coconutmonkey

From a western point of view I sometimes find it extremely provocative when someone laugh when things go bad, but then again I think one have to take the cultural aspects in account.

So, is it ok to laugh when it goes wrong for other people? Laughing at disabled people? A guy break his mobile?

If it's ok, would a Patpong salesman appreciate if I went to Patpong and "Hahaha Police took all your stuff?"

Totally agreed!~

How far does it go??

If a construction guy fell off the roof of a house and I laughed, he'd probably stab me.

CULTURE is an EXCUSE for so many injustices in the world.

Saudi woman raped last year by seven guys..... she gets 200 lashes, and 10 months in prison. Seven perpetrators get 6 months

Oh, it's just culture!~

<deleted>?

I got a plan for you bro; drink 2 tablespoons of Baking soda in 2 glasses of water; but make sure you don't have a sodium problem first...... That'll clean your guts out and you'll be on the toilet for the rest of the day.... call it a detox, and dehydration if you don't keep up the water!

Next, cut out all carbs; meat my friend! Tons of meat! Meat for two weeks! This'll kick in the key tonic stage! If it's sugar, bread, milk, potatoes, cut'm out! No coffee with sugar..... all sugar OUT!

Then, intro some salad and green veges into your diet, and research on low carb diets..... go from there!

Drink PLENTY of water~!

When a 20 something wears Hello Kitty flip flops, gets over excited when sees the teddy bear cart vendor and irritatingly laughs at every 'boing' on the TV it does make you wonder.

watching the soap operas on TV, to which the half population is glued every evening, helps to understand.

It seems to me like one woman slaps another woman then a woman cries then another one cries and one will have that look of scorn and revenge on her face in a close up camera shot slowed down and the cycle continues. Saying that, is still beats sitting in farang land with a once good looking 20 something woman turned into an overweight, hair in a bunch, no makeup tracksuit bottom wearing slob watching Pop Idols on a Saturday night.

He's got a point....

Back to the cycle........: a bad guy appears, grabs the beautiful naive bimbo by the arm, she tries to break free saying "blouy, blouy"..... then the handsome hero (with feminine looks and too much make up) arrives, with a right hook to the jaw, he grabs her, they flee into the forest (or streets) and the bad guy chases them shooting...... later, the good guy will get hurt, the girl will get kidnapped, they will blame themselves and fight to save each other..........

uh.

Scissors.

Bought a pair the other day, haven't been able to open the plastic package it came in yet.

The funniest topics are in TVisa this week! What a great week!

Glad I got something to do at work!

Someone very close to me ( could be me ) is very particular about his partners.....

The range is anything up to 40Kgs, 150cms and 40Kgs is perfect, these women are in their 20's and 30's, is this normal for other Farangs too, or is there an underlying sickness involved ?

Good Q. Funny story...... or maybe terrifying??

When I took my 43 kg wife for a visit to Australia, beside everyone tell her she was sickly and thin (me too, at 70kg!), we had to buy women's underwear pads, as you do......

They measure these by weight, in Australia...........

The only ones available were for women 70-85kg, and 128kg up! Haha! Urrgghhhhh!

They aren't laughing at you. It's like the smiling thing. Laughing I guess is a way to miss out our typical anger stage. "We'll laugh about that someday", know that one? Well, they just bring "that day" forward a bit, to the immediate.

They tend to do this and it annoys me too. But don't get angry, cultural differences is all.

The funniest thing that could happen for a Thai is if a farang got hit by a bus, flew in the air 30 feet, and landed in a dead heap. They would roll in the street laughing.

Imagine when they re-tell the story...... "soong maak loey..., da-lok ship-hai!"

When a 20 something wears Hello Kitty flip flops, gets over excited when sees the teddy bear cart vendor and irritatingly laughs at every 'boing' on the TV it does make you wonder.

watching the soap operas on TV, to which the half population is glued every evening, helps to understand.

AMEN Brother.

It starts and ends there.......

When I first came to Thailand many years ago, I met a long time expat and in our conversation he said the best thing he had learned to help put things into perspective when dealing with Thai's was , just remember you are dealing with children .

My life has just been made so, so much easier.

I think he's got it!

just stirring the water......

It's a cultural thing to laugh at such accidents. Get over it. Next time don't be so confrontational about it, mai pen rai.

