Would Anyone Like To Borrow My Glasses? They'Re A Lovely Shade Of Rose.

[HongKongPhooey]

There's currently a thread running that started 2 years ago, all about scams and how to avoid them. I'm sure it's been very helpful to lots of people. There's also another thread about why people moan and why others don't.

I would like to ask a similar question but from a slight different angle. I would like to hear from all the people who don't have any problems with those scams and never really have, and never really moan about Phuket but actually claim to have a stress free, scam free, problem free life in Phuket. These are the people of course who instantly get accused of wearing rose tinted specs, and burying their heads in the sand. What is your secret to a happy life in Phuket?

Perhaps if we here from enough of those people, not only will it be a nice balance to the other negative thread (we all want balanced views right?) and show people that lots of people live a very different life to the 'running the gauntlet every time you leave your front door' stories that we hear about most on forums, but perhaps we will also uncover some common denominators that will reveal the reasons why two different people can have such different opinions of the same place, especially when the place is so small.

This is not a confrontational thread, nor it is a particularly exciting or original one, so if it's not your cup of tea or you have nothing to add just don't read it or reply to it. It is NOT my fault if you find my threads boring but still read them anyway!! If you reply to this thread just to tell me you don't like the thread, you are a moron! If you come on this thread to say Phuket is a <deleted> whole and you would never want to live there, then again you are a moron!

[HongKongPhooey]

These are some of the things that I believe are responsible for my experiences of Phuket being positive.

I live in the Northern half of Phuket in a very non touristy part of the island. It's my favourite part of the island although I could also be happy in the South in Rawai for example, but living in an area catering to mass tourism like Patong or Kata or Kamala would be a problem for me. I'm not a tourist. I don't want to live like a tourist, I don't want to socialise with tourists, I don't want to pay tourist prices so why would I live in an area specifically built around the tourist industry??

A car is a must. I lived for a year in Kathu without a car, and although I was still pretty happy I knew then I would never be without a car again.

I don't want every Thai person in the whole country to be nice and respect Farang. I don't care if some Thai people are ripping off tourists in Patong, I only require the Thai people I deal with on a daily basis to be nice and friendly, and they are. I don't blame all Farang for the gobby low lives that we encounter every day so why should I hold the bad ones against all Thai people.

In fact I would say that I love Thai people in general. I don't entertain any bad people in my life whether they are Farang or Thai, I only spend time with good people and the Thai people I know are great. Why would anybody want to live among people they hate??

I'm married with kids so I live a normal family life. I don't do what younger single men would be doing, out drinking and partying until the early hours. The vast majority of unsavoury things will happen in an unsavoury place late at night. Constantly being in the wrong kind of place at the wrong time would have to increase your chances of having problems, simple law of averages.

I use the businesses that I know are honest and use bars and restaurants where I know the service and food is good. I don't spare a second thought for dishonest places with poor service because I never use them.

We visit the UK for at least a couple of months each year, through work in the past and now more to keep kids in touch with grand parents. I believe this could well be a major factor that some people miss out on. Keeping touch with both sides of the world helps keep a nice balanced opinion and reminds you of which side you prefer and why.

I don't have a chip on my shoulder and I'm not constantly looking to be treated like I'm special. If an area is well known as a place tuk tuks or taxis park, I don't feel as if I have the right to park there. They're welcome to it. I'm smart enough to locate another appropriate place to park. I don't fear confrontation but I find avoiding it easy.

Finally, I don't want or need Phuket to change, so its failure to do so will never be something that disappoints or frustrates me. I accept Thailand, Thai people and Phuket exactly as they are. I accept the way things are done here, I accept the politics, I accept the tea money and corruption. I don't require it to change. It either works for you like it is or it doesn't.

Everybody is different. That's just a few of the main reasons I believe I'm happy in Phuket. Interested to hear other peoples.

[MAJIC]

These are some of the things that I believe are responsible for my experiences of Phuket being positive.

I live in the Northern half of Phuket in a very non touristy part of the island. It's my favourite part of the island although I could also be happy in the South in Rawai for example, but living in an area catering to mass tourism like Patong or Kata or Kamala would be a problem for me. I'm not a tourist. I don't want to live like a tourist, I don't want to socialise with tourists, I don't want to pay tourist prices so why would I live in an area specifically built around the tourist industry??

A car is a must. I lived for a year in Kathu without a car, and although I was still pretty happy I knew then I would never be without a car again.

