BigStar

That you think they should do something they're morally obligated to do (because of something unsolicited you did), when you think they're obligated to do it; but then they don't and just ignore you and your sensitive feelings and your cultural imposition; means unkind to you in that instance. And I noted that on those times they don't give gifts to just any people. If you happened to give a little gift to them sometime in the past, notably Christmas, for whatever reason, they have no obligation to return a gift to you. A gift isn't a loan to be repaid. Round and round and round. You must be getting senile. For the 5th time, it doesn't matter if they do, and I don't expect them to, for reasons already explained. Irrelevant, as we're not talking about "relationships" at all. The maids in the condo mean nothing to me, and I mean nothing to them. Giving them a trivial Christmas gift doesn't change that. So I don't expect, need, or want gifts from them ever in return. They know that. I'm sure most people here agree and feel the same. In personal relationships with actual friends and partners, you'd expect some kind of reciprocity. I think you're about ready for help to get out of yet another of your bickering loops.

Probably not suitable your application, but gift cards can be very appropriate. Central is an old standby. Bought one at Supersports the other day for someone I know who/s into fitness.

Great the slip had a number to call. Mine never have.

Saying they weren't kind when you think they should be is just saying they're unkind. Enough with trying to split a hair. I'm not "showing" all this meaning that's so important for you and that you need reciprocated--though even I did, I wouldn't care (odd to you, yes). What I'm showing is merely a little kindness, and I feel good when I do so. I don't overthink it, actually. And for the 4th? time, I don't expect them too. They don't have a Christmas giving tradition and don't give gifts to acquaintances unless there's a self-interested motive--which I don't need. Not the culture, period. On the other had, I've been the recipient of countless spontaneous, unsolicited little acts of kindness from Thais over the decades. Pay it forward. Are you done yet? As noted, it's too "odd" for you--and that's your problem, not mine. But whenever I ask a poster that, he has to make sure that he's not done.

But Pattaya's such a large area that you can live and stay in Pattaya w/o out ever being near the bar scene. Russians I see stay around beach areas w/ nice hotels and restos. You know only the superficial, stereotypical Pattaya that fits the monger narrative on the forum.

Yep, I literally am, and have said so a couple of times already. Will many more times be needed? You're going around in circles. But they aren't unkind to me. You have a basic misunderstanding. I don't care if they think of me, as noted. But they certainly do when I give them a gift. A gift given in a spirit of benevolence and generosity doesn't need reciprocation. The act of giving is its own reward. You're not going to be able to understand this basic concept foreign to you, so I guess we've reached the end of the discussion.

Wise to encourage good people to stick around. Plenty of jobs out there in their line of work.

I don't know. Ask for information or services: 1545 find the office and call https://postbase.thailandpost.co.th/th/service-point head office https://www.thailandpost.co.th/un/contact_thp/un/23 Otherwise you could roll the dice and, say, send her with a signed note in Thai requesting that she be allowed to pick it up, and attach a signed copy of your passport, and maybe your Thai DL or pink ID card.

Yep, always been true, seen quite a few w/o even going out that much over the years. Talk to the girls in the bars and they'll tell you some experiences they've had or know about

OMG. The Pattaya bashers dream thread! Let a thousand flowers bloom. 😉

I'm happy with me, and my happiness doesn't depend on others and their customs. It's part of overall self-confidence and a sense of noblesse oblige. I am large, I contain multitudes, wrote Walt Whitman.

Don't tip immediately after service. I tip the condo maids randomly every once in a while, maybe once a month, as I run into them on my way out of the condo. I just say, "tip for you!" and hand over a 100 baht note, for which I receive a gracious thank you and wai. No particular reason, I just think they work hard at their miserable jobs and have been around for years and been very honest and are of course quite poor. Why not brighten up their day a little at trivial cost to me? Now they all love me and I get smiles all the time, notified if they see a package has come in, get my water bottle refilled by the time I get back from my beach walk, etc. Kinda nice. If I needed help with something or the other (NOT that), I know any of them would try to help.

I don't want to be included in their celebrations. Mostly they are for co-workers, friends, and extended family. I think it's well to remind Thais that farang also have celebrations, including benevolent that encourage giving not only to friends and family but to those less fortunate and to those who are merely appreciated in some way. The act of giving is sufficient reward in itself, but it does build good will. We can all use that, intangible or not.

Nonsense. Haven't seen any low-life Russians in Pattaya, but I don't hang out in low-life areas. Plenty of the usual respectable sorts, though, families, couples . . . .