fr33space

I told myself I wouldnt post to this forum ever again but here I am ... anyone indulge the thought that this was done purposefully??? To show the world how pathetic the human rights situation is here in Thailand? Something which, none of us farang have ever had the bravery or intelligence to do?? It's about dam_n time somebody did something...

He has trained in karate for over 15 years... if he really practiced traditional karate and is a noble warrior, a true karate-ka, then I wouldnt be at all surprised about what he has done. I've heard that he has connections with the Thai community in London ... I may be completely wrong, but, a noble thought...

Things are changing in the world now in terms of 'cultural relativity', especially with the upcoming generation (generation y, or whatever), which is basically a global generation. It's about time Thailand (and perhaps much of the world) shakes off cultural relativism - many of the young people coming up in the wold are over with it. They have friends on Facebook from all over the world. If one of their friend treats them like sh*t, no matter what culture they're from, they're not going to put up with it. Cultural relativity is going out, and good riddance.

'Promptness' is just something at the very tip of a highly flawed 'iceberg' as seen in Thai society. Thailand's societal flaws are now back-firing in a not-so-surprising, violent way. The lack of 'introspection' by many Thais (although it's taught in Buddhism) acts as a hard shell preventing many from noticing the self-inflicted injuries they relentlessly inflict upon themselves.

While promptness can be a rather light, 'relative' trait - which can be experienced in the countryside of any nation anywhere in the world - there is a mixture of several flawed traits within Thai society, finally coming to a point, and it's up to Thais to navigate a way through their own mess.

Reading this nonsense makes it feel like I am one self-inflicting brain damage on myself.

"Ignorance is bliss". Mai pen rai mate

That's enough of me on this board ...

Don't give up after only 12 posts. I am sure your 13th will be much more satisfying.

Hah, you've drawn me back ... I can feel those 'addictive tendencies' setting right into place.

Cheers, wishing you all the best in the LOS ...

'Promptness' is just something at the very tip of a highly flawed 'iceberg' as seen in Thai society. Thailand's societal flaws are now back-firing in a not-so-surprising, violent way. The lack of 'introspection' by many Thais (although it's taught in Buddhism) acts as a hard shell preventing many from noticing the self-inflicted injuries they relentlessly inflict upon themselves.

While promptness can be a rather light, 'relative' trait - which can be experienced in the countryside of any nation anywhere in the world - there is a mixture of several flawed traits within Thai society, finally coming to a point, and it's up to Thais to navigate a way through their own mess.

Reading this nonsense makes it feel like I am one self-inflicting brain damage on myself.

"Ignorance is bliss". Mai pen rai mate

That's enough of me on this board ...

'Promptness' is just something at the very tip of a highly flawed 'iceberg' as seen in Thai society. Thailand's societal flaws are now back-firing in a not-so-surprising, violent way. The lack of 'introspection' by many Thais (although it's taught in Buddhism) acts as a hard shell preventing many from noticing the self-inflicted injuries they relentlessly inflict upon themselves.

While promptness can be a rather light, 'relative' trait - which a lack of can be experienced in the countryside of any nation anywhere in the world - there is a mixture of several flawed traits within Thai society, finally coming to a point, and it's up to Thais to navigate a way through their own mess.

Here's an interesting article I remember reading a few months back in the Atlantic which directly relates to this topic. The title is called 'Inconspicuous Consumption', and it basically says that the 'new rich' spend their cash on 'has-been luxury items' such as watches, cars, etc, whereas the 'wealthy with taste' spend it on higher education (PhD degrees), 'elite' seminars with 'prominent thinkers', tasteful interior design, etc., versus 'flashing' their 'bling'. Well, Thailand is considered a 'developing country' by many, so it's no surprise that most people here would would attempt to appear as 'new rich'.

Here's the article link:

http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200807/consumption

Try discussing this article with your average Somchai

I've lived in Asia for about 8 years now, four in Japan, four here in Thailand. There are many of the same 'traits' or cultural characteristics held between the 'West' and the 'East', and between societies/cultures throughout Asia, although the degrees and manners to which they are practiced, held, believed, etc. contrast immensely.

Yes, Bangkok and much of Thai society is highly materialistic (not all of Thai society, of course) - even though HM promotes 'Sufficiency Economy' which promotes living a humble life abiding by Buddhist morals. Much of Western societies are very materialistic as well, although the manners and degrees of materialism, differ quite a bit. And therefore, you have every right to take note of these differences of degrees.

Thailand does have (very admirable) moral guidelines thanks to Buddhism, although many persons across most societies/cultures very rarely adhere much to those guidelines. As it was mentioned earlier, face seems to trump many, if not all, of the other societal 'traits' in many societies across Asia - as hypocritical as it might seem. Much of Thai society can seem to be the height of hypocrisy. There are, though, 'diamonds in the rough', that are definitely worth holding on to (tightly).

Thanks very much for the assistance, appreciate it

Hello, if anyone could help out with the logic (or illogic) regarding the 'triple entries' of the triple entry tourist visa, it would be much appreciated. Mainly - how long do each of the triple entries last; how do I activate the new entry; and, what cost is involved?

