Thailand Loves America

[Credo]

I have no idea why Russia is fueled by gas and oil. I thought they ran on Vodka.

[chiangmaikelly]

"So yes it was a defeated enemy nation, by any definition - American or British.... the Japanese treated Thailand as occuped territory.

If the Japanese treated Thailand as occupied territory, how could Thailand be its true ally and hence of its own free will declare war on the Western powers? Flaw in your logic there.

The military dictator of Thailand sided with the Japanese after they had already attacked and easily subdued Thailand. Like so often with the Thais, he was playing all sides, and I'm sure that did save Thai lives (and made a fortune for himself).

Amazing to go Kanchanaburi Death Railway cemetary see how many other nationalities the Thais did not try to save. I was surprised by the number of Indians.

I completly agree your second paragraph.

On your second paragraph, I too was amazed at the different nationalities buried in the cemeteries. There were of course more Asian dead than westerners. Very few asian bodies were however found. The museum had lots of interesting books and information and the staff very knowledgable. Hope you enjoyed that if you visited.

Considering the fact that the Japanese were actually in control in Thailand ( I used the words "treated Thailand as occupied territory" ) I don't think they could do a great deal to save more people. There was some resistance but it could not be effective.

( a parallel is the French Resistance and Vichy France)

May I wish you a happy new year

Caf

PS I don't think there is a flaw in my logic. The Thais were hardly using " their own free will" - they had just suffered a defeat by the Japanese. The Thai ambassador in Washington originally refused to deliever the war declaration.

I think a detailed analysis of the situation will show that the Thais arranged an alliance with the Japanese for favorable treatment in arbitration of Franco/Thai war almost a year before the Japanese landed in Thailand.

The United States government had frozen Thai bank assets in the US and unfroze them and gave the money to the Thai ambassador to prevent him from giving a declaration of war to the State Department and to contribute manpower to a resistance movement called Free Thai.

The motivation of the alliance with Japan and the entire Thai participation in WW II appears to be based on profits from the major crop that was grown in a certain area of Burma and invaded by Thailand and called the United Thai State.

Unless someone can find better numbers than I can it seems that only 5600 military and 300 civilian Thais died during WW II. That means that few Thais were effected by railroad building during the war and the Asian deaths listed were not Thai deaths.

This would explain why Thai's don't have much knowledge about Swastikas or other WW II related facts.

WW II was simply a non event for Thailand.

I was in Thailand 20 years after the end of WW II and did not hear many stories about the big war. At the time I wondered why when most of the world was still getting over deaths and devastation that had transpired during that period. Vietnam for example was rife with turmoil caused by the colonial French administrations and every family had ancestors that had been involved in one way or another from river pirates to casino and brothel owners. Thailand however seemed completely unaffected and was only concerned with threats to the monarchy and external influences of the 60's by the neighboring countries.

[caf]

"but we still dominate the world both militarily and financially"

perhaps that's the problem.

Of course, but there have always been dominate nations and there probably always will be. However, America is probably the most benign superpower of all time and if China takes over, we will be remembered with great fondness.

I agree about China but I would be happier if, partly as a counter to that, America and Europe and some other countries got together rather than have one dominant power.

Perhaps " dominate together with like-minded nations" would have fitted.

But "we still dominate the world" was likely to ruffle some feathers.

It was meant to ruffle some feathers, but it is also true and that is why it is so fashionable to talk <deleted> about America. Everybody wants to be on top, but there is not that much room there.

I also would prefer the US and Europe to "rule the world" together - that would be preferable to China or Russia running things - but, so far, the Europeans can hardly even get together on a common currency. They resent the US running the show, but it is a lot better than most of the alternatives and they are slitting their own throats by not standing with us. If they do bring the America down, they will live to regret it.

"but we still dominate the world both militarily and financially"

"It was meant to ruffle some feathers"

Most people are patriotic for their own country but your quotes show a very unhealthy form.

No one is suggesting anyone is trying to bring America down. They are your words. I was suggesting working together.

The reference to the single currency is absurd. It is nothing to do with the topic and it is every member country's right to have its own opinion on it. That is clear from the EU constitution. And far from not standing with you, Iraq??? And currently in Afghanistan. ??

A bit light on facts. A bit heavy on knee jerk reactions.

