why are we here in Thailand lets not forget.

[wgdanson]

23 minutes ago, possum1931 said:

A very nice post, so you are new to Thaivisa, but it is obvious you have not lived in Thailand long.

We are not guests here in Thailand, we may be to the Thai people. who for the most part are decent, honest and helpful, and are also very non confrontational.

But as an expat on a retirement visa which most of us are, we have to report to our local immigration office every 90 days. 

This to me is treating us like criminals, I do not know of other countries, if any, who treat retirees like this, and is one reason why personally I have no respect for the Thai government, and will never consider myself as a guest.

Despite this I will never return to the UK for good unless for something that is out of my control. The good in Thailand far outweighs the bad where in the UK the opposite is true.

How far is it to your Immigration Office please?

[transam]

8 minutes ago, Pete1980 said:

Another one in denial. I live in Pattaya, where it would be 90 plus. 

Thailand is famous for westerners marrying the prostitutes, like it or not.

Pattaya isn't really Thailand as a whole is it. I went there once many years back never to return. Seems you are basing your facts on Pattaya..????

[ravip]

1 hour ago, Thian said:

Speak for yourself mate. I still love Europe as well, especially during summers. Everything high standard, i love it.

But what makes you live in a 'low standard' country?

 

[blackhorse]

Pattaya isn't really Thailand as a whole is it. I went there once many years back never to return. Seems you are basing your facts on Pattaya..[emoji849]

Pattaya is a great representation
Half of isaan are down there so you get to for price of one

[CharlieH]

5 minutes ago, ravip said:

But what makes you live in a 'low standard' country?

 

Thats an easy one, a much higher standard of living here than I could possibly attain in the UK. 

I could never have the land the property and this relaxed country lifestyle.

The fact my wife is from here is also a very strong influencial factor.????.

[NoshowJones]

27 minutes ago, Pete1980 said:

It is so simple to do. takes about 10 minutes.

How do Thais go getting a visa to your country?

No1.  Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Not worth answering, only worth laughing at.

 

No2.  How does anyone get a visa into the UK, if your are under 30 just turn up and say

you are a 12 year old child and Bobs your'e uncle.

[NoshowJones]

33 minutes ago, rott said:

He does actually say that he has two failed marriages to Thai Ladies and has been here off and on for 15 years. Though I would agree he has the prissy style of someone new to the place.

Sadly you speak of a retirement visa which Joe got fed up saying does not exist, it is an extension of stay not a visa.

Yes "guest" overstates things a bit, the best definition I have seen is "tolerated alien".

Sorry, retirement extensions. Glad you agree with me about "guests".

[ravip]

1 minute ago, CharlieH said:

Thats an easy one, a much higher standard of living here than I could possibly attain in the UK. 

I could never have the land the property and this relaxed country lifestyle.

The fact my wife is from here is also a very strong influencial factor.????.

Now that is a super logical and easy to understand reply!

My question really is for the people who choose to live in Thailand and berate it continuously comparing it to their home country - this I find very difficult to comprehend!

I mean, who would consciously choose a place of 'low standard' to live and be miserable till the end?

[NoshowJones]

28 minutes ago, wgdanson said:

How far is it to your Immigration Office please?

About 60Ks. Though I don't think 10 mins would do it as Pete1980 says.

He must live next door to his immigration office.????

[Ctkong]

1 hour ago, cyberfarang said:

I think considering that you have gone to all the effort to grab this photo on-line and post it on this thread that this in-fact typifies the real you and how you really feel about your life, bored, fed up and discontented. As they say, a picture can explain a thousand words.

 

I believe the majority of the negative posters, moan and complain a lot because they want to stay in Thailand being losers in their own countries but are struggling to stay here, being financial or simply have mental and emotional issues, so they blame the country trying not to see the reality, or in other words, it`s not me, it`s all the others. Bet these people don`t have close family relationships or any friends either and it`s obvious why.  

