Any Farangs Here Live In Patong?

[stevenl]

Quote me, but don't claim you know my theme or way of thinking.

[Peterocket]

"Phuket has its negatives and is a dangerous place to holiday and live"

Yeah every day I get home from work i thank buddah I am still alive....it's sooo dangerous here.

Maybe you can explain your post to the families of the many deceased, from all around the world, I somehow don't think they share your cynical view.

Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, Nigeria are dangerous places to live. Thailand/Phuket is not.

Anyhow congratulations on destroying another thread with your cynical comments...must be reaching record numbers now.

[NamKangMan]

Maybe you can explain your post to the families of the many deceased, from all around the world, I somehow don't think they share your cynical view.

Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, Nigeria are dangerous places to live. Thailand/Phuket is not.

Anyhow congratulations on destroying another thread with your cynical comments...must be reaching record numbers now.

And how many tourist do Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, Nigeria get each year????????????

A thread can never be destroyed. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and to post within the rules. There is no pressure on you to post, believe me.

[Peterocket]

[iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, Nigeria are dangerous places to live. Thailand/Phuket is not.

Anyhow congratulations on destroying another thread with your cynical comments...must be reaching record numbers now.

And how many tourist do Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, Nigeria get each year????????????

A thread can never be destroyed. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and to post within the rules. There is no pressure on you to post, believe me.

Your opinion is off topic so best not added to the thread, however If you would like to leave some info about yourself because the OP will be moving their soon then please go ahead.

[Jimi007]

Nothing wrong with a positive outlook on life. However, to deny that Phuket, for many tourist, is a place without inherant risks of danger would not be an accurate description of the place.

What you say is perfectly true, but I tend to agree with the opinion given that your view is 'very limited'. That's not to say your knowledge is limited but the tendency to hone in on the negative aspects instead of the positive is clear to see. For example you are constantly moaning about things relating to tourists when you aren't even a tourist yourself. Perhaps a champion for the people, perhaps just someone that likes to moan, who knows.

I would also say that to accuse 'Stevenl' of having an agenda due to the fact that he has a business is utter tripe and uncalled for. His opinions on Phuket that I have read on this forum and the stuff I have read on another review site, have always been honest and accurate. He never denies the negative aspects of living in Phuket, he just isn't consumed by them as so many people are.

The sooner people learn to tell the difference between people who have 'rose coloured specs' and people who simply enjoy their lives and love living in Phuket, the better.

As I have previously stated, you will never hear me "moan" about certain aspects of living here. Eg. no water, power black-outs, poor drainage (flooding) internet down etc etc. I am well traveled and have spent a lot of time in third world nations.

Where I am very vocal, and highly critical, is the actions of certain "influential people" on this island that are having a direct negative impact on tourist, and tourism, on this island. The biggest being the transport debarcle here. Just yesterday, another tourist dead from a road accident. I don't really want to get into the argument whether alcohol was involved etc etc, even though it probably was. However, for 10 baht, if they could have jumped on a baht bus to their bar, or caught a proper metered taxi, and returned home the same way, when intoxicated, she, and hundreds of others, may still be alive today. Sadly, the option of safe, affordable transport, does not exist here, not due to the lack of infastructure, but due to the greed, corruption and collusion of a few wealthy and influential Thai individuals on the island.

Your posts, under a previous username, are all along the same theme, and the same theme you state stevenl has. That is, "it doesn't effect me, and I am experienced enough here to avoid trouble, so therefore, Phuket is a nice, safe place and anyone who comes undone here it's their own fault and they must be stupid."

Many expats, like yourself, don't seem to care what happens to tourist, and tourism on Phuket, you think life will always be the same here, but, if/when tourism, or the tourist dollar shrinks, life for expats on the island will be adversly effected. So, I would suggest, even as expats, we have an interest in seeing tourism survive here.

So, I ask the question, what has anyone in authority here done to improve Phuket for tourist and tourism in recent time???? We still have all the scams, extortions, road death, drugs, murders (suicides) theft, assaults etc. For the jet skis and tuk-tuks it's still business as usual, ripping people off. Then, we have all the construction which is taking away from the natural beauty of the island and driving the price of property down, due to oversupply. In my own opinion, the place is getting worse, not any better.

I have never hired a jet ski, and refuse to use tuk-tuks, so, you may say it does not effect me, so why complain about them, but many times I walk along Patong Beach I can see the extortion unfolding and I feel sorry for the victim. Your attitude is the victim is stupid. Has it ever occured to you the victim may be highly educated and intelligent, but was simply uninformed the scam existed? Now, the good mood of their holiday is wrecked, they will not come back and they will tell all their friends never to come here. Incidents like this are happening on a regular basis, and across many different industries here.