Understood as no bad intentions by laughing, but terribly annoying when it's your misfortune. Be real to soigirlhunter; there are double standards involved.

I have an idea, next time he f%cks up, laugh your head off~! Wait till he has an accident, and laugh!

Next time I see a beggar with his arms cut off, I'll laugh. Or the cop doesn't get his tea money, laugh! Or someone slips over, laugh! LAUGH at others misfortune!!!! It's okay, it's cultural!!!

But when it comes from a Thai, it's different, right? I mean when it doesn't suit them..... uh........ ??? It's a face thing, cause they don't know what else to say, so they laugh!

Yes, yes yes, I know how it is. It's not bad, it's cultural Understood

Found this through google:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Thailand: http://www.saiyaikennel.net/club_en.html

Hi Nienke,

Thanks; yes, seen that link before too..... just wondering if the dog was popular amongst any expats.

You seem like a real dog lover! Great avatar....

It seems that you assume that these construction laborers have nothing but bad intentions against you. Not a good start I believe. Your build has nothing to do with your security. If they wanted to hurt you, they could (if they wanted to or if you provoked them).

It is too bad that you do not even seem to understand what they are saying. I assume that your wife is non-Thai. Otherwise, you would have some knowledge of the local language.

My advice to you is to learn the language quickly. You will earn the respect of people really quick if you did. I believe there is no better security system than this.

Hi,

I live in BKK.

Many houses are being re-constructed in my moo-baan, and the house opposite mine is next on the list.

The same work-crews have been fixing them all up the street. When they see me, the lone falang, ride past on bicycle (shirt and tie) to go to work every morning, the workmen sneer, laugh and yell stupid things, and try to arouse my interest. I keep my head down and keep going; never acknowledging them.

It is only a matter of time before they know where I live, and that my beautiful young wife (newly pregnant) stays at home alone from 6am to 5pm..... (gotta work!), she does home internet business.

From experience I see these guys as a danger; low wages (Thai and maybe Burmese), low perceptions of falangs as being rich, uneducated at the best of times...... I think it's only a matter of time until they will want to start something terrible if they know where I live...... any suggestions?

Extra notes: I'm not a largely built guy, I don't give off that 'mean' essence, I don't know how I can deal with this situation. Any suggestions?

Dear Toybits,

It seems there are some assumptions here.

1) Build: That was a statement to affirm that I am neither intimidating by size, nor would I be easy to walk over as they trudged into my house. Agreed, I have felt they do have bad intentions, though mostly from previous encounters (please read up the page where I detailed 2 of these), which I believe are not bad, though slightly 'hostile' encounters at the least.

2) I speak Thai well, as my wife for 4 years doesn't speak English at all. So, she is Thai. While my Thai is quite good, quite honestly, you can imagine they don't care to use language like "Khun ben kwai" (with clear pronunciation), as opposed to something colloquial that I don't understand.... a different dialect? A slang phrase I don't know? It certainly isn't Paasaa-Dthai (southern) nor passaa-glaang (Bangkokian).

I can PM you my telephone No. if you would like to speak Thai with me

But of course, thank you for your suggestion. That's what I did request.

That is odd....your comment about taking off the rose colored glasses suggests that you not only worry but are fearful that they are thinking something bad

I think you have confused me with the OP. The glasses seem to have blurred your thinking.

Could be & it sure wouldnt be the first time

But no biggie.......... Mai Bpen Rai

OP here.

Nope, I didn't write any of those comments in the quote above.

Anyhow, thanks with the great responses and many PM's suggesting great advice.

I can see others here have had problems/and worried about these kinds of things before. Thanks again to all.... much appreciated.

Most sorry to those who have already suffered from similar incidents and have Pm'ed their terrible experiences.... I didn't know there were so many.

Cheers

Yeah, life is not easy, but at least I dont have to worry about what some random labourers think about me. wink.gif

I don't give a s#@t what they think about me; but I do care what opportunity they MAY take with my home/family. I'm assuming that more violent crimes/thefts are committed by those in lower income groups with less education (GENERALLY speaking); is this wrong to assume in an effort to be proactive against potential risks........? If you see a cow on the road, don't you slow down, ignore it, or 'buy it a beer?'

Odd since my guess is that most of the Farangs who are robbed blind in Thailand hand their money and valubles over while sporting a stupid grin on their faces.

Very true and their grin usually lasts an average of 4 years, IME.

