THE WEEK THAT WAS On newbies in Thailand and getting your Siamese wings!

[rott]

1 hour ago, kingstonkid said:

I found that out in the burbs   Expats would walk across the soi to avoid talking.  2 expats that live on the same soi and probably taught at the same school standing waiting for a scooter and did not even notice each other. 

 

I say sawadii khrap to all the Thais and get a polite response or a smile.  Say hello to an Expat and be prepared to get ignored or scowled at 

 LOL Same experience living up in the Nakhon. Many farangs will do anything to avoid making eye contact, in a place where it is common to see one or none when you are out and about. But you do meet some friendly chatty people. 

[ericthai]

7 hours ago, Noah K said:

I get it! I have been living here almost nine years now, and I still learn things. But, the last year and a half should count for more than just one and a half. I live and hang out mostly with my Thai girlfriend, and her Thai friends. I was playing golf weekly with a bunch of farang, but it just reminded me why I left the US in the first place. The best litmus test to check  to see if some is a newbie is to ask them to explain why you can't buy alcohol between 14:00 and 17:00 hours. I have learned long ago to accept the Thai answer, which is "because you can't" which is a perfectly acceptable answer.

The reason you cant buy alcohol during these times is to limit access of alcohol for schools kids, makes no sense but that is why they started it. Which I think was around 2003. 

[Stargeezr]

Another great news update and  such.  I have been traveling to Thailand enough, to realize that I could never live there

full time.  I cannot take the heat from Late March to June, or the rainy season until when it ends.  I do enjoy escaping

the Canadian Winter from November until March, but I think that I may not go to Thailand until Winter of 2022 to 2023

as it may take that long for the 70 percent of Thailand to get their 2nd shots. It is fun to sit and listen to

the newbies though, as they do provide cheap entertainment.  Keep up the good reporting Rooster.

Geezer

[impulse]

13 hours ago, rooster59 said:

Rooster assesses a newbie as someone who has been in Thailand less than ten years - you get your wings after that. I got mine in the mid 1990s and I’m still learning.

Ya also have to differentiate between 10 years of experience and reliving the same year 10 times.  It's real easy to get into a groove, only to find I've been in a rut.  For years.

 

And I contend that, if I didn't grow up, spend my formative years, and go to school in a culture, I'll never truly understand it.

 

Edited July 18, 2021 by impulse

[dirtybirty]

12 hours ago, Keesters said:

With over 30 years here the most important thing I've learnt is not to heavily socialise with other farang. If I wanted to do that I'd be back in UK. 

100% agree . Lived here for 19 years . Learn something new everyday. Most expats close their minds after x long, big mistake keep it open at all times

[Thunglom]

10 hours ago, Bobydog said:

I doubt very much the Governments ability to replaces Tourism,  they can't even manage this fkup, Tourism is gone along with retirement prospects, oh i forgot, the "Space Race", what a bloodt joke.

t's not a question of "replace" is it? - It's already gone. I think the government are very inept. but they don't need to be particularly clever....I also think they are prepared to sacrifice a lot of jobs in tourism for their own "snobbish" view of the future. They are also prepared to give the Chinese a huge crack at getting factories set up as well as subsidising the Japanese and Korean car makers.

This is coupled with the fact that the tourist industry has thousands ofsxall businesses involved that will have no capital to re-start with.....what happen to the tourist industry will depend on how much the government is prepared to offer in the form of start up aid. They don't have to b very clever in this .....and they will be quite happy to let the big businesses fill up the gps left by the little men with their own up market industrialised version of tourism.

This will also create a pool of financially desperate umemployed people who will make a cheap labour market of the manufacturing industries.

Edited July 18, 2021 by Thunglom

[Keesters]

16 hours ago, Thunglom said:

A classic mistake. After working here for nearly 20 years I realise Thais actually have a pretty good knowledge of the world outside - but those who judge are usually using they own Western-centric criteria..... e.g. They may not know who Elvis or the Beatles are but they will know "Big Bang". The name of the PM of Laos, 

 

there is a parochialism in Thai culture but no worse than Brexitism in the UK.

