thaibeachlovers

I didn't take the beloved back to my country because if her mother got sick or her sister got sick she'd be on the next plane back, and I can't afford to be doing all that everytime there is a family crisis.

However, given that ( IMO ) western men marry Thai women BECAUSE they are not like western women, why take them somewhere that they will become just like what we men DON'T want?

When I went to the London embassy to get a visa there were always a few Thai girls with babies hanging around while hubby did the paperwork. Just looking at them I thought "never going to happen to me". Might as well have married a UK girl for all the difference.

What? 6000 baht plus all meals and incidentals covered for 6 days work over 12 days? I don't see anything wrong with that rate.

Yes, for someone on 300 a day that would be great, but apparently a professional is wanted at 800 plus per day, so that would be 9,600 for 12 days that they would get in a full time job. Why would they forgo 3,600 for a short term job?

It doesn't appear there are any wanting work that desperately.

This is my problem with so many Muslim migrants/refugees being let in. Some are able to integrate into society well and truly follow a pacifist version of their religion but there have been others already who bring their extremist practices over and when we let so many in, we don't know what type of extremists we're letting in. We already have a problem with the native Muslims, many ISIS militants have been bred in this country in mosques themselves. Behind those close doors we don't know what self-governing laws they're practising but there's been many "honour killings" in the past.

According to one report, there were thousands of "honour attacks" in the UK back in 2011 and even barring this we have a religion which is passive aggressive in its treatment to women trying to say that's it acceptable for them to be covered head to toe. UK should go the French route and ban the wearing of this type of clothing that covers a woman's face. It's the 21st century for God's sake.

When people come over here, they need to learn to abide by our rules. So primitive stone-age customs can be left in the Middle East such as most of what Sharia Law involves.

I respect all religions but Islam, unlike the others, still has much progressing to do.

This is an opinion that doesn't make much sense to me (and which is clearly misguiding people or not understanding the situation).

Question: do you actually understand why there are refugees in EU? As it doesn't seem you do, let me explain. There is a brutal war in Syria where both ISIS and the Assad regime are murdering Syrian citizens. These citizens are fleeing these regimes through a dangerous, long and expense journey. And your thought is that as soon as they arrive in the country where they want to seek asylum, they will join ISIS so they can become a militant? Really?? Then please explain, why the hell did they leave Syria in the first place???

Wrt "the many" Muslim refugees being let why not look at the numbers: This year there are about half a million refugees sofar (its actually less btw). This is a mere 0.06% of the EU population! Is this a number which you translate as being overrun??

You don't seem to understand that IS are sending terrorists while they are more likely to be able to enter western countries without being discovered. Then they will set up cells to carry out atrocities in the future.

While overall, the number of refugees are not large in comparison to population, hundreds of thousands of refugees can't be housed when there are not enough houses for the citizens of the country, never mind not enough school places and jobs available.

While I could ask you for what proof you have to back up your statement that IS has infiltrated terrorists amongst the refugees, please allow me to show that your idea doesnt make any sense.

First of all, the fact is that until now, all the recent terrorist attacks that happened in Europe were done by radical Muslims who have been living in Europe for a long time or were born there. Not one came "fresh" from the ME.

Secondly, if there were IS fighters amongst the refugees, and they would be discovered (which is not unlikely on a 4-6months journey it will be hard to surpress ones ideology), how do you think that they will be treated by the refugees who are actually fleeing from these same people?

Why would IS want to take such a difficult route? if IS had the intention to send its fighters into Europe to commit terrorist attacks, they will send them by air with a passport of a EU friendly Arab state (Jordan, Egypt, etc.). Its easier, faster, cheaper and less dangerous.

Scaring people of "all these terrorist" amongst the refugees is just something made up by the right wing EU politicians, its nothing more than a way for these politicians to hide behind their islamophobia/racism and to indoctrinate the simple people of this world....

if IS had the intention to send its fighters into Europe to commit terrorist attacks, they will send them by air with a passport of a EU friendly Arab state (Jordan, Egypt, etc.).

LOL. Do you not realise that Jordan, Egypt etc are in a war with IS? Perhaps you think Jordanian and Egyptian security services are too stupid to pick them up on a security check or that the countries they fly to wouldn't know.