You need to read more. There are several good book shops in Chiangmai. Try Geeko.

See, I'm even giving you a plug. Just be a bit more open minded.

[Ulysses G.]

You do not seem to realize that a lot of other people are reading this besides you and that every statement is not directed at you. I was not referring to YOU or anything that you said when I mentioned the possibility of America falling. I was making a point - that went sailing right over your head.

You also misunderstood what I said about Europe. I am simply pointing out that it not yet in a position to be a superpower - which I am all for. It has to get its own house together first.

As far as insulting people about reading more, you don't seem to comprehend what you read very well yourself - but that does not stop you from commenting on it. Also, you better learn to write sentences that make sense before sneering at other people's imaginary shortcomings.

QUOTE (caf @ 2009-12-31 16:18:46)

Most people are patriotic for their own country but your quotes show a very unhealthy form

Edited January 1, 2010 by Ulysses G.

[caf]

You do not seem to realize that a lot of other people are reading this besides you and that every statement is not directed at you. I was not referring to YOU or anything that you said when I mentioned the possibility of America falling. I was making a point - that went sailing right over your head.

You also misunderstood what I said about Europe. I am simply pointing out that it not yet in a position to be a superpower - which I am all for. It has to get its own house together first.

As far as insulting people about reading more, you don't seem to comprehend what you read very well yourself - but that does not stop you from commenting on it. Also, you better learn to write sentences that make sense before sneering at other people's imaginary shortcomings.

QUOTE (caf @ 2009-12-31 16:18:46)

Most people are patriotic for their own country but your quotes show a very unhealthy form

Of course I am aware that other people read the forum. I read and sometimes comment on many posts by many different posters, as we all do. You included.

I did not assume the phrase " america is falling " was directed at me. You and I seem to agree that working together can only be a good thing.

I am not sure what sailing over my head refers to. I understand exactly what you saying and how you are saying it.

I agree that Europe is not ready to be a super power but I hope that Europe and America and others can work together - another point where we seem to agree. But you did not originally refer to it like that, you talked about a single currency. And member countries do not have to subscribe to a single currency - see the constitution. That was the reference to reading up on the facts. And I think I did "comprehend what ( I ) read very well" on that point.

Nowhere was I sneering, or talking about imaginary shortcomings.

I don't like poor English but I am not a grammar nazi. But as you raised it, and only because you raised it, your closing sentence should read "Also, you had better learn to write sentences that make sense before sneering at other people's imaginary shortcomings. "

We agree on many points, we disagree on some. If I think that comments like "it was meant to ruffle feathers" is out of place and not getting anyone anywhere and you think the opposite then so be it. No need to respond the way you did. Let's stick to a productive debate.

If my humourous point at the end, with a smiley, upset you then I apologise.

caf

[Ulysses G.]

A bit light on facts. A bit heavy on knee jerk reactions.

You need to read more.

You might call this a "humourous point", but most people would call it an insult. You did not like it when I said something similar to you. I do not think you are being honest with other readers or with me and it is pretty darn obvious.

Edited January 1, 2010 by Ulysses G.

[Jingthing]

I never got spit in the face there (Malaysia),

Oh, then, you haven't lived. When going out for a Malaysian being spit session, I recommend a dry Sauvignon Blanc with hints of wet horse and lavender. Its best in the midday sun, it dries quicker and only mad dogs and Englishmen will witness.

Edited January 1, 2010 by Jingthing

[geriatrickid]

I don't wish to insult our good American friends, but I have found that most Thais have a hard time distinguishing between foreign nationals. In fairness though, there is a sizeable Thai population in the USA and it is a community that like other family oriented cultures sends money back home.

[Jingthing]

I don't wish to insult our good American friends, but I have found that most Thais have a hard time distinguishing between foreign nationals. In fairness though, there is a sizeable Thai population in the USA and it is a community that like other family oriented cultures sends money back home.

That's largely true. One way they judge is where you go to eat. If you for Iranian food, you are Iranian. If you go for Russian food, you are Russian. etc. So if you want to play act American, go eat American.

[Ulysses G.]

One Thai fellow told me that when he worked overseas, different nationalities had their own clubs and the Thais couldn't afford one. He really liked Americans because he said that they let the Thais and workers from the Philippines use theirs as they are our allies.

