Feeling 'eyed' by Thailand and what I'm planning on doing about it

[marcusarelus]

29 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Mexico is a country in Latin America. Mexico does not equal Latin America.

Border crossings from Mexico are largely Central Americans and also of course North Americans (Mexicans).

Not South Americans. 

Motivations are largely economic migration and also literal refugees such as from some Central American nations.

It's a two way street.

Well over a million Americans live in Mexico, and yes, many of them are not legal (ironic, huh?). 

 

https://www.vallartadaily.com/study-nearly-one-million-undocumented-americans-live-in-mexico/

 

If you're happy with Thailand, be happy.

No need to try to justify your choice by painting an entire massive region in such a negative way just because it doesn't appeal to you or make sense to you as a realistic expatriation option for you.

A couple of million Americans live in Canada and a couple of million in Mexico.  300 million live in America.  If Latin America or Canada was a viable choice for many the immigration pattern would be the reverse of what it is.  This thread is about getting the evil eye in Thailand and is it making me leave.  I'm an old guy walking down the street with a cane.  People ask me if I want help across the street or a drink of water. 

[Jingthing]

If you're happy to stay and can stay then by all means stay.

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[Leaver]

23 hours ago, marcusarelus said:

Singapore or Penang have the only health care infrastrucure the same as Thailand but both of those are many times more expensive for a retirement option.  My only other choice is USA.  Latin America is for armed thugs and I'm not there anymore after my gun permits all ran out.  I am obviously only referring to my self (old American military vet).  I'm boring.  Far more interesting in my opinion are the guys who have been getting ready to leave for 10 years. 

I'll say it again.

 

If an expat in Udon Thani is diagnosed with a condition that needs an operation, he will fly to Bangkok for it.

 

If an expat in a nearby country is diagnosed with a condition that needs and operation, they can also fly to Bangkok for it.

 

Flight time difference is minimal withing South east Asia. 

 

You make it sound like every expat needs to live near a good hospital.  It's simply not the case. 

 

Even in western countries, people travel to a major city to see a specialist. 

[spidermike007]

Good post. Alot of valid points. I do not think the Thai people dislike us. But, the extreme xenophobia and fear of outsiders (foreigners) on the part of this administration is trickling down to the public a bit, and to nearly all government workers, for sure. The current administration is beyond hapless and incompetent. They do not want us here. No doubt about that. They are completely lacking in vision and wisdom. Does the term empty suit apply? I do believe it does.

 

As far as moving the West Coast of the US, it depends where. If you are talking about Southern California, you will be hard pressed to find a nice apartment for under $2000 a month. The cost of living is astronomical. In Los Angeles, there is little under $500,000. And for that amount you will end up with a junky house. If it were me, I would look at Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, or someplace like that. California has completely lost any magic it once had. Everyone I know who can afford it, is leaving.

[Sheryl]

I'll say it again.

 

If an expat in Udon Thani is diagnosed with a condition that needs an operation, he will fly to Bangkok for it.

 

If an expat in a nearby country is diagnosed with a condition that needs and operation, they can also fly to Bangkok for it.

 

Flight time difference is minimal withing South east Asia. 

 

You make it sound like every expat needs to live near a good hospital.  It's simply not the case. 

 

Even in western countries, people travel to a major city to see a specialist. 

In an emergency there is no flying anywhere. You have to go to the nearest hospital able to treat your condition and if that is not close by, the delay could cost you your life or lead to permanent disability.

 

BTW Udon Thani has a very good regional level govt hospital. And several private hospitals. And there is a major university hospital maybe 2 hrs away by road. In my experience expats from there rarely come to Bangkok for treatment unless it is a very complex matter.

 

Sent from my SM-J701F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

 

 

 

[Leaver]

2 hours ago, Sheryl said:

In an emergency there is no flying anywhere. You have to go to the nearest hospital able to treat your condition and if that is not close by, the delay could cost you your life or lead to permanent disability.

 

BTW Udon Thani has a very good regional level govt hospital. And several private hospitals. And there is a major university hospital maybe 2 hrs away by road. In my experience expats from there rarely come to Bangkok for treatment unless it is a very complex matter.

 

Sent from my SM-J701F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

 

 

 

So, just how far do you think is a safe distance to live from a hospital?  ????