I think you are confusing overstayers that fly in with terrorists.

8.2% Muslim is a huge percentage, especially in a small country like Britain with a fairly wide variety of ethnic and religious groups. With that big percentage of a fragmented population, what's to stop them from demanding at some point that stoning be brought back for adultery and human rights laws be repealed, among other onerous things? May seem far-fetched now but remember the long-term goal of Islam is one World with only one religion--Islam. They are very patient but also very relentless. When they see an opening--like the current disarray and weakness in Europe, they exploit it. And, no, I am not a right wing reactionary--just a liberal realist who doesn't want to find myself living under Islam law.

This is my problem with so many Muslim migrants/refugees being let in. Some are able to integrate into society well and truly follow a pacifist version of their religion but there have been others already who bring their extremist practices over and when we let so many in, we don't know what type of extremists we're letting in. We already have a problem with the native Muslims, many ISIS militants have been bred in this country in mosques themselves. Behind those close doors we don't know what self-governing laws they're practising but there's been many "honour killings" in the past.

According to one report, there were thousands of "honour attacks" in the UK back in 2011 and even barring this we have a religion which is passive aggressive in its treatment to women trying to say that's it acceptable for them to be covered head to toe. UK should go the French route and ban the wearing of this type of clothing that covers a woman's face. It's the 21st century for God's sake.

When people come over here, they need to learn to abide by our rules. So primitive stone-age customs can be left in the Middle East such as most of what Sharia Law involves.

I respect all religions but Islam, unlike the others, still has much progressing to do.

Women covering is nothing to do with Islam. It is a purely CULTURAL custom. That is why some Islamic women don't cover at all. Different countries have different customs in relation to females covering, but only the fact that mainly Islamic countries still treat women like that fools people into believing that it is religious. Of course the religious zealots that indoctrinate their congregation are not going to admit that and pretend that to be against covering is anti Islamic.

That is why we see stupid western women wearing tents, because they believe the fairy tale given to them by Islamic preachers.

So when Islamic preachers in Islamic countries tell followers of Islam to cover up in the name of Islam, that is nothing to do with Islam?

They shouldn't tell them it's in the name of Islam, as it's not, but they are all to keen to keep women down, and covering up is a convenient way to do it. Basically, they are using Islam to keep women subservient.

Same as "honour killings"- nothing to do with Islam, but all about nutters thinking they "own" women and keeping them under the thumb of males.

It's just that they are now where western civilisation was in the dark ages. Hopefully they will catch up sometime.

Ok I get it.

Your version of Islam isnt violent.

So when an Islamic country like Bahrain or Saudi dictate (and is supported by 80% odf their citizens) that leaving the faith should be punishable by decapitation (first offence ) - that is not Islam because it doesnt fit your rosy interpretation?

Guess what? All religion is subjective. So when 10's of millions of muslims believe a certain thing - that IS Islam.

You are ?wilfully misinterpreting what I say about covering, and I was only talking about covering ( or honour killing ) not being part of Islam. I agree that Islam is violent and that it is part of their faith to kill anyone that leaves the religion. It is also part of the faith that women are worth less than men ( but still western women convert!!!!!!!! ).

Like I said, Islam is currently where Christianity was in the dark ages where it was a Christians duty to kill heretics.

I struggle to understand why Merkel thinks it is a good idea to welcome many thousands of people that believe in killing other people for silly reasons.

If you 'attack' a Thai in the street, regardless of the reason, even if its in self defence, you take on the whole street as you are the foreigner (who should not be here in the first place) and attacking a Thai is interpreted as attacking all Thais.

Its the same mentality as attacking a single soi dog that belongs to a pack. The soi dog pack will attack you as its their only defence mechanism.

Your general Thai has never been taught to think, just react and do as they are told. This is why a Thai is perfectly capable of 'cutting off their nose to spite their face'. They react with their emotions, without anything being processed between the ears first! Its similar to the Western 'football hooligan' problem. All testosterone no brain power.

a Thai is perfectly capable of 'cutting off their nose to spite their face'.

Before I married a Thai I would have disagreed, but now I have to agree.

No need to struggle if only Israel recognizes the Palestinian State. The ball is in your court israel.

So naive it isn't even funny.

