Farangs in Rural Areas - where do you meet?

[maximillian]

On 6/18/2018 at 4:06 PM, gamini said:

and let's face it, all they can talk about is beer bar girls and bikes. I prefer Thai company any day.

 

And what about are you talking to your Thai friends ?

I'm honestly interested.

 

Where i live (near Korat) there is a Thai family who lived for many years in Australia.

With the guy i can talk about everything. His English is excellent and so is his education.

We talk about Thai and international politics, about Australia, Thailand and Europe, about his kids and their school, about this and that... As i cannot speak Thai, i very seldomly met Thai Guys worth talking to.

My wife's male relatives are nice men, all of them, but when they visit us they are more interested in their smartphones than talking to me, when my wife could be the translator. When i try to open up a topic, the most i get back is a grin and one sentense. Are they shy or not interested at all ?  I dont know and dont care.

It's a different story with ladies. Many more girls than guys can communicate in English, and even if they can't, they are more open, interested and creativ enough to find a way to express themselves.

There is a Brit not far from my home. He has a pitbull. They look alike, he and the dog. Not interested to talk to him. Then there are two Germans, nice guys. I meet the younger one about once or twice a month in a cozy German restaurant or in Central or Terminal, were he can leave his children and wife to entertain themselves. None of us drinks. Bars are out of question. In our subdivision of 42 houses, i'm the only farang.

[maximillian]

On 6/25/2018 at 2:39 AM, totally thaied up said:

 

I am one of these guys I suppose. 

 

You get dumped on once, they can dump on you again. Small things okay like missed dinner dates or things like that are easy to forgive. Bigger issues are a no-no. I always state if someone asks me for money, my car or something of immense value to me (or something that was bloody well worked hard for), it is off limits.

 

Social gatherings for most are fine. I see most of my Thai neighbors are always entertaining like most of us farangs do. My social gatherings are limited due to illness but a few years ago this occurred; we got asked to go for a dinner. My wife and I drove about two hours (she drove) to an out-of-the-way place, waited another two hours for a no-show and afterward found these so-called friends were eating at another restaurant only 400 meters away with another couple that had better social standing.  Lord, I know I am low-so but that hit me pretty hard for a while, and I just think these days it is much easier keeping to yourself. 

 

Dumping people like that is really easy to do yet it still hurts. If I was capable of riding a bike for long periods of time or something like that maybe I would like to ride in a club or something. During my working years, I had a massive social circle but as many say as times change as we change.  Most of us would not think about how our lives would end; I mean my dreams of a flat-screen TV on a wall came to reality; a phone that I can see my family with came to be actual and a computer system and Internet that would bring the wonders of the world came to me came is now not unimaginary at all.

 

I think I can die easily now and happy with my friendships I have. My life is pretty full.

 

Thanks mate. Wise words.

[GarryP]

13 minutes ago, maximillian said:

 

And what about are you talking to your Thai friends ?

I'm honestly interested.

 

Where i live (near Korat) there is a Thai family who lived for many years in Australia.

With the guy i can talk about everything. His English is excellent and so is his education.

We talk about Thai and international politics, about Australia, Thailand and Europe, about his kids and their school, about this and that... As i cannot speak Thai, i very seldomly met Thai Guys worth talking to.

My wife's male relatives are nice men, all of them, but when they visit us they are more interested in their smartphones than talking to me, when my wife could be the translator. When i try to open up a topic, the most i get back is a grin and one sentense. Are they shy or not interested at all ?  I dont know and dont care.

It's a different story with ladies. Many more girls than guys can communicate in English, and even if they can't, they are more open, interested and creativ enough to find a way to express themselves.

There is a Brit not far from my home. He has a pitbull. They look alike, he and the dog. Not interested to talk to him. Then there are two Germans, nice guys. I meet the younger one about once or twice a month in a cozy German restaurant or in Central or Terminal, were he can leave his children and wife to entertain themselves. None of us drinks. Bars are out of question. In our subdivision of 42 houses, i'm the only farang.

It can be a bit of a problem getting together with others if you rule out venues such as bars because you don't drink. That seems to be the place most people go for a natter and interaction with other foreigners. You might be surprised to find that not everyone who goes to the local pub/watering hole drinks heavily. Even though I gave up drinking, I still go to the local once a week to talk with people outside the family and office (to speak English).  I have also found that when those around you have had a skinful, it is easier to pick out those you would like to remain friends, or develop a friendship, with.  Some only show their true colors when under the influence of alcohol.    

[473geo]

The needs of people vary, for many years I have made polite conversation with people in the work place, its not a hardship, can be rewarding, but I really don't come to Thailand for more of the same.

 

I come to spend time with the people that matter to me, the fact that I can fill my days without having to go out seeking 'friends' seems to irk some posters. Why I don't know.