Edited January 1, 2010 by Ulysses G.

[ferd54]

Unless someone can find better numbers than I can it seems that only 5600 military and 300 civilian Thais died during WW II. That means that few Thais were effected by railroad building during the war and the Asian deaths listed were not Thai deaths.

This would explain why Thai's don't have much knowledge about Swastikas or other WW II related facts.

WW II was simply a non event for Thailand.

That's interesting and a useful way to see it.

An example that is not widely known is the Pai-Mae Hong Song road, so scenic today, that was built with forced labor during WWII so the Japanese could better go after northern Burma. A descendant from the area told me his grandfather told him workers (other Asians) were hobbled and roped together to build the road. It was finished too late to have an impact.

But the Thais kept the Japanese happy by cooperating and assisting, while no Thai general had to lead any men into battle.

[koheesti]

One Thai fellow told me that when he worked overseas, different nationalities had their own clubs and the Thais couldn't afford one. He really liked Americans because he said that they let the Thais and workers from the Philippines use theirs as they are our allies.

I used to watch football (the American version) at the club inside the US Embassy in Moscow back in '95-'96. Most if not all the staff were Filipinos. Maybe there were a Thai or two mixed in the bunch?

[IMA_FARANG]

Unless someone can find better numbers than I can it seems that only 5600 military and 300 civilian Thais died during WW II. That means that few Thais were effected by railroad building during the war and the Asian deaths listed were not Thai deaths.

This would explain why Thai's don't have much knowledge about Swastikas or other WW II related facts.

WW II was simply a non event for Thailand.

That's interesting and a useful way to see it.

An example that is not widely known is the Pai-Mae Hong Song road, so scenic today, that was built with forced labor during WWII so the Japanese could better go after northern Burma. A descendant from the area told me his grandfather told him workers (other Asians) were hobbled and roped together to build the road. It was finished too late to have an impact.

But the Thais kept the Japanese happy by cooperating and assisting, while no Thai general had to lead any men into battle.

I know the history of the Thai people during World War two as well as most do.

To be fair to the Thais, they had little choice to "help" the Japanese military. They were informed by the Japanese that the Japanese Army, having just defeated the British in Singapore, was on it's way to attack the British in Burma. If the Thai army got in the way, the Japanese would just roll over them anyhow. As I said, the Japanese had just defeated the British, the then most powerful European military in the area. So who was coming to help the Thais, at that time?

Secondly, I knew a man, now deceased, who was personally at the camp bulding the railroad bridge at the so-called "Bridge Over the River Kwai". He was once asked why the local Thai villagers didn't make an attempt to help escaped prisioners from the camps. The answer is: because the Japanese had a policy of killing any Thais they found aiding a prisioner. No questions asked...they just shot them without any hesitation.

And, for your information, their was a group called the Thai Seri...who actually opposed the Japanese as a resistance group.

I'm not defending the Thais, I'm just stating the facts. It was a rough time for everyone then.

Oh, and by the way, aproximately 40,000 Thai villagers died in the same labor camps...after being forced to work as laborers by the Japanese army at gunpoint. Remember, being caught trying to escape was to be shot.

[caf]

Unless someone can find better numbers than I can it seems that only 5600 military and 300 civilian Thais died during WW II. That means that few Thais were effected by railroad building during the war and the Asian deaths listed were not Thai deaths.

This would explain why Thai's don't have much knowledge about Swastikas or other WW II related facts.

WW II was simply a non event for Thailand.

That's interesting and a useful way to see it.

An example that is not widely known is the Pai-Mae Hong Song road, so scenic today, that was built with forced labor during WWII so the Japanese could better go after northern Burma. A descendant from the area told me his grandfather told him workers (other Asians) were hobbled and roped together to build the road. It was finished too late to have an impact.

But the Thais kept the Japanese happy by cooperating and assisting, while no Thai general had to lead any men into battle.

Interesting about the Pai Maehongson road. I did not know that.

I know that more Asians than allies died at the hands of the Japanese during the war, mainly on the Death railway

What really happened is being kept from Thais. Few know that Thailand declared war on the allies. Lots of myths around that. America was the only nation that blocked reparations from Thailand. But they had not lost so much and were stronger economically. Allies such as France and Britain were quite justified in my view in seeking compensation for their losses. Thailand was obviously grateful to America for their block.