I don't want every Thai person in the whole country to be nice and respect Farang. I don't care if some Thai people are ripping off tourists in Patong, I only require the Thai people I deal with on a daily basis to be nice and friendly, and they are. I don't blame all Farang for the gobby low lives that we encounter every day so why should I hold the bad ones against all Thai people.

In fact I would say that I love Thai people in general. I don't entertain any bad people in my life whether they are Farang or Thai, I only spend time with good people and the Thai people I know are great. Why would anybody want to live among people they hate??

I'm married with kids so I live a normal family life. I don't do what younger single men would be doing, out drinking and partying until the early hours. The vast majority of unsavoury things will happen in an unsavoury place late at night. Constantly being in the wrong kind of place at the wrong time would have to increase your chances of having problems, simple law of averages.

I use the businesses that I know are honest and use bars and restaurants where I know the service and food is good. I don't spare a second thought for dishonest places with poor service because I never use them.

We visit the UK for at least a couple of months each year, through work in the past and now more to keep kids in touch with grand parents. I believe this could well be a major factor that some people miss out on. Keeping touch with both sides of the world helps keep a nice balanced opinion and reminds you of which side you prefer and why.

I don't have a chip on my shoulder and I'm not constantly looking to be treated like I'm special. If an area is well known as a place tuk tuks or taxis park, I don't feel as if I have the right to park there. They're welcome to it. I'm smart enough to locate another appropriate place to park. I don't fear confrontation but I find avoiding it easy.

Finally, I don't want or need Phuket to change, so its failure to do so will never be something that disappoints or frustrates me. I accept Thailand, Thai people and Phuket exactly as they are. I accept the way things are done here, I accept the politics, I accept the tea money and corruption. I don't require it to change. It either works for you like it is or it doesn't.

Everybody is different. That's just a few of the main reasons I believe I'm happy in Phuket. Interested to hear other peoples.

Well HongkongPooey,your post sounded quite interesting,until I read the rules (yours) and discovered my Rose Tinted Spectacles are a far far deeper shade than yours. May all your replies be exactly what you need to hear.I'm afraid I dont engage in conversations,with controlled,expected responses.

Edited April 8, 2012 by MAJIC

[HongKongPhooey]

Well HongkongPooey,your post sounded quite interesting,until I read the rules (yours) and discovered my Rose Tinted Spectacles are a far far deeper shade than yours. May all your replies be exactly what you need to hear.

Have no idea what that means!

[MAJIC]

These are some of the things that I believe are responsible for my experiences of Phuket being positive.

I live in the Northern half of Phuket in a very non touristy part of the island. It's my favourite part of the island although I could also be happy in the South in Rawai for example, but living in an area catering to mass tourism like Patong or Kata or Kamala would be a problem for me. I'm not a tourist. I don't want to live like a tourist, I don't want to socialise with tourists, I don't want to pay tourist prices so why would I live in an area specifically built around the tourist industry??

A car is a must. I lived for a year in Kathu without a car, and although I was still pretty happy I knew then I would never be without a car again.

I don't want every Thai person in the whole country to be nice and respect Farang. I don't care if some Thai people are ripping off tourists in Patong, I only require the Thai people I deal with on a daily basis to be nice and friendly, and they are. I don't blame all Farang for the gobby low lives that we encounter every day so why should I hold the bad ones against all Thai people.

In fact I would say that I love Thai people in general. I don't entertain any bad people in my life whether they are Farang or Thai, I only spend time with good people and the Thai people I know are great. Why would anybody want to live among people they hate??

I'm married with kids so I live a normal family life. I don't do what younger single men would be doing, out drinking and partying until the early hours. The vast majority of unsavoury things will happen in an unsavoury place late at night. Constantly being in the wrong kind of place at the wrong time would have to increase your chances of having problems, simple law of averages.

I use the businesses that I know are honest and use bars and restaurants where I know the service and food is good. I don't spare a second thought for dishonest places with poor service because I never use them.

We visit the UK for at least a couple of months each year, through work in the past and now more to keep kids in touch with grand parents. I believe this could well be a major factor that some people miss out on. Keeping touch with both sides of the world helps keep a nice balanced opinion and reminds you of which side you prefer and why.

I don't have a chip on my shoulder and I'm not constantly looking to be treated like I'm special. If an area is well known as a place tuk tuks or taxis park, I don't feel as if I have the right to park there. They're welcome to it. I'm smart enough to locate another appropriate place to park. I don't fear confrontation but I find avoiding it easy.

