Something In The Water....?

[james24]

Ive discussed with a couple of people before but it sometimes feels like I literally cant think. Trying to get anything done or concentrate is really hard work itself.

I used to know a guy who worked for the bank "Lehman brothers" before they went down and he used to say the same thing to me, he just couldnt work, no matter where or how hard he tried here. He mentioned something about the water and at the time I didnt really pay much attention to it. He's sinced moved to Singapore and by all acounts seems alot happier.

Most of my friends also find it very difficult to get things done to the point of being defeated before they try and I've really started to think why is this...?

Obviously there is a supression here, people are never really encouraged. Thailand has everything so you can become very comfortable and perhaps its started to affect me. I say this because everytime I leave, whether its for a week or a month I suddenly feel more energised and get things done that Ive passed on for months whilst here. This has happened everytime I've left Thailand

It could be the culture, the laid back way of thinking it could even be the weather but I lived in Southern Spain before here and never had this problem.

I recently read a news report posted on here about Thai vegetable exports being banned in some European countries due to "unusually high levels of pesticides" This may sound a bit outhere but is there something in the water that is sedating us...???

[PattayaParent]

It's not the water, I don't drink water only beer and I always fin trying to get anything done or concentrate is hard, especially after the tenth.

[RedFxTrade]

Well, it could be a host of things...

I m not being funny here,,,,but causes of bad concentration can be down to

1. Masturbation...although not something many have much need for in Thailand ...but even shagging to excess can lead to bad memory and concentration problems. I have done an empirical study of this one,

2. Not enough sleep

3. Alcohol can dull the mind.

4. Too much caffeine

5. Stress.

6. Too much going on in your life.

7. Poor diet

I m sure there are more, but if you can eliminate those to start with and it is still there, then you could look into other causes, or potential causes.

[james24]

Well, it could be a host of things...

I m not being funny here,,,,but causes of bad concentration can be down to

1. Masturbation...although not something many have much need for in Thailand ...but even shagging to excess can lead to bad memory and concentration problems. I have done an empirical study of this one,

2. Not enough sleep

3. Alcohol can dull the mind.

4. Too much caffeine

5. Stress.

6. Too much going on in your life.

7. Poor diet

I m sure there are more, but if you can eliminate those to start with and it is still there, then you could look into other causes, or potential causes.

Oh I totally agree but everyone except number 5 is a possible candidate, I dont drink coffee or alcohol and my diet is very good. I sleep extremely well and as for number one well perhaps there are two then lol.

However why would these symptoms Im having only happen in Thailand...?? Like I say I'm not the first to experience this. Theres another guy I know who actually had to leave to finish his qualification after living here for 2 years.

I know there are many reasons but water contamination could be, Im not saying it is but it could be possible. I recently read that the US government are trying to add lithium to their water. Perhaps they won't due to public outcry but could you really see Thailand or even China giving a shit...??? As for fluoride Im sure there are many conflicting opinions here about this.

When I talk to Thais from whatever backgrounds it really does sometimes look like they are having a brain freeze. Perhaps it fear of having an opinion, fear of being wrong or even fear of farang but don't you think they always look so bloody knackered, always relaxing, always worn down and most of them do sod all..

[EirikJohannesen]

Well, it could be a host of things...

I m not being funny here,,,,but causes of bad concentration can be down to

1. Masturbation...although not something many have much need for in Thailand ...but even shagging to excess can lead to bad memory and concentration problems. I have done an empirical study of this one,

2. Not enough sleep

3. Alcohol can dull the mind.

4. Too much caffeine

5. Stress.

6. Too much going on in your life.

7. Poor diet

I m sure there are more, but if you can eliminate those to start with and it is still there, then you could look into other causes, or potential causes.

Oh I totally agree but everyone except number 5 is a possible candidate, I dont drink coffee or alcohol and my diet is very good. I sleep extremely well and as for number one well perhaps there are two then lol.