The Russians. elsewhere in the world, handled the compensation issue differently. They took what they decided was due.

[chiangmaikelly]

Unless someone can find better numbers than I can it seems that only 5600 military and 300 civilian Thais died during WW II. That means that few Thais were effected by railroad building during the war and the Asian deaths listed were not Thai deaths.

This would explain why Thai's don't have much knowledge about Swastikas or other WW II related facts.

WW II was simply a non event for Thailand.

That's interesting and a useful way to see it.

An example that is not widely known is the Pai-Mae Hong Song road, so scenic today, that was built with forced labor during WWII so the Japanese could better go after northern Burma. A descendant from the area told me his grandfather told him workers (other Asians) were hobbled and roped together to build the road. It was finished too late to have an impact.

But the Thais kept the Japanese happy by cooperating and assisting, while no Thai general had to lead any men into battle.

I know the history of the Thai people during World War two as well as most do.

To be fair to the Thais, they had little choice to "help" the Japanese military. They were informed by the Japanese that the Japanese Army, having just defeated the British in Singapore, was on it's way to attack the British in Burma. If the Thai army got in the way, the Japanese would just roll over them anyhow. As I said, the Japanese had just defeated the British, the then most powerful European military in the area. So who was coming to help the Thais, at that time?

Secondly, I knew a man, now deceased, who was personally at the camp bulding the railroad bridge at the so-called "Bridge Over the River Kwai". He was once asked why the local Thai villagers didn't make an attempt to help escaped prisioners from the camps. The answer is: because the Japanese had a policy of killing any Thais they found aiding a prisioner. No questions asked...they just shot them without any hesitation.

And, for your information, their was a group called the Thai Seri...who actually opposed the Japanese as a resistance group.

I'm not defending the Thais, I'm just stating the facts. It was a rough time for everyone then.

Oh, and by the way, aproximately 40,000 Thai villagers died in the same labor camps...after being forced to work as laborers by the Japanese army at gunpoint. Remember, being caught trying to escape was to be shot.

I beg to differ. I don't think you know Thai history very well.

January 1941 The Prime Minister of Thailand agrees to support the Japanese invasion of Burma and Malaysia.

(11 months later) December 1941 the Japanese land in Thailand.

(3 months later) January 1942 Singapore surrenders.

Your statement that the Japanese had beaten the Brits in Singapore before they landed in Thailand is not correct. The British surrendered quite a while after the Japanese landed in Thailand.

Thailand tying up some Japanese troops may have saved Singapore (Thailand did have a 50,000 man well equipped army). The Japanese commander said, "My attack on Singapore was a bluff, a bluff that worked.? I had 30,000 men and was outnumbered by more than three to one. I knew that if I had to fight long for Singapore I would be beaten. That is why the surrender had to be at once. I was very frightened all the time that the British would discover our numerical weakness and lack of supplies and force me into disastrous street fighting."

I have never heard or read anywhere that 40,000 Thai's were killed during the building of the railroad.

I can only find 300 civilians killed during the war. Where did you locate the 40,000 number?

The Thai Seri never really got off the ground due to bureaucratic wrangling. Although they did convince the US to unfreeze Thai assets in American banks so they had some money to live during the war in Washington.

[Stonecutter35777]

that would be preferable to China or Russia running things

Like Soviet nuclear power during the Cold War, the actual strength of China is vastly overestimated by those who think it will one day soon become the dominant power in the world.

They have a lot of peasants and a vast workforce, but when they try to get something organized it's a "cluster <deleted>". Sure they can throw unlimited amounts of money and a brute workforce at some showpiece like the Olympics and do an excellent job (with the help of huge numbers of foreign advisers), and build world-class infrastructure, but their ability to lead anything other than peasants has a very long way to go.

While people watch its growing trade numbers and think China has suddenly gone from one of the most backward to one of the most developed countries on earth, they are unaware of the facts on the ground. The county's 800 million peasants live in African-level poverty. As well, the impacts of Mao's policies can hardly be overestimated. People are still rushing around like someone who has been traumatized, afraid the next bus will be the last -- forever. I have never met such fear-filled and immature people in my life.

