Life Back Home With Your Thai Girlfriend/wife

[OzzyBloke]

It appears many posters on here are living with their girlfriend/wife in Thailand but I'm curious to hear from anyone who has taken their girl back home or even better she has moved there. Any comments from blokes in the west welcome but especially Aussies.

Background: My girlfriend arrives in 2 very long days time on a 3 month TV. Not sure if this will help but… I am 29 she is 27 and she is dark skinned (not from Issan but looks like it). Her English is not perfect but is quite reasonable.

I am asking as I am very serious about her. I know people here have had/have their girl living with them in their home country (and obviously very happy) but I really want to hear some details of what it's like day to day. I know I'll find out over the next 3 months (and hopefully longer) but really want to hear other people's thoughts.

How does she find it, how did she adjust, did she miss family/friends badly, did you experience any harassment from people about having a Thai lady, what differences from living with a western girl, what did she think about the weather (I live in Melbourne so hopefully she'll be in too deep if she comes next winter ) ? Anything else.

[cdnvic]

I've lived in Melbourne and have similar weather here. My wife adapted quite well to the weather, though the second winter was much easier.

[dalpumpkin]

From Kiwiland

No real problems with the relocation for the girlfriend from Isaan who speaks reasonable English and lives here permanently.

We do get the odd occasion where we get looked down upon via the Thai girlfriend stereotype thing “and where did you meet your girlfriend?” loaded question but all my good friends are fine, my family thinks she great and we mainly socialise with a group that tends to be Falang/Thai couples, all of who are cool.

Day to day is : I work, she goes to English class and/or cleans the house, tends the garden which is fill of Thai herbs, I come home, food normally Thai, have a few drinks (her red wine, me beer), fight over who gets the TV remote – pretty normal stuff.

Likes shopping, although here not as good as Thailand due to lack of big complexes and the name brands, which she likes.

Struggles with pronouncing some of the place names but can easily get around if I write it on a piece of paper, goes into the city by herself, no problem.

Go fishing where we have to explain that there are rules about taken the small fish despite the fact that I agree they taste nicer than the big ones.

We hang out in pubs, go out to dinner (Thai or Asian mostly) and go to the Wat/ the various Thai events that are put on.

She doesn’t like the rain as it messes her hair and has the common aversion to getting a tan so wraps up well at the beach. Likes the fact that it doesn’t get too hot.

Didn’t miss the family too much but does call home about twice a week.

On occasions, for me, the only issue is that it becomes too much like living in Thailand ; Thai friends speaking Thai, Thai music, Thai food, someone wanders off wearing my jandals, but only rarely.

Suggested things that might assist with a three month stay are:

• Ability to buy Thai food ingredients from an Asian food shop

• You can buy Thai magazines here from Asian stores (and I assume in Melb.) so she can catch up on all the gossip on TV/Movie stars if she is into that.

• International calling cards make phoning home less expensive.

I think pretty much the same as anyone away from home, a bit of home style food is nice, call home a few times to speak to your friends/family and if your having a busy and fun time on holiday with someone you care for, all is good.

Good luck.

DALP

[pgs]

TW has been in Sydney 3 years at the end of November.

The first days she was on the phone home constantly, giving details of as much as possible; rego number & the likes. I understand she was a bit scared, alone in a different country for the first time, not really sure what was going to happen - whilst it wasn't my first time in Thailand, the first stay in the village was much the same for me.

We still have problems with the cold - she's so slender.

Calling cards: 'Asia Calling' we get the $50 card with $55 credit for around $40. This gives about 5 or 6 hours to country Thailand / mobile.

She does miss her family - as do I - the calling cards get a beating, but she is now down to 1 in 6 - 8 weeks instead of 1 per week.

No harrassment problems for us (OK, maybe a few "what's she doing with him?")

Foods: no real problem, there are plenty of Asian grocery shops around us & we share cooking. SHe has been learning to bake so she can do some cakes / pizza when we go home next. Of course, this means getting an oven.

