Sometimes, sometimes not. You learn over time whether it's worth it, or not????

43 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Yeah, but he forgot to say his opening line was, "Do you know Jesus'.

My God you are  a cynic BMToo

 

I just love nice  and pure  "sarcasm" and your post qualified! 

When delivered the recipient doesn't know whether he has been kicked up the <deleted> or patted on the head!

 

what I don't generally like though is half witted "single  sentence" offerings full of malice that dont ever address an issue but do give an insight into the narrowness and low intellect of the poster .

 

In fact I think there should be a CAP on the number of "reactions" that a poster can give and when he gets to that  max number should be given a "forum holiday" 

Yes, but not all of them, I don't think it takes long to read them from the moment they open their mouth. If its one of the idiots or know it alls then I avoid them like the plague.

4 minutes ago, n210mp said:

16 minutes ago, Bob A Kneale said:

Not many people would acknowledge complete strangers in their own country so why would anyone want to do it here or expect others to do it here?

I suppose you can speak for yourself but please do not speak for me !

 

But then again being a "lancastrian"   I suppose that we are a "Race apart"

 

You see  "when I wer a lad"  we were instructed to be polite and courteous and to always be the first to acknowledge the presence of  older people .

I wasn't speaking for you, just stating a fact.  Most people in their own countries wouldn't dream of acknowledging every stranger they see just because they may think it's polite or courteous. 

 

By logical extension of your philosophy, you must think also that it is impolite and discourteous not to acknowledge total strangers.  No total stranger wouId expect it so I don't think that it is.

 

I was born in Lancashire in the fifties and I can assure you that being Lancastrian is not a "race".

Just now, n210mp said:

My God you are  a cynic BMToo

 

I just love nice  and pure  "sarcasm" and your post qualified! 

When delivered the recipient doesn't know whether he has been kicked up the <deleted> or patted on the head!

 

what I don't generally like though is half witted "single  sentence" offerings full of malice that dont ever address an issue but do give an insight into the narrowness and low intellect of the poster .

 

In fact I think there should be a CAP on the number of "reactions" that a poster can give and when he gets to that  max number should be given a "forum holiday" 

I made a number of posts on another topic here about belief in God, and some, those who don't believe, took it that I was a Bible thumping pest that shoves my beliefs down others throats, even though I never said anything like that. My belief is strong and always has and will be, but what others choose is their decision. My wife is Thai and a Buddhist, and i would cut my arm off if she would become a Christian, but all I've done is told her a few times how heaven will be, and that there is only one God, and that Buddha is a man and shouldn't be prayed to. She understands there is a God, and that's fine by me. If she wants to know more, she can ask me.

For posters (And I read it frequently on here)  that say "I came over here for the Asians and not the Farangs I am always a little "suspect" 

 

Usually people who have that sort of attitude have ether something to hide  or then again  maybe running away from a domestic  situation possibly.

 

People are people wherever you are , there are good and there are not so good but one thing you cannot do is lump them all together into one section  or another.

Surely this is Racism! 

4 minutes ago, lee b said:

Yes, but not all of them, I don't think it takes long to read them from the moment they open their mouth. If its one of the idiots or know it alls then I avoid them like the plague.

Escaping them can be very awkward....maybe I am too polite.

14 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

but all I've done is told her a few times how heaven will be, and that there is only one God,

How do you know how "heaven" will be, if there is one?  And you mean that as far as you are concerned there is only one god, surely?

I think many such as myself, while happily greeting fellow farangs with a nod or hello, have moved from 'participation' to 'observation' mode

 

I used to infrequently meet up with a group of farangs for a beer, invited by a friend. Their conversation was indeed reflective of the misery and negativity frequently displayed on forums, soon became repetitive and boring. So much so that they greatly assisted in my efforts to stop drinking ????