Pretty much spot on.. if you are a loser in your home country, chances are You will be a loser in your host country too with your old baggage. Unless you change your ways... 

[sirineou]

1 hour ago, AJBangkok said:

What makes you think you’re a “guest” here. Were you actually invited?  

You obviously have not seen the thousands of tourism ads inviting you to come and visit.

1 hour ago, 55Jay said:

Sometimes I wonder, if Thailand took to heart all the criticisms and "fixed" the issues, would those who did the most complaining actually like the end result?

 

Or would they miss being able to barrel down a pot-hole laden country lane on their motorbike, naked, drunk, no helmet and never see a cop.  Or if they did, 500 Baht, say sorry, wai, and the cop then let's them ride the motorbike back home, naked, drunk, no helmet. ????

 

Ah yes....... the "good old days". 

 

Be careful what you wish for.

Indeed , be careful what you wish for!!

I can't understand the insanity of leaving  our country's for something different and then wish to make it the same.  

 

38 minutes ago, possum1931 said:

 

But as an expat on a retirement visa which most of us are, we have to report to our local immigration office every 90 days. 

This to me is treating us like criminals, I do not know of other countries, if any, who treat retirees like this, .

No such thing as a "retirement visa" you re here on a Non immigrant visa and graciously allowed extensions to stay , I wonder how many western countries afford the same consideration to Thais.

 

PS: when some complain about Thais as some do where Thais can do no good, IMO it is not to tell as how bad Thais are, but a thinly veiled attempt  to tell as that somehow they are better. 

Certainly a sign of insecurity.

[CharlieH]

2 minutes ago, ravip said:

Now that is a super logical and easy to understand reply!

My question really is for the people who choose to live in Thailand and berate it continuously comparing it to their home country - this I find very difficult to comprehend!

I mean, who would consciously choose a place of 'low standard' to live and be miserable till the end?

Respectfully, those who cannot or will not adjust to life here.

 

Its not easy to live your life a certain way by certain standards for 50+ years,  then start again in a different way to what was/is familiar.

 

Its like being a child again in many ways because you cant communicate effectively, not sure what to eat, dont know how things work, people all around you behaving very differently, you have to learn all these skills all over again. The difference though is pride and frustration get in the way.

Some stand back and learn to relax and learn and go with the flow. Others just cant get it or havent yet got it, and are still in the moan and groan and kick against it mode.

 

It takes time and they either get there eventually and relax and enjoy it or remain stuck in that mentally "comparing" mode and will probably eventually leave being unable to accept and adjust to their new environment.

 

All in my humble opinion ????

[Ctkong]

55 minutes ago, Pete1980 said:

A guest because they let us in and let us stay. Uninvited guests, but still guests.

if 80% plus of us didnt marry or live with prostitutes the Thais would probably respect us a bit more.

Well said. Thais see and judge.. but not for the better.  You should have seen those farangs with their dates at the morning breakfast 

at classy hotels where Thais and their families stay. Would you blame them if you ‘flaunt’ in front of their faces.... no doubt it is a free world so it is their free thoughts too. 

[ravip]

3 minutes ago, CharlieH said:

Respectfully, those who cannot or will not adjust to life here.

 

Its not easy to live your life a certain way by certain standards for 50+ years,  then start again in a different way to what was/is familiar.

 

Its like being a child again in many ways because you cant communicate effectively, not sure what to eat, dont know how things work, people all around you behaving very differently, you have to learn all these skills all over again. The difference though is pride and frustration get in the way.

Some stand back and learn to relax and learn and go with the flow. Others just cant get it or havent yet got it, and are still in the moan and groan and kick against it mode.

 

It takes time and they either get there eventually and relax and enjoy it or remain stuck in that mentally "comparing" mode and will probably eventually leave being unable to accept and adjust to their new environment.

 

All in my humble opinion ????

Yes, you are very correct and explained the facts crystal clear.

I guess, deciding to move to another country, especially when you are not so young, should be a very carefully planned out decision.