Finally, I don't want or need Phuket to change, so its failure to do so will never be something that disappoints or frustrates me. I accept Thailand, Thai people and Phuket exactly as they are. I accept the way things are done here, I accept the politics, I accept the tea money and corruption. I don't require it to change. It either works for you like it is or it doesn't.

Everybody is different. That's just a few of the main reasons I believe I'm happy in Phuket. Interested to hear other peoples.

Well HongkongPooey,your post sounded quite interesting,until I read the rules (yours) and discovered my Rose Tinted Spectacles are a far far deeper shade than yours. May all your replies be exactly what you need to hear.I'm afraid I dont engage in conversations,with controlled,expected responses.

Seems like an Apologists Convention.....Members only need join in.

[MAJIC]

Well HongkongPooey,your post sounded quite interesting,until I read the rules (yours) and discovered my Rose Tinted Spectacles are a far far deeper shade than yours. May all your replies be exactly what you need to hear.

Have no idea what that means!

That comes with wearing the Rose Tinted Spectacles for too long.

[HongKongPhooey]

Hate to break it to you, you just did engage in conversation with me. Better luck next time

Well done about the members bit. Only members can post same as any other thread.

I have given MY reasons why Phuket works for me, why would I be expecting or require any specific replies from other people? I know for a fact that several members live in Patong and love it, never moan about anything, their replies won't be the same as mine will they!

You had nothing to add but you didn't have enough self control to not bother replying. I think I mentioned you at the end of my OP.

[HongKongPhooey]

Well HongkongPooey,your post sounded quite interesting,until I read the rules (yours) and discovered my Rose Tinted Spectacles are a far far deeper shade than yours. May all your replies be exactly what you need to hear.

Have no idea what that means!

That comes with wearing the Rose Tinted Spectacles for too long.

I find it tragic that my happiness troubles you so! I'm not showing off, I'm not gloating in other peoples misery, I'm not shouting 'I'M HAPPIER THAN YOU, SO KISS MINE' at the top of my voice am I.

I'm genuinely happy and love life in Phuket. Why don't you explain why that grates you so, then perhaps that will go some way to explain why you aren't, then you will have actually made a worth while contribution to the thread!

I love Phuket and as a nation of people I love Thais and I don't see it as any concern of mine how they run their country. How does that make me an apologist exactly??

[MAJIC]

Hate to break it to you, you just did engage in conversation with me. Better luck next time

Well done about the members bit. Only members can post same as any other thread.

I have given MY reasons why Phuket works for me, why would I be expecting or require any specific replies from other people? I know for a fact that several members live in Patong and love it, never moan about anything, their replies won't be the same as mine will they!

You had nothing to add but you didn't have enough self control to not bother replying. I think I mentioned you at the end of my OP.

So the whole of your Post,is to invite members to comment on your Post,as long as they abide by your rules and say what you want to hear.

how pathetic a way to debate.

[MAJIC]

Well HongkongPooey,your post sounded quite interesting,until I read the rules (yours) and discovered my Rose Tinted Spectacles are a far far deeper shade than yours. May all your replies be exactly what you need to hear.

Have no idea what that means!

That comes with wearing the Rose Tinted Spectacles for too long.

I find it tragic that my happiness troubles you so! I'm not showing off, I'm not gloating in other peoples misery, I'm not shouting 'I'M HAPPIER THAN YOU, SO KISS MINE' at the top of my voice am I.

I'm genuinely happy and love life in Phuket. Why don't you explain why that grates you so, then perhaps that will go some way to explain why you aren't, then you will have actually made a worth while contribution to the thread!

I love Phuket and as a nation of people I love Thais and I don't see it as any concern of mine how they run their country. How does that make me an apologist exactly??

Of no interest to me.

I'm pleased to hear it,and it doesnt grate,one single bit.

So you dont see a problem with the Jet Ski Scams in Phuket then? and you won't be speaking up for the ones who are being ripped off???

[HongKongPhooey]

So the whole of your Post,is to invite members to comment on your Post,as long as they abide by your rules and say what you want to hear.

how pathetic a way to debate.

What are you talking about?? What rules?

Are you seriously having a pop at me because I wanted to hear from people who are happy in Phuket and you don't fit the bill?? That's a new one, it's not Phukets fault you're not happy now, it's MINE

I want to hear DIFFERENT opinions from DIFFERENT people as to what they think are the key factors to THEIR happiness. So yes by default I am only asking to hear from people who are happy, I'm very sorry you don't meet the criteria, not my fault!

