Bitter & Twisted Isaan Expats

[up2ubar]

I live (Udon Thani Province) made the move up here from Pattaya over 2 years ago & Really love my life here in Isaan, however it really astonishes me the amount of expats in this neck of the woods that are nothing more than cynical, bitter, angry & generally unhappy people who see themselves as nothing more than victims here in Thailand.

They are miserable and they frequently make others miserable with their constant bitching & backbiting

I am almost sure the reason for this is that they acquire a little know about disease I like to call “Lost in Los Syndrome”.

It seems to me that the primary symptom of this problem is general unhappiness with their life.

This can often manifest itself in many ways that could well be extreme or irrational anger alcohol/drug abuse and in extreme cases chronic depression & even suicide.

In addition to this the very frequent use of swear words in association with Thailand and/or Thai women more often than not, the person uses the following words very frequently: cheat, lie, steal, irresponsible, stupid, backward, lazy and corrupt.

Sarcasm is an often-used tool as is mocking Thais as well as expatriates who happen to enjoy their lives in Thailand.

Finally, these bitter and twisted guys really seem to get a kick out of celebrating problems or difficulties that Thailand/Thai people & in many cases, fellow expats experience.

If you are happy with your lot here in Thailand & are doing ok for yourself you will almost certainly become a target for these losers attention!

These people will almost always smile and speak amiably with you face to face, but understand as soon as your back is turned they will mock/slander/ridicule you in any way they possibly can, It seems another common trait these pricks share is a big yellow streak running the length of their backs.

They actually want you to fail (As they are/have) so you can join them in their pitiful world of misery.

If you do not believe this diagnosis then all I ask you to do is walk into some of the local expat bars here in issan, grab a cold one chill out and listen for a while.

Off course this doesn't apply to all establishments, but you will usually find people in the same negative state of mind tend to frequent the same joints! "Birds Of A Feather" etc.

Don't worry you will soon spot your local "Losers Lounge" Trust me it's there!

If you have not moved to Thailand yet, understand quite clearly that Thailand is a country with its share of problems. Many of these problems and the solutions to them are generally different to the problems and solutions we would normally have to deal & live with in the western world.

If you are already here.

Try to hang with positive people; those who are happy and enjoy living in Thailand.

As difficult as it may be quickly distinguish who are your genuine friends, genuine friends can make a very big difference to your own life.

Avoid negative people whom amongst many other things incessantly bitch about their wives/ the in-laws or even the spiralling price of diesel.

Also avoid people taking illegal substances, drunks and people who are always broke, god only knows there are literally 1000,s of them here in issan in particular.

Most often these people are fellow expats. Be extremely careful with them - whether they are the professional type or the barfly. All of the problems I have experienced in Thailand came from expats - NOT Thais. (Ok i may have been lucky on that score)

Find people you can talk with about assorted problems without whining. Joking about problems (in Thailand or anywhere else) is not the same thing as bitterly accusing an entire country of something bad

If you already suffer from the idea that Thailand and Thai people have in some way victimized you and you developed into a boring monotonous whining machine, there is only one possible cure & It’s very simple indeed.

Go back where you came from.

Maybe then, you will realize what a great place Thailand is and be able to come back and be happy. On the other hand, maybe you were an unhappy Mother <deleted> burdened by one problem after another in your own country before you came to Thailand. In that case, seek counselling.

But please whatever you decide:

Give my ears a ######ing break will ya!

For the rest of you guys please try & remember the following:

LIVING IN ISSAN RULE 1

Avoid the Issan Losers! ( There Are Many More Than You MayThink)

You can die from someone else’s misery – emotional states are as infectious as disease. You may feel you are helping the drowning man but you are only precipitating your own disaster. The unfortunates more often than not draw misfortune on themselves; they will also draw it on you. Associate with the happy and fortunate instead.

“YOU KNOW IT MAKES SENSE”

[chonabot]

Sounds like ###### mate , fortunately my house ( to be retired to in 2 years time ) is about 40 miles away from the nearest expat bar. You must be quite central to be running into these <deleted> on a frequent basis.

