onni4me

BTW, has the OP seen the actual paperwork on the loans with payments and bookkeeping or is this just hearsay from the ex?

If so, I wouldn't wonder if there are more surprises...

Strong avoid the whole thing. You talk about moral issues concerning her (your?) kids. How about her moral obligations? Let her deal with it. She has chosen her way and now will use ANY excuse to get something from you. After the collapse you can always take the kids to live with you if your morals so dictate...do not combine business and personal. It never works.

I strongly suggest to not get involved in any way.

Even the 'green plate' car - whatever it means - forget it if the issue becomes more difficult. Thais - the type you are describing - are a pain in the ass. They will screw you all the way with no guilt. You mentioned you didn't know about the other debts? What else is there that you are not aware of? Might be plenty...

If me and some ex, I would play hard to contact...maybe even a holiday far far away from her and the family. Nothing good will come of this if you get involved. If you do, six months from this we will read about your awful mistake of getting involved...

This law is one of the reasons why this country will never reach it's full potential. Anyone can be silenced with the help of this draconian law.

Since much else can't be expressed I leave it at this.

It was many years ago (2008?) when I lived and worked in Bangkok. I had to travel around the country so the very South excluded I have been in most major cities in LOS.

I had a good salary but the job was very tiresome due to extensive traveling and the fact that we were at it with my Thai colleague 6 days a week. Normally the day started around 7 AM having shower and the then suffering the hassle to go to the office - if in BKK - where I got around 9 AM. Can remember those muggy mornings fully dressed in office attire sometimes sweating right from the beginning.

Then followed the normal nonsense of Thai meetings and seminars. I really think they love their own voice. What else could explain that in a bigger seminar it took nearly two hours (!) to get the opening speeches and introductions done. Each participant needed to be introduced...otherwise perhaps loss of face? In my own experience, an hour or so is the maximum what one person can listen with any concentration. No wonder many seemed to even fall asleep in their chairs early mornings. I hope they have improved but guess not. Someone with more recent knowledge can tell.

This took right until about 5 or 6 PM depending the lunch or whatever. After that quickly to Tops or somewhere to grab some food and right back to condo. In worst case writing a report about the nonsense witnessed during the day. I believe no-one ever read those reports...actually I am sure of it since I sometimes made totally opposite claims what had happened and never got any feedback...

And same repeated the next day... My only day off I normally slept half-awake on the sofa too tired to move a muscle.

My expenses were at that time:

8000 for condo rent at Ladphrao near MRT station, 2 bedrooms, kitchenette, balcony, living room, 2 air-cons

6000 for electricity, water, laundry and whatever

500 a day for transport and food 500 x 30 = 15000

So it was 29000 before I bought anything for myself. Flights and hotel rooms were paid by the company.

And I very much doubt that it is any cheaper today. I just wonder how the normal Thais cope up with their salaries. In my experience the food sucks in Bangkok. I mean the so called street kitchen stuff. It is low quality with high price. Better buy from Tesco something to prepare oneself.

I had good salary but I never got to enjoy it much due to always being busy. Sometimes a pint or few in some bar before hitting the bed. Not much of a life anyway.

So, do you really ask I would trade my 5 Rais of lovely garden and clean air to that polluted S**thole? Keep dreaming...

So the dream is to live a life filled with consumerism? Something that I came here to avoid? I live Khon Kaen.

I don't drink (much). I don't buy fancy clothes. I go to tailor perhaps once in three years to keep professional wardrobe updated. A professional tailor makes a suit for 8000-12000 Baht that lasts several years. I buy my food from Tesco mostly and veggie and fruit from local market.

I spent 4 million to have the house and land that I am perfectly happy with. I have traveled around the globe so no need to do that again. Perhaps a holiday with Thai family at some point. It won't be a shopping tour around fashion malls.

I think the point where the article goes wrong is that we all want the same thing. Namely to strut around the shopping malls and buy expensive flashy cars to show off.

I don't and will not. I enjoy the simple pleasures that the countryside and people here have to give. Food is cheap if you eat like Thai and some items bought from Makro like cheddar cheese cost only 800 Baht for 2 kilos. It comes all the way from New Zealand. It's all about choices. I like to read books so order them from online websites. No problem with delivery right at my door.

Even if it is "permanent" variety, it only lasts about 3 years. Less quality ones fade quicker depending the ink etc.

I know this since our family member does this for work in Europe.

So, nothing really damaging since it will wear off later.

This is the easiest question in the world, JUST PAY IT,, 3mil sound resonable..

I repeat what I said before, give no money, none.