I keep my head down and keep going; never acknowledging them.

They must think that you are un unfriendly git. Smile and stop giving the "white" a bad name. Cycling to work is not Thai thing. What would a bunch of construction workers in the UK think if a Chinaman went past on a unicycle and ignored them? - there is no difference.

Understood...

I have nodded and smiled, but not shown any initiative to strike up a conversation or sawat-dee. I nod at most people, habit I think. Maybe I could have been more accurate in my first post. Thanks.

Okay.... OP here again.

Thanks for the advice, everyone.

There's some good thoughts in there and clearly some plain assumptions on my case of 'blaming the suspects'....... just wanna be careful and I hope that you guys can understand that..... when it comes to family, it's easy to feel that way.

I'll just nod, say wad-dee, and keep on my way......

I see them drinking a fair bit and I've felt like they've tried to intimidate me..... even though I've nodded and smiled before......(honestly not alot though!). Once I was riding back and four of them (after clearly drinking alot) made a like a human chain across the road and tried to stop me on my bike..... I gently slipped past them without being too obvious I didn't want to stay.... I smiled a small smile and a polite half-nod.......

They began shouting (and one started stumbling after me a little...) "What is it?" It is a book..... What is it? It is a ant".... what is it? It is a dog.." but shouting right down the street, louder than Thai's generally like to be (in my experience)....

Typically, When I ride past their eyes are glued on me... totally fixated. When I approach, they tap each other on the shoulder, point (without being noticeable), watch as I ride past while they smirk and slip 'whisping comments' in a mix of Thai and very poor English, their other friends chuckle and look on...... the comments come when when I just get past them and they keep it going to some shouts when I am past a little more......

Could happen in any country..... but how to deal about it as soon they will know where I live. They seem to be very interested in me..... or my bike?!

I'm about 29, so maybe the age is what interests them as well? Anyhow, they don't feel like warm greetings.

Sorry to say but your HOOKED! nothing said here will stop you. Enjoy the ride and please post back after your divorce

Yup

Looking for all the reasons as to 'Leave' but will Stay.....

Been there, done that..... it's just the long way round to the same torturous end........

Then, turn a new page!

Here's a copy of what it says.......................

Greg's Protege

« Real Update, To Much To List.. EDITED FOR EPICNESS | Main

May

12

2009

13 Years, GG Life

Posted in Poker | View Comments (4)

My friend got a job on a cruise ship as a waiter recently, one of the ports was Thailand.

I guess he got out of line while there cause they locked him up for 13 years.

Kinda crazy. It's surprising but at the same time I can see it happening to him.

GG Steve, I hope you live through 13 years in a Thai jail.

I guess the girl and I can visit him when we are there next year, bring him some smokes to trade for food or something.

BobboFitos is online now BobboFitos

details? what sort of crime gets you locked up for 13 years in thailand?

Probability is online now Probability

The second hand information is he was acting like an ass. He was very competent at that. I assume he talked shit to the wrong person for no reason, or very little reason, and they locked his ass up.

WhySoSerious is online now WhySoSerious

i heard smokes in prison cost more than 2 handjobs and 1 beef jerky...............

Hardly official news.....

Hi,

I live in BKK.

Many houses are being re-constructed in my moo-baan, and the house opposite mine is next on the list.

The same work-crews have been fixing them all up the street. When they see me, the lone falang, ride past on bicycle (shirt and tie) to go to work every morning, the workmen sneer, laugh and yell stupid things, and try to arouse my interest. I keep my head down and keep going; never acknowledging them.

It is only a matter of time before they know where I live, and that my beautiful young wife (newly pregnant) stays at home alone from 6am to 5pm..... (gotta work!), she does home internet business.

From experience I see these guys as a danger; low wages (Thai and maybe Burmese), low perceptions of falangs as being rich, uneducated at the best of times...... I think it's only a matter of time until they will want to start something terrible if they know where I live...... any suggestions?

Extra notes: I'm not a largely built guy, I don't give off that 'mean' essence, I don't know how I can deal with this situation. Any suggestions?

- stop working.. if your so serious it will happen ( i dont think you are else you would not work)

- buy a Bangkaew dog (i got them and even if you tell people they are nice and wont bite they still dont like them)

- Dont worry too much i doubt anything will happen broad daylight

- Start working out and look mean

I dont see things through purple glasses but the situation that you are describing seems strange to me. There are a lot of workmen in this village too. I even had a few work in my home. They are not so bad.