But I agree they exist and for no other reason than to make our lives ######.

[The_Moog]

Great post - and I like your 'glass is half full' stance.

....and I take some schadenfreude at the descriptive plight of all the wankies up there.

Lots of quare fish washed up on these shores.

ps Watch out for the positive thinkers too. The guy I know in Thailand who is most into 'sanuk sabai', love and peace and harmonious karmic relationships , has been the most egregiously blatant in shafting me for just a few thousand baht.

Edited August 26, 2005 by The_Moog

[dereklev]

Sorry could never read a post that long! !

Did you have something to say? ?

[Rumpole]

If you already suffer from the idea that Thailand and Thai people have in some way victimized you and you developed into a  boring monotonous whining machine, there is only one possible cure & It’s very simple indeed.

Go back where you came from.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Why do so many expats in Thailand assume that the only two choices are Thailand or **** off back to where you came from? There are plenty of other countries in the world. If you decide that living in Thailand is not for you (and it certainly wasn't for me), then find somewhere you do like.

[Jeff1]

Just tell everyone your on vacation . It works for me

[Rigger]

I think you are right about there being a lot of ######s in Udon Thani area

All us good guys live in nongbaulampoo

[up2ubar]

Sorry could never read a post that long!

Apologies for the long winded post, but i presumed even the most dense people would manage to read it, as it wasn't in joined up writing!

Did you have something to say?

Whatever gave you that idea?

[Ken]

Geeeeesh. And what was your life like for 2+ years with all the Farang in Pattaya? Having said that, guess I haven't yet experienced the posted problems in Korat area to the degree that you talk about for Udon. Sure there is the "occasional" Farang who might not be so happy, but overall, my experience of 15 years in the area just doesn't fit your decription of Udon. Perhaps I'll make a trip up that way and "see" for myself.

[mijan246]

Geeeeesh.   And what was your life like for 2+ years with all the Farang in Pattaya?  Having said that, guess I haven't yet experienced the posted problems in Korat area to the degree that you talk about for Udon.  Sure there is the "occasional" Farang who might not be so happy, but overall, my experience of 15 years in the area just doesn't fit your decription of Udon.  Perhaps I'll make a trip up that way and "see" for myself.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

up2ubar A good post and well worth the read - It applies in Udon for sure but I feel fairly confident in saying it applies to all areas of Thailand.

(off topic a little but if that is (Dave) Corolla is still going strong if not Corolla still going strong but it will mean nothing to OP)

[dereklev]

Sorry could never read a post that long!

Apologies for the long winded post, but i presumed even the most dense people would manage to read it, as it wasn't in joined up writing!

Did you have something to say?

Whatever gave you that idea?

Sorry Up2ubar but it's called irony, mixed with Chang! !

Surely the solution to your problem, if you want to mix with farangs, is to hang out with the"winners"! !

Must be some places in Udon that are not full of miserable s*ds! !

Like Ken said other than the ocassional unhappy farang who blanks you in The Mall or Tesco "Korat Farangs" are not the same.......

[jayenram]

I think the title of the rant would be better penned as "Bitter & Twisted Udon Expats". We in Surin are also in Issaan but there are a minimum of expats here that I know who would fit your description. Yes, of course there are the odd complaints but these focus mostly on the terrible Thai driving styles. However, I'm convinced that the Thais also do not understand our driving styles.

[buadhai]

I have to second the comments of Jayenram and Ken. I've only been in Korat for five months, but I have yet to meet any of the sort described by the OP.

Maybe I just haven't found the Sour Grapes Bar yet.

I'll keep looking....

[bannork]

I think you are right about there being a lot of ######s in Udon Thani area

All us good guys live in nongbaulampoo

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The good guys hang around Ban Dung, 80 miles northeast of Udon; they don't hang around farang bars because they moved to Issan to enjoy the lifestyleand great outdoors.

up2youbar, try to make friends with the locals and only mix with farangs with whom you have something in common.

