Do You Avoid Other Foreigners You Meet in Thailand?

[SoCal1990]

After spending enough time in Thailand, I’ve noticed something that feels unusual to me. I’ve become increasingly reluctant to engage with other foreigners I meet here. Not all, of course, but after years of encountering the same types over and over like the grifter, the guy running from something, the alcoholic, the conspiracy nutter, or the one who’s always “between jobs” and looking to borrow cash, I find myself keeping my distance more and more.

 

It seems like the longer you stay, the more you build up a kind of radar for this. You get tired of peeling back the layers and finding yet another sketchy story underneath. It's not that every foreigner here is like that, but a lot of people drawn to Thailand seem to be here because it's cheap, easy to disappear in, and doesn’t ask too many questions.

 

I’ve noticed that when I travel in places like Japan, Singapore, or even parts of Europe, I don’t feel the same hesitation. Foreigners you meet in those places tend to be professionals, students, people with cultural or historical interests or travelers with a plan. There’s a different vibe there. You’re not constantly wondering if the friendly guy you just met is going to hit you up for a loan or ask to crash at your place next week.

 

Thailand’s relatively low cost of living makes it incredibly attractive for people on a tight budget, but it also attracts people living on the fringe. All this has made me wary of striking up new conversations with fellow foreigners.

 

Have you felt this too? And do you avoid getting too close to other foreigners in Thailand, or do you still meet decent people from time to time and still form good new friendships?

[richard_smith237]

https://aseannow.com/topic/663667-farang-v-farang-why-are-we-ignoring-each-other

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1030598-whats-wrong-with-you-foreigners

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1360507-when-was-the-last-time-that-you-spoke-with-a-foreigner/

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1233668-being-scared-to-talk-to-other-farang

 

 

The general consensus... Too many loons, too many grumpy old boomers...  

 

Most people of a balanced mind will engage in interaction with anyone else, foreign or otherwise when the situation is organic and natural, not when its forced.

 

 

[Purdey]

Like the plague.

[blaze master]

4 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

https://aseannow.com/topic/663667-farang-v-farang-why-are-we-ignoring-each-other

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1030598-whats-wrong-with-you-foreigners

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1360507-when-was-the-last-time-that-you-spoke-with-a-foreigner/

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1233668-being-scared-to-talk-to-other-farang

 

 

The general consensus... Too many loons, too many grumpy old boomers...  

 

Most people of a balanced mind will engage in interaction with anyone else, foreign or otherwise when the situation is organic and natural, not when its forced.

 

 

 

Great post. 

 

[Stocky]

9 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

https://aseannow.com/topic/663667-farang-v-farang-why-are-we-ignoring-each-other

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1030598-whats-wrong-with-you-foreigners

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1360507-when-was-the-last-time-that-you-spoke-with-a-foreigner/

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1233668-being-scared-to-talk-to-other-farang

 

 

The general consensus... Too many loons, too many grumpy old boomers...  

 

Most people of a balanced mind will engage in interaction with anyone else, foreign or otherwise when the situation is organic and natural, not when its forced.

 

 

+1

[scubascuba3]

I find the older ones are the worst, with their predictable chat, how long you been here, know everything, done everything, alcoholics, best avoided

[Sir Dude]

I don't seek them out but also don't avoid them... however, some pretty fruity folks around now and need to be careful about getting too pally.

[StayinThailand2much]

30 minutes ago, SoCal1990 said:

There’s a different vibe there. You’re not constantly wondering if the friendly guy you just met is going to hit you up for a loan or ask to crash at your place next week.

 

Yes, I met a compatriot who lived here long-time, but couldn't even come up with 400,000 baht for a marriage-visa-extension, and who asked me to buy some stuff online from him. Add to that the occasional tourist asking you for money, or trying to sell you leather belts, not to mention guys who have businesses here, but are on overstay for a long time, or into gambling, etc., etc., and you get the feeling to best avoid foreigners, particularly expats in Thailand... (That's probably why I don't go out much in Thailand, except for the occasional visit to Walking Street on my rare trips to Pattaya.)

[angryguy]

Ladyboys would make for a more comfortable experience 

[John Drake]

Don't get out much, myself.