The new "boyfriend" and her are expecting you to pay their future and have nice life with your money. Since it is all about money he will lose his interest in no time when she can't produce the money she has been promising. She will soon realize that he doesn't love her and in the end has only the choice to crawl back to you.

It might take weeks, months or even a year but back she will come after trying all the other options first.

Be patient. Have some balls. In the meantime do something that makes you forget this dreadful situation at least for a moment. Eat well. Take care your health and don't drink.

And...DO NOT CONTACT HER! Let her worry if the Golden Goose is dead.

As I see it, since she betrayed you and is trying to blackmail you, your story is over and now it is only about negotiation about the child. Since she has nothing to offer, I would wait until she gets kicked out on the street by her "lover" (=greedy bastard).

He said the new law will base excuse tax collection on the emission of carbon dioxide instead of on the size of the vehicle’s engine.

Indeed...

Beautiful temples, commercial sex, nice climate, commercial sex,low cost of living, commercial sex,... I could continue, but probably you get the idea. Just a little more seriously, I have often asked myself the same question, and can't come up with a better answer.

Robblok:

Why I am staying because i love it here, I love the freedom I have here, love to travel here love that hotels are not expensive and i can easily go to some beach. Love the diving, love riding my motorbike here, love fishing here.

Beautiful temples? I have seen enough of those first 5 years i was here. No more, thanks!

Commercial sex? Been in relationship 10+ years. Did go-go bars 15 years ago, got bored in 6 months. When you start to understand Thai, it all gets very old very fast.

Nice climate? I Hot, hotter, hot and humid, dry and humid...no seasons as we have it in Europe. The older I get, the more I seem to suffer from the hot weather. Not to mention the pollution...

Low cost of living? I was in Europe recently and the price of quality food was lower than in Thailand and it seems that I prefer to cook myself rather than eat the sugary, fatty, natrium glutamated street food made from cheap ingredients. When eating well, it can truly cost more than in Europe.

Freedom? In what way?

Beach? Box jellyfish...I prefer the pool. And the fact that pool is normally clean.

Fishing? Hmm...the fish from the sea yes but otherwise they taste like mud. And I don't like sit in the heat all day getting some fish. I use the market or Makro.

Motorbike? You have a death wish? I sold mine after a bad accident. And to be honest, riding a bike in this country is very tiresome. Did I mention dangerous? Yes, I did.

Before someone tells me to go away if I don't like it, don't worry, I'm selling and moving out. It was nice as long as it lasted. I was never really happy with all the nonsense and Thai racism surrounding me. The more I learnt, the less i liked it.

My Thai family and me are leaving. I gladly leave this place of temples, commercial sex and unhealthy street food to others.

I really love her, and she me. We are both high-school teachers and I am 29 yo and she is 24 yo.

Yep. Yep. In my view love is overrated.

You say that you have only been with her 6 months? That is not anywhere close enough to know if she is a match. I did the same mistake close to your age thinking I "loved" someone here in Thailand and hastily started building house etc. That ended in tears after couple of years living together.

Next relationship took 4 years - living together every day - before we decided that we were a couple. It took a lot of adjusting from both sides. If someone says that it is easier here than it is in the West he is deluding himself. It is way much harder. I mean, if it is not about money. The language, the customs, the family...you name it. Also, you should think if you like to be the guy taking care of family emergencies. I don't mean sick buffaloes but rather someone getting sick and so on. It is a lot required from a family man that really is not the way we are used to in our own countries. Are you up for all the rest too?

What comes to her behavior. Have you heard of Passive-Aggressive behavior? That is what she is giving you. I would say no to someone showing signs of it.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/passive-aggressive-diaries/201305/confronting-passive-aggressive-behavior

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/passive-aggressive-diaries/201403/7-reasons-why-people-use-passive-aggressive-behavior

You don't give much information about your situation.

Does she have money or access to your mutual funds? If so close the accounts immediately and in no circumstances give her any money. None.

I have seen these situations before and the Thai guy is there fleecing her out of money. When money gone she will have no choice but to do whatever you want. I don't see any love in Thailand without money. Or is the Thai guy rich? Normally Thai guys do not want to take care of anybody else's children. Seen that too.

If I were you I would go for a holiday for a month or so and wait for her phone call. And only meet in very public place like shopping center. You never know what they can come up with her "boyfriend".

It may sound cruel but if you give in an inch, you lose. And don't buy the bullshit when she starts to threaten you or the child. She will at the point when she is desperate.

Personally, in your situation, I would play uninterested. No contact. No money. Nice holiday in some nice place with few ladies leaning to your shoulder. That would make her come to her senses. And after just leave her with nothing and take the child to your country. If me, I would probably let her deal with the kiddoe too and wait until the child is of age when can decide to meet you or whatever.