[blackhorse]

Respectfully, those who cannot or will not adjust to life here.
 
Its not easy to live your life a certain way by certain standards for 50+ years,  then start again in a different way to what was/is familiar.
 
Its like being a child again in many ways because you cant communicate effectively, not sure what to eat, dont know how things work, people all around you behaving very differently, you have to learn all these skills all over again. The difference though is pride and frustration get in the way.
Some stand back and learn to relax and learn and go with the flow. Others just cant get it or havent yet got it, and are still in the moan and groan and kick against it mode.
 
It takes time and they either get there eventually and relax and enjoy it or remain stuck in that mentally "comparing" mode and will probably eventually leave being unable to accept and adjust to their new environment.
 
All in my humble opinion [emoji16]

Depends. I live lower Sukhumvit and only socialize with my own people. I live exactly like I did in the West except its warmer and the ladies are always available and thais working in resteraunts /bars speak English

The problems start when a londoner chases a skirt into the jungle then tries to fit in with the locals. I ignore the my life is amazing living on a farm posts..

[CharlieH]

8 minutes ago, ravip said:

Yes, you are very correct and explained the facts crystal clear.

I guess, deciding to move to another country, especially when you are not so young, should be a very carefully planned out decision.

Absolutely, as the saying goes "act in haste repent at leisure".????

 

The sad part is that those who dont make it, invariably then blame Thailand and its people etc and not admit that in reality, it was they who got it wrong and couldnt adjust or make adequate arrangements so they blame everyone else as thats the less painful and easy option to do. ????

[sirineou]

15 minutes ago, sirineou said:

PS: when some complain about Thais as some do where Thais can do no good, IMO it is not to tell as how bad Thais are, but a thinly veiled attempt  to tell as that somehow they are better. 

Certainly a sign of insecurity.

Case and point,

There is another thread just started in the Thai news subforum

"TAT asks Thais to be good hosts to boost tourists’ confidence "

in it it also announced tax credits for Thais visiting secondary cities out of their area.

A reasonable person would consider both to be  positive steps. yet most replies were negative.

The same people that complain about Thais not being nice to them, then are negative when the Thai government asks the Thai people to be nice to them .

 Could this be the definition of insanity?   

 

 

 

[YogaVeg]

6 minutes ago, CharlieH said:

Some stand back and learn to relax and learn and go with the flow. Others just cant get it or havent yet got it...

Words of wisdom here.

Welcome to the forum OP and enjoy the vast encyclopedia of knowledge and experience that TV is.

Let negative comments wash away like water off a duck's back. It can be a real challenge at first...

I find that folks with an axe to grind are often the first to lash out. It gets disheartening. But then, the good hearts come out of the woodwork and lighten the mood with optimism and valuable contributions.

 It did take me a minute to figure out, but you can't reason with an unreasonable person, so just ignore those who come looking for a fight, or better yet flag them, the mods here are quick to respond.

 

Me, I love this country, I think the people are fabulous, gentle, warm and friendly. No one's tried to rip me off or even said a bad word to me.

Sure, Thailand has its issues, like anywhere else in the world, but I'm here as a guest, as an observer, and a learner.

I know I'm not going to change the culture single-handedly, so I accept it all for what it is.

 

 

[thequietman]

I get where you are coming from but countries change and cultures change through the actions and opinions of others. Thailand is great but christ, it needs some help regarding the 'lower classes." 

 

We learn by listening to the opinions of others and my wife is a perfect example of that. She has learned a little from me and I from her. She no longer accepts that a government official can keep her waiting. He works for her and not the other way around and she now pulls up government officials on their shortfalls. I applaud her for that and I hope she and my sons continue to tell Gov officials what is what.

[sirineou]

14 minutes ago, blackhorse said:

Depends. I live lower Sukhumvit and only socialize with my own people. I live exactly like I did in the West except its warmer and the ladies are always available and thais working in resteraunts /bars speak English

The problems start when a londoner chases a skirt into the jungle then tries to fit in with the locals. I ignore the my life is amazing living on a farm posts..