To show you I have a balanced view, I agree that many tourist do come here and have a great time. They enjoy the sun, sand and sea etc. They get drunk and dance and have a great time. Statistically, there are more having a good time than not. I've never denied this. Most of my "negative" comments are on the entrenched and systemic corruption and collusion that is hurting people, physically (road accidents) and financially (scams/extortion) here on the island. I've never been the victim of anything major. Maybe the odd extra drink on the bill, or forgot to ask the price first, so paid more, just a minor things. I have never sent money to Issan, never been scammed by another farang, do not "own" property and do not have a business here. My negative posts are not "sour grapes."

I may be a champion for the people, I may be a moaner, I may just be a compassionate person, who knows, but, as we wake up this morning and read The PG, or any other news source, there will be another person killed or "mediated" out of their holiday money, or life savings, and, to many Thai's here, that's "good business." They do not think about sustainable tourism.

I like living here and will continue to do so, but, Phuket has its negatives and is a dangerous place to holiday and live. As expats, we have developed "work arounds" but people from all around the world come here for a holiday and do not have the benefit of knowledge, or experience, in Thailand. I tell friends coming over for the first time and any other first time to Thailand people I meet, "get a metered taxi at the airport, stay away from the tuk-tuks, jet skis, time share, don't hire a vehicle, ask the price for everything first, pay as you go when drinking etc etc. People need to be aware of the risks to their safety, and their finances, when here on a holiday. If many of these negative aspects of holidaying/living on Phuket didn't exist, there would be no need to forewarn people about such things.

There is even a billboard up now warning of time share. A large Australian theme bar on Bangla Road have a warning as part of a slide show on their televisions. Yet, time share is allowed to continue on the island. It can only be corruption allowing it and more people will be scammed today.

An example, to sum up, isn't a Thai guy rich enough renting out a jet ski at 1000 baht for 30 minutes???? Why the need to then go and extort 20,000 baht from someone for a scratch that already existed? It's wrong, and I have no problem pointing out the scam on TV, or in person to anyone I meet.

I have no problem with anyone "wearing rose coloured glasses." Life is to be lived, and enjoyed. All I would say is, just because something doesn't have a negative impact on you, that doesn't mean it will not have a negative impact on others. People WILL be hurt, killed, ripped off, scammed and extorted here, this very day, possibly as you are reading my post. Just spare a thought for those people and remember the golden rule of living inThailand - NEVER think that it will NEVER happen to you. "The rug" could be pulled out from anyone here, at any time, and many times it's due to no fault of their own.

Are you writing a thesis here or what? Phuket was a nice place, it's still pretty nice in the low season. This year's high season sucked! I'm really happy it's looking like it's about over! I'll be very happy to see the tourists and the seasonal Thais go back to wherever they came from! I doubt I will be living here in a few years...

Edited February 27, 2012 by Jimi007

[ALFREDO]

Jimi007

You are absolutely right, Patong and Phuket at all, --WAS-- a nice place and is still in June and September,

which should be --LOW SEASON--

Really nice, it was 1990 when I arrived first and beginning of the new millennium it started to get overdeveloped.

In the month after the Tsunami Phuket, Patong had it last nice couple of month.

In the last 2 - 3 years and this season it got more crowded with Eastern Europeans and Russians,

daily Charter planes from Moscow, Irkutsk ect fill the place, overflowing Patong and its surroundings.

Traffic,

I have to say, I do not like it there any more. Just visiting old friends and meeting some yearly travelers.

One Paradies lost, but that is normal with the crowds.

Edited February 27, 2012 by ALFREDO

[NamKangMan]

"Phuket has its negatives and is a dangerous place to holiday and live"

Yeah every day I get home from work i thank buddah I am still alive....it's sooo dangerous here.

Maybe you can explain your post to the families of the many deceased, from all around the world, I somehow don't think they share your cynical view.

Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, Nigeria are dangerous places to live. Thailand/Phuket is not.

Anyhow congratulations on destroying another thread with your cynical comments...must be reaching record numbers now.

Quite a few dead tourists and Thai's on Phuket in the last 10 days, Peterocket. Another 4 deceased tourist today. Mostly road death, but another balcony fall/jump/push and an "accidental murder." Then count the severly injured, maybe wheelchair bound for the rest of their lives, and the ones who have been assaulted, scammed, ripped off and extorted/mediated, and I'm not convinced it's as safe here as you would have everyone believe, and these are just the incidents reported in the media.