Travel: She has been going on her own by train / bus around Sydney. The first few times, someone went with her, now it's not really a problem. The only thing pushed is that she should tell me where she's going first & if she gets lost to find a shop / police stn & get someone to call me.

The newspaper ThaiOz comes out fortnightly - it's essentially the Bangkok Post re-done here with some local ads & (slightly old) news.

From time to time there are little 'lost in translation problems', printed & electronic dictionaries are a big help here. I'd suggest she get one before coming over - the good ones are about 1/4 the price in Pantip Plaza to here.

[Old Croc]

My TGF is currently visiting Perth for the first time. She loves the place, but is astounded at the lack of people walking in the streets (my street is very quiet) and the absence of motorcycles. She loves waking up to the sound of birds singing in the big bottlebrush in the back yard in lieu of the usual racket near her lodgings in Patong. On the down side, she is freezing cold nearly all the time necessitating the running of the RC AC for long periods. (I'm dreading my next electricity (and phone) bill!)

I can't stop her cleaning my house from top to bottom while continually abusing me for being a dirty bastard and has also weeded all my garden beds! As I write, she is in my 4wd cleaning like mad, after telling me to piss off out of the way.

We have an asian food shop within walking distance and it made her day to discover she can buy all the foods she needs for her style of cooking. We have been out on drives around the city and beaches, to a couple of Thai restaurants and to a mates place for a Grand Final BBQ, but generally she is very happy just being around the house. We went to the movies (Gold Class) once which she loved, but I think she didn't really know what was going on with Jason Bourne. I did find Thai tv on the computor which gave her a chance to enjoy the soapies for an hour or two.

We have had no trouble or comments from s/heads when at the supermarket or whatever. Although few ever do so in my direction anyway.

She is currently making plans to stay for 6 months next year. The house should be ready for another good spring clean by then.

Edited October 3, 2007 by Old Croc

[cdnvic]

We have had no trouble or comments from s/heads when at the supermarket or whatever. Although few ever do so in my direction anyway.

We had one incident in a supermarket where some dingbat lady made a comment about "too many of you people" before dropping the snarl and asking my wife "or are you Canadian?"

We just walked away but my wife asked me what she should say in those situations. I suggested she reply "I'm Thai, now kindly go #### yourself!" but she thinks it would be impolite

That to my knowledge is about the only racist remark I've ever witnessed since she got here.

Edited October 3, 2007 by cdnvic

[Jockstar]

I live in Sydeny with my Thai wife. Been here 1 year on the 13th of this month. The wife loves it. She works hard and makes reasonably good money. She can drive and was on an International licence, so when i didnt need the van she could use it. She has a couple Thai friends here and we also have other friends. Never had a problem with people questioning a Thai /Farang marriege. Australia is full of mixed couples. Also Thai restaurants are everywhere. Though we never really go as the wife and i think the food is made to farang tastes. She prefers to cook herself. All ingredients can be had easily. Many Asian food shops around. We eat Somtam all the time. The thing is that i lived in Thailand for 5 years and was with my wife for 3 of those. Coming and starting from scratch as we had to do was not as bad as i thought. We both had jobs within a few days of ariving, a rental apartment within a week, and a car after a month or so. The thing with the OP is that she wont be working so will have a lot of time on her hands. Best not to let her get bored. Take some time off to show around and try and get her to venture out on her own. Do your homework. Find out where she can buy Thai groceries etc. If not ask your local Thai waitress in the restaurant. Thats what we done. Also if you have a decent internet connection.. Se up skype for her overseas calls(get a headset for this) Here in Sydney there is a Thai town(read street) where the wife can get just about anything that she can back home. Even Thai soaps on DVD/VCD. So have a look around. I'm sure they have these things in Melbourne. All the best and stop worrying. She'll be fine. You just got to be supportive. Good luck. BTW she is probably coming at a good time as winter has gone.