I also would let the local police know and make a report and before that contact your own embassy for advice.

I've been to Phuket as a tourist and also on business. Nothing will convince me to return - ever.

Oh yeah, last time it was interesting to listen the local workers speak. I happen to understand Thai to a level and what they spoke was something that most tourists would deplore...if not abhor...

Fantastic. Which local workers are you referring to, the Isaan imports, or the Bumese and Nepalese? Can't really say there are many actual Phuket 2nd and 3rd generation families here that you would meet being a local worker, as their families have quite a bit of money and wouldn't be doing menial work.

Back on topic, amazing how White Room says the bad employees are out on the street without a job, while the local entertainment president says they are not. Who's telling porkies, the White Room, entertainment president, or perhaps both.................

Did I say I speak or understand Burmese or Nepalese - or whatever they speak in those countries? I understand Thai and Isaan dialect to a level. Southern Malay dialect is rather difficult but the meaning I do get.

I have seen the Thai society from bottom to the top and from top to bottom. The underpaid low level workers I understand better since they have little if no chance to improve their lives. I would probably act much the same and grab what I could if there would be a chance to do so.

That does not mean I have to put up with their bitter and malicious attitudes or rudeness. if I am a paying customer they could at least try to keep up good behavior and manners - which very few do. And it certainly doesn't go very well down getting racial slurs or comments about my looks or intellect. Why would anyone in their senses like to accept that kind of behavior?

Unfortunately, even less I like the so called hi-sos. The ones I've seen and worked with (not a pleasant experience) have been greedy mob kind of people. All smile and putting up front trying to pass for a decent person but around 95% of them fail miserably. All they can think of how to get your money - or in my case company money - to themselves. No help or understanding about how a real business should be run. Full of themselves with entitlement.

I've been around 15 years now and every year I ask myself why to stay Thailand. Lately been elsewhere in China and liked it a lot (I suppose change of scenery helps). I have some nice Thai friends and not all is bad but regarding these *&%!(/(/!!! places mob running them, I have no need to put myself or my family in harms way.

Until the day Thailand and Thais clean up their act. I am not holding my breath.

I've been to Phuket as a tourist and also on business. Nothing will convince me to return - ever.

Oh yeah, last time it was interesting to listen the local workers speak. I happen to understand Thai to a level and what they spoke was something that most tourists would deplore...if not abhor...

Maybe to some 12000 Baht is an extraorbitant sum but I do carry around that every day just in case I need something.

Finely you guys seem to suggest that he somehow deserved what he got. I strongly disagree. The reputation of Thailand goes down the drain and you seem happy. I wonder why?

People coming for holiday here and having some fun and drinks are beaten and robbed and you blame them. If Thais woudl have any common sense the local police would be hunting these people down. That might do something to their reputation and save what there is still to be saved.

Personally I know many people who would not choose to visit a place that has questionable safety record. There might not be need for another Disneyland but relative safety could do wonders.

My mother-in-law was offered a such loan few years back. I didn't want to deny her of anything so I just asked questions and made a calculation how much that loan will cost her in the long run.

After realizing how much she actually would have to pay, she never returned to the subject again. She is old village people and all she could make of it was how much it would cost her monthly. She is not educated enough to count interest on a loan or see the other side of it.

Also, if I have understood correct, one has to deposit some money into this system to be able to borrow money out of it? Or am I mistaken? The more you deposit, the more you can loan. The whole system stinks of Thai style corruption but I must say not really sure how it functions.

Someone above mentioned Agricultural Bank. There is also these village funds that are bot exactly banks as such. Everything I see and witness now seems to point towards people taking more and more short-term loans on credit cards and so on without having second thoughts about how to repay the debt. Just the other day talked about a teacher that drives flashy new car and gets letters from creditors for overdue payments. I would wish to drive a new car like hers but I am too poor...

Would I pay 100% upfront without getting anything but the promise to have it maybe next year?

Ground floor? Nope...

Why to buy if you are not going to live in it? Investment? Dream on...

Günther Krause -- an eastern German politician who worked with her in the final months of the GDR and as a fellow minister in the government ex-chancellor Helmut Kohl in the early 1990s [...] says she propagated Marxism-Leninism

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/new-book-suggests-angela-merkel-was-closer-to-communism-than-thought-a-899768.html

Daily Mail: The little communist who grew up to be the world's most powerful woman

These links could be helpful understanding her agenda...Soviet 2.0 in the making?

People who call OP criminal etc. have probably never tried any real business here in LOS.

Against every foreigner working you need to hire 4 Thais to be cleaners or whatever with a good salary contributing nothing since you don't have any use of them in your special type of work. Good side is that the office will stay immaculately clean.

