Change Of Pace: What Do You Like / Love About Thailand?

[melvinmelvin]

* I find most things very cheap in LoS, at least compared to my very high cost origin. I get value for little money.

* I enjoy the weather/climate.

* I enjoy (some of) the nature that LoS sports.

* I enjoy the personal freedom that LoS offers. I feel quite free to do whatever and look however I fancy (within reason) without being disturbed.

* I enjoy the cuisine.

* I enjoy the generally relaxed/slow pace of life. Gives me a lot of quality time.

* I find most Thais quite approachable for some relaxed small talk. I enjoy that.

Reckon the above would be my main LoS "likes".

Edited December 5, 2011 by melvinmelvin

[Travel2003]

25 replies, 513 views, 16 days old.

I can imagine many thaivisa members with their hands hovering over their keyboards, but just not finding anything positive (in their minds) to write about Thailand

Agree.

Just like lovelaos (whom should maybe stay in laos).

;-)

When I arrived the first time, I must admit I go with post # 2.

Now, it is without a doubt my wife and the wonderful in-laws (no kidding) I have.

[PaulBax]

This thread just goes to prove good news does not sell!

Get used to the fact that westerners love to moan and generally never stop!

Probably why i don't generally mix with them over here.

[TingTawng]

This thread just goes to prove good news does not sell!

Get used to the fact that westerners love to moan and generally never stop!

Probably why i don't generally mix with them over here.

Nor do I mix with farangs here - not really on purpose though, just the way it's turned out. I have to say I'm surprised by all the negativity about Thailand too (on thaivisa.com). Yes, good news doesn't sell, but I wonder if some people are just wanting too much. "The more you ask for, the less you receive".

[lovelaos]

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<br />25 replies, 513 views, 16 days old. <img src='http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/cheesy.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /><br />

<br /><br />I can imagine many thaivisa members with their hands hovering over their keyboards, but just not finding anything positive (in their minds) to write about Thailand <img src='http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='<_<' /><br />

<br />Agree.<br />Just like lovelaos (whom should maybe stay in laos).<br />;-)<br /><br />When I arrived the first time, I must admit I go with post # 2.<br />Now, it is without a doubt my wife and the wonderful in-laws (no kidding) I have.<br />

<br /><br /><br />

I do

Edited December 6, 2011 by lovelaos

[DocN]

I love the beaches (especially in Khao Lak).

I love the fact, that even after 4 years that I live here...I find something everyday, that makes me wonder (positive and negative).

Live is interesting and so different than home (Germany).

If you get "close" with Thai people, they are the most generous, fun-loving bunch I ever met...except for the Danes, maybe!

Yep...the girls! My standard answer to the ever present questio "sir...you like Thai lady?" is: I like them as much as like any lady. There are good and there are bad. But what is the great thing about Thailand: if they are beautiful...they are GOD- DAM beautiful!

[xthAi76s]

I was/am a complainer, too, on occasion, but I have recently realized something that I need to say to be fair. One thing I really must admit I like about the Thais (as far as I have understood thus far) is that as long as I try to fit in and respect (and maybe even show interest) in Thai custom (all manner), they generally seem to be fairly accepting.

Just a quick example. I am fast. Very fast. Worked on Wall Street and lived in NYC. Move with purpose. I don't dawdle. Super independent. I'm also often serious and probably appear that way to most Thais. You get the picture. When I have taken this type of trait with me to various venues in Thailand, it simply doesn't work. Thais seem very much put off by it, and I often feel as though there is a collective effort by everyone around me to let it be known that it's not ideal. At first, I fought it. I thought my way was better (still think that most of the time). But, my wife has been coaching me. She told me to slow down, smile more; when people stare at me like they are watching an animal in the zoo, just smile gently at them; try to speak as much Thai as I can which isn't much; make a point to interact with people I see frequently (like street vendors), etc.