I can't see how I am being cynical, or as another member stated, "have a limited view" when the statistics confirm my opinions and views.

If it's not dangerous here, why are so many people dying????

Edited March 4, 2012 by NamKangMan

[HongKongPhooey]

I can't see how I am being cynical, or as another member stated, "have a limited view" when the statistics confirm my opinions and views.

If it's not dangerous here, why are so many people dying????

Whether what you say is true or not 'NKM isn't relevant to my point about people being negative. It's the constant dwelling on negative things and the complete lack of interest in embracing the positive things that I find so tedious and pointless.

All the negative things people know about they get from the media so it's available for everyone to read and know. It's not as if they are sharing new, personal first hand experiences with others that may benefit them somehow. This regurgitation of negativity for no real gain is what I would call dwelling. I would have my suspicions about the general levels of happiness of these said dwellers.

A perfect example is the ATM scam threads. Very helpful and worthwhile threads warning others and making sure they avoid the same fate. The 'Look, someone else has just been killed, I told you Phuket was crap' threads benefit nobody except the doom and gloomer who started them.

Not aiming my observation at just you 'NKM' but forums in general.

Edited March 4, 2012 by HongKongPhooey

[Peterocket]

Quite a few dead tourists and Thai's on Phuket in the last 10 days, Peterocket. Another 4 deceased tourist today. Mostly road death, but another balcony fall/jump/push and an "accidental murder." Then count the severly injured, maybe wheelchair bound for the rest of their lives, and the ones who have been assaulted, scammed, ripped off and extorted/mediated, and I'm not convinced it's as safe here as you would have everyone believe, and these are just the incidents reported in the media.

I can't see how I am being cynical, or as another member stated, "have a limited view" when the statistics confirm my opinions and views.

If it's not dangerous here, why are so many people dying????

Personally if I were to class a country/place as dangerous I wouldn't base it on traffic accidents and even if I did in Phuket most of them are by drunk/speeding/inexperienced farang moped drivers who are often to blame for the accidents they get in. Also someone falling off their balcony I wouldn't say contributes to Phuket being a dangerous place.

[NamKangMan]

I can't see how I am being cynical, or as another member stated, "have a limited view" when the statistics confirm my opinions and views.

If it's not dangerous here, why are so many people dying????

Whether what you say is true or not 'NKM isn't relevant to my point about people being negative. It's the constant dwelling on negative things and the complete lack of interest in embracing the positive things that I find so tedious and pointless.

All the negative things people know about they get from the media so it's available for everyone to read and know. It's not as if they are sharing new, personal first hand experiences with others that may benefit them somehow. This regurgitation of negativity for no real gain is what I would call dwelling. I would have my suspicions about the general levels of happiness of these said dwellers.

A perfect example is the ATM scam threads. Very helpful and worthwhile threads warning others and making sure they avoid the same fate. The 'Look, someone else has just been killed, I told you Phuket was crap' threads benefit nobody except the doom and gloomer who started them.

Not aiming my observation at just you 'NKM' but forums in general.

I accept your balanced post HKP, but do such "negatives" exist here, and if so, to what degree? Like most expats, I am in experinced in avoiding them, or minimising my exposure of risk to them, however, tourist on the other hand, are not only exposed, but are paying a high price, either in baht, or the ultimate price, with their life, because they do not have such experience or knowledge of them, and how to avoid them.

Your post did make me consider one question. What is the percentage of "positive" posts/threads to "negative" post/threads on the Phuket Thaivisa forum?

We all know, even the first time tourist knows, that Phuket offers the sun, sea, sand, food, women, alcohol, and in general, is a great party here, but, I would suggest, being here for it, puts yourself at risk of harm, possibly both physically, and finanically. Once again, I am under no illusions that Thailand, and therefore Phuket, is a "developing nation" - better known as a 3rd world country. My question is, ARE THE TOURISTS AWARE OF THIS FACT???? Do they expect a trained, and properly licenced driver, to be driving them from point A to point B? They probably do, but the reality is far from that, as we know. This is compounded by the fact the TAT is trying to target "high end" tourist.

"All the negative things people know about" - do they, HKP???? If they truly did, maybe many would chose to holiday elsewhere, and sadly, they are now.

Knowledge is power, and I have no problem pointing out the pitfalls of Phuket, especially if it saves someones holiday money, or their life. You mentioned the ATM scams happening a lot here now. If you look at a recent thread on ATM scams, I posted a link on what to look out for by way of skimmers.

I constantly post that I still like it here and chose to live here, but have also said I am not happy with the way the tourism industry is being administered here. The "free for all" that is allowed to continue is really is hurting tourist, and tourism.

