Why Are You Even Here? The Surprising Attitudes of Some Expats in Thailand

[GypsyT]

"Ultimately, its what works for you and makes you happy ! but the question remains "Why did you choose to be here in Thailand, beyond the woman you married ?"

 

I donno but most woman I have dated want OUT of Thailand!

I don't blame them.

Once I find The Right One I take her out but let her visit any time she wants to.

Why? When she returns she SO happy and I get the fruits...

Max I can stand to be in Thailand is 5 months, and that's pushing.

 

[brewsterbudgen]

Not all Expats are here because they love Thailand, its people and culture.  Some of us are here because of work!   I couldn't earn what I do here in my home country, and after nearly 20 years there is no likelihood of me going anywhere else.  But I find Thai culture annoying, only speak very basic Thai (if I have to) and have even got sick of the food, which I used to love.

[rickudon]

2  biggest reasons - affordability and companionship. having got divorced at 59, little chance of much choice when it comes to companionship in the UK; already had interested females to choose from in Thailand. Leaving the house to ex-wife (thus preserving my pension) allowed me to live in Thailand, when i would have been basically homeless in the UK. 

Weather - not a big deal, cool season is OK for 4 months, rest of year too hot during the day.

Other reasons - can have garden to potter about in, and my own fishing ponds.

 

Thai language - i have poor hearing, so cannot get the Thai tones and was never good at languages (although i have tried to learn about 10). Can say a few essential phrases but gave up trying to LEARN the language about 7 years ago. The Thai alphabet doesn't help.

 

Culture - do not like Plaa raa or chilli, so although i do eat some Thai food it is limited. Being back in UK for a couple of months, have to say Home cooking in UK is a lot tastier (not counting fast food); and Thais just cannot do bakery well.

 

I am not a Buddhist, Temples are Ok for an hour or 2, but that is the limit. 

 

If i was a lot richer i doubt i would be here. i did contemplate alternatives but my pension was the limiting factor. Back in the UK now i find it incredibly expensive, prices have doubled, pension not so much. I have been contemplating the last year if i should go back to UK  for long periods (pre-Covid did every year for a couple of months) but realise now that unless i win the lottery it isn't going to happen. maybe a few more trips to UK to see my children and  then, for health reasons, do not expect to be able to do so in about 3 or 4 years. Then i will stay in Thailand  (or just possible UK) until i die.

[SAFETY FIRST]

On 10/11/2024 at 11:17 AM, CharlieH said:

Why Are You Even Here? The Surprising Attitudes of Some Expats in Thailand

I came here in my 30's for work, ended up moving here to cut down travel time, I was travelling to and from Thailand monthly. After a while the rig relocated Vietnam, thought about moving there, decided not to, it was only a 1 hour flight (BKK HMC) then a short trip on a hydrofoil, bar on board. 🍺

 

Anyway, Thailand has been my home for a long time now, it's the most amazing country with the most polite, friendly, beautiful people, I would not want to live anywhere else.

 

I'm fed up with the negative attitudes from some expats, some here probably noticed my posts in the past. Sadly, a couple of my postings were closed instantly, I suppose to avoid a heated discussion. The moaning expat attitude doesn't affect me these days as I have a large family and many close friends, I steer clear of the bars now. It used to get me down listening to their many complaints and negativity, I started getting depressed. 

 

Relocating to another country, different lifestyles, culture, language is difficult for some then there's the issue if you come here on a budget (sadly, Dan about Thailand is encouraging the guys on a budget to come here), not having funds to live a quality life, going out to restaurants occasionally, travel the country, not being able to buy a car and motorbike for convenience and not having a suitable partner (not just a one hour gf, a long term spouse) can be the recipe for a miserable existence. 

 

I've posted a short video below, it's a few cops from the UK talking about their relocation to Oz, Culture shock, it has an effect on everyone. 

 

 

Relocation is not about being cost effective, it's nice to live in a warmer climate, groceries being less expensive etc but you got to be able to assimilate in the country you choose to live. 

 

 

 

Edited October 14 by SAFETY FIRST

[JamesPhuket10]

On 10/13/2024 at 7:25 PM, Bday Prang said:

The english word "toilet" specifically refers to the porcelain device that one sits on. ! Water closet"  refers specifically to the later developed "flushing toilet" denoting its use of water ( somewhat obviously)

The equivalent Thai word would be "chakro"

"Bathroom"  would be the english equivalent  of "hong nam"  A bathroom might not always be equipped with a toilet,  Same goes for the hong nam

 

I am writing to you in English, not American.

 

Have you not noticed the word "Toilet" in the UK and most other places around the world when using English including Thailand, have a look next time you are in Lotus,  they contain toilet bowls which you sit on and basins to wash your hands as well as other facilities. 

 

I do laugh at the Amecian use of Bathroom though when they refer to a toiled and the other ridiculous name is the restroom.

 

I need a nap, oh go to the restroom and lay in the bath. 😄

[TroubleandGrumpy]

16 hours ago, Bday Prang said:

                Nah , knowledge is power in my book. and denying ones self the ability to understand what is being said puts one at a huge disadvantage.