Perhaps, but how many Jews in Israel and how many enemies outside Israel? They know that most of the world is against them, and more countries turn against them all the time. That must be a worry.

It will only take an American president that is anti Israel to take away the shield that the US presently offers. When that happens, there will be a lot of Jewish Israelis quite sorry they didn't make good neighbours when they had the opportunity.

So tell me, where does it state that the UN allows confiscating land as spoils of war?

So tell me, who or what is this UN? Is it some busybodies that think they have a right to tell a country what to do? What teeth does this UN have?

You have a problem. Israel is in possession of its ancient homeland including Old Jerusalem and it won't let go. There's no one big enough or with the guts to try to make it let go.

Why don't you just give it up? The Arabs rejected any deal offered by this "UN" and instead went to war against Israel and lost.

There never was and still isn't a country or a people called Palestine or Palestinians. Never. Ever.

There was and is an ancient Israel and Old Jerusalem and Israel has it. They aren't going to let go.

All of the losers posting here are just whiners. Sore losers they are. Crying to this imaginary UN? What's that about? There's some toothless body that meets in NYC and can't agree on much but it's useless.

Get all of your Muslim buddies together and go try to take E. Jerusalem. Just don't forget to tell us what you'd like to have carved into your tombstone.

The "imaginary" UN you refer to is what created Israel. Had they not done so there would be no Israel.

Tell me again in 600 years if it's still the Jewish homeland. Time is on the Arabs side.

With comments like those LL1 I shudder to think what parts and aspects of Thailand you've been exposed to because I can't even begin to relate to them. Sure I understand there are parts of the country that would fit your description but a person who grew up in the west would have to be retarded to go and live there when there is so much much more on offer. And whilst this is not a case of calling my baby ugly, I will give you two examples:

We live thirty minutes out of Chiang Mai on the very edge of what must be one of the most beautiful areas of the country. Last week, Mrs CM did some research and found us two new places for lunch, both within twenty minutes of where we live. The first was a small resort located in the middle of one of the most breathtaking settings I've ever seen anywhere, the restaurant is sited right in the middle of a raging set of rapids/waterfall which was in full flood when we visited - lunch for the two of us was under 600 baht.

http://www.sukantara.com/

The second, three days later, was at a 6 star hotel resort built on the edge of a cliff/atop a mountain, the views and the setting were absolutely awesome. Again, lunch cost us around 500 baht and was excellent food.

http://www.panviman.com/chiangmai/gallery.html

Afterwards, on both occasions, we returned to our home and continued to work on our gardens, a rai of land that we've turned into a thing of real beauty, in a very scenic location and that gives us much pleasure and satisfaction, all of which cost me under 70k Pounds that I don't want back.

So when you write how much of a "shit hole" this place is (twice) and what a "hell hole" it is to live here, I can't relate to what you've written and only guess that you must have made some very very poor decisions somewhere along the line to have landed in an area of the country that has left you with that sort of impression.

The fact that you can afford to lose 70,000 quid just shows that you will never experience Thailand as a regular punter does.

It's like a Dr I knew back in London that liked to holiday in LOS. I thought I was in luck to have someone to talk to about the place I loved, but it didn't take long to work out that he never stayed anywhere except 5* resorts and had as much knowledge of "my" Thailand as I have of Mars.

As many mentioned everyone like different things. I like all variety of food, people from different countries including mine, many sport, many places to visit, nice place to play Golf if you are into it, many good beaches around Pattaya, it is near Bangkok and many islands, 24 hours activity, many bars and go go bars etc all different prices for all pockets and many more to mention.

The go go bars as you said are not expensive. It cost you 60 Baht for a bear or little more if you like bottle bear. Yes it will become expensive if you want to pick up one of those beautiful young girls which as you said you don't like.

If you are finding food expensive in Pattaya then probably you are on a very tight budget so may be better to go back to Chiang Mai. I advise you not to go to Phukket as there will be 30% more expensive than Pattaya.

The OP doesn't seem to approve of p4p, and to me sitting in a gogo with that garbage so called "music" blasting too loud in your ear, while watching a bunch of bored lasses doing the pole shuffle would be diabolically bad if you weren't there to pick a takeaway.

Even the used to be best gogo in Pattaya had fallen to average in the looks department when I went there recently.