However why would these symptoms Im having only happen in Thailand...?? Like I say I'm not the first to experience this. Theres another guy I know who actually had to leave to finish his qualification after living here for 2 years.

I know there are many reasons but water contamination could be, Im not saying it is but it could be possible. I recently read that the US government are trying to add lithium to their water. Perhaps they won't due to public outcry but could you really see Thailand or even China giving a shit...??? As for fluoride Im sure there are many conflicting opinions here about this.

When I talk to Thais from whatever backgrounds it really does sometimes look like they are having a brain freeze. Perhaps it fear of having an opinion, fear of being wrong or even fear of farang but don't you think they always look so bloody knackered, always relaxing, always worn down and most of them do sod all..

You're probably allergic to something, pollen, flowers, dog, cat, or dust. It makes you tired and sleepy, as to not wake up properly in the morning

[RedFxTrade]

Well, it could be a host of things...

I m not being funny here,,,,but causes of bad concentration can be down to

1. Masturbation...although not something many have much need for in Thailand ...but even shagging to excess can lead to bad memory and concentration problems. I have done an empirical study of this one,

2. Not enough sleep

3. Alcohol can dull the mind.

4. Too much caffeine

5. Stress.

6. Too much going on in your life.

7. Poor diet

I m sure there are more, but if you can eliminate those to start with and it is still there, then you could look into other causes, or potential causes.

Oh I totally agree but everyone except number 5 is a possible candidate, I dont drink coffee or alcohol and my diet is very good. I sleep extremely well and as for number one well perhaps there are two then lol.

However why would these symptoms Im having only happen in Thailand...?? Like I say I'm not the first to experience this. Theres another guy I know who actually had to leave to finish his qualification after living here for 2 years.

I know there are many reasons but water contamination could be, Im not saying it is but it could be possible. I recently read that the US government are trying to add lithium to their water. Perhaps they won't due to public outcry but could you really see Thailand or even China giving a shit...??? As for fluoride Im sure there are many conflicting opinions here about this.

When I talk to Thais from whatever backgrounds it really does sometimes look like they are having a brain freeze. Perhaps it fear of having an opinion, fear of being wrong or even fear of farang but don't you think they always look so bloody knackered, always relaxing, always worn down and most of them do sod all..

Not sure man...well if you have more or less eliminated the obvious ones, then as another poster said, perhaps allergic to something, but I would think you would have other symptoms if that was the case. I mean is it just casual concentration like watching TV, general conversation or when you need heavy duty concentration on work, study etc? IS is just mental lethargy or physical also? You could read up if water causes it...I have no idea myself...Perhaps the high humidity..I know you lived in Spain but the humidity would be much higher here. Anyway hope you get it sorted before long.

[StreetCowboy]

I often blame it on dehydration, due to the constant high temperature.

It could also be stress, that you don't really notice, because it is stress from different factors than you might be used to; not necessarily too much to do or difficult decision, but lack of support to decision-making, lack of infrastructure and order to your thinking and working processes. Too much of your time and thought is spent on trivia that "were just there" in other working environments.

Or it could be blended instead of malt in the water.

SC

[seriouseats]

I know what you mean.

Switch to higher mineral water. Mt-Fleur at tesco is imported from a volcano source. Or maybe the italian water.

And switch to working 8pm+

Both of these help a lot.

[Mirth]

In my opinion, it's negativity. Although everyone seems happy and positive, inside them are doubts, fear, miseries and etc. Sense of peacefullness is missing and it somehow affects us one way or another. I too have the same problem hence i try to take a break outside the country every few months. Come back refreshed and energised. Ok, that's my opinion.

[andrewbkk]

Or it could be blended instead of malt in the water.

Absolutely superb!

My water is currently graced with Hong Thong.

Cheap and cheerful, but it seems to get the job done.

[james24]

I know what you mean.

Switch to higher mineral water. Mt-Fleur at tesco is imported from a volcano source. Or maybe the italian water.

And switch to working 8pm+

Both of these help a lot.

This is so true, for some reason I work a hell of alot better at night here.