I disagree with you that a thread, or post, warning of dangers, or a new scam etc, is of no benefit. If the knowledge of it helps just one person, maybe even yourself one day, than good. One other less victim to the corrupt regime that exists here.

Edited March 4, 2012 by NamKangMan

[NamKangMan]

@ Peterocket.

The question really is, "Why did they have to hire a motorbike in the first place?"

Answer: The lack of affordable public transport on the island - the tuk tuk cartel. 200 baht minimum journey versus 150 baht for a bike a day. Many would not even think about hiring a bike if they could explore the island without paying more than their accommodation for their holiday in transport costs.

And, the second question, "Does everyone here really fall off their balcony?"

Answer: Some do, but I'm sure some don't. Why don't we talk about the ones that didn't fall or jump? Then, let's talk about the hanging from doorknobs and hangings in sitting positions. Then, just to show some farang/Thai balance, let's talk about organised assasinations attached to illegal land titles. Such is the greed and ambition of many here, at all, and any cost.

Edited March 4, 2012 by NamKangMan

[HongKongPhooey]

As always 'NKM' you are prepared to look at both sides of the argument and make you point without trying to start a fight.

I think what it comes down to is that you have more patience and sympathy than I do, for people who don't do their research and don't know the appropriate way to behave in places such as Phuket.

I also think you over estimate how much worse Phuket is than every other similar holiday destination. Millions of people go to Jamaica each year for holidays and honeymoons, yet when they get there they enter a prison like resort and never leave. If they do leave it will during the day and with a tour guide who knows the few areas that are safe. This isn't uncommon for developing tourist destinations the world over and why I have little sympathy for people who don't realise this.

I believe that the chance of being victim of a serious crime is far less in Phuket than many other similar destinations, and I believe this should be reflected in the way people discuss it. People talk as if Phuket is the most lawless place around which means quite clearly they aren't very well travelled.

I have given a perfect example of what I believe to be useful sharing of negative experiences with the ATM threads. I personally can spot the difference between posts like that and biased, unnecessary, agenda driven posts made by people who have an irrational hatred for Phuket from a mile off. I don't have a problem with the former, the latter however are pointless, unhelpful, and drag this sub forum in to the gutter.

[4evermaat]

I stayed in patong for about 7 months during the low season. I was introduced to it by a womanizer friend of mine that has a decade of experience in SE asia, mostly concentrated in Thailand. After two weeks or so, I decided to rent a motorbike on a weekly, then monthly basis. That was the single best investment I made. I NEVER took a tuk-tuk, paid monthly for guesthouse before moving into a local apartment. Make sure you have some sort of drivers license (doesn't matter what country). Otherwise you will find yourself paying 300-500 baht tickets about once a month or so. And invest in a good helmet.

I didn't have a problem with the place itself. Beautiful women everywhere, shopping within 1km (jungceylon). I did not drink, so I never had the problems that were associated with alcohol. You slowly start to accumulate a list of where to shop, especially with transportation, Phuket Town really is the place to shop for certain things without having to get ripped off.

Now there is good 3G there, as all of the major carriers have service in the tourist areas of Phuket. My friend says AIS 3G is solid. I used CAT CDMA when I was there, and I understand now that it is decomissioned? not sure.

I thought about writing a mini-guide to Patong, similar to the one for Chumphon town. I'd like to visit Patong again though to see what may have changed since.

As a vehicle-less Patong resident, I can agree with much of what GK says here. Others like to say that Phuket is not Patong, and I would also note that Patong is not just Bangla either. There are some good accommodations, goods & services, and cheap places to eat & drink in Patong away from the tourist rip-off areas. I haven't been to Bangla area in years and don't miss anything about it, but I still enjoy living in Patong.

I would suggest owning or renting long term motorcycle. My friend does well with just a bicycle though and walks many places. Baht buses would really make this place much easier to navigate vehicle-free, especially getting into/out of Phuket town. Or even private shuttle mini-vans to different major shopping centers.

edit: there was a foreigner who was telling me that he rents a private taxi for appx 1000 baht for the day and they make a monthly trip with his wife into the town for shopping, lunch, and/or or to stop by immigration on the 3rd month. He used to own a car, but gave up when considering the mantenance and the stress/fear of traffic, particularly patong hill. Now it is only motorbikes and private car taxi. It works out much cheaper that way.