Paying all the paperwork is expensive, slow and a pain in the ass and the WP only applies to one location so God forbid if you move around! And it just makes you loose more money when workers come and go in short time frame to just start the process again.

So, according to the smart asses here, it is beneficial to hire people just so the law can be followed to a letter? And when some easier rules are somewhere else should just stick to the corrupt nightmare called Thai bureaucratic system?

It's about business and so I do understand the OP. It's all about the bottom line. Not about running around with paperwork. One has more things to attend to besides that.

Compensation would have to be at least 2000 baht per rai as that's the profit yardstick around here. The wife has 40 rai of paddie so 80k baht would be about right.

You seem to be suffering from a severe case of wishful thinking.

One Rai produces between 400-800 kilos of rice - 600 kg being sort of average - so the loss per Rai can be 4000-10000 Baht. 2000 doesn't come even close.

Problem here is that many farmers don't own the land they cultivate which cuts the profit in half. That is the real issue here. If things go pear-shaped, they loose money and go in to debt.

I would never want to be a farmer here. Hard work with little return.

Germany is using them as a weapon and political tool to create the United States Of Europe and force other countries under it's leadership. They call for "sharing the burden" and creating centralized government - which would of course be themselves. I detest the way they walk over the democratic process.

No more illegal tourists doing back to back border runs.

If you intend to stay in Thailand for an extended period you must apply for the correct visa.

From the article:

It is also unclear if only those people staying in Thailand on visa exempt entries are affected or if this also impacts people who have a valid Tourist Visa.

First, I have always thought that it makes it sound somehow illegal to make a 'Visa run' which it of course isn't. There are people who try to obey the law the way they can and that's it. I myself have found it utterly ridiculous that a hosting country likes to bully us in any way they can. Due to my age and not being married per se I can't get any long-term visa so been here on Non-O, tourist visa, educational visa and even WP at some point. I find it a bit too much at times and so we are looking to leave here at some point. This is how I feel about it.

Secondly, it is very counter-productive. The image as welcoming country can be lost at some point and after that tourists and others seek their fun and holidays elsewhere. They should understand that one has to try to make visitors happy every time and every year. Not just say we have this Thai culture and deal with it.

Thirdly, why oh why is it so difficult to apply SAME rules and regulations in every immigration office, consulate, embassy and border checkpoint? Time, money and effort are constantly lost due to their lack of professional conduct. It is so far from the modern ways and methods. It gives anyone staying here a bit longer a very bad taste of everything Thai. I would have invested more and would consider staying if things were different. Just like in my country, do your paperwork, pay your taxes and dues and you can stay. No ridiculous trips to surrounding countries.

Thailand is already struggling with tourism. There might be some new people among those affected that will carry the message to their friends. Thais tend to forget that outside Thailand information and testimonials spread with a speed of the light. But they still like to stuck to their old ways and that will some day come to bite them from the behind.

not domestic or regional economic factors.

The Baht is inert against anything regional or otherwise...just the bad old buck is bothering it's success and triumph.

Especially regarding China...

I would sell my Baht after reading this lip service.

Over the years I've seen a few throughout Bangkok, mainly alcoholics that have come here for a easy life and then lose it.

I saw one near a market the other day walking with my son sleeping on the steps of a shop house with a old pair of shorts and dirty t shirt.

How many have you personally known? It is no wonder if one has to live on the street that one is tempted to drink to forget the pain and misery.

Isn't it awful that they go around in old pair of shorts and dirty T-shirt? Why didn't you offer your maids service and in the meantime some food and pair of new clothes? Oh, I forgot, you are one of those people who likes to step on others so you can feel better.

A lot of assumptions here...and posts of holier-than-thou who think they are safe from all the bad going on in the world. Not to mention falling ill, not being able to get help or money running out for reasons unnoticed in time.

I hope that those who feel affluent could turn their vitriol for something more useful like going to one of these guys and simply asking how he can help. I prefer to see people put their monies where their mouth is. Very few seem to have good heart, most just spread their ignorance and hatred around. I bet the guy on the street is less prone to attack others with prejudice.

If you just like to feel more entitled for the good things in life, I have news for you: You could be next!

Sexual urges, indeed!

One would think that quite normal looking guys would get some 'attention' from Thai gals without having to resort to this kind of behavior. This kind of behavior is not excusable under any circumstances.

Although, reminds me of talking to a Thai who's richer and older lover used to beat the shit out of her and bring prostitutes to their rented room. She tried to object but his answer was what one can expect:

I do because I can! I do because I want!

This attitude is VERY prevalent among Thai males. I have witnessed it in working life and other dealings with them also.