To break it down ... I entered the kingdom on a triple entry tourist visa in July. It will expire in January. When I entered in July, the immi officer wrote "Sep 9" on the little square box. So, from what I've gathered, this means on Sep 9, I go down to the Immigration Bureau and extend it for 30 days (at 1900 baht)? If so, I'm a bit confused about what to do after that next 30 days. Do I just cross a border, and then the next tourist visa is recativated? If so, will this next tourist visa also last for two months?

I'm so glad these things are so straight forward - apologize for the ignorance, any help would be greatly appreciated ...

I've also been debating whether or not to join a gym since the new apartment (excuse me, "condo") I'm moving into doesnt have a fitness center.

Given the above replies, I'd much rather buy my own equipment than put up with those annoyances on a daily basis.

So, if anyone knows a decent place to buy some free weights here in Bangkok, the info would be much appreciated

Buddhists should develop their consciousness and mind to accept their destiny".

A very special thai friend of mine uses this as an excuse to continue a destructive life including alcoholism to block out the pain.

Well, this is the popular misunderstanding of the teachings. "Destiny" was the wrong word for the speaker to use here because it implies a life-long preordained destiny, whereas what he really means is that we should accept our "situation at the current moment in time" instead of whining about it and suffering over it.

And to complete the equation, to focus on what we can do right here and now to prevent further negative kamma (or produce fruitful kamma). Regarding natural catastrophies, my heart goes out to those who have suffered. In those situations you have no choice but to try to look at any positive things. I think that's why it's important for us to practice our dana, generosity, in helping those who have suffered. In turn it provides something positive for them.

Hello, I'm interested in constructing a Sala House in a rural locale (a few hours outside of Bangkok). I havent done much research at all, thought I'd start out by posting to this forum.

If anyone can recommend any 'local hands', small construction firms, etc, feel free to post or PM.

Any assistance would be much appreciated.

This seems to go along the lines of a child, or a caveman, learning about the 'nature of fire'. You learn about its dangers, its uses - and then ultimately, you learn that it's something hysterically comical to be infatuated with in the first place (but you get there partly through the infatuation).

So related to being a 'doormat', I think it's just part of the path - a learning experience - you make it part of your path. What are you if you don't? I don't thinks it's much use 'discussing' such things - you'll find out sonner or later through wisdom, although you might become a bit crispy.

Thanks for the replies, appreciate them - RY12, Brcunekhamen, IMA_FARANG.

'What percentage of Thais do you think practice Vipassana and Anapanasati? 1%? 5%? 10%? There I think you have your answer.'

Yes, and the national religion is quite well-publicized by the Thai government (TAT?).

'If you don't understand what I mean, why don't you try living on 2500 baht a month. Maybe you will understand why many Thais feel frustrated and angry.'

Concerning this perspective: I have close Thai friends who earn, and live on, very little; I am very familiar with this situation, and I spend quite a deal of time with them. I also have Thai friends who are, by any standard, quite well off - and I see this trait, almost a trigger response of violence, among quite a few of them, in certain situations. Indeed, the society does impose a large amount of stress on persons here - whether it be self-imposed or 'inflicted' upon them from the outside - no doubt the harshest of which I don't experience, although I do try to situate myself with locals. I suppose much of this analysis on my part is a hiccup from my Anthrpology studies...

'I know that isn't the answer, but you are trying to force a standard on Thais, that you probably could not keep yourself. No offense meant, but human beings react the same to pressure, no matter what nationality or culture they live in.'

None taken.

'Remember, as a good Buddhist (I'm assuming you are), do not censure others, censure yourself first. Then do your best to bring others to a right livelyhood by your example. All else is secondary to that.'

Thank you, I try to do so with friends here... maybe should work on befriending a few more. Appreciate your response.

Hello, I havent posted much on this forum because I havent had much reason to do so. But, something has happened which I feel is a dilemma throughout Thailand, no doubt for a long time already since I have heard several cases of this from friends who have lived here for quite some time.

The topic is the ‘violent nature’ of many (by all means, not all) Thais. Since meditation techniques such as Vipassana and Anapanasati are taught by several well-respected masters of the techniques here, it still makes me wonder why so many Thais are easily angered - compared to counterparts I see in Asia and in the West. It is no doubt a cultural issue, but I just feel it is a bit hypocritical on the part of many Thais to claim their nation as ‘Buddhist’, yet, there is a very real problem of a ‘violent nature’ of many people here. I bring this topic up because I am a long-time meditator and Buddhist, and recently experienced violence – which seems peculiar to Thais – brought upon a dear friend of mine who was visiting from Japan. He has a very sincere heart - and I just have to let this known.

I wont go into details, but he didn’t deserve this abuse at all. I can say that the violence he endured would most likely not have been brought upon him in many other countries, under the circumstances that took place. The notion of ‘culture’ as a justifiable explanation to this violence just disheartens me very much. My friend is a very polite, caring person who did not deserve to be physically abused (he received a blow to the head). I am not asking for much sympathy, but , I would just like for Thais to recognize this type of violence which is prevalent in their culture, which most of the time goes unaddressed – and which humble meditation can most likely address.

I have acquaintances in the media here in Thailand, so I will do what I can to bring out this issue to somewhat of a fore. Sorry for my ranting. Cheers, and with Metta :