Under normal circumstances, I would not be interested in doing any of these things, but when I do them, my experience changes completely for the better. Thais seem to be rather simple in this regard. Just show interests and don't 'go against the grain', and they are cool (for the most part). I do not want to make this negative, but the other side is my experience in several places in the US where if you are different enough, you will NEVER be accepted even as a guest. As much as I love my country, I have to keep it real in this aspect.

So, all things considered, with respect to acceptance -- I'm not talking about being treated as a Thai, but rather I'm talking about being treated kindly and with respect (but certainly as a guest, in my case) -- the Thais do seem rather easy going.

[xthAi76s]

I love the beaches (especially in Khao Lak).

I love the fact, that even after 4 years that I live here...I find something everyday, that makes me wonder (positive and negative).

Live is interesting and so different than home (Germany).

If you get "close" with Thai people, they are the most generous, fun-loving bunch I ever met...except for the Danes, maybe!

Yep...the girls! My standard answer to the ever present questio "sir...you like Thai lady?" is: I like them as much as like any lady. There are good and there are bad. But what is the great thing about Thailand: if they are beautiful...they are GOD- DAM beautiful!

Yes, with all respect to my loving, beautiful, intelligent wife, you are spot on re the women here. My completely uninformed theory is that, by Asian standards, there is a lot of genetic diversity here in Thailand. You know, you've got a) the natives who were here, b ) the Indianization influence (Khmer/Burma), and c) the Sinoization influence as well. It's like the Asian version of Brazil. Anyone who has been to, say, Japan (even though the Japanese look was my favorite) I would be would tend to prefer more genetic diversity. It's good for the population. Pretty women here are like goddang kriptonite.

Edit Reason: change my unintended winking smiley to a "b ) "

Edited December 6, 2011 by ThailandMan

[GreenSnapper]

Girls, food, weather.... the obvious.

But what hasn't been mentioned so far is:

Thailand gives you long term visas with ease and little hassles. Contrary to what is believed here at TV. My annual extension just takes 30 minutes.

And Thailand does not rip you off by taxes. It is actually a tax paradise, despite expensive imports.

The latter must be taken into account when you compare costs of living here and back home.

[nurofiend]

has to be the food

can't be beaten

[DP25]

Most things far cheaper than home. Great beaches and scenery. Don't need a car. Much better public transportation than at home, where it is almost nonexistent in most of the country and can even be dangerous at night in places. I've never seen drunk bums or young thugs hassling people on the skytrain or on buses here. Big cities are safe to walk anywhere alone at night, at home I'd have been mugged or stabbed by now going out like I do here. Great, cheap food available 24/7 that doesn't involve a drive through at Jack in the Box. People generally friendly.

Biggest negative for me is the awful weather, although I can see how it is a improvement for people from places with snow and cold

[Dararasmi]

For me, it's the fact that a large percentage of the Thai 7-11's have Slurpee machines. Not a one here in Japan.

[maxme]

Some are here for a short stay others for a long stay, both are eachothers opposite when it comes to thinking.

For me the weather is a lot better than where I come from, the food is great but it's a crapshoot too kinda like being a foreigner trying to settle in the US.

Though I think most of the foreigners come here for one of two reasons... women or business...

[ExpatOilWorker]

What I love the most about Thailand is freedom. The old saying about Your freedom ends where somebody's else's right begins is very flexible in Thailand.

Funny enough, Thailand has rules and laws for most things, but it is very loosely enforced. Just look how building codes, speed limits, entertainment laws are bend to make the most enjoyable for the majority.

[maxme]

I love the beaches (especially in Khao Lak).

I love the fact, that even after 4 years that I live here...I find something everyday, that makes me wonder (positive and negative).

Live is interesting and so different than home (Germany).

If you get "close" with Thai people, they are the most generous, fun-loving bunch I ever met...except for the Danes, maybe!

Yep...the girls! My standard answer to the ever present questio "sir...you like Thai lady?" is: I like them as much as like any lady. There are good and there are bad. But what is the great thing about Thailand: if they are beautiful...they are GOD- DAM beautiful!

That´s funny coz most of the expats and tourists in Khao Lak are put off by the Germans because of rude manners. In fact the Germans have got a sort of bad reputation there.

