spidermike007

They are more Western in their mindset. The colonial occupation by Spain, which was largely managed by Mexico, means the culture is more Western leaning. Which makes them more open to the outside world and more curious. Qualities which are sorely lacking here. I find it rare for Thai men to have much interest at all, in really getting to know us. They seem to be lacking curiosity of the outside world, to a remarkable degree.

Intelligence, knowledge and intellect are completely distinct and different things. I know alot of smart people here and elsewhere, who are not the least bit intellectual. And that is fine. Granted, a higher education can mean more knowledge of certain areas. But, not always. So, I tend to have wide ranging discussions with my foreign friends, while many Thais consider the topics of history, cosmology, biology, oceanography, wreck diving, astronomy and science to be highly boring. It is not an issue of intelligence, but rather interest. And perhaps curiosity.

Even though my wife is very smart, I do not get much intellectual stimulation from the relationship. But, I get so much else. And in all of the relationships I was ever in with really smart women, who I got intellectual stimulation from, there was also so much grief to contend with. Such combative women. So much competition. Yikes. Thrilled to death to have left all of that behind. When I was only in the relationship for a year or so, I had dinner with a very sharp American friend. I asked him about that. He laughed. He said, when you feel the need for intellectual stimulation, call me. We can hook up for the meal, and break down the origins of the cosmos. Do not fret. That same brain that gives you that stimulation, also tends to give you so much grief, it is not worth it, on any level. Get over it. Enjoy all of the other qualities, that make your day so delightful and fulfilling. Great advice, that I have followed to this day. I learned long ago that an intellectual woman, who can match me intellectually, also tends to be a combative woman, and the chance of harmony is low. I for one, love a harmonious house, where my woman is joyful and light hearted, with a great sense of humor, and an amazing attitude toward life, and us. Just my point of view. Whatever works for you, stick with it.

Please feel free to share some links of wealthy Thais giving away significant amounts of money. Not talking about temple donations.

It's time to renew and the company that we are with, which is Veriyah, is telling us that our car is worth 180,000 baht less this year. Seems strange. A nearly new Mazda CX-30. And the maximum they're willing to cover it for is considerably less than the car is worth. Fairly typical, but would prefer closer to 90% of value. Does anybody have any recommendations on a reliable car insurance company that pays claims and offers good roadside service? Is Veriyah the best? I saw some rather negative ratings online for AXA, Muang, and MSIG.

I actually had a conversation with my Thai wife today about leaving. First time I have seriously contemplated that, in well over a decade. I was very surprised she felt the same way I do. She shared alot of my disappointments and frustrations. It would be a big move, as we have assets here to consider, and we are both close to her lovely family. And we both love most Thai people, Thai food, and traveling around Thailand and the region. And up until the last year or two, I would say we really love our life here. Some of it might be Covid fatigue. But, alot of it is army fatigue. And what feels like a diminishing quality of life. I am just very, very tired of the goon leaders here, the continued xenophobia from them, and their constant nonsense and lack of leadership. Neither of us see any hope for the future. This is not about Covid. Though the handling of it has sure been disillusioning. It is about the possibility of a future. What will happen to change things and put this nation on a forward path with any kind of promise? Even if they get rid of the most horrible leader they have had in ages, how will they get rid of the highly corrupt and totally compromised 250 proxy senators? And will any of them ever be held to account? The level of toxic corruption and the "above the law" nonsense gets very tiring. And if they cannot figure out a way out of this backwards moving and ever deepening destruction and sabotage, do we want to spend the rest of our lives dealing with such lowlife leaders, moral degradation, and constant threats? And of course, the question is if we leave, where to? Certainly not back to the US. Thinking maybe we will check out Spain for a long vacation. Then we will see. Any thoughts?