 

I've found it a different kind of knowledge. I've been asked such things as "does England have chickens?" & told "747s are made in Thailand because Thai Air has them". Pretty sure I've done similar. Mai pen rai. 

[Noah K]

11 hours ago, ericthai said:

The reason you cant buy alcohol during these times is to limit access of alcohol for schools kids, makes no sense but that is why they started it. Which I think was around 2003. 

look, I know the real reason why, my comment is called sarcasm, why you didn't get that, not sure

[Gottfrid]

On 7/18/2021 at 4:20 AM, rooster59 said:

One can usually spot a newbie to Thailand a mile off. 

 

They love to regale anyone who pretends to listen about their knowledge of everything Thai from the language to the politics, the daily life to the police. They know all about the Thai people - especially relationships - and they have the culture off pat. They usually condemn it to hide their ignorance.

 

They once propped up bars talking about life being cheap and brown envelopes, but are increasingly prevalent and tiresome on social media these days.

Sounds to me like you have a gift for meeting the wrong people. Anyway, a very condescending post that ultimately drags all newbies under the same rug. Stopped reading here, as I have over 12 years happily married in Thailand. Actually never heard anyone boosting out how much they now. Instead I see it as a person that listen too much on complaining retirees in Thailand. No offence, but they usually sounds like you do in this article.

Edited July 19, 2021 by Gottfrid

[jomtienisgood]

20 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Why not?

You obviously don't have to socialize with all of them. But there are many interesting farangs out there.

And, believe it or not, some of them even go regularly out to the bars - at least pre Covid.

I'm one of them. 

[Kanada]

22 hours ago, Keesters said:

With over 30 years here the most important thing I've learnt is not to heavily socialise with other farang. If I wanted to do that I'd be back in UK. 

Agreed 100%…..

I believe you’re either a Giver or a Taker in this life and when it comes to farang I don’t seem to run into many optimistic or positive thinkers living here!

The couple I have met have certainly  made these lockdowns and tougher mobility a bit easier???? and I appreciate them!

[Kanada]

Certainly not a pleasant or insightful read….

[Gottfrid]

11 hours ago, dirtybirty said:

Most expats close their minds after x long

Most? You must know a lot of foreigners in Thailand. Approx. over 75 000 to have such great source of information.

[Kanada]

20 hours ago, Thunglom said:

I think you've missed a point there - Thailand is actually looking at other sectors of the economy they might expand to replace the gap left by tourism .They hope that tourism will change as a result of Covid and not necessarily be such a big part of the economy.

I believe this to be true….they were looking to curb the number of tourists in 2018/2019. Thais complaining about the quality of people from all over the world they have to endure!

Still a lot of Thais who don’t want tourists in those numbers ever again…of course not true of bars restaurants massage etc but that’s only a portion of Thailand!

[rumak]

51 minutes ago, jomtienisgood said:

I'm one of them. 

I'm glad you didn't use the famous words "trust me" .     When someone says that I run

like an Olympic athlete...

[rumak]

1 hour ago, Gottfrid said:

Sounds to me like you have a gift for meeting the wrong people. Anyway, a very condescending post that ultimately drags all newbies under the same rug. Stopped reading here, as I have over 12 years happily married in Thailand. Actually never heard anyone boosting out how much they now. Instead I see it as a person that listen too much on complaining retirees in Thailand. No offence, but they usually sounds like you do in this article.

he does have the tendency.   a few of us called him out on it and he

held back making comments for a week or two.   But,  these kind can't hold back for long

to be fair,  the generalities about farangs coming here and in short order telling me what Thailand is like, and why, is a common theme.   But,  I just laugh it off now.  A smart person will realize that 99% of those one meets only want to hear what they have to say.  And they want to be around others that think the same way.

i like TV because i do find some common ground with some members.   Also disagree with them on some matters.    I find that if accept they have some different views, but do not try to put them down or call them idiots......... they accept me the same way.