This maybe has something to do with the fact that Germans demands translators instead of speaking English, this however won´t work in Bkk and that´s maybe the reason not many Germans go there.

The majority of the tourists are Germans, Swedes and Finns. There are a few Americans that pop by on occasion but most of the long term tourists from North America are Canadians. KL is a tourist resort not a society and thus money talks. That said, I agree that KL has beautiful scenery.

Edited April 7, 2012 by maxme

[GuestHouse]

Getting paid an extra hardship posting allowance for working here and zero living expenses to pay out of my own pocket makes it bearable.

[edwinclapham]

I love the beaches (especially in Khao Lak).

I love the fact, that even after 4 years that I live here...I find something everyday, that makes me wonder (positive and negative).

Live is interesting and so different than home (Germany).

If you get "close" with Thai people, they are the most generous, fun-loving bunch I ever met...except for the Danes, maybe!

Yep...the girls! My standard answer to the ever present questio "sir...you like Thai lady?" is: I like them as much as like any lady. There are good and there are bad. But what is the great thing about Thailand: if they are beautiful...they are GOD- DAM beautiful!

That´s funny coz most of the expats and tourists in Khao Lak are put off by the Germans because of rude manners. In fact the Germans have got a sort of bad reputation there.

This maybe has something to do with the fact that Germans demands translators instead of speaking English, this however won´t work in Bkk and that´s maybe the reason not many Germans go there.

The majority of the tourists are Germans, Swedes and Finns. There are a few Americans that pop by on occasion but most of the long term tourists from North America are Canadians. KL is a tourist resort not a society and thus money talks. That said, I agree that KL has beautiful scenery.

What a great pity you are singling out a nation!

I have seen many nationalities who could do with some manners which includes my own kind !

The Bavarians for example are a great nation as are the Berliners and I personally am reticent to show nationality prejudices based on broad generalisations.

[IanForbes]

I started a picture thread on that very topic about a year ago. Unfortunately, it was shut down. There is lots to love about Thailand if you have a little jingle in your pockets. However, if you are living on the bare minimum like most Thais that are trying to exist, then it ain't much fun. The reliable warm weather is one great feature when you compare it to North America or norhern Europe. There are hundreds of beaches that are second to none, and all it takes is to travel off the beaten path a short distance.

I like that I can walk into any bar or cafe and talk to strangers like I've known them for years. It's not hard to have a short term girl friend, or one that will stay with you for months. All it takes is a little bit of money and a pleasant personality. Confidence and a little humour goes a long way. The only problem is trying hard not to fall in love.

Certainly there are risks in Thailand, and more so if you decide to ride a motorbike on the poorly maintained roads and in the bizarre traffic, but a bit of danger is part of the excitement.

[edwinclapham]

The Food

Smiling faces

Community spirit where we live

Affordability (dep. on your currency)

The colours of nature

The history

Old architecture

Rice fields

Ease of communication even if its only "eye talk"

Love the close proximity to Laos in particular but ease of access to many SEA countries.

[IanForbes]

I was/am a complainer, too, on occasion, but I have recently realized something that I need to say to be fair. One thing I really must admit I like about the Thais (as far as I have understood thus far) is that as long as I try to fit in and respect (and maybe even show interest) in Thai custom (all manner), they generally seem to be fairly accepting.

Just a quick example. I am fast. Very fast. Worked on Wall Street and lived in NYC. Move with purpose. I don't dawdle. Super independent. I'm also often serious and probably appear that way to most Thais. You get the picture. When I have taken this type of trait with me to various venues in Thailand, it simply doesn't work. Thais seem very much put off by it, and I often feel as though there is a collective effort by everyone around me to let it be known that it's not ideal. At first, I fought it. I thought my way was better (still think that most of the time). But, my wife has been coaching me. She told me to slow down, smile more; when people stare at me like they are watching an animal in the zoo, just smile gently at them; try to speak as much Thai as I can which isn't much; make a point to interact with people I see frequently (like street vendors), etc.