Interesting point Mirth, I totally agree, there is definately a sense of insecurity here. Ive said for a long time that there is an epidemic of mental instability here and this I believe is due too much social pressure being thrown at people all the time. We can avoid it to a certain extent but it must be hella difficult for a Thai. You can see the fear in their eyes which would obviously have a knock on effect, and if the whole country is scared then that leads to a pretty uncomfortable place. Stopping at the traffic lights for some Thais looks like such a horrible experience for them, they act so insecure and it shouldn't be like that.

Having said that I truly believe that the water and additives in some foods is mucking with peoples heads a bit, there does seem to be sense of zombiness going around.

[deejah]

what are we talking about

[PattayaParent]

I often blame it on dehydration, due to the constant high temperature.

It could also be stress, that you don't really notice, because it is stress from different factors than you might be used to; not necessarily too much to do or difficult decision, but lack of support to decision-making, lack of infrastructure and order to your thinking and working processes. Too much of your time and thought is spent on trivia that "were just there" in other working environments.

Or it could be blended instead of malt in the water.

SC

Almost hit the nail on the head. It's all to do with the temperature that induces lethargy.

Just look at the middle east with the 'insh'alla' attitude, Thailand and Asia with 'mai pen rai' or similar, and even southern Europe and South America with the 'manana' attitude.

Completely different to the northern Europe and colder norhern USA attitdes.

[StreetCowboy]

what are we talking about

Exactly!

[podgey]

I agree with street cowboy, the simplest of endevours that would normally be completed effortlessly back home, sometimes takes a monumental amount of planning, patience, persistance that only sometimes works out to your satisfaction but often does not.

After expending all that time and energy its easier to understand the Thais pragmatic attitude towards life and might be happier and healthier in the long run to achieve less but also stress less?

Saying that I work outside the country where it's easier to concerntrate on my objectives.

[petedk]

I am sure it's the heat.

Get away to the beach or countryside for a few days and you will feel much better. I always feel sleepy and tired in Bangkok until I come home, take a shower and sit in the air con.

I am beginning to understand why when you ask Thais "what are you hobbies?" they always reply "sleep"

"What did you do at the weekend?" .... "sleep".

[StreetCowboy]

I am sure it's the heat.

Get away to the beach or countryside for a few days and you will feel much better. I always feel sleepy and tired in Bangkok until I come home, take a shower and sit in the air con.

I am beginning to understand why when you ask Thais "what are you hobbies?" they always reply "sleep"

"What did you do at the weekend?" .... "sleep".

Maybe its a euphemism for 'none of your business', or 'least said, soonest mended'.

Do you recall the scene in the film Trainspotting "What are you talking about?" "Shopping! What were you talking about?" "Fitba"

SC

[DavidSL]

I have no doubt it's the combination of hot weather outside and cold air con inside. This change in temperature has a huge effect on the body. For example, where I work I sometimes turn the air con up to a comfortable 26 degrees, which takes just a couple of minutes to induce a sudden sense of weariness. If I have the air con very cold, it keeps me awake. You imagine you're going from taxi to outside heat (and smog) to shopping mall to heat to taxi to heat to office to heat to condo to heat and so on and so on throughout the day (or even just a few times) then it's going to have a huge effect on the body. I'm a lazy guy to be honest, but here definitely makes you lazier. Yes, the lifestyle doesn't help, but the weather really does affect me.

Funnily enough, it doesn't seem to affect the girlfriend - but if she's happy cleaning, I'm happy sleeping!

[RedFxTrade]

I am sure it's the heat.

Get away to the beach or countryside for a few days and you will feel much better. I always feel sleepy and tired in Bangkok until I come home, take a shower and sit in the air con.

I am beginning to understand why when you ask Thais "what are you hobbies?" they always reply "sleep"

"What did you do at the weekend?" .... "sleep".

Maybe its a euphemism for 'none of your business', or 'least said, soonest mended'.

