costs more but it's a great feeling getting quality stuff here. Feels like home.

I lived in Chiang Mai for years. I eventually came to the conclusion that it was "god's waiting room". I never 100% fit in, but always felt I was waiting for something... The last time I left I could not see the mountain from my window due to the smoke. I think breathing it for months took some time off my life... Meeting women there was somewhat difficult for me. Not sure why, but they seemed uninterested for the most part... That said, it is a great place to lie low and get some work done if you are a digital nomad (not too many distractions and you can cocoon in a digital nomad community and do your thing)... Some of my best times there were in fact being with other nomads and expats and avoiding Thai's and Thailand altogether. Something about that limited scene enabled me to think, work and succeed vs being distracted...

Yes, I do.

No, but I always shop used for better deals.

The thought of sleeping with that guy makes me sick.

That's very true if you can get laid in those other nice places. It also helps to have some money.

I just got a couple tubes of shoes adhesive from diy and did it myself. I did a great job btw.

The crowds are thai's. People who you won't find in the venues stickman typically writes about and who you would probably never have the pleasure of meeting. Like thai bbq's, numbered club type bars, etc. There used to be a saying that people just drive around in circles...and it only matters because someone is in your way...

I don't agree with the article. Pattaya is super crowded currently and the traffic is insane. It's hard to even cross the street. I do agree that a lot of establishments are empty though.

What was the cost? Do they do that for running shoes/sneakers? Mine have foam sections which are deteriorating.

It's taboo for foreigners to do or say anything constructive. I repaired my kitchen faucet yesterday and the eyes have walls...

Stupid program. Requires an interview and costs $120. I'm surprised it's still around. I remember a border agent trying to sell it to me during Covid after a 16 hour flight back to the Usa.

Is that the one where you pay a fee and it's valid only at certain airports?

Yep, dental treatment here is unnerving. I was in CM as well. A reputable place wanted to redo a bunch of fillings they thought were leaking, another place says it's just discoloration, not decay. I ended up deciding what to do on my own, which is not ideal since I'm not a dentist.

If it's not enough, you go broke.

Not if it spreads...

I think you're right. Probably because Thailand feels much safer and people don't like to leave that comfort zone. Others seem to have an obsession with exactly how many days they need to be out of Thailand which is pretty strange.

Don't get involved. Your dealing is with one person only, not the bar.

I always liked Reno as well. Not sure why. Maybe because I used to take short trips there with friends when I was younger growing up in the Bay Area. They also had those skint & old people cheap bus ride package deals up there where you got a matching hotel room for a couple days. They were usually taken by older degenerate gamblers. One time a couple dudes got in a fight on the bus and the driver threatened to leave them alongside the road. The casino area had a grungyness and desperation vibe that's very different then Vegas. The Silver Legacy Hotel was nice. I remember some grungy hooker in the hotel lobby waiting as people came to check in. More losers around then winners. A place where you go to drink and enjoy losing 😂

Rip

I am planning on going back at some point. I don't want to spend my elderly years in a foreign country. In order to return, however, I want to buy a property in the Usa. I'm thinking in Northern California or Nevada in the Lake Tahoe area. I'm not sure how realistic it is. Property prices will probably need to crash to make it possible for me financially.

I'm not sure what the files will prove, unless it's just visits to the island. Even with that it would just be a flight or guest log. There is already public video out with Trump partying with Epstein. We are not going to get a sex video with Trump actually having sex.