Their ability to usefully interact with -- let alone dominate -- a foreign culture is close to zero. They can do it within their own borders because the people they're dominating are even more impoverished. If it's not Han Chinese, they are completely freaked out by it, so like the Borg in Star Trek, they are busily digesting those places, leaving behind just a show of the former culture -- quaint "ethnic minorities" who all wear colorful clothes and love to sing.

Russia, for its part, is weakened due to its over-reliance on oil and gas to fuel the economy and a bent for criminals of one type or another in power. They are plenty violent, that's for sure, but to effectively take over and lead the world hardly seems likely.

Not to mention that in China's case they will soon become the only nation on Earth with an inverted pyramid in their age distribution. Their vast workforce will start breaking down in 20 years or so because their population is being halved with every new generation while at the same time the older, and much larger, generation that built China is living longer. It can't continue and is a recipe for trouble. I feel sorry for them.

[Jingthing]

China is in the process of likely trashing the one baby policy.

[ferd54]

It can't continue and is a recipe for trouble.

Sure is. Yet even now -- with all the one-child kids graduating college -- fully 25 percent of graduates are still unemployed six months after graduation each year, and most of those who are employed are working as store clerks and the like. Perhaps 25 percent at most are employed in the field they studied.

So the "great Chinese economy" can't absorb even the "relatively fewer" one-child graduates. They need to scrap the one-child policy for the demographic reasons noted, but the society can't provide jobs for the 20-somethings it now has. Of course this spoiled generation -- each doted on by two sets of grandparents and their parents -- has extremely high expectations that in most cases will not be realized. They will certainly be most unhappy about that.

Then there are the peasants who still have nothing. They watch TV and see middle-class lifestyles and know that's a universe away from what they have. They also know their local and provincial governments are corrupt. They are also a powderkeg.

Far from trying to control the world, the Chinese Communist Party will have its hands full continuing to control its own population. My own guess is they will not be able to over the long haul -- and they know it.

[dumbnewbie]

It can't continue and is a recipe for trouble.

Sure is. Yet even now -- with all the one-child kids graduating college -- fully 25 percent of graduates are still unemployed six months after graduation each year, and most of those who are employed are working as store clerks and the like. Perhaps 25 percent at most are employed in the field they studied.

So the "great Chinese economy" can't absorb even the "relatively fewer" one-child graduates. They need to scrap the one-child policy for the demographic reasons noted, but the society can't provide jobs for the 20-somethings it now has. Of course this spoiled generation -- each doted on by two sets of grandparents and their parents -- has extremely high expectations that in most cases will not be realized. They will certainly be most unhappy about that.

Then there are the peasants who still have nothing. They watch TV and see middle-class lifestyles and know that's a universe away from what they have. They also know their local and provincial governments are corrupt. They are also a powderkeg.

Far from trying to control the world, the Chinese Communist Party will have its hands full continuing to control its own population. My own guess is they will not be able to over the long haul -- and they know it.

And let's not forget all the poor Chinese guys who can't find a girlfriend because so many parents aborted their baby girls because they prefer to have a son, especially if they're limited to only one child.

Put all of the above together, it seems like a recipe for explosive violence, either revolutionary or more likely a war. I would expect the CCP to start a war to channel that violence outward if the alternative is losing it's grip on power due to increasing civil unrest.

"Peaceful rise"? Sure, as long as it's working. But beware when it stops working!

[Huey]

I guess it's just because America is cool. Simple as that really. I traveled to a dozen different countries so far and have talked with people from Austria to Zimbabwe and the only folks that I get any anti-American sentiment from are usually the English.

Why?? Who knows, furthermore... who cares?

But the fact remains that everyone else thought it was cool that I came from the States. And if they had ever visited (even if for a moment) or if they had a relative, no matter how distant, they would bring it up.

Truth is nothing but love really. Like even in the middle east, Especially in the middle east actually, folks have treated me great there. Iran? I sadly had to break a Iranian girls heart once when I chose to be with a Thai girlfriend (now my wife) over her. Before that, in Kuwait, I had one man (Kuwaiti) who was assigned to mentor one of the Amir's son's, offer me the hand of his 17yr old daughter in marriage. I only refused because I already had a local girlfriend there. I have friends, business, and networks in many places that are portied by the media to be "Anti-American" yet I have found that being American has only helped me.