I can live with a rooster that crows once in a while.  It's the ones that do it all day long that drive me nuts

Edited July 19, 2021 by rumak

[Gottfrid]

16 minutes ago, rumak said:

he does have the tendency.   a few of us called him out on it and he

held back making comments for a week or two.   But,  these kind can't hold back for long

to be fair,  the generalities about farangs coming here and in short order telling me what Thailand is like, and why, is a common theme.   But,  I just laugh it off now.  A smart person will realize that 99% of those one meets only want to hear what they have to say.  And they want to be around others that think the same way.

i like TV because i do find some common ground with some members.   Also disagree with them on some matters.    I find that if accept they have some different views, but do not try to put them down or call them idiots......... they accept me the same way.

I can live with a rooster that crows once in a while.  It's the ones that do it all day long that drive me nuts

You got a point there. ???? It´s all about how much one is prepared to accept, I guess. By the way, roosters drive me nuts. ????

[Mayhem11]

23 hours ago, khunjeff said:

More accurately, the Australians announced a Thai government plan to vaccinate 100 of their nationals in Thailand.

Well Scumo just wants a good news story, even if it ain’t true.

[Doctor Tom]

18 hours ago, kingstonkid said:

I found that out in the burbs   Expats would walk across the soi to avoid talking.  2 expats that live on the same soi and probably taught at the same school standing waiting for a scooter and did not even notice each other. 

 

I say sawadii khrap to all the Thais and get a polite response or a smile.  Say hello to an Expat and be prepared to get ignored or scowled at 

I have three farangs living in my house vicinity.  I don't know them, I have no particular wish to know them and apart from the polite nod of the head if we happen to catch each others eye, we ignore each other, which is very good.  Why is it that when people move from their home country,  they seem to expect any westerner they meet to be their mate? I never understood that. I most probably have nothing in common with my farang neighbors, ( I can't be arsed to find out to be honest), not even a common language, so amiable distance is a  good thing. 

[kingstonkid]

8 minutes ago, Doctor Tom said:

I have three farangs living in my house vicinity.  I don't know them, I have no particular wish to know them and apart from the polite nod of the head if we happen to catch each others eye, we ignore each other, which is very good.  Why is it that when people move from their home country,  they seem to expect any westerner they meet to be their mate? I never understood that. I most probably have nothing in common with my farang neighbors, ( I can't be arsed to find out to be honest), not even a common language, so amiable distance is a  good thing. 

I do not wnat people to be my "mate"  .  The only mate I want is of the female species Homo sapien is heterosexual or bi.  She is Thai but that is just because most of the species of mates I am looking for are Thai.

 

As to yur neighbours that is all fine and dandy,

 

Now if you are talking about these people becoming friends and or best friends and drinking buddies ( your choice of liquid)  then I agree with you. I do not know most of the people that I say hello to other than in passing.  But I seem to rember that there was something taught to me called Human courtesy that you at least respond if someone greets you.

 

how much effort does it take to say hello.  BTW you might be surprised if you actually talked to these people and found out that they hve common interests. 

 

Who knows.

 

BUT please do not mate with them if they are males I did not think you ere like that.

 

[Doctor Tom]

23 minutes ago, kingstonkid said:

how much effort does it take to say hello.  BTW you might be surprised if you actually talked to these people and found out that they hve common interests. 

Sounds like too much effort to me.  I have enough people as friends and conversation partners, I don't need any more, in fact, I'm thinking of down sizing friends, as they can be such a pain in the ass on occasions.  

 

Edit: Maybe that's the essential Newbie-ness coming out?  

Edited July 19, 2021 by Doctor Tom

[overt2016]

22 hours ago, BostonRob2 said:

You come here to comment negatively every week without fail, so it looks very much like you do. 

