Mark1969

Implants.

In Cambodia there has been a problem with "fake" stamps from agents. One guy I follow had this happen in Siem Reap. The stamp was actually genuine, but issued by a corrupt officer at Siem Reap airport several weeks after he landed. Apparently the officer was stamping (or issuing stickers) for long term visas for the agent, when they need to be done in PP. Nobody realized it until he tried to exit the country. He was detained for a "fake" stamp and spent time in jail (more then a few days). Was released eventually. It's better to not use agents and do things yourself imo, just for piece of mind imo (because you are actually walking into the official office, there is no middleman).

Just border bounce. If they decline you move to Siem Reap and work there until you get the DTV from the embassy in Cambodia. It took almost 2 months to get the DTV there anyway.

I like metal, industrial and some punk. The only place I really found was Immortal Bar in Bangkok that have some original live bands. Also, a place at the end of Thong Lor under the highway near the canal. The rest seems to be just dumb mass produced karaoke and Thai music. Different country, different scene. Even my Opeth (Deliverance) shirt causes some weird stares here. There are rock cover band places around, but from what I have seen it's not original stuff, just cover bands. Who knows if the 80's metal scene will ever be again though. A lot of the people into that scene are dying off.

Your problem is you just sat there and became a sponge for this guy's problems. Boy, you do it well. Nobody can take it like you can. I'm sure he feels better now, but what about you?

I stopped engaging seriously with them early on. I still respond and act friendly, I just keep things really light (or try to). Once you get used to it, it's actually kind of fun to just talk about dumb stuff. It does take some practice however to avoid any kind of controversial subjects, etc. For example, the other day a guy asked me where I was from. I responded with the USA. He brings up Trump and I immediately say I don't like him, opening up a space for negativity and argument. It also caused a bad reaction in the guy from his facial expression. What I should have done is kept things light and responded with a completely different subject like going in on a pitcher of beer, playing quarters, etc. Think back on your 20's rather then your 50's and you will have a much better time with people you meet on the road.

Spanking the monkey

Not the way you use your hand. 👋

Feels like part of me died with him. I still have the music. Bye, Ozzy.

Just stop paying until the prices become insanely low. Sooner or later prices will have to drop to almost nothing...Insist on lower and lower prices...

Forget the entire barfine thing altogether. Just ask for line or whatsapp contacts to meet later. If it's not freely given move on.

We already tried that and it sucks.

They like too much sauce on anything and insist on it. I think they think covering everything in a bunch of sauce makes it better somehow. Just like putting every little thing in a plastic bag is better. Probably why I don't see them eating much bread, it's dry.

It may be Italian owned, but the person preparing some part of it is most likely thai, especially with the labor quota. Just having them hovering around spoils it into it not tasting right.

It's not authentic because the person baking it does not know what a real pizza looks and tastes like. They are just going by pictures or a recipe. The same reason why you won't ever get authentic tasting Mexican food here. I think McDonalds rose above the problem, but only because their ingredients and process is so streamlined. There is probably still some non-authentic stuff in there though. For example, some thai guy putting in a little too much sauce (because they use too much sauce on street food here), even though the machine should be dispensing only a certain amount.

I hope your efforts are not in vain and they make it easier for everyone.

You are spending your day teaching them how to do it however. Is that really a win?

Would it not increase your chances of an inspection at your home or hotel? If the landlord is sending passport details for your stay and doing reporting on aliens staying there it would pop up on the computer that you never report in. It's conceivable the fine could be a lot more then 2k if they actually found you out in the field somewhere rather then just you showing up late at an immigration office.

It sounds like some guy tripping on how he is more Thai then you, more of a seasoned expat thing. So he enforces a cultural norm on you. The old adage that you "can't avoid the locals" is very true. A lot of people move to foreign places and think they can set up shop on a cheap beach, but it's not realistic unless they are ultra wealthy and have a gated castle somewhere and just have most stuff delivered and choose your own butler to take care of the place and invite visitors in. I guess the solution is you really need to like who you live around, even if you are not interested in socializing much. The reason being, people will keep coming at you even if you are not interested. Can you give some more examples? I find them interesting.

I'm trying, it takes time.

No, it's worse in Pattaya, definately, but it's present in other areas as well.

Not really, I just don't like being around them. I feel like they are immature and dumb. I don't ever voice it to them, however. Most of the time they don't even realize it through the fake smile and/or just figure I'm distracted or non-responsive, busy, etc.

In 1995 I was learning to use a computer and get mail on AOL. The Op means 1985. I would be driving around with my friends in a classic mustang and going to keg parties.

I never had a problem with foreigners there because I don't have to interact with them. My problem is with the Thai's there. I need to interact with them for things like, renting places, buying necessities, and eating out or at markets, transportation, etc. Without that having to engage and interact aspect I would have no complaints about the area at all. I would just be doing what I want with a bunch of nightlife nearby for a break. Your problem is you are playing ball (ie. golfing), when you should be on a solo bikeride.

We used to say you "got runs at the border". It was a joke referring to getting travelers diarreah when visiting mexico, paired with a reference to the taco bell (fast food outlet) commercial saying "make a run for the border". The commercial also had a stupid talking dog that looked like a mexican guy. Just one of those stupid jokes that were so insanely funny back in the 80's. Good times.