[aletta]

I suggest you get out into the sticks where all the decent folk tend to be.

Sour faced ex-pats tend to gravitate toghether as that gives them someone to listen to their whining.

[opothai]

money can't buy happiness,

but it sure helps the situation.

generally you find people with money to be more content than those that have little, i found on my trips to thailand there were a lot people retiring on a shoe string with ideas of making a small amount of money to subsidise what they have.

when they can not make the extra money they are faced with the reality of leaving los and going home, which would make many a man miserable.

therefore before making the big move it would be advisable to make sure you have more than enough money, it will keep you sane and a lot happier.

[lamphun]

These people aren't confined to Isaan.

Chiang Mai has a bunch of them. Luckily they seem to have formed their own club and all hang out in the same bar, so they're easily avoided.

[Jeff1]

money can't buy happiness,

but it sure helps the situation.

generally you find people with money to be more content than those that have little, i found on my trips to thailand there were a lot people retiring on a shoe string with ideas of making a small amount of money to subsidise what they have.

when they can not make the extra money they are faced with the reality of leaving los and going home, which would make many a man miserable.

therefore before making the big move it would be advisable to make sure you have more than enough money, it will keep you sane and a lot happier.

Must be a happy bartender there They must go through alot of them . There's probally one hanging herself now .

[mijan246]

I think you are right about there being a lot of ######s in Udon Thani area

All us good guys live in nongbaulampoo

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The good guys hang around Ban Dung, 80 miles northeast of Udon; they don't hang around farang bars because they moved to Issan to enjoy the lifestyleand great outdoors.

up2youbar, try to make friends with the locals and only mix with farangs with whom you have something in common.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

bannork do you know Dave from ban dung (ex Pattayaup2u) was establishing a nice meeting place (a quite drink every now and then) just out of ban dung??

[bdenner]

Dave, not talking about any one I would know are you?

Good post!

[dr_Pat_Pong]

I have to second the comments of Jayenram and Ken. I've only been in Korat for five months, but I have yet to meet any of the sort described by the OP.

Maybe I just haven't found the Sour Grapes Bar yet.

I'll keep looking....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you look around, you'll find it there's branches all over the country

[Phil B]

I live (Udon Thani Province)  made the move up here from Pattaya over 2 years ago & Really love my life here in Isaan, however it really astonishes me the amount of expats in this neck of the woods that are nothing more than cynical, bitter, angry & generally unhappy people who see themselves as nothing more than victims here in Thailand.

They are miserable and they frequently make others miserable with their constant bitching & backbiting

I am almost sure the reason for this is that they acquire a little know about disease I like to call “Lost in Los Syndrome”.

It seems to me that the primary symptom of this problem is general unhappiness with their life.

This can often manifest itself in many ways that could well be extreme or irrational anger alcohol/drug abuse and in extreme cases chronic depression & even suicide.

In addition to this the very frequent use of swear words in association with Thailand  and/or Thai women more often than not, the person uses the following words very frequently: cheat, lie, steal, irresponsible, stupid, backward, lazy and corrupt.

Sarcasm is an often-used tool as is mocking Thais as well as expatriates who happen to enjoy their lives in Thailand.

Finally, these bitter and twisted guys really seem to get a kick out of celebrating problems or difficulties that Thailand/Thai people & in many cases, fellow expats experience.

If you are happy with your lot here in Thailand & are doing ok for yourself you will almost certainly become a target for these losers attention!

These people will almost always smile and speak amiably with you face to face, but understand as soon as your back is turned they will mock/slander/ridicule you in any way they possibly can, It seems another common trait these pricks share is a big yellow streak running the length of their backs.

They actually want you to fail (As they are/have) so you can join them in their pitiful world of misery.

If you do not believe this diagnosis then all I ask you to do is walk into some of the local expat bars here in issan,  grab a cold one chill out and listen for a while.

Off course this doesn't apply to all establishments, but you will usually find people in the same negative state of mind tend to frequent the same joints! "Birds Of A Feather" etc.