Do you recall the scene in the film Trainspotting "What are you talking about?" "Shopping! What were you talking about?" "Fitba"

SC

Ahhh...if only they would turn the book Filth into a film...on a side note...I m currently doing some research with the aim of releasing a documentary about the growing hair tourism industry...I might need some people to do some interviews, would you be available? I want to focus on the pitfalls of heading overseas for a haircut, things to watch out for and be aware of. Already heard some tragic stories of people going for the cheaper options in eastern Europe with dubious companies, believing they were going for a number 2 all over, to find that they actually had received a number 1 instead. Such stories abound, about wrong shades of colour used, reverse Mohican's etc etc...let me know as the beeb could be interested in doing a Watchdog special.

[StreetCowboy]

I am sure it's the heat.

Get away to the beach or countryside for a few days and you will feel much better. I always feel sleepy and tired in Bangkok until I come home, take a shower and sit in the air con.

I am beginning to understand why when you ask Thais "what are you hobbies?" they always reply "sleep"

"What did you do at the weekend?" .... "sleep".

Maybe its a euphemism for 'none of your business', or 'least said, soonest mended'.

Do you recall the scene in the film Trainspotting "What are you talking about?" "Shopping! What were you talking about?" "Fitba"

SC

Ahhh...if only they would turn the book Filth into a film...on a side note...I m currently doing some research with the aim of releasing a documentary about the growing hair tourism industry...I might need some people to do some interviews, would you be available? I want to focus on the pitfalls of heading overseas for a haircut, things to watch out for and be aware of. Already heard some tragic stories of people going for the cheaper options in eastern Europe with dubious companies, believing they were going for a number 2 all over, to find that they actually had received a number 1 instead. Such stories abound, about wrong shades of colour used, reverse Mohican's etc etc...let me know as the beeb could be interested in doing a Watchdog special.

'Watchdog special"? Is that a euphemism for a bizarre coiffure? Short and wirey, from nose to tail?

Anyway, I think (as I said once before when I accidentally unravelled my boxer shorts) this might be the wrong thread...

This is the "additive is water" thread, though I think neat is better.

Come to that, how many of us here actually drink the tap water?

SC

[andrewbkk]

.I m currently doing some research with the aim of releasing a documentary about the growing hair tourism industry...I might need some people to do some interviews, would you be available? I want to focus on the pitfalls of heading overseas for a haircut, things to watch out for and be aware of.

I personally flew to Japan over the weekend for a haircut.

But -- due to a series of misunderstadnings -- it turned out that they were only interested in trimming my private parts.

Admittedly they did a great job (and the girls were lovely), but 3000 USD for something that I could probably have done myself seems a tad expensive.

Caveat emptor.

[GrahamF]

I wish I had an answer for the OP, but I forgot to wear my tin foil cap today and the alien broadcasts have me very confused.

[bonobo]

I never have any problem concentrating here, my cognitive abilities remain top-notch, and when I , um, you know, when I start a train of thought, I, um, keep right on, um, what is that word I need? Oh yea, concrete? No... concentric? ....concentrate? Yea, so I concentrate on, um, hey, what's for lunch today? And where are my frigging glasses? I know I had them here somewhere. I think my staff is taking them. Oh, they're here on my head! Now what was I writing about? The best burgers in Bangkok? I think I will take a nap, now. Um.

[StreetCowboy]

It could be age-related. My dear old grandmother was less lucid shortly before she parted (more coiffure humour opportunities there, for those that want) than when she was a more sprightly eighty.

Could the OP perhaps be older now than he has been previously?

SC

[TheWalkingMan]

Maybe people are not getting the right amounts of vitamins and minerals. I knew a guy in uni who would get massive headaches if he did not eat enough.

TheWalkingMan

[deejah]

exercise might help

try a high protein diet

and BRAIN food

[Moonrakers]

I'm really struggling to get focussed myself.

I could actually finish all of my tasks in a few hours and have some time to do whatever I want. Instead I just seem to be looking at the computer screen and achieving absolutely nothing.