[novacova]

It doesn’t matter what who where they’re from. If they’re smoking, drunk, weird or creepy, avoid. Easy to spot, the body language is a dead giveaway.

[Magictoad]

It depends just as it would back in Europe/ UK Excessively drunk, I might not talk to but I might not have any choice!

I don't talk to "Roadmen style younguns" usually but I don't really mind Roadmen but you don't see many in Pattaya. 

I talk to older folk  often I find they they have more to offer.

As I have zero interest in sports that cuts a lot of people out of my scope. Even though I let them know I'm not going to watching any sport except Chess and snooker...Oh and wrestling.

[Quentin Zen]

The last farang I met told me about getting drunk, throwing up at a bar, fighting with some lady's husband, and paying 1000 baht because he broke something.  

 

Before him, I got to hear about how this farang will live in a temple for free and never work again.  

 

Before him, how this guy won't get a Thai visa because they didn't fall for his fake bank statements.

 

I could go on and on and on and on........   just a list of winners.  Odds of the farang I see walking in the heat with their head down being an interesting individual?  0.00000000000004 percent.   Pass.   

[faraday]

1 hour ago, scubascuba3 said:

I find the older ones are the worst, with their predictable chat, how long you been here, know everything, done everything, alcoholics, best avoided

 

"Been here 35 years"

 

 

But somehow don't speak Thai.

 

"10£M business back home"

 

Dressed like a tramp.

 

I avoid most falang. 

[DezLez]

1 hour ago, angryguy said:

Ladyboys would make for a more comfortable experience 

Of/for what?

Asking for a friend.

[Yagoda]

Ive met two guys off of here, righteous dudes.

 

I can usually telll who is a scumbag after about 2 minutes.

[IvorBiggun2]

2 hours ago, angryguy said:

Ladyboys would make for a more comfortable experience 

Ladyboys are a pain in the arse.

[Hummin]

2 hours ago, SoCal1990 said:

After spending enough time in Thailand, I’ve noticed something that feels unusual to me. I’ve become increasingly reluctant to engage with other foreigners I meet here. Not all, of course, but after years of encountering the same types over and over like the grifter, the guy running from something, the alcoholic, the conspiracy nutter, or the one who’s always “between jobs” and looking to borrow cash, I find myself keeping my distance more and more.

 

It seems like the longer you stay, the more you build up a kind of radar for this. You get tired of peeling back the layers and finding yet another sketchy story underneath. It's not that every foreigner here is like that, but a lot of people drawn to Thailand seem to be here because it's cheap, easy to disappear in, and doesn’t ask too many questions.

 

I’ve noticed that when I travel in places like Japan, Singapore, or even parts of Europe, I don’t feel the same hesitation. Foreigners you meet in those places tend to be professionals, students, people with cultural or historical interests or travelers with a plan. There’s a different vibe there. You’re not constantly wondering if the friendly guy you just met is going to hit you up for a loan or ask to crash at your place next week.

 

Thailand’s relatively low cost of living makes it incredibly attractive for people on a tight budget, but it also attracts people living on the fringe. All this has made me wary of striking up new conversations with fellow foreigners.

 

Have you felt this too? And do you avoid getting too close to other foreigners in Thailand, or do you still meet decent people from time to time and still form good new friendships?

 

You just do not have patience or time for negativity, luckily they are easily discovered or show their true self after a short conversation. 

 

Luckily, I manage my time fine while I'm in Thailand 

2 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

https://aseannow.com/topic/663667-farang-v-farang-why-are-we-ignoring-each-other

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1030598-whats-wrong-with-you-foreigners

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1360507-when-was-the-last-time-that-you-spoke-with-a-foreigner/

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1233668-being-scared-to-talk-to-other-farang

 

 

The general consensus... Too many loons, too many grumpy old boomers...  

 

Most people of a balanced mind will engage in interaction with anyone else, foreign or otherwise when the situation is organic and natural, not when its forced.

 

 

+1

 

[Will B Good]

Generally, yes. Not worth the hassle.

 

 

[scorecard]

3 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

I find the older ones are the worst, with their predictable chat, how long you been here, know everything, done everything, alcoholics, best avoided

 

Agree to some extent. I'm rather selective as to which foreigners I might approach (never met before) and it's not very many, and who I respond to.

