Markaew

Several months ago I had a cobra in the yard during the night. Didn't see it but thankfully a cat did. I wanted nothing to do with it so the wife went to the neighbors to ask them for help. They came, killed it, and ate it.

I believe a lot of complaining comes from your place in Thailand. If you are working with the Thais, it is far different than being retired and just living around them. Retirees are not exposed to what the Thais deal out to foreigners on a regular/daily basis.

In the workplace, Thais are automatically right and you are automatically wrong. Thais are given a pass on nearly everything in the workplace but foreigners are held to a different level of the expectation of perfection. Perfection as they define it and it changes constantly. Foreigners are generally disliked for multiple reasons; you are different, you make too much money, you are rude, etc. And they keep you guessing on what the rules are in the workplace.

So if you are in a position such as this, then yes you will complain.

I agree. Having worked all over Asia the Brits tend to be the best to work with ( with some exceptions).

I have to disagree with that one. I would assume you are Brit by making that statement.

When working with Brits, all they can talk about is what is proper. Of course, proper is what is normal in the UK.

Similar to the Thais. What is proper is what Thais deem proper.

IMO

The light is definitely not worth it. It isn't that much different from Thai domestic but the dark is a different story. The dark is much better than Thai domestic but I'm not so sure it's worth the price. I drink it on special occasions because of the price.

What ever happen the "free market" we were suppose to get for beers that was mentioned years ago? That was suppose to bring down the price of beer, but after announcing this "free market" the prices for Thai beer went up.

What exactly were they doing that led to you coming to the conclusion they were Russia Mafia? Or did someone just tell you they were?

A few tattoos, short hair, east European accent......Yup! must be mafia. They <deleted> wish.

So a few Ruskie hookers might have a pimp, or they might peddle some dope but that doesn't make them mafia they're nothing more than punks

Lucky Luciano must be up there laughing his head off calling that dross in Pattaya "The Mafia"

Maybe a definition would be helpful for you.

Take a look at item 14 in the link below that refers to Russian organised crime in Thailand.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/238045

Interesting. In black and white.

It seems to have escalated in the past 3 or 4 years. Certainly the Russian tourism has increased.

Is there any good in Pattaya. I used to be a regular visitor there for holidays with my Brit g/f and even thought about retirement there. Absolutely no longer. It's back Southern Europe for me. Have I over reacted? Have I got it all wrong? Someone please convince me otherwise as I have always enjoyed visiting Pattaya and Thailand generally, very much since my first visit on business more than 20 years ago.

We spent 6 weeks in France, Spain and then Portugal. Another trip was a month in Italy. I'd hate to think of all the scams we ran into, the petty thefts we were involved in or were witness to. I've never had that problem here.

We were taking a cab in Paris and wanted to get out and walk home. The driver wouldn't let us. Said it was too dangerous. He turned off the meter and drove us to where he thought it was safe and let us out.

Numerous pickpocket attempts in Paris, Rome, Madrid...and a stolen purse in Portugal. I caught one guy with his hand in my pocket. But what can you do? Gold ring scam in Paris. Money exchange scam in Venice. All sorts of crazy scams by gypsies everywhere.

Pattaya has one area where 90% of the trouble is. Beach road and Walking Street. Other than that, it's quite safe. Even then, it's mostly snatch and grab stuff. Though a few violent crimes do happen, same as any other big tourist city in the world.

Sounds like an advertizement.

No Russian mafia, no drugs, no prostitutions, no corruption, no crime....

this town is a regular church/temple going city filed with nothing than

pious people going about their business, where do I sign up?

Yes. That's why it's a family tourist destination.

Exactly which industries are dominated by russian nationals? Sounds more like the press trying to whip up a storm of xenophobia and sensationalism.

You are not Russian, are you;-)

Erm - no. But living in Pattaya I cannot see any industry that even comes close to being dominated by Russians - maybe you would care to enlighten me.

So the only way there can be a Russian mafia is if they dominate an industry. Sounds like Thai logic.

It's been a year and a half since I've been to Pattaya and they were there then. That's why I haven't been back.

I predict Myramar will leapfrog Thailand.

That's where you lose your credibility and show yourself to be firmly anti-Thai. It's like predicting that Mexico will leapfrog the USA. The Burmese come to Thailand looking for work, not the other way around. This will not change in our lifetimes.

Horrible analogy. In comparison Thailand is no where near that advanced beyond Myramar. So I am anti-Thai because I think Myramar will advance? That is limited thinking.