Folks like America cause America is the mother of Cool. Sure everyone sees the BS that my govt dose (like Bush for example) but they are quick to let it go when you talk to them in person.

[Moonrakers]

Ha.

What a naive O.P. All the Time I get "England, #1". They never seem to have any reasoning behind this, except for maybe David Beckham and one chap once insisted on an hour long chat about "England, #1" on the basis that "Lennox Lewis, #1".

That was the extent of the chat. "England #1" and "Lennox Lewis, #1" was the extent of the vocabulary involved and had I asked what he thought of Britain's contribution to the world current economic and social climate, even in Thai, then I highly suspect that his answer would have been: "David Beckam, #1"

I used to believe that whole "England, #1" thing and it used to give me some misguided sense of pride, but then at the same time I was also likely to believe that I was a "hansum man".

Then one day I opened my eyes, try it sometimes.

[ferd54]

And let's not forget all the poor Chinese guys who can't find a girlfriend because so many parents aborted their baby girls because they prefer to have a son, especially if they're limited to only one child.

Put all of the above together, it seems like a recipe for explosive violence, either revolutionary or more likely a war. I would expect the CCP to start a war to channel that violence outward if the alternative is losing it's grip on power due to increasing civil unrest.

"Peaceful rise"? Sure, as long as it's working. But beware when it stops working!

The CCP is all too aware -- probably more than anyone on earth -- that demographic/income problems are a ticking bomb. Instead of becoming a military threat, however, I think there's a good chance that they will ratchet the clamps looser in a measured way. They probably know it's inevitable.

China is far from a military powerhouse. Sure they've got the largest army in the world, but their aircraft technology is way, way behind and their navy thinks its a major task to escort a few ships to protect them from Somalian pirates. Because the country now has so much valuable modern civilian infrastructure, a few stealth bombers could wreak havoc and put them back to where they were 50 years ago.

The other issue is the Chinese themselves. They have never mounted a large invasion of anything. Instead existing regimes have been overrun by much smaller groups. I would not characterize them as courageous as individuals. A Chinese colleague told me the reason the Chinese do so poorly in soccer is that they are afraid of physical contact. "They're OK if there's a net between the teams," he said.

If you see young Chinese with their shirts off, there is very little muscle mass. Puny is the world that comes to mind.

In all, they are not an aggressive people except in the subway or on the sidewalk where they know they can get away with it because everyone else is afraid to say anything. I would say in my experience -- 14 years in Thailand and 3 in China -- the Thais are far more dangerous as individuals.

[chiangmaikelly]

And let's not forget all the poor Chinese guys who can't find a girlfriend because so many parents aborted their baby girls because they prefer to have a son, especially if they're limited to only one child.

Put all of the above together, it seems like a recipe for explosive violence, either revolutionary or more likely a war. I would expect the CCP to start a war to channel that violence outward if the alternative is losing it's grip on power due to increasing civil unrest.

"Peaceful rise"? Sure, as long as it's working. But beware when it stops working!

The CCP is all too aware -- probably more than anyone on earth -- that demographic/income problems are a ticking bomb. Instead of becoming a military threat, however, I think there's a good chance that they will ratchet the clamps looser in a measured way. They probably know it's inevitable.

China is far from a military powerhouse. Sure they've got the largest army in the world, but their aircraft technology is way, way behind and their navy thinks its a major task to escort a few ships to protect them from Somalian pirates. Because the country now has so much valuable modern civilian infrastructure, a few stealth bombers could wreak havoc and put them back to where they were 50 years ago.

The other issue is the Chinese themselves. They have never mounted a large invasion of anything. Instead existing regimes have been overrun by much smaller groups. I would not characterize them as courageous as individuals. A Chinese colleague told me the reason the Chinese do so poorly in soccer is that they are afraid of physical contact. "They're OK if there's a net between the teams," he said.

If you see young Chinese with their shirts off, there is very little muscle mass. Puny is the world that comes to mind.

In all, they are not an aggressive people except in the subway or on the sidewalk where they know they can get away with it because everyone else is afraid to say anything. I would say in my experience -- 14 years in Thailand and 3 in China -- the Thais are far more dangerous as individuals.