 

You could live 3km from a hospital in Bangkok, but that could be 30 mins in the traffic. 

 

Choosing to live in Thailand, based solely on the standard of their medical system, is not necessary.

 

What is the percentage of expats that have a stroke or heart attack that survive ONLY because they were so close to a hospital here?  

 

I am aware of the time frames involved that can cost mobility, let alone, your life, but like I said, if this is such a concern, everyone would be living in a 100 m radius of a hospital, and even then, there is no guarantee of of survival, or disability, should you have a stroke.

 

If the member feels so strongly about medical, and he must, because he keeps banging on about that's whey everyone should be living in Thailand, wouldn't we all be safer back in our home countries, with better medical than Thailand? 

Edited April 1, 2019 by Leaver

[uhuh]

33 minutes ago, Leaver said:

So, just how far do you think is a safe distance to live from a hospital?  ????

 

You could live 3km from a hospital in Bangkok, but that could be 30 mins in the traffic. 

 

Choosing to live in Thailand, based solely on the standard of their medical system, is not necessary.

 

What is the percentage of expats that have a stroke or heart attack that survive ONLY because they were so close to a hospital here?  

 

I am aware of the time frames involved that can cost mobility, let alone, your life, but like I said, if this is such a concern, everyone would be living in a 100 m radius of a hospital, and even then, there is no guarantee of of survival, or disability, should you have a stroke.

 

If the member feels so strongly about medical, and he must, because he keeps banging on about that's whey everyone should be living in Thailand, wouldn't we all be safer back in our home countries, with better medical than Thailand? 

Yes.

There once was a guy playing football in soi 15, that's walking distance from Bumrungrad, and he had a heart attack.  Ambulance took something like 2 hours.  He died. 

 

In western countries you may be in the cath lab within 45 minutes. This just does not happen in Thailand. (Actually,  does anything happen in Thailand within 45 minutes?)

[Isaan Alan]

Does anything happen in 45 mins?

Well there is one thing that does happen like clockwork in Thailand, or my local government offices at least. The public servants (hahaha)  going to lunch at 12 noon, So assured is it, that they won't see you 10 minutes before 12 in case you make them late.

[marcusarelus]

11 hours ago, uhuh said:

Yes.

There once was a guy playing football in soi 15, that's walking distance from Bumrungrad, and he had a heart attack.  Ambulance took something like 2 hours.  He died. 

 

In western countries you may be in the cath lab within 45 minutes. This just does not happen in Thailand. (Actually,  does anything happen in Thailand within 45 minutes?)

Nope.  Don't happen.  Thailand is quicker in my experience.  They got me in ICU in less than 2 minutes. 

[Gecko123]

19 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

I do not think the Thai people dislike us. But, the extreme xenophobia and fear of outsiders (foreigners) on the part of this administration is trickling down to the public a bit, and to nearly all government workers, for sure. The current administration is beyond hapless and incompetent. They do not want us here. No doubt about that. They are completely lacking in vision and wisdom. Does the term empty suit apply? I do believe it does.

It's coming from both the top and grass roots level. In one of his earliest speeches Prayut spoke about how Thailand was a haven for criminality and how the sex tourism industry gave Thailand an unsavory reputation on the world stage. That definitely got the ball rolling.

 

I agree that most Thais don't dislike foreigners per se. It's just that many no longer see being friendly to foreigners as having much of a financial payoff. Foreigners shops on-line and at big box retailers, have wised up to land and marriage scams, compare notes on social media, and are no longer the reliably docile and gullible saps they once were.

 

The famed effervescent Thai smile has always had more to do with eager anticipation of pecuniary reward and far less to do with the preternaturally elevated serotonin levels so many imagined they had stumbled upon.

 

Thais are at the early stages of a soul-searching process where they are going to have to decide what value - if any - they put on foreigners beyond financial benefit. Foreigners are also in the early stages of a soul-searching process of deciding what value - if any - Thailand has to offer beyond cheaper prices and ladies of the night.

 

Should be interesting how it all settles out.

 

Edited April 2, 2019 by Gecko123

[totally thaied up]

14 minutes ago, Gecko123 said:

Foreigners are also in the early stages of a soul-searching process of deciding what value - if any - Thailand has to offer beyond cheaper prices and ladies of the night.