               Nobody needs to fool themselves that they are perfect fluent speakers on a par with the natives.  that is never going to happen but it is not that difficult to advance a bit further than sawasdee khrap 

              The tones can be confusing for us , probably just as confusing for a Thai when the stuttering foreigner keeps repeating just one word  and his tone changes in line with his frustration. Its not hard to build a vocabulary with the tones learnt parrot fashion, and adding a few more words can help bring a bit of context into what one is trying to say  every little helps 

                 I never take much notice of what Ex pats say , and certainly would not let them influence any decisions I make.    In my opinion that guy gave you very bad advice

                  The Thais do indeed talk a lot of khrapp to each other , its actually amazing that they can talk so much but say so little , but they are not that much different to any other nation.  They may well talk about us, why wouldn't they, but they are a lot less likely to do so if they think we understand what they are saying , a few words in Thai to them quickly stops any of that, 

                  The one overwhelming reason to learn Thai for all expats is to take away a bit of control from the missis,  and its always handy to know what the family is up to.  It also builds ones self confidence and help one function in society  as a man again, as opposed to an overgrown illiterate retarded mummys boy, with a wife who has assumed the role  of carer

                   For me its a no brainer and I struggle to understand those who simply refuse to try, there may be tones but the grammar is much simpler than english no need to memorise all those irregular verb conjugations not to mention all the obscure tenses that exist in english

               

I feel no disadvantage not knowing what Thais are saying - I am not paranoid and I do not need to know.

I only utilise the professional services of those Thais that can speak English (Doctors, lawyers, etc etc) and most can.

If you noticed, your wife's ID card and Passport and most road signs are in Thai and English and it is everywhere in this country - it is the official second language of Thailand, and the unofficial main language of the World.

I do take notice of what Expats say - especially those that have been here much longer - might not agree with them, but I do take notice - there is always something to learn here.

I trust my Thai wife 100% and know she will always do what is best for me and us - sounds like you do not.

You clearly have a problem with men who trust their Thai wife and do what they say in public - get over it.

English is the easiest language to learn (look it up for why) and Thai is one of the hardest for an English speaker.

Yes I know a lot more than hi/bye, and Thais do appreciate that, but your reasoning is flawed and dare I say - paranoid.

[TroubleandGrumpy]

17 hours ago, johng said:

 

I replay it again and again  still can't tell the difference (30 years of trying) between the tone of the Thai girl and the foreigner....

what is highly amusing and  makes me laugh is the other word that is not rice/white   Mary Whitehouse and "Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells"  are turning in their graves   😋

Yes we should both write a letter to the Bangkok Post and complain - that will make a difference and get things fixed 😁

[JamesPhuket10]

On 10/13/2024 at 7:42 PM, Bday Prang said:

What was the name of the president ?

 

 

Fxxx Knows, it was 37 years ago, I was not interested in the boring visit but it was part of the wedding protocol so I went along, I would rather have been at the pub having a few beers with my future brothers-in-law. 

 

And he was the vice president, I did not say he was the president. 🙄

 

If you are going to try and mock someone do it without making yourself look like a fool by quoting incorrect information. 

[CharlieH]

OFF Topic removed.

[Bday Prang]

5 hours ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

 

 

Fxxx Knows, it was 37 years ago, I was not interested in the boring visit but it was part of the wedding protocol so I went along, I would rather have been at the pub having a few beers with my future brothers-in-law. 

 

And he was the vice president, I did not say he was the president. 🙄

 

If you are going to try and mock someone do it without making yourself look like a fool by quoting incorrect information. 

I really have no need to mock somebody who claims to have invited the "Vice President"    of Thailand to their wedding

Thailand has never had a president and consequently never had much use for a vice president

What were you saying about "incorrect information"     If you intend to lie in order to big yourself up at least try to keep it partially credible

[JamesPhuket10]

16 hours ago, Bday Prang said:

I really have no need to mock somebody who claims to have invited the "Vice President"    of Thailand to their wedding

Thailand has never had a president and consequently never had much use for a vice president

What were you saying about "incorrect information"     If you intend to lie in order to big yourself up at least try to keep it partially credible

 

Oops, he must have been the vice prime minister then, I knew he was the "vice top bloke",  it shows how much interest I had back in 1987, I had never been to Thailand before and was only here for a few weeks. I met my future wife while she was at university in London three years before the marriage.  A wealthy family. 

 

I didn't invite him as he did not know me from Adam, the family did though.

 

We had a picture in the Bangkok Post Society pages, it was him, me, and my wife during the speeches at the Dusit Thani Hotel after the wedding.

 

The reception staff at the hotel showed it to us as we were checking into the hotel in Phuket during the honeymoon, and we were surprised.

 

We were only in the photo because of him.

 

I am going back to the UK at the end of the month for a month or two, if I can dig it up I will post a picture of it on this blog.

 

I wonder why some people think others are lying just because their life has been what it is, a bit ordinary, that is what I laugh at.  🤣

 

I will tell you another fact just to make your life feel better than it is and say mine is a lie:

 

When I worked in a software engineering contract in Berlin around 1998, once a month I used to fly to Phuket for a long weekend, this went on for nine months, I was younger then and could handle it.

 

I would leave Berlin on a Thursday evening and fly back on Monday.

 

Here is another chance for you to say I am lying. 😁

 

 

 

 

 

 

[GinBoy2]

On 10/14/2024 at 6:29 AM, brewsterbudgen said:

Not all Expats are here because they love Thailand, its people and culture.  Some of us are here because of work!   I couldn't earn what I do here in my home country, and after nearly 20 years there is no likelihood of me going anywhere else.  But I find Thai culture annoying, only speak very basic Thai (if I have to) and have even got sick of the food, which I used to love.

Well there are some very distinct populations of farangs in Thailand.

 

We all know the sexpat mongers who frequent the usual hangouts

 

The real expats who actually work in Thailand, usually in Bangkok

 

Older guys who end up marring a farm girl half his age and moving to the village

 

Guys who met their spouse overseas and move to Thailand.

 

I'll admit I'm in the latter one. Thought it would be fun after we married in Singapore

 

Mrs G fought tooth and nail about it wanted to move to the US. Of course she was right 10 years and I was done, now Thailand is was it is a vacation destination