If Myramar was so far behind Thailand, why is the US communicating more with Myramar? Because they are betting on Myramar and at least Myramar will communicate with them. Thailand has a "stay the hell out" attitude which will be their demise and another reason they will do poorly in the AEC.

I give the naughty nightlife in Bangkok another 5 - 10 years, here maybe not much longer. It'll go because the country doesn't need it. Thailand is way past the days of tuna, pineapples and bargirls. Today the economy is diverse, sophisticated and seeing real growth. And all of the growth in tourism is away from the nightlife. It's going to get squeezed out. - Shark

Something positive from the article.

CCC

You have been reading too many headlines which are meaningless to begin with.

Economy diverse, sophisticated, all sounds impressive but will not happen any time soon. I contend that the AEC will butcher Thailand and they will digress. I predict Myramar will leapfrog Thailand. There are many Myramar people that live in my vicinity and work in the local factories. They are smarter and work harder than the Thais.

As for Shark, I disagree with that statement as well. Thais are spend freaks and will always run out of money. I think he has job security.

StreetC,

To expand on this further, I am a fan of a particular point of view. This man has Thailand nailed perfectly and although I am absolutely not a fan of the Stickman site, I had a friend turn me on to this guys point of view. He is 100%.

His name is Shark. Read here: http://www.stickmanbangkok.com/StickmanWeeklyColumn2012/Pattaya-shark-man.htm

He explains my point of view.

Well that was an interesting article. Of course, the shark dude wasn't talking about Thailand--just Pattaya. And in particular, bargirls. I found this quote from the shark dude particularly insightful:

"A Thai girl once told me a lie is not a lie if it is told in English. Only if it is spoken in Thai is it considered a lie. English means nothing to them and they see us as weak."

So what you are saying Pattaya is unique in Thailand and what happens in Pattaya only happens in Pattaya?

Agreed that certain things may be unique to Pattaya but the point I am making is that same Thai attitude described by Shark is throughout Thailand.

My opinion, of course, but to answer your question, "yes" Pattaya is unique. The Thais in Pattaya especially. There seems to be much more mercenary types down there than, say, Chiang Mai. You ever notice that most folks in Pattaya aren't from Pattaya?

Point taken.

StreetC,

To expand on this further, I am a fan of a particular point of view. This man has Thailand nailed perfectly and although I am absolutely not a fan of the Stickman site, I had a friend turn me on to this guys point of view. He is 100%.

His name is Shark. Read here: http://www.stickmanbangkok.com/StickmanWeeklyColumn2012/Pattaya-shark-man.htm

He explains my point of view.

Well that was an interesting article. Of course, the shark dude wasn't talking about Thailand--just Pattaya. And in particular, bargirls. I found this quote from the shark dude particularly insightful:

"A Thai girl once told me a lie is not a lie if it is told in English. Only if it is spoken in Thai is it considered a lie. English means nothing to them and they see us as weak."

So what you are saying Pattaya is unique in Thailand and what happens in Pattaya only happens in Pattaya?

Agreed that certain things may be unique to Pattaya but the point I am making is that same Thai attitude described by Shark is throughout Thailand.

It took four people to write this tripe without regard to reality and truth.

Enlighten us small tom

I must live in the other Thailand - maybe the same one that Pigeonjake lives in. My experience of Thailand is generally positive.

SC

Sorry SC you have made a mistake Thai's hate us.

That's it then back to the home country where I am loved.

StreetC,

To expand on this further, I am a fan of a particular point of view. This man has Thailand nailed perfectly and although I am absolutely not a fan of the Stickman site, I had a friend turn me on to this guys point of view. He is 100%.

His name is Shark. Read here: http://www.stickmanbangkok.com/StickmanWeeklyColumn2012/Pattaya-shark-man.htm

He explains my point of view.

From your quoted article "I could throw you off my balcony and pay my way out of it. Bullshit my way out of it somehow. You know that. "

Explains your point of view does it?

So you want to cherry pick an item that is obviously absurd. But I don't expect you to get the point.

The man understands Thailand, how the people are, and how the Thai system works.

Sorry SC you have made a mistake Thai's hate us.

That's it then back to the home country where I am loved.

StreetC,

To expand on this further, I am a fan of a particular point of view. This man has Thailand nailed perfectly and although I am absolutely not a fan of the Stickman site, I had a friend turn me on to this guys point of view. He is 100%.

