To counterbalance the negativity in the supporting extended family thread, how about some examples of the generosity of Thais and / or Thais being nice?

 

Personally,

• Neighbours regularly drop off food they’ve cooked
• Stayed at the houses of various members of my partner’s family all over the country
• Been given gifts when friends / partner’s family have been abroad
• Picked up / dropped off at airports, taken on tours to local attractions, etc. 
• I’ve had a Thai friend pay for my hotel when they invited me to visit them in their home province 

 

Sometimes this is to return a good deed by me or my partner but sometimes unprompted and maybe done to gain face or just be nice.

 

 

22 minutes ago, Chalky0w said:

 

To counterbalance the negativity in the supporting extended family thread, how about some examples of the generosity of Thais and / or Thais being nice?

 

Personally,

• Neighbours regularly drop off food they’ve cooked
• Stayed at the houses of various members of my partner’s family all over the country
• Been given gifts when friends / partner’s family have been abroad
• Picked up / dropped off at airports, taken on tours to local attractions, etc. 
• I’ve had a Thai friend pay for my hotel when they invited me to visit them in their home province 

 

Sometimes this is to return a good deed by me or my partner but sometimes unprompted and maybe done to gain face or just be nice.

 

 

Your suspicion in their motive is outlined in your final sentence.

 

That would lead me to believe that you are not at all convinced by your own post.

 

I would add that I too have experienced from the extended family or friends generosity as you have outlined. However, I haven't thought too much as to whether there is an ulterior motive. I just take it for the kind gesture it is. Perhaps that is me being naive. 

31 minutes ago, Chalky0w said:

maybe done to gain face

No. There are authentic genuine folks all over the world and no different here.

6 minutes ago, Keeps said:

I haven't thought too much as to whether there is an ulterior motive.

Most are transparent, reading into motives is just a reflection of one’s own general mistrust of others.

11 minutes ago, Keeps said:

I just take it for the kind gesture it is.

 Of course, welcoming always has its risks though the reward of lasting friendships outweighs the negatives by far.

14 minutes ago, Keeps said:

Perhaps that is me being naive.

Perhaps it’s just you being authentic and genuine.

One went to get gas for my scooter when I ran out in front of his shop. A provincial policeman I befriended stood by me in court during my divorce proceedings.

 

An English school owner helped me a few times when I needed a ride home when my car was in the shop, and was a good go- between my ex and I, seeing her as she really is and supports me in it.

 

Two picked up me and my scooter when I got a flat tire in front of the 7-11 that was hit by a rocket, as I was going back home to get supplies to take back to my girlfriend's , where I was staying, and on the way back, another group of men picked me and the scooter up by my house and drove me to the nearest large town and to a shop where i got the tire fixed. 

I used to have a maid that said kaa all the time.

 

 

Not family as such........but I'm often out front between the garden wall and the road faffing about.......nearly everyone passing waves, smiles or shouts out 'hello'.

3 hours ago, Chalky0w said:

Sometimes this is to return a good deed by me or my partner but sometimes unprompted and maybe done to gain face or just be nice.

 

 

I was in the US over summer and when I retuned last month a number of restaurants I eat at often asked where I had gone. That was really nice of them to notice and made me feel welcome which I really appreciate. 🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭

I get a wai from my gardener once a year when I pay him his new year's bonus.

10 hours ago, Chalky0w said:

Sometimes this is to return a good deed

I bar fined a girl, went back to my room and she didn't ask me for money. 

I paid for long-time, but only took her short-time. Her Thai husband was very thankful for the extra dosh.  

I have had the good fortune to run into a lot of kind-hearted Thai people who are exceedingly generous, and are looking for nothing in return for their generosity. I see it time and time again.