The mob don't need a reason, just an excuse.

When your life is s**t, any chance to take it out on some other person is welcomed.

The problem from the OP was an easy cut out and replace. I had a leak that would have required a lot of cutting and replacing. I took an old inner tube, wrapped it tightly around the leaking joint and used several radiator hose clamps to compress the rubber around the joint. That was several years ago and no leak yet.

Yes, but the OP's problem is a simple cut and replace. Also, would have to break the concrete away from the top elbow to be able to wrap rubber around the join.

To sum up, the secret to having a happy life with a Thai woman is to be extremely lucky.

For the average, not so lucky among us, the answer is to marry a childless, sterile orphan that has loads of money and a nice house, car etc with a well paying job that lives thousands of miles from the relatives. Hi so Chinese is good too.

thanks very much for your help and input so far everyone

and lt would be live out situation and every 2nd or 3rd day taking him out

Good luck with finding a professional carer that will only work 2 or 3 days a week. That's not much income, and they have to pay rent etc.

IMO either pay them less per day for a full time job, or find an unqualified person that will work part time.

Dark stories! In general, some people are gullible or naive . . . Only loving the flesh and not the soul. How many times and a person loose their nest egg or savings.

It attempt to life a fantasy life, can result in disaster and hardship. Even Thai women fall victim to dishonest Thai and farang husbands. Marriage within your socioeconomic group would provide a greater change for a successful.

LOL. My ex, from my socioeconomic group took me for everything. Started basically from zero at 35.

8.2% Muslim is a huge percentage, especially in a small country like Britain with a fairly wide variety of ethnic and religious groups. With that big percentage of a fragmented population, what's to stop them from demanding at some point that stoning be brought back for adultery and human rights laws be repealed, among other onerous things? May seem far-fetched now but remember the long-term goal of Islam is one World with only one religion--Islam. They are very patient but also very relentless. When they see an opening--like the current disarray and weakness in Europe, they exploit it. And, no, I am not a right wing reactionary--just a liberal realist who doesn't want to find myself living under Islam law.

This is my problem with so many Muslim migrants/refugees being let in. Some are able to integrate into society well and truly follow a pacifist version of their religion but there have been others already who bring their extremist practices over and when we let so many in, we don't know what type of extremists we're letting in. We already have a problem with the native Muslims, many ISIS militants have been bred in this country in mosques themselves. Behind those close doors we don't know what self-governing laws they're practising but there's been many "honour killings" in the past.

According to one report, there were thousands of "honour attacks" in the UK back in 2011 and even barring this we have a religion which is passive aggressive in its treatment to women trying to say that's it acceptable for them to be covered head to toe. UK should go the French route and ban the wearing of this type of clothing that covers a woman's face. It's the 21st century for God's sake.

When people come over here, they need to learn to abide by our rules. So primitive stone-age customs can be left in the Middle East such as most of what Sharia Law involves.

I respect all religions but Islam, unlike the others, still has much progressing to do.

Women covering is nothing to do with Islam. It is a purely CULTURAL custom. That is why some Islamic women don't cover at all. Different countries have different customs in relation to females covering, but only the fact that mainly Islamic countries still treat women like that fools people into believing that it is religious. Of course the religious zealots that indoctrinate their congregation are not going to admit that and pretend that to be against covering is anti Islamic.

That is why we see stupid western women wearing tents, because they believe the fairy tale given to them by Islamic preachers.

So when Islamic preachers in Islamic countries tell followers of Islam to cover up in the name of Islam, that is nothing to do with Islam?

They shouldn't tell them it's in the name of Islam, as it's not, but they are all to keen to keep women down, and covering up is a convenient way to do it. Basically, they are using Islam to keep women subservient.

Same as "honour killings"- nothing to do with Islam, but all about nutters thinking they "own" women and keeping them under the thumb of males.

It's just that they are now where western civilisation was in the dark ages. Hopefully they will catch up sometime.

How many people in the USA, how many have computers and are on the internet?

They asked 1,000 people via internet then claim this is an accurate analysis.

TOTAL BS.

Better have a good look at all surveys then.

The only "survey" that matters is the election. All those polls are just guesswork based on a miniscule number of replies to loaded questions.