[maximillian]

4 hours ago, GarryP said:

It can be a bit of a problem getting together with others if you rule out venues such as bars because you don't drink. That seems to be the place most people go for a natter and interaction with other foreigners. You might be surprised to find that not everyone who goes to the local pub/watering hole drinks heavily. Even though I gave up drinking, I still go to the local once a week to talk with people outside the family and office (to speak English).  I have also found that when those around you have had a skinful, it is easier to pick out those you would like to remain friends, or develop a friendship, with.  Some only show their true colors when under the influence of alcohol.    

 

Thanks for your message Garry. There is a little more to it for not going to a bar then just to avoid alcohol. Due to an accident one of my ears is deaf but bothers me with a bad tinnitus.

Bars are noisy. Music, Television, loud conversations etc... When the situation is like that I can hardly join in to a conversation and it gets very tiring after a while. Restaurants with life music are okey for me as long as the music isn't too loud.

[billd766]

5 hours ago, GarryP said:

It can be a bit of a problem getting together with others if you rule out venues such as bars because you don't drink. That seems to be the place most people go for a natter and interaction with other foreigners. You might be surprised to find that not everyone who goes to the local pub/watering hole drinks heavily. Even though I gave up drinking, I still go to the local once a week to talk with people outside the family and office (to speak English).  I have also found that when those around you have had a skinful, it is easier to pick out those you would like to remain friends, or develop a friendship, with.  Some only show their true colors when under the influence of alcohol.    

 

We usually meet at a restaurant in Khampeng Phet as some guys like me live outside and KPP is a central point.

 

Some of us eat, some don't some of us drink a couple of beers and some don't, some drink water, coffee or soft drinks.

 

There is only one who sometimes gets drunk and he is alcoholic anyway.

 

The good thing about the Oasis is no TV and no loud music. 

 

The girls who serve hang out at the bar and only come over bringing food and drink. Mike who owns the place is German, speaks good English and Thai and is also the cook. The food is good.

 

We generally sit at a table outside with wives who are welcome sit at the next table plus there is also an airconditioned room.

[The manic]

On 6/18/2018 at 2:36 PM, dotpoom said:

Your tale kinda reminds me of the Farangs sitting at the tables in Big C, Pattaya Klang.

   I live in "the sticks" myself and the reason I'm here is to mainly get away from the "socialising" scene.

   Not because I'm anti-social....but because the longer I live amoung my fellow man the less tolerance I seem to have for the degree of self-centerdness I have come to observe amoung them.

Glad I won't be a your place at Christmas!

Edited June 26, 2018 by The manic

[rott]

On 6/22/2018 at 4:12 PM, poanoi said:

driving a few km to sit on an out door concrete bench twice a week

sipping a few beer chang.

congrats, youre living the dream in the fast lane

Bit of a pointless snide comment. I walk a few km twice a week to sit and have a few beers with farangs I know. Don't see that it is a big deal whether I do or I don't. If I don't does that mean that I too am living the dream like you? ?

[billd766]

2 hours ago, rott said:

Bit of a pointless snide comment. I walk a few km twice a week to sit and have a few beers with farangs I know. Don't see that it is a big deal whether I do or I don't. If I don't does that mean that I too am living the dream like you? ?

 

Yours is the dream and his is the nightmare.

[JAFO]

On 6/26/2018 at 1:03 PM, 473geo said:

I come to spend time with the people that matter to me, the fact that I can fill my days without having to go out seeking 'friends' seems to irk some posters. Why I don't know.

I am the same. If I meet people then I meet people. I never go out of my way to connect and quite frankly I do not care what nationality they are. If they are nice and easy to get on with I will enjoy the chat. 

 

 

[Justfine]

2 hours ago, JAFO said:

I am the same. If I meet people then I meet people. I never go out of my way to connect and quite frankly I do not care what nationality they are. If they are nice and easy to get on with I will enjoy the chat. 

 

 

Some people get lonely and need constant company. Insecurity or something.

[JAFO]

On 6/27/2018 at 9:05 PM, Justfine said:

Some people get lonely and need constant company. Insecurity or something.

Moving from one's home country can be challenging  especially if they are a person that requires constant communication as they knew it.  I have not yet understood the dynamic of seeking out Foreigner places to meet. I seriously doubt where they came from they were constantly looking for friends.

 

That said I guess if one cannot speak or understand the local language or they get tired of broken English they reach out to make those friends to keep their sanity. The problem here though is the quality of the foreigners. But that's been discussed numerous times before.

[JaiLai]

PaDavid,
 
If you ride a bike, there's a Loei Gentlemen's Motorcycle Club.  They do a lot of sightseeing rides all over and get together with folks from other provinces as well as Thai groups.  Looks like they have a lot of fun.
 
Check out Loei Gentlemen's Motorcycle Club and also Saloon Loei on Facebook.

I’d heard about Riis place, drove over there to check it out.

Went in, no one there but the owner ( I think ) sitting at the bar and a couple of staff. Had a drink and something to eat, no attempt made by owner to engage.
Very disappointing truth be told, not been back since.


Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[JLCrab]

3 hours ago, JAFO said:

<snip> That said I guess if one cannot speak or understand the local language or they get tired of broken English <snip2>

However, if you can speak the language to a reasonable extent, you can enjoy some of the daily pleasantries that occur in any country including your home country which helps counter feelings of isolation. You may not ever 'fit in' but at least you don't 'fit out'.

[EVENKEEL]

On ‎6‎/‎24‎/‎2018 at 4:00 AM, JLCrab said:

I sometimes ride by those bah farangs at 9 or 10 AM after swimming and see guys with their beer glasses and cigs in hand looking bored out of their minds. You can have it in comparison.

Throwing a thai word in doesn't make you smart. I'm sitting in Cheap Charlie's in Barrio Baretta at this very moment drinking 50 peso beers. $1.00 San Miguel light bottles. Not a bad place. These guys are doing the exact same thing as guys in Thailand. chok-dee ahahaaa

Edited June 29, 2018 by EVENKEEL

[totally thaied up]

34 minutes ago, EVENKEEL said:

Throwing a thai word in doesn't make you smart. I'm sitting in Cheap Charlie's in Barrio Baretta at this very moment drinking 50 peso beers. $1.00 San Miguel light bottles. Not a bad place. These guys are doing the exact same thing as guys in Thailand. chok-dee ahahaaa

3

Could not do that. I spent a lot of time in the Philippines (married before to one) and not my cup of tea. The Philippines is a long way from Thailand. Not much different in many ways but I never had to look over my shoulder, and my wife never had to worry about pickpockets here in Thailand. My previous wife was in total awe over the fact when we holidayed in Thailand, she felt safe. Still,  I have not been back to the Philippines since 2012, and it might have changed somewhat but I doubt it. Still, good price for a beer but cannot stomach Pinoy foods. If you're a heavy drinker,  Philippines is better by a long shot. Cheap gin, half-decent rum, and beer are good.  As you said,  the guys are the same all around this world. 

 

Regarding group meetings,  another thing I cannot do, just for my wife as we do most stuff together. Having your wife sitting outside with other Thai women is never a grand idea. Too much gossip and too much insensitivity between big bananas in the groups. Years and years ago my wife went to such a night with me, and she came away horrified. One of the girls had bought a high-end bag from overseas, and she showed everyone the price tax receipt.

 

Such class ...

Edited June 29, 2018 by totally thaied up
spelling and tidying up

[EVENKEEL]

3 minutes ago, totally thaied up said:

Could not do that. Spent a lot of time in the Philippines (married before to one) and not my cup of tea. Philippines is a long way from Thailand. Not much different in many ways but I never had to look over my shoulder and my wife never had to worry about pickpockets here in Thailand. My previous wife was in total awe over the fact when we holidayed in Thailand, she felt safe. Still,  I have not been back to the Philippines since 2012 and it might have changed somewhat but I doubt it. Still good price for a beer but cannot stomach pinoy foods. If your a heavy drinker,  Phippines is better by a long shot. Cheap gin, half decent rum and beer is good.  As you said,  the guys are the same all around this world. 

 

Regarding group meetings,  another thing I cannot do, just for my wife as we do most stuff together. Having your wife sitting outside with other Thai women is never a grand idea. To much gossip and to much insensitivity between big bananas in the groups. Years and years ago my wife went to such a night with me and she came away horrified. One of the girls had bought a high-end bag from overseas and she showed everyone the price tax receipt.

 

Such class ...

I'm here because my ship is here for a few days. If PI is all you know then suppose it's alright. I have a lady and child in Thailand. The exchange rate is 53 peso to 1 USD so of course it's cheaper. Still prefer Thailand over PI

[totally thaied up]

Just now, EVENKEEL said:

I'm here because my ship is here for a few days. If PI is all you know then suppose it's alright. I have a lady and child in Thailand. The exchange rate is 53 peso to 1 USD so of course it's cheaper. Still prefer Thailand over PI

I now live in Thailand. Have since 2009. Still, prefer Thailand a 100 fold. Enjoy your time and beware of that Red Horse Beer ... lol

[NanLaew]

1 hour ago, EVENKEEL said:

Throwing a thai word in doesn't make you smart. I'm sitting in Cheap Charlie's in Barrio Baretta at this very moment drinking 50 peso beers. $1.00 San Miguel light bottles. Not a bad place. These guys are doing the exact same thing as guys in Thailand. chok-dee ahahaaa

Is the "Sit 'n' Bull" still open?

[JLCrab]

1 hour ago, EVENKEEL said:

Throwing a thai word in doesn't make you smart. <snip>

Aw shucks and I soooo wanted to be made smart.

[kannot]

I have no desire to meet up with anyone I live in a  rural area.............you asked for  all experiences

[Baanatie]

Hello Padavid,

 

Farang in the area usually meet by Ott on market days. Few these last weeks.

 

See u there for an ice-tea or a beer :)

 

[EVENKEEL]

On ‎6‎/‎29‎/‎2018 at 2:59 AM, NanLaew said:

Is the "Sit 'n' Bull" still open?

Believe so, Supposedly have good food there. It's right around the corner from new Cheap Charlie's.