Do I? Must have a reason then. Thanks for loyally reading my posts.

Anything else I can do to pass your time?

[BostonRob2]

1 hour ago, overt2016 said:

Do I? Must have a reason then. Thanks for loyally reading my posts.

Anything else I can do to pass your time?

Try and add something to a discussion rather than crushing negativity. You may begin the healing process for yourself by doing that, it won't be just for my benefit.

[Elkski]

While 10 years to get wings maybe true 20 years means you have lost touch with the real World and modern times.   So while you may brag about being a Thai expert you have no cred in real life. 

[Thunglom]

8 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

Most? You must know a lot of foreigners in Thailand. Approx. over 75 000 to have such great source of information.

I don't think that's a valid criticism. Basically if one reads the paper, the media such as Thaivisa and travels around the county it is sufficient to form a educated opinion of what goes on in the western immigrant community,.Just reading the posts on Thaivisa would give you an awful impression though, I admit.

[Thunglom]

10 hours ago, Keesters said:

I've found it a different kind of knowledge. I've been asked such things as "does England have chickens?" & told "747s are made in Thailand because Thai Air has them". Pretty sure I've done similar. Mai pen rai. 

I think a lot of it is down to someone's ability to interpret their personal experiences. It it is restricted to Thai/Cambodian bar girls, waiters workmen and shop assistants, then they would have to think critically or outside the box.... not something I've noticed it the Western Immigrant community to any great extent

[Thunglom]

7 hours ago, Kanada said:

I believe this to be true….they were looking to curb the number of tourists in 2018/2019. Thais complaining about the quality of people from all over the world they have to endure!

Still a lot of Thais who don’t want tourists in those numbers ever again…of course not true of bars restaurants massage etc but that’s only a portion of Thailand!

At some point the government will be pressured to provide aid in some form (loans? Grants?) to re-establish the tourist industry. How much and how quickly is down to the military. Who benefits is also up for questioning. Giving money to re-establish loads of small businesses will be something the government wants to avoid.

If you look at what happened to Phuket, post tsunami, you might get an idea. Basically big business will take over and fill the gaps with a more uniform industrialised product and probably upmarket. This will appeal to the military as it is "money for mates" will take the tourist industry "upmarket" and create a new labour market of any industries they want to promote.

[Kanada]

18 minutes ago, Thunglom said:

I don't think that's a valid criticism. Basically if one reads the paper, the media such as Thaivisa and travels around the county it is sufficient to form a educated opinion of what goes on in the western immigrant community,.Just reading the posts on Thaivisa would give you an awful impression though, I admit.

Sorry but ThaiVisa is not the media….it’s just a place where anyone can voice an opinion on anything!

There no journalistic integrity here….

within reason you can say anything you want 

[Bobydog]

14 hours ago, Thunglom said:

t's not a question of "replace" is it? - It's already gone. I think the government are very inept. but they don't need to be particularly clever....I also think they are prepared to sacrifice a lot of jobs in tourism for their own "snobbish" view of the future. They are also prepared to give the Chinese a huge crack at getting factories set up as well as subsidising the Japanese and Korean car makers.

This is coupled with the fact that the tourist industry has thousands ofsxall businesses involved that will have no capital to re-start with.....what happen to the tourist industry will depend on how much the government is prepared to offer in the form of start up aid. They don't have to b very clever in this .....and they will be quite happy to let the big businesses fill up the gps left by the little men with their own up market industrialised version of tourism.

This will also create a pool of financially desperate umemployed people who will make a cheap labour market of the manufacturing industries.

So true on all accounts, The Thai people do not want to be owned by the CCP under any circumstances. Freeze the assets of these MY pretenders and use those funds to kickstart a new beginning.

[Thunglom]

5 hours ago, Kanada said:

Sorry but ThaiVisa is not the media….it’s just a place where anyone can voice an opinion on anything!

There no journalistic integrity here….

within reason you can say anything you want 

You don't seem to understand what the word media means.