It is really not that cheap anymore on living expenses. I have found that out within my latest trip to Australia. I can live in Australia cheaply buying at Aldi and the such. For the older men, when I go out at night and mix with them at the local pub, they only want to know about the cheap pussy and nothing about the price for a local meal. It’s the ladies that drag many there for a short time holiday and very little else but many are now going to Cambodia instead as it mixes in 50 cent beers with local ladies.

 

Older men, cheap women and value for short time entertainment is what I am being mainly asked for - not looking a temples. Soon as I mention my wife’s Thai, they instantly as what bar she comes from.

[Odysseus123]

5 minutes ago, totally thaied up said:

It is really not that cheap anymore on living expenses. I have found that out within my latest trip to Australia. I can live in Australia cheaply buying at Aldi and the such. For the older men, when I go out at night and mix with them at the local pub, they only want to know about the cheap pussy and nothing about the price for a local meal. It’s the ladies that drag many there for a short time holiday and very little else but many are now going to Cambodia instead as it mixes in 50 cent beers with local ladies.

 

Older men, cheap women and value for short time entertainment is what I am being mainly asked for - not looking a temples. Soon as I mention my wife’s Thai, they instantly as what bar she comes from.

Spot on.

 

 

[marcusarelus]

9 minutes ago, totally thaied up said:

It is really not that cheap anymore on living expenses. I have found that out within my latest trip to Australia. I can live in Australia cheaply buying at Aldi and the such. For the older men, when I go out at night and mix with them at the local pub, they only want to know about the cheap pussy and nothing about the price for a local meal. It’s the ladies that drag many there for a short time holiday and very little else but many are now going to Cambodia instead as it mixes in 50 cent beers with local ladies.

 

Older men, cheap women and value for short time entertainment is what I am being mainly asked for - not looking a temples. Soon as I mention my wife’s Thai, they instantly as what bar she comes from.

You must mean Australia.  In America if you mention your wife's Thai they think she is Chinese from Taiwan. 

[steven100]

On 3/18/2019 at 5:17 PM, Gecko123 said:

it damaged my sense as a retiree of feeling like I was welcome or valued.

Tell me one country where any government has said retirees are welcomed & valued  ????

dream land ....

[totally thaied up]

26 minutes ago, marcusarelus said:

You must mean Australia.  In America if you mention your wife's Thai they think she is Chinese from Taiwan. 

Yes, Australia. She gets tarred with being a working girl here from most I meet as soon as I say she’s Thai but when I tell them she is actually an Accountant, they just practically laugh in my face and have been told “as a bar cashier” when in truth, she is an Accountant. 

 

Australia is just as racist as anywhere else. I don’t drink but visit my ex work mates at the pub every few days and they all think of Thailand as that and that reputation is pretty much how it is. The junta is trying to put that behind them but fat chance of that ever happening. When I can buy a liter of milk for 20 baht and kilo blocks of Cheese at 125 baht, it’s hard to beat. For me, it is hard to justify Thai now souly on pricing if you have your own place as we do in Australia. Thailand, for a Australian with a devaluated dollar, is expensive now.

[spidermike007]

1 hour ago, totally thaied up said:

Yes, Australia. She gets tarred with being a working girl here from most I meet as soon as I say she’s Thai but when I tell them she is actually an Accountant, they just practically laugh in my face and have been told “as a bar cashier” when in truth, she is an Accountant. 

 

Australia is just as racist as anywhere else. I don’t drink but visit my ex work mates at the pub every few days and they all think of Thailand as that and that reputation is pretty much how it is. The junta is trying to put that behind them but fat chance of that ever happening. When I can buy a liter of milk for 20 baht and kilo blocks of Cheese at 125 baht, it’s hard to beat. For me, it is hard to justify Thai now souly on pricing if you have your own place as we do in Australia. Thailand, for a Australian with a devaluated dollar, is expensive now.

Some people can be quite inane. When people ask me what initially brought me to Thailand, I tell them I have long been interested in archaelogy, and in particular Sukhothai culture and architecture. I mention that I have spent years studying gable and roof designs on ancient temples. It really shuts them up. Huh? Really? I did not know that about you.  

Edited April 2, 2019 by spidermike007

[marcusarelus]

2 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Some people can be quite inane. When people ask me what initially brought me to Thailand, I tell them I have long been interested in archaelogy, and in particular Sukhothai culture and architecture. I mention that I have spent years studying the Portico designs on ancient temples. It really shuts them up. Huh? Really? I did not know that about you.  