If I was asking to hear from people who drove Mazda 323's would you have the hump with me about that as well, just because you don't?

Think about it! You think I've done something wrong because I've started a thread that doesn't apply to you!! Do you think every thread in the forum is going to be about you or one to which you can reply? Unbelievable!

So you dont see a problem with the Jet Ski Scams in Phuket then? and you won't be speaking up for the ones who are being ripped off???

Wrong thread mate! 'NamKang Man' will be waiting for you with open arms over in the scams thread. Be careful, I heard he's trying to start some kind of cult over there.

Edited April 8, 2012 by HongKongPhooey

[MAJIC]

So the whole of your Post,is to invite members to comment on your Post,as long as they abide by your rules and say what you want to hear.

how pathetic a way to debate.

What are you talking about?? What rules?

Are you seriously having a pop at me because I wanted to hear from people who are happy in Phuket and you don't fit the bill?? That's a new one, it's not Phukets fault you're not happy now, it's MINE

I want to hear DIFFERENT opinions from DIFFERENT people as to what they think are the key factors to THEIR happiness. So yes by default I am only asking to hear from people who are happy, I'm very sorry you don't meet the criteria, not my fault!

If I was asking to hear from people who drove Mazda 323's would you have the hump with me about that as well, just because you don't?

So you dont see a problem with the Jet Ski Scams in Phuket then? and you won't be speaking up for the ones who are being ripped off???

Wrong thread mate! 'NamKang Man' will be waiting for you with open arms over in the scams thread. Be careful, I heard he's trying to start some kind of cult over there.

I shall not enter into any further debate with you,you are only interested in hearing what you want to hear,rather childish in my view.

Keep up with the Rose Tinted Specs,but it's not the answer for most educated people,who believe in open discussion,with no restrictions,or preconditions....so now have the last word,no doubt it is very important to you.

[HongKongPhooey]

....so now have the last word,no doubt it is very important to you.

Not in the slightest.

[MAJIC]

....so now have the last word,no doubt it is very important to you.

Not in the slightest.

[HongKongPhooey]

Last words were important to who exactly did you say?

How have you made nearly 2000 posts without comprehending how forums work? People start threads, some will apply to you and some won't. Nothing personal.

You are however doing a champion job representing the mentality of the average forum user. I dare say in the morning you will be joined by several like minded members and you can all bathe in your misery together.

[goober]

We get it already.

Phuket chewed up many and spat them out and now disgruntled with the place.

Its obvious there are problems on Phuket but its what you make of it, not what phuket makes for you.

You need a hobby.

Edited April 8, 2012 by goober

[Naam]

If you come on this thread to say Phuket is a <deleted> whole and you would never want to live there, then again you are a moron!

former beautiful Phuket has been transformed and is now the <deleted> hole Fück-It.

signed: moron

p.s. i would never want to live there!

[stevenl]

Yes, I am happy with my life here. I don't think I wear rose coloured glasses, although the ones wearing the black coloured glasses certainly do accuse me of that

I must say though I don't see much point in a thread like this, it will only continue the way it started.

I hope I am proved wrong here.

[petercallen]

HKP is of on one of his rants again.

You don't have riots now and people in Thailand just shooting people

like other countries

The climate is great all the year round never to hot or cold

It is not expensive to live here even A Australian pensioner

can enjoy a much better lifestyle here than he could back home

Thai people are mostly friendly and easy to get on with, i am

talking about the real ones not the ones you meet in bars

Housing is not expensive to buy here compared to other countries

If you want to live in the north of the island there are plenty

of new homes for between 2 and 4M baht

Jetskis and Tuk Tuks don't worry me i do not use them and cannot

understand why people keep posting about them on this forum

If you don't like Thailand or Phuket the answer is to leave and

go elsewhere or back to your home country, if you have not returned

for awhile the cost of living will shock you

All the scams people whinge about here happen in Bali as well

[stevenl]

Don't understand you Peter. First you accuse HKP of ranting, and then you're giving examples showing he is right in his claims.

[grumpyoldman]

Where I am now, a guy just walked in with rose tinted glasses !!!

Again though, I will not read the OP's posts, as one member has already mentioned, somebody has way too much time on their hands.

Start a thread AND be the first response.........................????

[Peterocket]

I dont think the original thread about scams was much help to anyone.