[Sarge]

Lived with my partner for 3 months here in Sydney, last year. It all depends where you live in Australia really, after a while she was bored stiff with the place (can't blame her) but she did like travelling in Cairns, Perth, and she is still quite fond of Melbourne. Piece of advice; locate the nearest Thai food convenience shop to buy groceries and other Thai titbits. Thai can't live w/o (their) comfort food, mine is from Mahasarakham and suffered from som tam withdrawal symptoms. Other things to keep her in touch with her roots, is to take her weekly to a local Thai temple, where she can also interact with local Thai community. Source of endless gossips, free advice etc....

[Jockstar]

take her weekly to a local Thai temple, where she can also interact with local Thai community. Source of endless gossips, free advice etc.

My wife is not interested in doing that. She said she is in Oz now. Not Thailand.

[Sarge]

I live in Sydeny with my Thai wife. Been here 1 year on the 13th of this month. The wife loves it. She works hard and makes reasonably good money. She can drive and was on an International licence, so when i didnt need the van she could use it. She has a couple Thai friends here and we also have other friends. Never had a problem with people questioning a Thai /Farang marriege. Australia is full of mixed couples. Also Thai restaurants are everywhere. Though we never really go as the wife and i think the food is made to farang tastes. She prefers to cook herself. All ingredients can be had easily. Many Asian food shops around. We eat Somtam all the time. The thing is that i lived in Thailand for 5 years and was with my wife for 3 of those. Coming and starting from scratch as we had to do was not as bad as i thought. We both had jobs within a few days of ariving, a rental apartment within a week, and a car after a month or so. The thing with the OP is that she wont be working so will have a lot of time on her hands. Best not to let her get bored. Take some time off to show around and try and get her to venture out on her own. Do your homework. Find out where she can buy Thai groceries etc. If not ask your local Thai waitress in the restaurant. Thats what we done. Also if you have a decent internet connection.. Se up skype for her overseas calls(get a headset for this) Here in Sydney there is a Thai town(read street) where the wife can get just about anything that she can back home. Even Thai soaps on DVD/VCD. So have a look around. I'm sure they have these things in Melbourne. All the best and stop worrying. She'll be fine. You just got to be supportive. Good luck. BTW she is probably coming at a good time as winter has gone.

you mean Newtown?

[Old Croc]

take her weekly to a local Thai temple, where she can also interact with local Thai community. Source of endless gossips, free advice etc.

My wife is not interested in doing that. She said she is in Oz now. Not Thailand.

I've been warned/advised to keep my GF away from the local Thai Temple. Apparently people there want to insinuate themselves a little too much into newcomers lives.

[Jockstar]

I live in Sydeny with my Thai wife. Been here 1 year on the 13th of this month. The wife loves it. She works hard and makes reasonably good money. She can drive and was on an International licence, so when i didnt need the van she could use it. She has a couple Thai friends here and we also have other friends. Never had a problem with people questioning a Thai /Farang marriege. Australia is full of mixed couples. Also Thai restaurants are everywhere. Though we never really go as the wife and i think the food is made to farang tastes. She prefers to cook herself. All ingredients can be had easily. Many Asian food shops around. We eat Somtam all the time. The thing is that i lived in Thailand for 5 years and was with my wife for 3 of those. Coming and starting from scratch as we had to do was not as bad as i thought. We both had jobs within a few days of ariving, a rental apartment within a week, and a car after a month or so. The thing with the OP is that she wont be working so will have a lot of time on her hands. Best not to let her get bored. Take some time off to show around and try and get her to venture out on her own. Do your homework. Find out where she can buy Thai groceries etc. If not ask your local Thai waitress in the restaurant. Thats what we done. Also if you have a decent internet connection.. Se up skype for her overseas calls(get a headset for this) Here in Sydney there is a Thai town(read street) where the wife can get just about anything that she can back home. Even Thai soaps on DVD/VCD. So have a look around. I'm sure they have these things in Melbourne. All the best and stop worrying. She'll be fine. You just got to be supportive. Good luck. BTW she is probably coming at a good time as winter has gone.

you mean Newtown?