Did you really write that the Chinese never mounted a large invasion? 2.3 million invaded Korea during the 1950"s

2.3 million is large. Yes it is.

Edited January 11, 2010 by chiangmaikelly

[DegenFarang]

I always say I'm from California and get the same excited reaction - I wasn't aware that it's the same if you just say 'America'.

I think a lot of it probably has to do with popular culture, music etc.

People who say they are Korean probably get a similar reaction right now because the young Thai people are in love with Korean music and pop stars.

[eTiMaGo]

France #1, Zidane, Zidane here

Heck when I have to show my passport or ID card to guards somewhere, a lot of them will reply "Bonjour", so it's really just out of politeness, really, and I'm sure they're happy to show their knowledge

As for America, well, to most of the world, especially those who have never been there (like myself), it is quite a mythical place, I am sure many people expect it to be like in the movies... The reality is certainly quite different, but I would not be opposed to trying to live there for a few years, I have many many good friends there.

On a political point of view, though, no comment

[DegenFarang]

France #1, Zidane, Zidane here

Never heard of him before this

- dudes a badass.

Wish somebody would make a french thread though, why so many frenchies running around Thailand?

[ferd54]

Did you really write that the Chinese never mounted a large invasion? 2.3 million invaded Korea during the 1950"s

2.3 million is large. Yes it is.

Sorry. You are right. They sent millions into a neighboring client state, many of them poorly armed or even not armed, where they eventually got slaughtered once their surprise human wave lost the advantage of surprise.

Mao indeed at that time had global ambitions. According to some historians, he wanted to start a fight with the US -- perhaps even told the N. Koreans to invade the South to begin with -- that would escalate into WWIII. He allegedly told Stalin China would absorb a nuclear attack from the US, then the Soviets could retaliate. Even Stalin was astounded at the notion.

At any rate it was a failure in the end, as was the Chinese foray into North Vietnam in the late '70s.

But you are right. In the cause of international Communism, they attempted to help invade a much smaller neighboring state and failed.

[eTiMaGo]

France #1, Zidane, Zidane here

Never heard of him before this

- dudes a badass.

Wish somebody would make a french thread though, why so many frenchies running around Thailand?

Yes, the infamous headbutt, quite a way to end your career in style

ThaiVisa is an English-language only place, and I guess most fellow French residents of the country are not quite comfortable enough with the language, or don't see the need to advertise their origin, or prefer local online communities in their native tongue I feel more comfortable communicating in English these days so you're stuck with me hahhahah

[Moonrakers]

France #1, Zidane, Zidane here

Never heard of him before this

- dudes a badass.

Wish somebody would make a french thread though, why so many frenchies running around Thailand?

What about "Thierry Henry, handball #1"

Ohh la la.

Edited January 11, 2010 by Moonrakers

[chiangmaikelly]

Did you really write that the Chinese never mounted a large invasion? 2.3 million invaded Korea during the 1950"s

2.3 million is large. Yes it is.

Sorry. You are right. They sent millions into a neighboring client state, many of them poorly armed or even not armed, where they eventually got slaughtered once their surprise human wave lost the advantage of surprise.

Mao indeed at that time had global ambitions. According to some historians, he wanted to start a fight with the US -- perhaps even told the N. Koreans to invade the South to begin with -- that would escalate into WWIII. He allegedly told Stalin China would absorb a nuclear attack from the US, then the Soviets could retaliate. Even Stalin was astounded at the notion.

At any rate it was a failure in the end, as was the Chinese foray into North Vietnam in the late '70s.

But you are right. In the cause of international Communism, they attempted to help invade a much smaller neighboring state and failed.

The Chinese fought against, South Korea, USA, UK, Australia, Belguim, Ethopia, Canada, Colombia, France, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand and Turkey and did not lose.

Another words they fought against a lot of the same troops that won WW II only 5 years before. They fought to a stalemate the combined might of the Allied Powers being unable to defeat them. Of course Russia was in the background. But to write off the Army of China then as now is pure nonsense. During the war there were four million military and civilian casualties, including 33,600 American, 16,000 UN allied, 415,000 South Korean, and 520,000 North Korean dead. There were also an estimated 900,000 Chinese casualties. Half of Korea's industry was destroyed and a third of all homes.