 

I had time to listen and take a good long look at these guys, bar every day, failed marriages, continually slating Thailand and Thai people, and made the decision that was not a road I would travel

 

To my mind many farangs place way too much emphasis on their past life, it has little or no effect and carries no real interest for the people you meet here and now! How you behave now, how you react to Thailand and what you are achieving in Thailand is your current pedigree, if you are 'stingy' not of an understanding and generous nature, a drunk divorcee, a 'snakehead', a lovely kind charming person, contented or miserable, that is what you are, to other farang, and Thai people around you. If choose to be arrogant rude and condescending, doesn't matter how well you were respected in a previous life, you will gather no respect here, however you may not be short of like minded company ????

 

"Oh wad some Power the giftie gie us, to see ourselves as ithers see us" - Robert Burns

 

Remember "Smiling is infectious" by Spike Milligan very apt in the current situation

 

 

6 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

I made a number of posts on another topic here about belief in God, and some, those who don't believe, took it that I was a Bible thumping pest that shoves my beliefs down others throats, even though I never said anything like that. My belief is strong and always has and will be, but what others choose is their decision. My wife is Thai and a Buddhist, and i would cut my arm off if she would become a Christian, but all I've done is told her a few times how heaven will be, and that there is only one God, and that Buddha is a man and shouldn't be prayed to. She understands there is a God, and that's fine by me. If she wants to know more, she can ask me.

 

 

WEll believe it or believe it not I too believe in GOD!!!!!!

 

The only problem with my belief is that the God I believe in isn't a Catholic or a Protestant, so fredwiggy where does  that place me in your particular belief system? It was an hypothetical question, I do know where my particular belief  places me, somewhere between a rock and  a hard place hahahaha!

 

The Thai form of belief of course has been altered and changed from the pure form  to something else and IMHO really does not qualify!   In the best interests of self preservation you will have to read between the lines for any meaning that I have tried  to impart in the last sentence !

 

However I do think that Buddhism acknowledges   "the true God" 

 

No doubt Buddhists aficionados will put me right?

Just now, n210mp said:

 

 

WEll believe it or believe it not I too believe in GOD!!!!!!

 

The only problem with my belief is that the God I believe in isn't a Catholic or a Protestant, so fredwiggy where does  that place me in your particular belief system? It was an hypothetical question, I do know where my particular belief  places me, somewhere between a rock and  a hard place hahahaha!

 

The Thai form of belief of course has been altered and changed from the pure form  to something else and IMHO really does not qualify!   In the best interests of self preservation you will have to read between the lines for any meaning that I have tried  to impart in the last sentence !

 

However I do think that Buddhism acknowledges   "the true God" 

 

No doubt Buddhists aficionados will put me right?

I was raised a Catholic but got away from that because I saw it as a money influenced religion, even though it preached in the right manner. I'm just a Christian, believing in Jesus as my savior and knowing there is only one true God.

I'm out in Nonthaburi and rarely see another farang, never mind get the opportunity to strike up a conversation. So I (used to) call into a bar on Sukhumvit and usually meet someone to chat too. Unfortunately more than half were either too <deleted> to make sense or proved  ( within minutes ) they were off the deep end.

 

Second strategy was for the wife to meet another Thai with a farang husband.  He and I would get on really well for a couple of meetings then the wives would fall out.

 

A separate issue is acknowledging my Thai neighbours. After 5 years I'm lucky to get a nod from them, don't know their names and have never socialised with them.

 

This is in total contrast to my lovely neighbours in the UK who would drop by several times a week, usually to see my ex-wife whilst I was out.  

"But it seems even up in isaan or out in the boondocks nowadays they dont even give a head nod to each other , do you care ?

do u bother ? 

what bout if you on the receiving end ,do u acknowledge back ?"

 

I left isaan because foreigners seemed to avoid each other, rather than have a small talk. This was 20 something year ago. Either I was with gf or alone at tesco there was zero interest from other foreigners to make new contacts and friendships. Pretend to not see you was common. Had only 1 foreigner friend living up there is the middle of nowhere, and in his boredom, alcohol was his only buddy. Really wanted to make more friends, but it wasn't possible. I would respond to other foreigners initiative, unless he had baggage in some form.

 

FYI I always dress nice and clean, no obvious reason to avoid.