There will always be two groups that goes without saying.

But there are way too many people in the unhappy group for my way of thinking.

And sure you can certainly reduce your risk by research and good common sense but still who needs the headache.

There is no risk in renting and plenty of upside. Peace of mind. You can get up and leave anytime with a couple of weeks notice.

How can there be too many people in the unhappy group when the groups can't be measured and you never hear from the happy group!

And yes there is a downside to renting thanks to that damned stupid phrase that expats like to toss around at will, "never bring more money into Thailand than you can afford to loose, what an absolute load of nonsense and tosh.

When I cam here in 2004 I rented for the first year and bought in the second, that at a time when GBP/THB was around 75. Had I kept on renting I would almost certainly never has brought that money into the country, that means that not only would I have thrown away rent each month, I would have lost 50% of the value of my home currency just by leaving it in a nice safe currency in a nice safe country!

Unusual circumstances...wouldn't you agree?

Now you get less Baht to the Pound and the properties are often smaller. i.e, less for your money.

No one is suggesting that there was never a good time to buy. But your success is based on favourable exchange rates, rather than a bouyant property market. Now there is a glut of properties built on the premise that the Russians would keep coming and buying. Poor infrastructure. Shaky legal system.

Why would we not hear from the 'happy group'? Only unhappy people browse the forum?

In the ten years that you've had your property, my London properties have also appreciated considerably. Not only that but they create real income. One bedroom properties realising 70,000+ per month at a minimum. Month in, month out. Never vacant.

Pattaya properties bring in next to nothing unless you have them on a corporate contract. Can't imagine that they are worth the hassle.

So for the people who use them as their main residence and are happy to live there, profit is secondary. But those who hope to make a ROI on renting them out or by making a quick sale are likely to come unstuck.

But the discussion is about property prices dropping in Thailand and not a comparison with London. And yes, unusual circumstances indeed but even ten years ago, that same mantra was being sung about not bringing money into Thailand blah blah. As it turned out I made out on the exchange rate but I also made a healthy 35% plus profit on market values, following the floods in BKK in 2012, had I continued to rent the opposite would have been true and the loss substantial. And yes again, the places I have bought here are my primary residence.

Just wait till someone opens an all night karaoke next door and no one will buy your property.

8.2% Muslim is a huge percentage, especially in a small country like Britain with a fairly wide variety of ethnic and religious groups. With that big percentage of a fragmented population, what's to stop them from demanding at some point that stoning be brought back for adultery and human rights laws be repealed, among other onerous things? May seem far-fetched now but remember the long-term goal of Islam is one World with only one religion--Islam. They are very patient but also very relentless. When they see an opening--like the current disarray and weakness in Europe, they exploit it. And, no, I am not a right wing reactionary--just a liberal realist who doesn't want to find myself living under Islam law.

This is my problem with so many Muslim migrants/refugees being let in. Some are able to integrate into society well and truly follow a pacifist version of their religion but there have been others already who bring their extremist practices over and when we let so many in, we don't know what type of extremists we're letting in. We already have a problem with the native Muslims, many ISIS militants have been bred in this country in mosques themselves. Behind those close doors we don't know what self-governing laws they're practising but there's been many "honour killings" in the past.

According to one report, there were thousands of "honour attacks" in the UK back in 2011 and even barring this we have a religion which is passive aggressive in its treatment to women trying to say that's it acceptable for them to be covered head to toe. UK should go the French route and ban the wearing of this type of clothing that covers a woman's face. It's the 21st century for God's sake.

When people come over here, they need to learn to abide by our rules. So primitive stone-age customs can be left in the Middle East such as most of what Sharia Law involves.

I respect all religions but Islam, unlike the others, still has much progressing to do.

This is an opinion that doesn't make much sense to me (and which is clearly misguiding people or not understanding the situation).

Question: do you actually understand why there are refugees in EU? As it doesn't seem you do, let me explain. There is a brutal war in Syria where both ISIS and the Assad regime are murdering Syrian citizens. These citizens are fleeing these regimes through a dangerous, long and expense journey. And your thought is that as soon as they arrive in the country where they want to seek asylum, they will join ISIS so they can become a militant? Really?? Then please explain, why the hell did they leave Syria in the first place???