Don't worry you will soon spot your local "Losers Lounge" Trust me it's there!

If you have not moved to Thailand yet, understand quite clearly that Thailand is a country with its share of problems. Many of these problems and the solutions to them are generally different to the problems and solutions we would normally have to deal & live with in the western world.

If you are already here.

Try to hang with positive people; those who are happy and enjoy living in Thailand.

As difficult as it may be  quickly distinguish who are your genuine friends, genuine friends can make a very big difference to your own life.

Avoid negative people whom amongst many other things incessantly bitch about their wives/ the in-laws or even the spiralling price of diesel.

Also avoid people taking illegal substances, drunks and people who are always broke, god only knows there are literally 1000,s of them here in issan in particular.

Most often these people are fellow expats. Be extremely careful with them - whether they are the professional type or the barfly. All of the problems I have experienced in Thailand came from expats - NOT Thais. (Ok i may have been lucky on that score)

Find people you can talk with about assorted problems without whining. Joking about problems (in Thailand or anywhere else) is not the same thing as bitterly accusing an entire country of something bad

If you already suffer from the idea that Thailand and Thai people have in some way victimized you and you developed into a  boring monotonous whining machine, there is only one possible cure & It’s very simple indeed.

Go back where you came from.

Maybe then, you will realize what a great place Thailand is and be able to come back and be happy. On the other hand, maybe you were an unhappy Mother &lt;deleted&gt; burdened by one problem after another in your own country before you came to Thailand. In that case, seek counselling.

But please whatever you decide:

Give my ears a ######ing break will ya!

For the rest of you guys please try & remember the following:

LIVING IN ISSAN RULE 1

Avoid the Issan Losers! ( There Are Many More Than You MayThink)

You can die from someone else’s misery – emotional states are as infectious as disease. You may feel you are helping the drowning man but you are only precipitating your own disaster. The unfortunates more often than not draw misfortune on themselves; they will also draw it on you. Associate with the happy and fortunate instead.

“YOU KNOW IT MAKES SENSE”

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The 5 months that i have spent in udon i havent ran into to many of the unhappy crowd. Then again complainers do have a distinct oder and I stay clear. There is normall only one expat bar that i go to when i am in town and they all have good things to say. Other than that i am with the little woman and her family and friends. Let me know where the loosers hang out so i know where to avoid next time i am in town.

[Thaipwriter]

Why not move to Khon Kaen?

there are very few farangs here, and only 3 expat bars.

I was in the Tesco here the other day and was totally ignored by 2 farangs as i said hello to them. this place might be right up your street. if they dont even socialise with you, they cant pi55 you off can they!!!!

One of the reasons i came to Thailand was to leave behind the folks you speak about. Udon is becoming Isaan's Pattaya and it will only get worse.

[toyicebear]

Life is what you make it...Every country has some hang-outs with disatisfied loosers complaining about how the world has done them some great dis-service....

Just avoid people with such a negative attitude.......

My expirience with Thailand so far...is mostly favorable.....but as everywhere you have a mix of delicious treats and sour apples...lol

By the way...my take on issan and issan people is... don't worry be happy.. ;-)

Edited August 28, 2005 by toyicebear

[lampard10]

[ but I feel fairly confident in saying it applies to all areas of Thailand

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Delete Thailand. Insert World. I've found far less losers here in LOS than in other countries I visited. The biggest problem here is that the people who have made it are in fact looking for losers, because maybe at one time they were losers themselves that have come good. And of course I agree that the losers stand out more here. All they are, are the people that have not made it. Probably 75-80% of the guys/gals that come here to settle are losers in their own rights anyway, be it failed marriage,failed career, failed love-life, failed bank balance, failed friendships, failed business, and most of them no fault of their own. A lot of people just want to get away from it all. I know I'm not making many friends here, but people that speak the truth rarely do. Remember winners only come to Thailand on holiday.