His name is Shark. Read here: http://www.stickmanbangkok.com/StickmanWeeklyColumn2012/Pattaya-shark-man.htm

He explains my point of view.

Yep, that 'Shark' character is a lovely specimen of humanity. To quote: "I'm free. I can say, "Fxxx you" to the world. I don't have to wear a shirt. I don't have to abide by the rules and if I do break the rules I just pay. It is one of the only places in the world where I really do feel free. I fxxx up all the time but I pay. It beats going to jail. In Australia I would be in jail. I could throw you off my balcony and pay my way out of it. Bullshit my way out of it somehow. You know that. "

So this is the guy you look up to? The guy who doesn't care about local norms and rules and culture and just wants to do things his way because he can? No wonder you have bad experiences with Thai people. Can I assume you also live in Pattaya?

This is how you make your point?

Never said he was a role model.

Not hardly, but I am saying he understands Thailand.

Sorry SC you have made a mistake Thai's hate us.

That's it then back to the home country where I am loved.

StreetC,

To expand on this further, I am a fan of a particular point of view. This man has Thailand nailed perfectly and although I am absolutely not a fan of the Stickman site, I had a friend turn me on to this guys point of view. He is 100%.

His name is Shark. Read here: http://www.stickmanbangkok.com/StickmanWeeklyColumn2012/Pattaya-shark-man.htm

He explains my point of view.

Yep, that 'Shark' character is a lovely specimen of humanity. To quote: "I'm free. I can say, "Fxxx you" to the world. I don't have to wear a shirt. I don't have to abide by the rules and if I do break the rules I just pay. It is one of the only places in the world where I really do feel free. I fxxx up all the time but I pay. It beats going to jail. In Australia I would be in jail. I could throw you off my balcony and pay my way out of it. Bullshit my way out of it somehow. You know that. "

So this is the guy you look up to? The guy who doesn't care about local norms and rules and culture and just wants to do things his way because he can? No wonder you have bad experiences with Thai people. Can I assume you also live in Pattaya?

This is how you make your point?

Never said he was a role model.

Not hardly, but I am saying he understands Thailand.

"Climate of Trust"

A tall order. I would say a total mistrust exist.

StreetC,

To expand on this further, I am a fan of a particular point of view. This man has Thailand nailed perfectly and although I am absolutely not a fan of the Stickman site, I had a friend turn me on to this guys point of view. He is 100%.

His name is Shark. Read here: http://www.stickmanbangkok.com/StickmanWeeklyColumn2012/Pattaya-shark-man.htm

He explains my point of view.

And with it any credability you may have had

I appreciate your opnion as meaningless as it is. You apparently have no tolerance of other people's opinion so why should tolerance of yours?

I was merely stating an opinion and somehow disturbed you into a meaningless statement. Pity.

I suspect you do not understand Thailand as of yet.

My first clue to your comments is you cannot spell. Either you are drunk or you have difficulties with the language which speaks volumes about your point of view.

We, as human beings, react to what we are exposed to. Many of us complain because we have negative experiences. In general, I would say that all of us have negative experiences in Thailand thus the negative comments. We stay here because of the few experiences that we value. Wife, gf, etc.

Thais have as a genetic/cultural disposition of xenophobic behavior which explains our negative response. To simple say we need to be positive about Thailand is a total misunderstanding of the problem.

Put simply, Thais hate us but we stay because of the small positives that we create for ourselves. Thailand is a hostile environment for foreigners but if you have the adaptability to create that small environment for yourself to flourish, then you can survive here or better yet, be happy here.

"Thais have as a genetic/cultural disposition of xenophobic behavior".... Are you serious?? Do you know anything about the genetics of human behaviour? I'm just floored by this comment.

"Put simply, Thais hate us but we stay because of the small positives that we create for ourselves. Thailand is a hostile environment for foreigners but if you have the adaptability to create that small environment for yourself to flourish, then you can survive here or better yet, be happy here." Talk about a "siege mentality". I suspect the only Thai people you've made an effort to know are those within your immediate family here... perhaps only your wife. I have made some good Thai friends over the years--managers, an architect, restaurant workers, farmers--and I've found Thais in general to be among the most open and welcoming people in the world. In your mind, of course, I've only been duped. Won't be able to convince you otherwise...

You are "floored". I suggest you stay there. I am amazed at the naivety of people like yourself.

Of course you make friends with a few Thais and I have as well, but that doesn't make the rule. They are the exception.

Pull your head out of the sand and the sunshine out of your ass and wake up!