In other words you are here to pleasure yourself. Didn't you mother tell you that if you pleasure yourself too much you will go blind?

[zzaa09]

26 minutes ago, CharlieH said:

Absolutely, as the saying goes "act in haste repent at leisure".????

 

The sad part is that those who dont make it, invariably then blame Thailand and its people etc and not admit that in reality, it was they who got it wrong and couldnt adjust or make adequate arrangements so they blame everyone else as thats the less painful and easy option to do. ????

Yep...

Which, is largely the case. 

You'll find that these types that don't adjust or acclimate to their "foreign" surroundings and create unnecessary angst for themselves is certainly not limited to Thailand......but, will find this type of character wherever they happen to be. 

[sirineou]

15 minutes ago, YogaVeg said:

Words of wisdom here.

Welcome to the forum OP and enjoy the vast encyclopedia of knowledge and experience that TV is.

Let negative comments wash away like water off a duck's back. It can be a real challenge at first...

I find that folks with an axe to grind are often the first to lash out. It gets disheartening. But then, the good hearts come out of the woodwork and lighten the mood with optimism and valuable contributions.

 It did take me a minute to figure out, but you can't reason with an unreasonable person, so just ignore those who come looking for a fight, or better yet flag them, the mods here are quick to respond.

 

Me, I love this country, I think the people are fabulous, gentle, warm and friendly. No one's tried to rip me off or even said a bad word to me.

Sure, Thailand has its issues, like anywhere else in the world, but I'm here as a guest, as an observer, and a learner.

I know I'm not going to change the culture single-handedly, so I accept it all for what it is.

 

 

Well said!!

Have being coming to this country for over 13 years now , being a TVF member for over 10. Married to a wonderful Thai lady for a long time (better than I deserve) . Never ripped off ( more so than back home), Always treated well. 

IMO people can smell it when you don't like them, and they dont like you back. Those who dont like it here reap what they sow.

Excellent forum IMO, helped me a lot when I had questions, entertained me when I was bored, and kept me connected to some very nice , intelligent, funny expats with a unique inside from many different countries.

 

 

[xylophone]

32 minutes ago, blackhorse said:

Depends. I live lower Sukhumvit and only socialize with my own people. I live exactly like I did in the West except its warmer and the ladies are always available and thais working in restaurants /bars speak English

The problems start when a londoner chases a skirt into the jungle then tries to fit in with the locals. I ignore the my life is amazing living on a farm posts..

I have a similar outlook to you on this and I did live with a lovely Thai lady and her daughter for some time, and still think they are wonderful and take care of them even though we have been apart for some time. Now though I am single and enjoy the company of friendly females!

 

I mainly eat farang food, much like I did at home, but can't buy wine as cheaply, which is a shame as collecting it and drinking it are hobbies of mine!

 

I do have some Thai friends, but not many, but those I know are very polite and friendly indeed.

 

The move here was initiated by a bout of poor health, and wishing to be somewhere where it was warmer and, if I'm truly honest, somewhere where my savings and investments would last me well beyond my time on this mortal coil, which they will by scores of years.

 

I often see that which has been quoted elsewhere about people coming here because "they were losers back home" and although I have seen that, I also know some very successful people who live here for one reason or another, so there is no "one size fits all" to this.

 

I'm here because I want to be, not because I need to be, I have learnt things in the 14 years I have been coming here and the 11 years I've been living here permanently, and I don't compare things with back home, but I do reserve the right to moan about potholes in the roads, appalling driving and the road deaths and the lack of a thought process which weighs up consequences – – otherwise I let everything go on, whilst I do my thing.

[mauGR1]

Yes , lots of negativity on this Forum, but in my 20 years in Thailand i've seen lots of people coming here with lots of enthusiasm, and many of them have left completely disillusioned.

Some will say that all those people are losers, but i guarantee that it's not always true.