No! Its actually a street just of George street. a few Thai shops there selling groceries, VCDs/DVDS and a restaurant or 2.

[Jockstar]

take her weekly to a local Thai temple, where she can also interact with local Thai community. Source of endless gossips, free advice etc.

My wife is not interested in doing that. She said she is in Oz now. Not Thailand.

I've been warned/advised to keep my GF away from the local Thai Temple. Apparently people there want to insinuate themselves a little too much into newcomers lives.

Same as i heard.

[Sarge]

I live in Sydeny with my Thai wife. Been here 1 year on the 13th of this month. The wife loves it. She works hard and makes reasonably good money. She can drive and was on an International licence, so when i didnt need the van she could use it. She has a couple Thai friends here and we also have other friends. Never had a problem with people questioning a Thai /Farang marriege. Australia is full of mixed couples. Also Thai restaurants are everywhere. Though we never really go as the wife and i think the food is made to farang tastes. She prefers to cook herself. All ingredients can be had easily. Many Asian food shops around. We eat Somtam all the time. The thing is that i lived in Thailand for 5 years and was with my wife for 3 of those. Coming and starting from scratch as we had to do was not as bad as i thought. We both had jobs within a few days of ariving, a rental apartment within a week, and a car after a month or so. The thing with the OP is that she wont be working so will have a lot of time on her hands. Best not to let her get bored. Take some time off to show around and try and get her to venture out on her own. Do your homework. Find out where she can buy Thai groceries etc. If not ask your local Thai waitress in the restaurant. Thats what we done. Also if you have a decent internet connection.. Se up skype for her overseas calls(get a headset for this) Here in Sydney there is a Thai town(read street) where the wife can get just about anything that she can back home. Even Thai soaps on DVD/VCD. So have a look around. I'm sure they have these things in Melbourne. All the best and stop worrying. She'll be fine. You just got to be supportive. Good luck. BTW she is probably coming at a good time as winter has gone.

you mean Newtown?

No! Its actually a street just of George street. a few Thai shops there selling groceries, VCDs/DVDS and a restaurant or 2.

ahh, that's Ultimo (aka Chinatown) I know that particular shop, the wifey bought a couple VCD, crap quality hard to watch. The shop you have in mind is called Lucky Food Store. Mate, give a try at Newtown, plenty of Thai rest, shops, massage parlours, and even a few Isaan places. You can also enjoy the view of a few kathoeys strolling the streets at dusk

[Sarge]

take her weekly to a local Thai temple, where she can also interact with local Thai community. Source of endless gossips, free advice etc.

My wife is not interested in doing that. She said she is in Oz now. Not Thailand.

I've been warned/advised to keep my GF away from the local Thai Temple. Apparently people there want to insinuate themselves a little too much into newcomers lives.

nah, your state governments already do a pretty good job at that

Edited October 3, 2007 by Sarge

[teacup]

I don't know about life in the Aussi land, I can only speak from my own experiences in the states, just in case you want to hear some from the thai side also.

I'm living in states and liking it a lot so far. I'm a thai girl with an American husband and have to adapt to the new weather, foods, new culture and values (sort of), etc.- oh yes the job markets too! - in order to live here. And it’s not that difficult once you open yourself up a bit and with the right willing attitudes to adapt to the new environment, since you’re already here now…mind as well, and why moaning about what you could have if you’re back home.

Since all the years I have been here in the states, I have notices many thais here would prefer to hurdle together as a group, create their own society, and often times still retain “quite strongly”… the old language, lifestyle, the old culture and beliefs. I do not hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to the states, but I’m quite perplexed as why someone would go to another country and expected it to be just like back home.