[Thaipwriter]

[ but I feel fairly confident in saying it applies to all areas of Thailand

Delete Thailand. Insert World. I've found far less losers here in LOS than in other countries I visited. The biggest problem here is that the people who have made it are in fact looking for losers, because maybe at one time they were losers themselves that have come good. And of course I agree that the losers stand out more here. All they are, are the people that have not made it. Probably 75-80% of the guys/gals that come here to settle are losers in their own rights anyway, be it failed marriage,failed career, failed love-life, failed bank balance, failed friendships, failed business, and most of them no fault of their own. A lot of people just want to get away from it all. I know I'm not making many friends here, but people that speak the truth rarely do. Remember winners only come to Thailand on holiday.

world...agreed.

gotta agree with almost everything else you say.............apart from the last line.......there are plenty of winners here that are not on holiday. they are just outnumbered by chancers, blaggers and dreamers by about 2000 to 1

[bannork]

[ but I feel fairly confident in saying it applies to all areas of Thailand

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Delete Thailand. Insert World. I've found far less losers here in LOS than in other countries I visited. The biggest problem here is that the people who have made it are in fact looking for losers, because maybe at one time they were losers themselves that have come good. And of course I agree that the losers stand out more here. All they are, are the people that have not made it. Probably 75-80% of the guys/gals that come here to settle are losers in their own rights anyway, be it failed marriage,failed career, failed love-life, failed bank balance, failed friendships, failed business, and most of them no fault of their own. A lot of people just want to get away from it all. I know I'm not making many friends here, but people that speak the truth rarely do. Remember winners only come to Thailand on holiday.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Then they stay because England's a failed society where kids are openly rude to parents and teachers, the weather always fails, the number of summer days can be counted on 2 hands; and the cost of living has failed for a long time where a cup of tea in a cafeteria will cost you an arm and a leg.

If you really love Thailand because of the people, and you're in good health; if you can speak English well and are willing to learn Thai, then you're a winner just by living here, because doors will always open and it's impossible to be depressed.

[toddy]

I live here because my step-daughter got run-over by a drunk driver. Gran&Gramps were taking care of her and just about every other kid in the family so it was actually no surprise to me it happened. Basically I had to force my wife to go back from UK to live there and take care of her offspring. She nows sees the wisdom of this with both step-daughters performing well in private school. I set up two businesses in Thailand - both which went belly up - but you have to try don't you! But hey ... is that Thailand's fault? So I spend most days on the farm with our animals and kids but utilising old contacts back in the UK for an income. The whole ###### thing is a learning curve and in my experience I have learned this:

1) Thais are a great bunch and the ones I hang around with are loyal and generous both rich and poor.

2) I am very cautious about new farang 'friends'.

3) Earn outside LOS, spend in LOS.

4) Fact Fact Fact from the source rather than listening to the kerapppp bar-talk.

5) When yer bored or annoyed - have a week in Tokyo!

Also, as regards afore-mentioned species ... there problem seems to generate from the fact that all their legal advice has come from bars & bartalk. If you wanted to purchase property, land or businesses in UK - would you speak to a lawyer, a financial advisor or a lad down the local brothel? If you speak to the lad down the local brothel you could lose everything and end up in a pub bitching about life, no?

[lampard10]

[

world...agreed.

gotta agree with almost everything else you say.............apart from the last line.......there are plenty of winners here that are not on holiday. they are just outnumbered by chancers, blaggers and dreamers by about 2000 to 1

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks guys; I thought my view on it would cause outrage from the people I am talking about. When I said winners on holiday, I meant winners in their own countries. I think it's absolutely wonderful to see so many people that have been given a second/third chance in lifes vicsious lottery.

But I still maintain that most of the knockers, whingers, spoilsports and downright nasty people in this wonderful place, are people that have been given that second chance, and can't handle seeing others have done it as well.

Edited August 29, 2005 by lampard10

[aletta]

It's not a "normal" thing to do to up sticks from the Uk and travel 6000 miles and live in a rice field.Got to be some strong force behind the move.Certainly a lot running away.Me,it's health reasons and an England that fills me with sadness.

Edited August 29, 2005 by aletta