Edited March 13, 2012 by 4evermaat

[HongKongPhooey]

I stayed in patong for about 7 months during the low season. I was introduced to it by a womanizer friend of mine that has a decade of experience in SE asia, mostly concentrated in Thailand. After two weeks or so, I decided to rent a motorbike on a weekly, then monthly basis. That was the single best investment I made. I NEVER took a tuk-tuk, paid monthly for guesthouse before moving into a local apartment. Make sure you have some sort of drivers license (doesn't matter what country). Otherwise you will find yourself paying 300-500 baht tickets about once a month or so. And invest in a good helmet.

I didn't have a problem with the place itself. Beautiful women everywhere, shopping within 1km (jungceylon). I did not drink, so I never had the problems that were associated with alcohol. You slowly start to accumulate a list of where to shop, especially with transportation, Phuket Town really is the place to shop for certain things without having to get ripped off.

Now there is good 3G there, as all of the major carriers have service in the tourist areas of Phuket. My friend says AIS 3G is solid. I used CAT CDMA when I was there, and I understand now that it is decomissioned? not sure.

I thought about writing a mini-guide to Patong, similar to the one for Chumphon town. I'd like to visit Patong again though to see what may have changed since.

As a vehicle-less Patong resident, I can agree with much of what GK says here. Others like to say that Phuket is not Patong, and I would also note that Patong is not just Bangla either. There are some good accommodations, goods & services, and cheap places to eat & drink in Patong away from the tourist rip-off areas. I haven't been to Bangla area in years and don't miss anything about it, but I still enjoy living in Patong.

I would suggest owning or renting long term motorcycle. My friend does well with just a bicycle though and walks many places. Baht buses would really make this place much easier to navigate vehicle-free, especially getting into/out of Phuket town. Or even private shuttle mini-vans to different major shopping centers.

edit: there was a foreigner who was telling me that he rents a private taxi for appx 1000 baht for the day and they make a monthly trip with his wife into the town for shopping, lunch, and/or or to stop by immigration on the 3rd month. He used to own a car, but gave up when considering the mantenance and the stress/fear of traffic, particularly patong hill. Now it is only motorbikes and private car taxi. It works out much cheaper that way.

It wasn't me who said that, I've never stopped in Patong for more than 3 weeks. I don't mind as long as it wasn't 'thailand' that said it.

[stevenl]

As a vehicle-less Patong resident, I can agree with much of what GK says here. Others like to say that Phuket is not Patong, and I would also note that Patong is not just Bangla either. There are some good accommodations, goods & services, and cheap places to eat & drink in Patong away from the tourist rip-off areas. I haven't been to Bangla area in years and don't miss anything about it, but I still enjoy living in Patong.

It wasn't me who said that, I've never stopped in Patong for more than 3 weeks. I don't mind as long as it wasn't 'thailand' that said it.

No worries, it was iSabai who said that.

[HongKongPhooey]

As a vehicle-less Patong resident, I can agree with much of what GK says here. Others like to say that Phuket is not Patong, and I would also note that Patong is not just Bangla either. There are some good accommodations, goods & services, and cheap places to eat & drink in Patong away from the tourist rip-off areas. I haven't been to Bangla area in years and don't miss anything about it, but I still enjoy living in Patong.

It wasn't me who said that, I've never stopped in Patong for more than 3 weeks. I don't mind as long as it wasn't 'thailand' that said it.

No worries, it was iSabai who said that.

A good poster is 'iSabai' so perhaps he will have a problem being misquoted as me.

[TaoNow]

^{As I reported on a related thread a few years back, I think that Patong has hidden charms that the other beach towns don't have.}

^{Though it may be less so today, I think some of the unique features of Patong are still relevant.}

^{Just to name a few:}

^{There are more art galleries with interesting people to meet than in other beach towns in Phuket}

^{There is a greater selection of quality draft beers -- and you can even find dark Beer Lao, a favorite of mine that I haven't found in the other entertainment zones.}

^{The live bands are higher quality, and which you can enjoy for "free" for example by nursing a margarita at Coyote while listening to the South African and /or Philippines bands next door --- and watch the gorgeous sunset at the same time.}

^{I have found shoes my size (11 D - US, or 46 local) at shops in Jungceylon that I could not find in Phuket town or the other beach towns (or even Bangkok!)}

^{A number of bistros and higher-tier bars have educated staff who want to learn more about the world while polishing their English. There are less of these in the other beach towns.}

^{I could go on...but you get the drift. The pearls of Phuket are there if you look for them -- it's up to you resident ex-pats, not the Governor, to find them.}

Edited April 18, 2012 by LivinginKata
Fonts corrected

[Ping]

^TaoNow, thanks for your input, but would you mind using the default font for your posts - your selected font is difficult to read on my screen and would be impossible to read on smaller screens.