I have heard so many negative talks about america here on thai tv from many anti-americanism critics. But I haven't seen or experienced the same negativities as theirs – only many positives - and think these critics are missing the big picture. In their resentment over the sins of the country, they ignore what is unique and good about this country. As an immigrant myself who has chosen to become an American citizen (neutralized), and have grown up in thailand which is just another & different society altogether, let’s just say I now see Thailand (my old country) in a diff light and also more than ever acutely conscious of the daily blessings that I enjoy in America….too many things to mention here. By being and living here in the states for some lengthy period, I now have a greater understanding of how/why the americans do certain things or behave in certain ways, and enables me to also see the differences and make comparisons between the two cultures, therefore helps me to understand whether I want to follow traditions from the old culture or if I think sometimes they are just too silly now.

[mrbojangles]

take her weekly to a local Thai temple, where she can also interact with local Thai community. Source of endless gossips, free advice etc.

My wife is not interested in doing that. She said she is in Oz now. Not Thailand.

I've been warned/advised to keep my GF away from the local Thai Temple. Apparently people there want to insinuate themselves a little too much into newcomers lives.

Same as i heard.

Same here. I had been going to the Wat in Manchester UK, learning Thai for about 12 months prior to my Mrs coming over. When she got here i took her with me, after 2 visits she told me she didn't want to go again.

[dsys]

Lived in London for 7 years, our kids were born there. At the start a lot of comments of the "where did you buy the wife?" type but you get used to that. Large Thai community in London so easy for her to make friends etc. Also too easy for her to stay out all night playing cards , that was until she discovered the casino

Moved to Thailand this year as wanted the kids to at least have a few years in the boonies away from the city when they were young.

Differences living with a western girl - not many that I noticed excepts arguments are more fun when there is a language barrier

Weather - its a bit colder in england and for the first few months insisted on wearing large jackets around the house and the heating was at full blast. Went to France Snowboarding - first time she saw snow, which was cool.

She didn't miss her family here but did miss her friends. Sorted that out by opening a hairdressers for her to run, employed Thais and that gave her a new circle of friends.

Day to day - no different from living with a western girl. You get up go to work and pay the bills. In between try and get as much time together as possible.

Things to watch out for at first (just a few things that happened to me plse dont flame me):

1. It would be prudent to inform her that its not common in western culture to walk into the neighbours house unannounced, wearing only your PJ's, just because you wanted to say hello even if the door was unlocked.

2. Make sure she understands the correct meaning/use of any swear words you have taught her - a casual F*&k of% while passing the veg to her future father in law, on their first meeting, does not go down well.

3. Eating off others plates in restaurents is generally considered bad manners in London.

4. At the pub make sure she gets more than one glass when suggesting the group drink whisky and point out that ordering a bottle of JackD in a club is a bit more expensive than at home. Although a plus side is to invite your hardest drinking buddy round and watch her drink him under the table.

5. Point out its generally considered rude to talk about people when they are only a few inches away.

6. Last but definatey not least remind her that it is impolite to point out, in English, that there are loads of Khun Dum/Jin etc.

7. Oh the most important - when indroducing her to your boss make sure she does not say " oh this is the fat ba$tard then". (relates to point 2)

[totlanh]

Things to watch out for at first (just a few things that happened to me plse dont flame me):

1. It would be prudent to inform her that its not common in western culture to walk into the neighbours house unannounced, wearing only your PJ's, just because you wanted to say hello even if the door was unlocked.

2. Make sure she understands the correct meaning/use of any swear words you have taught her - a casual F*&k of% while passing the veg to her future father in law, on their first meeting, does not go down well.

3. Eating off others plates in restaurents is generally considered bad manners in London.

4. At the pub make sure she gets more than one glass when suggesting the group drink whisky and point out that ordering a bottle of JackD in a club is a bit more expensive than at home. Although a plus side is to invite your hardest drinking buddy round and watch her drink him under the table.

5. Point out its generally considered rude to talk about people when they are only a few inches away.

6. Last but definatey not least remind her that it is impolite to point out, in English, that there are loads of Khun Dum/Jin etc.