 

Too  many negative experiences, mostly the 'I need 10,000Baht now' types. I just ignore and keep walking. 

[Ralf001]

just home from watching football and drinking beers with 8 foreigners I have met here.

 

Great bunch of lads.

[NanLaew]

I like avoiding any eye contact before I cross the street to put as much distance between me and them.

 

Later, I sign into this forum to see if anyone has noticed.

[norsurin]

I have 2 really good friends in Thailand.One is a former police in the swat team in my country.

The other one is a professor in social anthropology.Can sit and talk with them about everything.

Their honest and humble.

[KhunLA]

TH does seem to attract a lot of the riff raff.   I don't purposely avoid them, but certainly not looking for any friends.  Met a few like minded, good folks, when at Udon, but many, I'm glad I'll never see again.

 

Not much opportunity to meet any where we are now.  None in the hood, and I don't frequent that many places, and the local expats seem to hang out at the only 2 places that cater to them, and the last place you'd see me at.   Overpriced western & Thai food, that Thais do so much better.

 

 

[quake]

 Most western guys you meet are ok.

Rough with the smooth and all that.

But I do avoid westerners a bit now days. ( not all ) 

it's because I'm married, 

it's not the guys,  that are the problem, it's there wives.

Some will try to  pollute the water around you.

if you have been here long enough,  you know what I'm on about.

life is good. we have our long term friends and family here and that's great.

we don't need certain types of Thai ladies around us, and Thai men.

 

 

[geisha]

5 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

I find the older ones are the worst, with their predictable chat, how long you been here, know everything, done everything, alcoholics, best avoided

I think they avoid me ! My neighbours are mostly Scandinavian who smoke and drink by the pool. They don’t speak. 

[Jim Blue]

5 hours ago, StayinThailand2much said:

 

Add to that the occasional tourist asking you for money, or trying to sell you leather belts, 

 

[Jim Blue]

I bought mine from a Thai !

[daveAustin]

6 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

The general consensus... Too many loons, too many grumpy old boomers...  

Yep, whiny knowall boomers are the worst, but everyone seems to have a story. If having an off day, I’ll cross the street or hide at the back of 7 to avoid them. 😋

[JamesPhuket10]

6 hours ago, SoCal1990 said:

After spending enough time in Thailand, I’ve noticed something that feels unusual to me. I’ve become increasingly reluctant to engage with other foreigners I meet here. Not all, of course, but after years of encountering the same types over and over like the grifter, the guy running from something, the alcoholic, the conspiracy nutter, or the one who’s always “between jobs” and looking to borrow cash, I find myself keeping my distance more and more.

 

It seems like the longer you stay, the more you build up a kind of radar for this. You get tired of peeling back the layers and finding yet another sketchy story underneath. It's not that every foreigner here is like that, but a lot of people drawn to Thailand seem to be here because it's cheap, easy to disappear in, and doesn’t ask too many questions.

 

I’ve noticed that when I travel in places like Japan, Singapore, or even parts of Europe, I don’t feel the same hesitation. Foreigners you meet in those places tend to be professionals, students, people with cultural or historical interests or travelers with a plan. There’s a different vibe there. You’re not constantly wondering if the friendly guy you just met is going to hit you up for a loan or ask to crash at your place next week.

 

Thailand’s relatively low cost of living makes it incredibly attractive for people on a tight budget, but it also attracts people living on the fringe. All this has made me wary of striking up new conversations with fellow foreigners.

 

Have you felt this too? And do you avoid getting too close to other foreigners in Thailand, or do you still meet decent people from time to time and still form good new friendships?

 

As I live in Phuket most of the foreigners out and about are on holiday for a short period of time and so have money and are out for a good time so I don't mind talking to them as it is fun.

 

As things have changed here over the last ten years or more, the vast majority of visitors are couples or in a group or families, I think most of the dodgy guys now go to Pattaya or other cheaper places. 

 

I avoid the long term guys who are miserable and negative but they are in the minority, most long term people I know seem to be happy.

 

I suppose housing and other costs here are more expensive than in other areas so the miserable skint ones can not afford to live here anyway.