Wrt "the many" Muslim refugees being let why not look at the numbers: This year there are about half a million refugees sofar (its actually less btw). This is a mere 0.06% of the EU population! Is this a number which you translate as being overrun??

You don't seem to understand that IS are sending terrorists while they are more likely to be able to enter western countries without being discovered. Then they will set up cells to carry out atrocities in the future.

While overall, the number of refugees are not large in comparison to population, hundreds of thousands of refugees can't be housed when there are not enough houses for the citizens of the country, never mind not enough school places and jobs available.

reckon he should get a job

could teach

If that's aimed at me, having far too much fun being retired to go back to work.

I recommend you to visit Koh Phangan, lot of young western backpacker girls (free sex), everyday another party and nice beach. I am 29 and living in Thailand for 5 years and if I was here on vacation I would probably spend a 10 days or so in Phangan.

As for Pattaya the guys who posted before me are right. There are many nice places but you have to find them. Social live is good but mostly with thais. The variety of food is the biggest in thailand and in my experience Pattaya is the cheapest tourist town in Thailand. If you are still here tomorrow I recommend you to go to fflic club in the afternoon. Nice poolparty every sunday.

Your young western backpacker girls wouldn't sleep with the majority of TV posters back home, and I can't imagine that they would in Thailand. Mind you, I'm sure that they are PO that most guys are ogling the Thai girls, but if you see the backpacker girls nowadays it's no wonder, LOL. In Thailand they are the underdog, but back home they are the only game in town.

You should read your own post again.

maybe you will understand the negativity in it yourself.

Everyone is out to steal from a foreigner.

I've never seen a property bargain in Thailand.

Sellers doubled their asking price when they saw a foreigner in the picture.

Foreigners were already trying to sell at double the going rate(because they had purchased at double price).

Even my wife tried to work in a 500,000bht commission for herself in any property deal on the cards.

I wish I were still renting!

Is that negative enough for you.

You made some bad choice's in Thailand.

Dump the bad choices and move on

You may be happier then.

Not sure I could be much happier, age 60 cycling every day, sleeping with a university student, great son, plenty of money.

Because I'm not stupid, and can tell reality from fantasy, doesn't mean I'm unhappy.

Although I have to agree with you, stupid and poor people often lead happier lives than intelligent and wealthy people.

Had you said poor people often lead happier lives than wealthy people I'd have given you a like.

Seems that wealthy people must have more, more, more and always worried someone will steal it.

What is the water supply to the tap? If it's low pressure "city" supply you might get away with an external fix. Otherwise, I've never seen a leak fixed from the outside of pressurized pipe. Is the PVC painted? If so, I'm guessing the guy didn't sand off the paint before gluing the connection. I don't know how much epoxy costs, but a re-do of the PVC would just need a sleeve, 2 elbows, and say 20 cm of pipe and some glue which altogether shouldn't be more than about 40 baht.

Good luck buying 20 cm of pipe!

Here's a pic of the joint in question. The leak is weeping out of the top joint, if it can't be sealed in some way it means removing the cement, cutting the pipe and starting again.

Like others say, just cut the lower joint off, and route the new pipe over the top of the concrete. Use clamp to secure. Be sure to remove all burrs before gluing new pipe and dry pipe thoroughly before putting glue on both surfaces. Any water in the pipe joint and the join is doomed. I stick a paper towel down the pipe to lower the level ( of course you have to remove the paper before joining pipe ). Most shut off valves leak a bit, so be quick.

I don't know why anyone hires guys to do simple plumbing jobs. The plastic pipe is very easy to use. Just twist a bit when putting pipe on, but not much and be quick as the glue sets very quickly and is permanent.

Yup, the threads will fit.

Do be aware of local water regulations, for example in the UK this device would have to be installed with a double-check valve to prevent any possibility of back-syphoning.

Perfect example of how farangs complicate and increase the cost of a perfectly good and simple design for the sake of sanitation.

Not at all. I drank out of the tap in the UK, and wouldn't want to be ingesting hepaptitis with my drink.

In Thailand not many drink tap water.

Mind you I wouldn't want to use a bum gun in winter in the UK.

So do you only want the carer, every second or third day, or every day? Live in or out?

If every day, that's very generous as average wage about 300.