7. Oh the most important - when indroducing her to your boss make sure she does not say " oh this is the fat ba$tard then". (relates to point 2)

Classic mate i needed a laugh this morning!!

[pgs]

take her weekly to a local Thai temple, where she can also interact with local Thai community. Source of endless gossips, free advice etc.

My wife is not interested in doing that. She said she is in Oz now. Not Thailand.

I've been warned/advised to keep my GF away from the local Thai Temple. Apparently people there want to insinuate themselves a little too much into newcomers lives.

Same as i heard.

Same here. I had been going to the Wat in Manchester UK, learning Thai for about 12 months prior to my Mrs coming over. When she got here i took her with me, after 2 visits she told me she didn't want to go again.

Her Thainess went once to the temple in Leichhardt / Glebe area - refuses to go again. Said they want to know too much about her / us & spent so much time talking about the ones not there in a bad way. She has found a few friends here. One she cut ties with one when she was told the husband doesn't like me, the other ones are quite nice. I'm quite happy for her to have more Thais to talk to, but that choice is hers.

Getting her work has been awkward. She did a month in 1 takeaway, but left when he would pay properly & put it through the books. We weren't willing to risk an ATO raid whilst she was still on the temp visa. 2 after that started OK - office cleaning. Manageable workload for a day to begin with, increasing to the point where 2 or 3 people should have been covering it.

Edited October 3, 2007 by pgs

[kiakaha]

take her weekly to a local Thai temple, where she can also interact with local Thai community. Source of endless gossips, free advice etc.

My wife is not interested in doing that. She said she is in Oz now. Not Thailand.

Just to reverse that logic a bit, expats who live in Thailand with their thai wives like to go to the Farang temple ie: the pub ! One should embrace their new culture but never deny their own culture.

[jetjock]

It appears many posters on here are living with their girlfriend/wife in Thailand but I'm curious to hear from anyone who has taken their girl back home or even better she has moved there. Any comments from blokes in the west welcome but especially Aussies.

Background: My girlfriend arrives in 2 very long days time on a 3 month TV. Not sure if this will help but… I am 29 she is 27 and she is dark skinned (not from Issan but looks like it). Her English is not perfect but is quite reasonable.

I am asking as I am very serious about her. I know people here have had/have their girl living with them in their home country (and obviously very happy) but I really want to hear some details of what it's like day to day. I know I'll find out over the next 3 months (and hopefully longer) but really want to hear other people's thoughts.

How does she find it, how did she adjust, did she miss family/friends badly, did you experience any harassment from people about having a Thai lady, what differences from living with a western girl, what did she think about the weather (I live in Melbourne so hopefully she'll be in too deep if she comes next winter ) ? Anything else.

My Thai wife has been with me here in the US for about 2 years. Despite the fact that the US was all new to her, she has easily assimilated into our American culture from the first day she arrived here and had absolutely no adjustment problems. She started making new American friends immediately and now has a whole entourage of new girlfriends and a very active social life. She does not get homesick as she knows she can fly back anytime to visit and she can always chat on the phone with her girlfriends back in Thailand. Even though we live in one of the most affluent and classy towns in the US, she has never experienced even the slightest discrimination. She has been very well accepted by everyone that has met her and in fact has become one of the most well liked and popular people in our many social circles.

Looking back on what made the transition so easy for her, I now realize that it had everthing to do with her individual attributes and nothing to do with the fact that she was Thai. She speaks English fluently with virtually no accent so it has made it easy for her to talk with anyone. She is more highly educated than most Americans so is able to converse intelligently on almost any topic of conversation and fit right in. She has a vibrant outgoing personality and is genuinely interested in people which has made it very easy to make new friends. Probably most importantly, she has the desire to join and become part of the new culture. Having all those qualities has made it very easy for her.

The reality is that not all Thai girls that come to Western countries have the qualities or motivations to be able to successfully assimilate and find happiness in a new culture. Unfortunately it is very sad when I meet some of these Thai girls that have married farangs and moved here to the US but not been able to adapt to a new culture and seem to be somewhat lonely and unhappy despite the fact that they are living an easier lifestyle in a new country.