"Dont buy illegal copied DVD's because they arent good quality"..... "Be careful buying lady drinks they might cost more than you think"

I guess for some 16 year olds on holiday here with very little life experience or common sense they might be able to extract something useful out of it.

[goober]

Where I am now, a guy just walked in with rose tinted glasses !!!

Again though, I will not read the OP's posts, as one member has already mentioned, somebody has way too much time on their hands.

Start a thread AND be the first response.........................????

I'm more amazed in how fast he can type, original post to first reply took just 4 mins.

[Ping]

Nothing wrong with a positive thread (it's been done before, but there are always new BMs), but I have to say that preemptive censoring of the type of responses the OP wants is not on, even though I can identify with some of his sentiments.

[grumpyoldman]

Where I am now, a guy just walked in with rose tinted glasses !!!

Again though, I will not read the OP's posts, as one member has already mentioned, somebody has way too much time on their hands.

Start a thread AND be the first response.........................????

I'm more amazed in how fast he can type, original post to first reply took just 4 mins.

I think someone fancies themselves some sort of "writer". Probably composes in Word, then C&P.

As mentioned prior, bit of an ego trip for the guy, that's why I tend to ignore anything other than the topic title by this particular wannabe "writer".

[petercallen]

Don't understand you Peter. First you accuse HKP of ranting, and then you're giving examples showing he is right in his claims.

That does not surprise me, maybe you should read his posts again on this and other topics

you have financial interests here, i and a lot of people i know do not and can afford to live

anywhere they want, and chose to live in Phuket

Who cares about the things people whinge about on this form they do not effect me and

people i know, we recently had a holiday in Bali and found the scamming much worse there

People just piss me of with there whinging comments about Phuket

Kenny changed his user name because he was sick of people picking on him for no reason

as far as i am concerned, he lived within his means not in fantasy land and was informed he

broke the forum rules

Other people are banned and come back time and again with new user names

[happyaussie]

No idea what others think. But to get a good debate going please refrain from writing a novel. I read the first and least few lines. But am not interested in all the waffle in between.

I used to live in Phuket, but now reside in Chang Mai. Whilst I lived in Phuket I never had any issues. I also did my fair share of partying with mates. Yes, some people get stitched up. But like anywhere, behave yourself, respect others (especially Thais) and show some street smarts and the likelihood of problems is minimized.

If I see or sense aggression I simple leave. I don't want negative energy spoiling my night.

And from what I have seen. Most farangs are the cause. Usually young blokes full of bravado who see every Thai woman as a whore and every Thai man as a push over. But of course they are totally mistaken.

[Peterocket]

No idea what others think. But to get a good debate going please refrain from writing a novel. I read the first and least few lines. But am not interested in all the waffle in between.

I used to live in Phuket, but now reside in Chang Mai. Whilst I lived in Phuket I never had any issues. I also did my fair share of partying with mates. Yes, some people get stitched up. But like anywhere, behave yourself, respect others (especially Thais) and show some street smarts and the likelihood of problems is minimized.

If I see or sense aggression I simple leave. I don't want negative energy spoiling my night.

And from what I have seen. Most farangs are the cause. Usually young blokes full of bravado who see every Thai woman as a whore and every Thai man as a push over. But of course they are totally mistaken.

Yep agreed.

However some people like to consistently remind people to use common sense whilst they are here.

Dont sleep on train tracks...dont walk in front of buses....dont leave your keys in your front door.

[PattayaPhom]

Its great stuff that the OP is content with his lot, and there are many that are all over Thailand but of course there are many more that are not for various reasons that are obvious. I think those that have a 'normal' lifestyle..steady relationship, family, work and no real money worries are a lot happier in Thailand, its those that have little money or nothing else rather than drinking to fill their day that are not happy. Phuket is a wonderful island although with a few problems that can easily be avoided, its not my choice soley its not placed logisticly well.

[goober]

Its great stuff that the OP is content with his lot, and there are many that are all over Thailand but of course there are many more that are not for various reasons that are obvious. I think those that have a 'normal' lifestyle..steady relationship, family, work and no real money worries are a lot happier in Thailand, its those that have little money or nothing else rather than drinking to fill their day that are not happy. Phuket is a wonderful island although with a few problems that can easily be avoided, its not my choice soley its not placed logisticly well.

Not placed logistacly well?

You can fly direct to Europe,Japan,China,Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and middle east directly out of Phuket airport.

Much better placed than habing the horrid drive to Bangkok from Pattaya which would be slower than me flying to Bangkok.