Yep, funny how I keep bumping into the 'exceptions' ... must explain why Sikh fortune tellers always come up to me and say, "you are a very lucky man" .

p.s. you may need courses not just on genetics, but statistics and sampling theory as well. I can make myself available...

You keep believing you are exceptional. You and you believe that fantasy.

This reinforces my statement about denial. No clue. Just exist in your own world.

You can believe what you want, but I am trying to inform newbies that this ain't candyland like you are saying. They deserve an honest opinion.

Frankly, yours is just at best, hopeful.

I suspect you do not understand Thailand as of yet.

My first clue to your comments is you cannot spell. Either you are drunk or you have difficulties with the language which speaks volumes about your point of view.

We, as human beings, react to what we are exposed to. Many of us complain because we have negative experiences. In general, I would say that all of us have negative experiences in Thailand thus the negative comments. We stay here because of the few experiences that we value. Wife, gf, etc.

Thais have as a genetic/cultural disposition of xenophobic behavior which explains our negative response. To simple say we need to be positive about Thailand is a total misunderstanding of the problem.

Put simply, Thais hate us but we stay because of the small positives that we create for ourselves. Thailand is a hostile environment for foreigners but if you have the adaptability to create that small environment for yourself to flourish, then you can survive here or better yet, be happy here.

"Thais have as a genetic/cultural disposition of xenophobic behavior".... Are you serious?? Do you know anything about the genetics of human behaviour? I'm just floored by this comment.

"Put simply, Thais hate us but we stay because of the small positives that we create for ourselves. Thailand is a hostile environment for foreigners but if you have the adaptability to create that small environment for yourself to flourish, then you can survive here or better yet, be happy here." Talk about a "siege mentality". I suspect the only Thai people you've made an effort to know are those within your immediate family here... perhaps only your wife. I have made some good Thai friends over the years--managers, an architect, restaurant workers, farmers--and I've found Thais in general to be among the most open and welcoming people in the world. In your mind, of course, I've only been duped. Won't be able to convince you otherwise...

You are "floored". I suggest you stay there. I am amazed at the naivety of people like yourself.

Of course you make friends with a few Thais and I have as well, but that doesn't make the rule. They are the exception.

Pull your head out of the sand and the sunshine out of your ass and wake up!

Another daily and useless headline. I'm bored.

Let me see. The largest party in parliament is PTP, which is wholly owned by Thaksin. So she is saying let a convicted criminal decide if he serve his time, and let's forget about all the other charges.

Why would people be upset about that?

"Ms Yingluck called on protesters to abide by the law in their demonstrations against the bill..."

But convicted criminals should just bloody ignore it, or change it to suit themselves.

Agreed.

She states this because she knows the outcome.

I suspect you do not understand Thailand as of yet.

My first clue to your comments is you cannot spell. Either you are drunk or you have difficulties with the language which speaks volumes about your point of view.

We, as human beings, react to what we are exposed to. Many of us complain because we have negative experiences. In general, I would say that all of us have negative experiences in Thailand thus the negative comments. We stay here because of the few experiences that we value. Wife, gf, etc.

Thais have as a genetic/cultural disposition of xenophobic behavior which explains our negative response. To simple say we need to be positive about Thailand is a total misunderstanding of the problem.

Put simply, Thais hate us but we stay because of the small positives that we create for ourselves. Thailand is a hostile environment for foreigners but if you have the adaptability to create that small environment for yourself to flourish, then you can survive here or better yet, be happy here.

I must live in the other Thailand - maybe the same one that Pigeonjake lives in. My experience of Thailand is generally positive.

SC

Sorry SC you have made a mistake Thai's hate us.

That's it then back to the home country where I am loved.

StreetC,

To expand on this further, I am a fan of a particular point of view. This man has Thailand nailed perfectly and although I am absolutely not a fan of the Stickman site, I had a friend turn me on to this guys point of view. He is 100%.

His name is Shark. Read here: http://www.stickmanbangkok.com/StickmanWeeklyColumn2012/Pattaya-shark-man.htm

He explains my point of view.

Either you are drunk or you have difficulties with the language which speaks volumes about your point of view.

Speaks volumes about you this sentence; volumes that place you nowhere near the realm of kindness and happiness.

Kindness and happiness.

What realm might that be? Naive? Foolish? Uninformed? In denial? Out of touch? Daffy? Flaky? Hysterical? Unbalanced? Nonsensical?

Your choice.