If someone really loves or cares for their Thai gf or wife, perhaps not everyone should just automatically assume that they will be able to adapt to a new culture and way of life and find happiness.

[GuestHouse]

From the moment my wife agreed that we should move to the UK I was aware of the huge leap of faith that such a move was on her part. Giving up her job, putting a bigger distance between her and her family and of couse the loss of close friends, food, and all that is life in Thailand for Thai people.

We've since moved a number of times and each time she has settled in quite easily - she was in tears over leaving Rome, she never showed herself to be so upset leaving Thailand.

I think the reasons why she adapted are many, as the poster above says 'her own personality and temprement' was perhaps the largets factor but also shared values and in particular close family ties on both sides of our relationship. I think the least important factor has been the local Thai community, in fact I'd go as far as to say that there have been a number of occassions where the Local Thai community has brought problems to our door.

Work has been important, but not necessarily paid work. My wife took an unpaid job with a local charity and through that found new non Thai friends who bent over backwards to help her adjust to life in the UK. This was repeated in Rome. I suspect that is something to do with the kind of people who do charity work.

And then last, but by no means least, recognize that leap of faith for what it is and reward it with patience.

--

I was on the phone tonight with my wife, she's in the UK helping my mother and a family friend make gallons of Jam and prepare (pickle/salt/dry)home grown vegitables for the winter - she tells me she's having a great time - I'm sure she is - its an experience of English family life that she can relate to.

As for her own family - curiously she gets to see more of her parents now than she did when they were up North and she was working down in Bangkok.

And she's always ready to head back before the end of those visits home.

[roamer]

Its the person not the place. Some will hack it anywhere, others not attempt anything outside their comfort zone. I've known Thai girls who find winters in Nth Dakota exhilarating and others that find life and climate in cities as varied as Sydney or London alien.

Its the singer not the song.

[maipleur]

I really enjoyed reading this thread.. Thanks for the insight people.

[papaya9]

You guys that get harrassed by others for having a Thai wife, just tell them that yes, she is indeed a "professional" and treats you like no ordinary woman ever would or could. Tell them that you never fantasized that it could ever be so good with a woman and you pity the poor bastards who married a garden variety western woman.

[OzzyBloke]

I really enjoyed reading this thread.. Thanks for the insight people.

Yes Indeed!

Thankyou for sharing your experiences people and to those who have supplied some ideas and gotchyas.

I'm sure people have also had bad experiences but I'm pleased to see so many good ones here – very encouraging.

[womble]

You guys that get harrassed by others for having a Thai wife, just tell them that yes, she is indeed a "professional" and treats you like no ordinary woman ever would or could. Tell them that you never fantasized that it could ever be so good with a woman and you pity the poor bastards who married a garden variety western woman.

I don't think my gf would find it very funny if I told someone she was a "professional" even if it was said in a way that made her out to be better than the local ladies.

And even if she was an ex pro (which she isn't) I doubt it would be seen in a funny way.

You may find it amusing, but ex hooker or not I reckon most gf's would not see the funny side.

Just my thoughts..............

[fletchsmile]

I don't know about life in the Aussi land, I can only speak from my own experiences in the states, just in case you want to hear some from the thai side also.

I'm living in states and liking it a lot so far. I'm a thai girl with an American husband and have to adapt to the new weather, foods, new culture and values (sort of), etc.- oh yes the job markets too! - in order to live here. And it's not that difficult once you open yourself up a bit and with the right willing attitudes to adapt to the new environment, since you're already here now…mind as well, and why moaning about what you could have if you're back home.

Since all the years I have been here in the states, I have notices many thais here would prefer to hurdle together as a group, create their own society, and often times still retain "quite strongly"… the old language, lifestyle, the old culture and beliefs. I do not hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to the states, but I'm quite perplexed as why someone would go to another country and expected it to be just like back home.