 

Udon Thani & Khon Kaen expats, was easier to make contact with. Bigger place, more foreigners, more to do, many was not alcoholics or grumpy old men. Enjoyed my years there.

Always been a beach bum, so I moved to Jomtien beach, and increased my foreign contacts. People I appreciate to this day.

Been approached numerous times by tourists and newbie expats, something I almost always welcome and entertain.

 

Sorry Isaan, you are not for me.

 

 

Just now, DaLa said:

I'm out in Nonthaburi and rarely see another farang, never mind get the opportunity to strike up a conversation. So I (used to) call into a bar on Sukhumvit and usually meet someone to chat too. Unfortunately more than half were either too <deleted> to make sense or proved  ( within minutes ) they were off the deep end.

 

Second strategy was for the wife to meet another Thai with a farang husband.  He and I would get on really well for a couple of meetings then the wives would fall out.

 

A separate issue is acknowledging my Thai neighbours. After 5 years I'm lucky to get a nod from them, don't know their names and have never socialised with them.

 

This is in total contrast to my lovely neighbours in the UK who would drop by several times a week, usually to see my ex-wife whilst I was out.  

Where I live, most falangs you see are either in Tesco or at a pizza restaurant-bar drinking. I go there for the pizza, as I only drink wine (occasional beer when a Thai relative wants to share with me) and I'm only there to eat and not drink, so I do get to chat with some there and if they are friendly enough and we share interests, I ask for their number. Others I have talked to in Tesco,but most of the time,it seems their wives are escorting them away to finish shopping. One actually dragged her husband away when he started talking to me. Guess she wants him all to herself.

2 hours ago, brokenbone said:

cuze me but i see far and away more female thais walking around with socks in their flip flops then men

Are you sure you not in China? Normaly i don't watch Thai Granny who cover her varicose vein!

Just now, OnTheGround said:

"But it seems even up in isaan or out in the boondocks nowadays they dont even give a head nod to each other , do you care ?

do u bother ? 

what bout if you on the receiving end ,do u acknowledge back ?"

 

I left isaan because foreigners seemed to avoid each other, rather than have a small talk. This was 20 something year ago. Either I was with gf or alone at tesco there was zero interest from other foreigners to make new contacts and friendships. Pretend to not see you was common. Had only 1 foreigner friend living up there is the middle of nowhere, and in his boredom, alcohol was his only buddy. Really wanted to make more friends, but it wasn't possible. I would respond to other foreigners initiative, unless he had baggage in some form.

 

FYI I always dress nice and clean, no obvious reason to avoid.

 

Udon Thani & Khon Kaen expats, was easier to make contact with. Bigger place, more foreigners, more to do, many was not alcoholics or grumpy old men. Enjoyed my years there.

Always been a beach bum, so I moved to Jomtien beach, and increased my foreign contacts. People I appreciate to this day.

Been approached numerous times by tourists and newbie expats, something I almost always welcome and entertain.

 

Sorry Isaan, you are not for me.

Very sad that is, because even if one of them is English, German ,Australian or Swedish, (or anything else), I'm still interested in talking about your home ground, because my bucket list includes Europe and I like to share experiences, food and hobbies with others. I have seen prejudice towards me from English people, where they didn't want to talk , and I don't understand why. We helped each other in the War and with trade,and are allies, so I don't get it.

 

 

Westerners in general are too opinionated and often outspoken about it..

 

..so I moved to Thailand. 

 

 

5 hours ago, AndyAndyAndy said:

you're here 8 years? I'm longer, let me explain how things work here

You forgot how any military experience suddenly becomes Elite Covert Special Ops Recon blah blah. Or rather, how extreme boredom has driven them to too many action flicks.

lot of arrogant a holes here, I will usually smile and say hi or goodaye mate, some return it or simply nod but a lot  look the other way and ignore you, head stuck too far up their butts, doesnt bother me really. Arrogant pieces if garbage have never bothered me, seems many of them come here to hide from people, makes you wonder what they have done to be so pathetic when they are out and about, I was always taught it is good manners to recipricate a greeting, guess all the ones that dont are just too far up themselves and think their s##t dont stink

Just now, seajae said:

lot of arrogant a holes here, I will usually smile and say hi or goodaye mate, some return it or simply nod but a lot  look the other way and ignore you, head stuck too far up their butts, doesnt bother me really. Arrogant pieces if garbage have never bothered me, seems many of them come here to hide from people, makes you wonder what they have done to be so pathetic when they are out and about, I was always taught it is good manners to recipricatem guess all the ones that dont are just too far up themselves and think their s##t dont stink

That's why I nod and smile to everyone. Some may not care, but the next one might be a friend you have been waiting for.