To use a metaphor, it's great to look at the stars, just be careful, while doing that, that you don't fall in a deep hole.

[rumak]

3 hours ago, cyberfarang said:

Have to agree. I am also from the UK and sorry to say, my country no longer represents me. I am realistic about my status in Thailand and although try to adapt as much as possible, do realise that I`ll always be nothing more then a glorified guest, but I accept that and it`s not a problem.

 

Also lived in Thailand for several years and try to look on the positive side of living here. When I read posts on many of these threads, there does seem to be more negatives than positives about the Thais and Thailand and those that continuously moan and complain, have to wonder who they are, where they live and that these people must be living very miserable existences.

 

Although I enjoy TV unfortunately it does seem to have become synonymous for disgruntled elderly expat men that seem to totally cheesed off with everything in their lives and the world around them. They don`t seem to be contented unless they are miserable. 

I also agree.  But just one point:  i don't think that the disgruntled are only the elderly (some of whom do appreciate that even though old age is a challenge... its not thailand that is the problem).  I think that there are quite a few on TV in the 20 to 50 year old group that moan and groan and bash thailand and thai people for their own inadequacies .  Just view the ensuing confused and sad emojis if you want to know who they are  

[rumak]

18 minutes ago, mauGR1 said:

Yes , lots of negativity on this Forum, but in my 20 years in Thailand i've seen lots of people coming here with lots of enthusiasm, and many of them have left completely disillusioned.

Some will say that all those people are losers, but i guarantee that it's not always true.

To use a metaphor, it's great to look at the stars, just be careful, while doing that, that you don't fall in a deep hole.

I have been up and down a few times over my 20 plus years.... life anywhere is a learning experience.  Ultimately I do not blame others for what i've been through (just happy i came out alive).  I don't call others losers..or me a winner,  but do believe that we have to take responsibility for our choices.  Some stories turn out well,  others not so much.

[KMartinHandyman]

I think considering that you have gone to all the effort to grab this photo on-line and post it on this thread that this in-fact typifies the real you and how you really feel about your life, bored, fed up and discontented. As they say, a picture can explain a thousand words.
 
I believe the majority of the negative posters, moan and complain a lot because they want to stay in Thailand being losers in their own countries but are struggling to stay here, being financial or simply have mental and emotional issues, so they blame the country trying not to see the reality, or in other words, it`s not me, it`s all the others. Bet these people don`t have close family relationships or any friends either and it`s obvious why.  

I think the picture was to express his reaction to the OP rather than your far reaching psychoanalysis assertions.
As Charles Barkley said I could be wrong but I doubt it. I found it rather pointless and vanilla but to each their own.

[mauGR1]

1 minute ago, rumak said:

I have been up and down a few times over my 20 plus years.... life anywhere is a learning experience.  Ultimately I do not blame others for what i've been through (just happy i came out alive).  I don't call others losers..or me a winner,  but do believe that we have to take responsibility for our choices.  Some stories turn out well,  others not so much.

I agree with you on taking responsibility for one's choices, right or wrong.

I stand by my point, that being completely positive, or completely negative about something, is wrong.

Every coin has two sides.

[wgdanson]

1 hour ago, possum1931 said:

About 60Ks. Though I don't think 10 mins would do it as Pete1980 says.

He must live next door to his immigration office.????

It's 35 km for me. So a round trip combined with a trip to Tesco or Macro 4 times a year isn't THAT much hassle.

[AlexRich]

If you’re coming to Thailand for a long stay it’s important to understand the pitfalls. You can certainly characterise comments on Thai Visa as critical of Thailand, not all of which I agree with, however there are many lessons to be learned if you venture here, and I’d rather learn from the mistakes of others if at all possible. 

 

So I’m not in favour of having a forum that only discusses the positive aspects, of which there are many. If you are planning on staying in Thailand long term do as much homework as possible and you’ll arrive with your eyes wide open and consequently have a much better experience when you get here.