I have heard so many negative talks about america here on thai tv from many anti-americanism critics. But I haven't seen or experienced the same negativities as theirs – only many positives - and think these critics are missing the big picture. In their resentment over the sins of the country, they ignore what is unique and good about this country. As an immigrant myself who has chosen to become an American citizen (neutralized), and have grown up in thailand which is just another & different society altogether, let's just say I now see Thailand (my old country) in a diff light and also more than ever acutely conscious of the daily blessings that I enjoy in America….too many things to mention here. By being and living here in the states for some lengthy period, I now have a greater understanding of how/why the americans do certain things or behave in certain ways, and enables me to also see the differences and make comparisons between the two cultures, therefore helps me to understand whether I want to follow traditions from the old culture or if I think sometimes they are just too silly now.

Yes I'd definitely like to hear more Thai opinions throughout this site. You also made a very interesting post. Thanks.

Good topic and threads too. I've enjoyed reading them. My wife and I have been back to the UK on 3 occasions, but always at Christmas, for holidays, and to spend time with the English half of our family. I've often wondered what it would be like us living there. In the same way a 2 week holiday in Thailand is different, I know life in the UK as a family, would be very different than our Xmas visits.

Edited October 4, 2007 by fletchthai68

[old wanderer]

13 years ago, I met a "Tribal" girl in Bangkok. She had her own little sewing buisness with 12 employees. She spoke Thai, Lao, and her tribal dialect, but no English. 11 years ago I asked her to marry me and come live in the USA. There was a big meeting back in her village (almost everybody came) and I was presented with this letter (which I still have) Yes she would marry me but on the following conditions:

1. I have to give her a round trip ticket so she could come home

2. I had to give an allowance to send to her mother/father.

3. I had to promise not to sell her if I did not like her.

4. I could not keep her passport

5. We had to have a village wedding

Well we came and got married, she got her green card, and became the most respected person in her village over the next 10 years. We do 1 or 2 trips to Thailand each year, sometimes together sometimes sepreately depending on my work schedule.

She went to school and learned to speak so so English, but has never learned to read very well.

She has her own car, but get lost very easy.

She works for some Thai people in the tropical fish store.

She has turned into somewhat of a raceist, as she does not like blacks or Mexicans. Hates the "illegals" we have here in the USA>

She has her own bank accounts and credit cards and gives what she wishes to help her family from her earnings. Loans money back in village but keeps land titles as collateral.

We have purchased over 100 rai of land in Thailand, and every bit of it is under a usefret, so if anything should happen to her I will have it until I am no longer here. There is a total trust between us. She insists that we must maintain a home in the USA even if we return to Thailand for some years.

For me it has been intresting watching her grow and mature, while the other Thai people in the USA who consider her an Issan hick, uneducated and un-sophistictated. When some found out she bouht 38 rai of land in the center of a resort where they had a number of wealthy friends have weekend homes they could not understand how she managed as many had been trying to buy this choice property for several years. When we ended up with the choices view property at the resort....they ask why???how can this person pull these deals off?? They all alk about who they know in the Government.

I am quite happy with how she turned out, she still watches Thai TV from the satalite, gets on the phone for seveal hours and yells out people in her village about politics, (hates Thaskin) tunes me out when I start laughing at her tyraids by switching to her tribal language, telling the village people they have "buffalo brains". All this from a girl who only went to 4 years of school, and left at 15 to work as a maid. (I am the oposite with a few graduate degrees, but had always been socially unstable until we got together, having gone through 4 tother wives, and a bunch of girl friends).

For me I am happy I was able to find a strong spirit, and give her oportunities that were beyond her comprehension when we met. I think my natural calling is to be a teacher, so I enjoy discussing the stratigy to accomplish some things, sometimes agruing, sometimes sitting quietly, allowing her to make some mistakes to learn by, and then letting her do it.

So here we have a story of a Issan girl that adapted quite well to the Farang life style.

Edited October 4, 2007 by old wanderer