Before I left the states I was living in a retirement community with a 20 year old stripper.  My family and friends gave up on me long ago and were all glad I moved to Thailand for the morals of the old folks and the rest of the community.

[spidermike007]

4 minutes ago, marcusarelus said:

Before I left the states I was living in a retirement community with a 20 year old stripper.  My family and friends gave up on me long ago and were all glad I moved to Thailand for the morals of the old folks and the rest of the community.

And totally fake morals they are. The public and private lives of most Americans are vastly different. Religious or not. Barely matters. Alot of people who claim to be religious in the US remind me alot of Prayuth. False puritanism at it's best. A new morality? I think not. All show. Zero substance. 

 

I am sure most of the guys were quite envious of you!

Edited April 2, 2019 by spidermike007

[totally thaied up]

I have been away from my home town for four years and from my pub and friends. Things have changed as it is a lot more us and them in views and racism between people and religious groups is openly spoke about. 

 

Jealousy does not come in it for most my friends as most are very wealthy and not short of coin. I just find it funny that most speak of Asia as a place for fun and games without the wife tagging along. I am now seeing Thailand totally differently when I am not in the bubble of living there. 

 

I feel at this moment still a outsider in my own country and like my mates view me different as I don't now conform to the way they live. I will of course get use to it all again, but I do feel different and eyed in a different light now from my friends as to them,  I have gone backwards living in Thailand as my life is so strange compared to theirs. 

 

I don't miss the smog of Chiang Mai this time of year, and with views like this, why should I. Totally different worlds the both of them but each has their own benefit.

[Odysseus123]

3 hours ago, totally thaied up said:

Yes, Australia. She gets tarred with being a working girl here from most I meet as soon as I say she’s Thai but when I tell them she is actually an Accountant, they just practically laugh in my face and have been told “as a bar cashier” when in truth, she is an Accountant. 

 

Australia is just as racist as anywhere else. I don’t drink but visit my ex work mates at the pub every few days and they all think of Thailand as that and that reputation is pretty much how it is. The junta is trying to put that behind them but fat chance of that ever happening. When I can buy a liter of milk for 20 baht and kilo blocks of Cheese at 125 baht, it’s hard to beat. For me, it is hard to justify Thai now souly on pricing if you have your own place as we do in Australia. Thailand, for a Australian with a devaluated dollar, is expensive now.

You are correct-2 litres of milk costs about 44 Baht...

 

Avoid the bogans.My wife and I have established pretty good friendships with Aussie/Thai,Aussie/Filipina and Aussie/Cambodians in my town and have mixed couple friends in Sydney as well.

 

Australia is still quite insular and parochial and I was bored to death with "football,meat pies,kangaroos and Holden cars" by my early twenties.

 

Hmmm...no..the meat pies are okay!

Edited April 2, 2019 by Odysseus123

[Leaver]

8 hours ago, totally thaied up said:

Yes, Australia. She gets tarred with being a working girl here from most I meet as soon as I say she’s Thai but when I tell them she is actually an Accountant, they just practically laugh in my face and have been told “as a bar cashier” when in truth, she is an Accountant. 

 

Australia is just as racist as anywhere else. I don’t drink but visit my ex work mates at the pub every few days and they all think of Thailand as that and that reputation is pretty much how it is. The junta is trying to put that behind them but fat chance of that ever happening. When I can buy a liter of milk for 20 baht and kilo blocks of Cheese at 125 baht, it’s hard to beat. For me, it is hard to justify Thai now souly on pricing if you have your own place as we do in Australia. Thailand, for a Australian with a devaluated dollar, is expensive now.

Aren't all of them "accountants?"  They like to control other people's money.  ????

[sidjameson]

On 3/27/2019 at 9:40 PM, GinBoy2 said:

 

 

On 4/2/2019 at 6:02 AM, totally thaied up said:

 

Wow, where is that beach?

[totally thaied up]

15 hours ago, sidjameson said:

 

Wow, where is that beach?

Greenmount beach, Australia 

[Puwa]

On 3/18/2019 at 6:17 AM, Gecko123 said:

I know it sounds crazy, but even the village dogs seem to be more cranky as of late.

Time to go home.