Right.... it hasn't happened yet.... they're not at the house opposite just yet, though soon.

I think maybe you're right....... I don't trust easily and maybe if I took some time to get to know them we could get along well..... maybe some beers on hot afternoon......

the workmen sneer, laugh and yell stupid things, and try to arouse my interest.

I keep my head down and keep going; never acknowledging them.

Any suggestions?

I am confused about this part...what are they saying?

Why never acknowledge them?

A Sawadee Donchow might be a start.

Stop & check their work. compliment it if its good.

You know ......be like a regular person.

I also frequent a town where I am the only falang.

Over the years I have sat & drank or socialized with so many there I feel bad how they always want me to come over. Or how they always want to give me things I know are precious to them.

In the past when I first arrived I was a little nervous but after I decided what the %#$@ Im just going..... it has been all smiles.

This is good advice. make friends with these guys. Take a few bottles of beer Chang over at the end of the day and have a drink with them, you'll probably find they are quite friendly.

Cheers Garry9999,

Sounds like that's where progress is to be made....

First of all, if you don't understand Thai you have no idea what they are telling you. Who knows, maybe they are complementing you about your tie!

I don't like to use this word but you are kind of racist by judging them by the job they are doing.

Trying to be nice and say hello to them will not cost you anything. There is no reason they should be aggressive unless you give them some reasons!

Hey, 'mate'

Let's get this 'racist' thing sorted out once and for all..........

If 'racist', <deleted> would I be dong living here??? The comment about Thai/Burmese was to highlight differences in wages/salary........ read into it as much as you like...... if anything, you have the predisposition to racism, not myself. Duh.

I bought a bottle of Cheers Extra last week at the supermarket,never heard of it before.

To me,it was by far the best beer I have had here....not the normal 'lager'taste,but more like an English bitter,a medium brown colour,7.3% alcohol.....most enjoyable.

Will have to stock up on it next time.

must taste like cats piss then and I bet you drank it warm. give me an ice cold aussie beer anyday

I think Aussie beers taste like piss (not that I know what piss tastes like, right?)......

The only good ones are the Tasmanian ones.......... but for the price difference Leo goes just as far!

the workmen sneer, laugh and yell stupid things, and try to arouse my interest.

I keep my head down and keep going; never acknowledging them.

Any suggestions?

You know ......be like a regular person.

Yeah, why can't you wear rose tinted glasses and think of them as angels in paradise showering you with praise - like the rest of us.

Where do I get glasses that work?

Hi,

I live in BKK.

Many houses are being re-constructed in my moo-baan, and the house opposite mine is next on the list.

The same work-crews have been fixing them all up the street. When they see me, the lone falang, ride past on bicycle (shirt and tie) to go to work every morning, the workmen sneer, laugh and yell stupid things, and try to arouse my interest. I keep my head down and keep going; never acknowledging them.

It is only a matter of time before they know where I live, and that my beautiful young wife (newly pregnant) stays at home alone from 6am to 5pm..... (gotta work!), she does home internet business.

From experience I see these guys as a danger; low wages (Thai and maybe Burmese), low perceptions of falangs as being rich, uneducated at the best of times...... I think it's only a matter of time until they will want to start something terrible if they know where I live...... any suggestions?

Extra notes: I'm not a largely built guy, I don't give off that 'mean' essence, I don't know how I can deal with this situation. Any suggestions?

Well, really consider it.......

The things you'll have to worry about are not the same as elsewhere.

In my personal opinion, very much the same as other countries. Okay, there are fewer enforced laws here.... that's the beginning and end of it...... political instability..... not really a concern.

So imagine, traffic rules are non-existent, motorcycles go anywhere....... footpaths, etc. Risk? Being hit by a car or motorcycle, yes.

Education is lower..... so more petty crime on the rise..... but nothing significant for a clever guy who keeps his head on, and his head down.

Violent crime? While this is something of anyone's concern, I feel this is much less than what it is perceived to be, and you still have more chance of slipping over in the shower or getting hit by a car.

I mean, isn't that the way it is everywhere? Falls and car accidents cause most deaths, right? (No, I don't have statistics for all the ThaiVisa statisticians out there>)

I wouldn't let kids out of my sight in any country.............. so why any different?