Under normal circumstances, I would not be interested in doing any of these things, but when I do them, my experience changes completely for the better. Thais seem to be rather simple in this regard. Just show interests and don't 'go against the grain', and they are cool (for the most part). I do not want to make this negative, but the other side is my experience in several places in the US where if you are different enough, you will NEVER be accepted even as a guest. As much as I love my country, I have to keep it real in this aspect.

So, all things considered, with respect to acceptance -- I'm not talking about being treated as a Thai, but rather I'm talking about being treated kindly and with respect (but certainly as a guest, in my case) -- the Thais do seem rather easy going.

Good post. I'm glad that you have learned the Thai way and see how it has benefited you in Thailand. It doesn't make sense to try pushing water uphill with a broom.

And, ExpatOilWorker made a good observation...

What I love the most about Thailand is freedom. The old saying about Your freedom ends where somebody's else's right begins is very flexible in Thailand.

Funny enough, Thailand has rules and laws for most things, but it is very loosely enforced. Just look how building codes, speed limits, entertainment laws are bend to make the most enjoyable for the majority.

I also enjoy the freedom i find in Thailand, providing I stay somewhat within the rules of the country.

[maxme]

Learn the lesson not to do what others can do to you. He shouldn´t have singled out the Danes, but that aside, u should go there and see for yourself, they are not popular among the Thais or the other foreigners. I have a number of German friends living there but even they think that their country men aren´t exactly cooperative when they come there. There have been a number of racism cases there too. Old habits die hard.

[maxme]

Learn the lesson not to do what others can do to you. He shouldn´t have singled out the Danes, but that aside, u should go there and see for yourself, they are not popular among the Thais or the other foreigners. I have a number of German friends living there but even they think that their country men aren´t exactly cooperative when they come there. There have been a number of racism cases there too. Old habits die hard.

[CaptHaddock]

Cheap healthcare.

[TomTao]

1. It never gets cold.

2. The water at the beach is always warm.

3. Eating out is cheap.

4. The food is full of natural flavor.

6. The women are attractive.

7. People are polite.

The list goes on, there are little things that get up your nose occasionally, but not enough to get into a tis about.

Posted with Thaivisa App http://apps.thaivisa.com

[edwinclapham]

Learn the lesson not to do what others can do to you. He shouldn´t have singled out the Danes, but that aside, u should go there and see for yourself, they are not popular among the Thais or the other foreigners. I have a number of German friends living there but even they think that their country men aren´t exactly cooperative when they come there. There have been a number of racism cases there too. Old habits die hard.

I was talking about singling out Germans but that aside we are all entitled to our views on other nationalities, after all we all come from different cultures but I have also come across Brits that quite honestly I wouldnt be proud to associate with, horses for courses I suppose.

[maxme]

Learn the lesson not to do what others can do to you. He shouldn´t have singled out the Danes, but that aside, u should go there and see for yourself, they are not popular among the Thais or the other foreigners. I have a number of German friends living there but even they think that their country men aren´t exactly cooperative when they come there. There have been a number of racism cases there too. Old habits die hard.

I was talking about singling out Germans but that aside we are all entitled to our views on other nationalities, after all we all come from different cultures but I have also come across Brits that quite honestly I wouldnt be proud to associate with, horses for courses I suppose.

I doubt there is a country in the west you can be proud of but I do have to say that the Canadians from what I have experienced are the most well mannered ones... cough cough...

Edited April 7, 2012 by maxme

[ExpatOilWorker]

Learn the lesson not to do what others can do to you. He shouldn´t have singled out the Danes, but that aside, u should go there and see for yourself, they are not popular among the Thais or the other foreigners. I have a number of German friends living there but even they think that their country men aren´t exactly cooperative when they come there. There have been a number of racism cases there too. Old habits die hard.

I was talking about singling out Germans but that aside we are all entitled to our views on other nationalities, after all we all come from different cultures but I have also come across Brits that quite honestly I wouldnt be proud to associate with, horses for courses I suppose.

How did they Danes get involved in all this? Aren't they a seperate state or just a northern province of The Reich?