4 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

That's why I nod and smile to everyone. Some may not care, but the next one might be a friend you have been waiting for.

 

And I will return your smile.

 

But please don't try to take things any further.

 

That goes for anyone else reading this post.

 

 

 

6 hours ago, Don Mega said:

Ive heard they are filthy so I avoid where ever possible.

 

   I have  Isolated myself from farlangs , I avoid them like the plague ..

Hurrah

So there are people out there who have some modicum of civility, understanding,  perception and empathy !

 

Thanks all  for a great thread!

 

Apart from being bored to senility  on another quarantined imprisoned red hot day and  chained to my computer for some kind of "venting therapy", it's been a great afternoon.

 

In appreciation for the mental stimulus,  that cost nothing more than a  bit of electricity I now offer without any BS my true thoughts on "Farangs" that I am likely to meet up with in my day to day excursion into Pattaya or  the North east.

 

I have lived in Pattaya for the last 12 years or so and made many good friends both Thai and Farang.

I have been coming to Thailand though for around 35 years and in that time met up with many folk it would have been better not to meet!  (Not all of course but defo  75%)  

However, sadly  that is true where ever you live and not just Thailand.

 

I will say though the quality of the Farang Population in the last ten years has diminished.  Could  say more on that subject but I am sure many of my peers feel the same way and understand where I am coming from.

 

Now in my mid 70s I am a little more reserved in proffering the hand of friendship as I was a few years ago, this to the extent because  I am so fed up of being disappointed with those who managed to get into my circle.

1 hour ago, seajae said:

lot of arrogant a holes here, I will usually smile and say hi or goodaye mate, some return it or simply nod but a lot  look the other way and ignore you, head stuck too far up their butts, doesnt bother me really. Arrogant pieces if garbage have never bothered me, seems many of them come here to hide from people, makes you wonder what they have done to be so pathetic when they are out and about, I was always taught it is good manners to recipricate a greeting, guess all the ones that dont are just too far up themselves and think their s##t dont stink

Sounds like it does bother you

1 hour ago, Bob A Kneale said:

I wasn't speaking for you, just stating a fact.  Most people in their own countries wouldn't dream of acknowledging every stranger they see just because they may think it's polite or courteous. 

It's much worse than that ....... they only want to interact with white people.

This is a 'race' game they're playing.

 

I bet they wouldn't try and start a conversation with a black guy, even if he was wearing a Liverpool shirt.

1 hour ago, elliss said:

 

   I have  Isolated myself from farlangs , I avoid them like the plague ..

You only need 2 or 3 friends.

1 minute ago, BritManToo said:

It's much worse than that ....... they only want to interact with white people.

This is a 'race' game they're playing.

 

I bet they wouldn't try and start a conversation with a black guy, even if he was wearing a Liverpool shirt.

Why would you talk to random guys in the street?

 

When I meet other farangs, the conversation always involves talking about my career, what I am doing in Thailand and how I support myself. After about the tenth time I just can't be bothered going through all that again, it's so boring. Plus there is often an age gap.

 

I did meet a farang in Bangkok last year and ended up listening to him for half an hour telling me about how rich he was and how many properties he owned back home. That was probably when I subconsciously decided not to bother next time.

1 hour ago, fredwiggy said:

That's why I nod and smile to everyone. Some may not care, but the next one might be a friend you have been waiting for.

can you loan me 100 baht ...

Just now, steven100 said:

can you loan me 100 baht ...

Sure thing, I'll meet you at Tesco in Sisaket the 4th Saturday in June