How Much Have You Had To Unlearn About Thailand?

[eek]

Thai men actually have a lot of charm. They know how to "Paak waan" women very well. The women then are either dumb enough to swallow and lap up the bs, or like him enough to pretend. Charming bsing men have successfully seduced (dumb, or lonely, or horny) women for centuries. Nothing new.

Wait, I am confused

Is that the part you had to "unlearn"?

...Or you mean it lol !

In reply to Berkshires query.

[Berkshire]

Of course Thais are racist! They are obsessed with skin colour, all Thai models and superstars are light-skinned regardless of whether they are actually beautiful or not. People are still employed here based on colour of skin, how is that not racist? Kids are often bullied if they have dark skin, not racist?

You seem to be rather obsessed with this notion that Thais are racist. But in fact, you're confusing beauty preference for racism, clearly, not the same thing. Do you prefer a large woman to a skinny one? It's more like that than anything sinister that you're trying to conjure up.

What's happening in Thailand is similar to what's been happening within the African-American community in the US. This article (http://edition.cnn.com/2012/04/21/opinion/martin-skin-color/index.html?iref=obinsite) discusses this very issue. Thais can't be racist against themselves any more than African-Americans can be racist against themselves.

Light-skinned Thai women certainly have an advantage in the beauty department, but they're not getting jobs that they are not qualified to do. You're way off base on that one. They're only getting jobs where looks matter, and these aren't exactly choice jobs (as opposed to professional jobs that require a degree). As for the men, power and status trumps any sort of light-skin nonsense that women may have to deal with. As have been mentioned before, there are plenty of clearly dark-skin Thai men in positions of power, both in industry and government. I also know a couple of African-American men who are married to Thai women and they are treated no differently than any farang/Thai couple. Of course, I'm sure every Thai person you come into contact with will tell you something different, i.e., whatever it is you want to hear.

As for kids getting bullied, I've never heard of that one. But heck, kids get bullied for all sorts of silly reasons. What I'm confused about is this: Do you think there are more dark skinned Thais or light skinned Thais in Thailand? I'd say there's more dark skinned Thais. So you really believe that the majority group is somehow getting bullied by the minority group?

[BigJohnnyBKK]

So every Thai girl/woman that told me Thai men are mai dee lied did they? For what purpose?

Very often Thais will tell you something they don't believe but what you want to hear, to them it's just making pleasant conversation, not "lying".

Many Thai men mistreat their women by PC western standards but the women expect and accept it. But not all, many many are very good husbands even by western standards.

Keep in mind earning a lot of money will make you a good husband even if you aren't in other terms.

I very much doubt that many wives actually condone their husband's acquisition of a mia noi. Isn't it more likely they begrudgingly accept her existence as the price of holding a family unit together provided it's kept very much on the downlow and doesn't result in a loss of face?

You're absolutely right, and often the "family unit" ends up incorporating the newer wives down the road. I know several families where the older wives all gang up and complain against the latest one, support each other in their various businesses etc and get along fine.

[BigJohnnyBKK]

This is one of the things that has always fascinated me. That is, how on Earth can these dirt poor Thai guys without a satang to their name, manage to have multiple affairs while already in a relationship with a young Thai gal? I mean, if they're doing this all over Thailand, there must be a ga-zillion young hotties willing to go with these poor, married, alcoholics, no? I mean, your typical farang has to pay out-the-a** and these girls don't even hang around most of the time. So how DO these guys do it?? Hmmmm.

Genuine young hotties rarely fall for genuinely penniless married alcoholics. Very often farangs get their companionship for much lower rates than a Thai could due to the perception that she'll win the jackpot down the road.

You seem to be rather obsessed with this notion that Thais are racist. But in fact, you're confusing beauty preference for racism, clearly, not the same thing. Do you prefer a large woman to a skinny one? It's more like that than anything sinister that you're trying to conjure up.

What's happening in Thailand is similar to what's been happening within the African-American community in the US. This article (http://edition.cnn.c...l?iref=obinsite) discusses this very issue. Thais can't be racist against themselves any more than African-Americans can be racist against themselves.

Light-skinned Thai women certainly have an advantage in the beauty department, but they're not getting jobs that they are not qualified to do. You're way off base on that one. They're only getting jobs where looks matter, and these aren't exactly choice jobs (as opposed to professional jobs that require a degree). As for the men, power and status trumps any sort of light-skin nonsense that women may have to deal with. As have been mentioned before, there are plenty of clearly dark-skin Thai men in positions of power, both in industry and government. I also know a couple of African-American men who are married to Thai women and they are treated no differently than any farang/Thai couple. Of course, I'm sure every Thai person you come into contact with will tell you something different, i.e., whatever it is you want to hear.

As for kids getting bullied, I've never heard of that one. But heck, kids get bullied for all sorts of silly reasons. What I'm confused about is this: Do you think there are more dark skinned Thais or light skinned Thais in Thailand? I'd say there's more dark skinned Thais. So you really believe that the majority group is somehow getting bullied by the minority group?

The tall whiter Thais definitely see themselves as separate ethically from their darker upcountry cousins, if not a separate "race" it is the same functionally.

"Beauty preference" is fine and good if you're only talking about who you choose as a partner, as long as you keep your opinions to yourself. Public name-calling might just be "sticks and stones" and not a legal issue, but doesn't make it less offensive, definitely a racist environment for those stigmatized.

And denying employment is absolutely an issue, and not just Thai-on-Thai. A dark-skinned English teacher won't have nearly as many opportunities as a white one. A customer-facing sales-related position in a corporate environment will rarely go to a dark-skinned person. This kind of racism permeates the whole culture and can only be eliminated with long and expensive public education campaigns as every English-speaking country has done in past decades.

You many not care about the issue, but don't try to deny it isn't one here.

[TommoPhysicist]

So how DO these guys do it?? Hmmmm.

You can meet a girl in a Thai karaoke bar and do the deed for 200-300bht.

Thai guys pay too. My BILs are always trying to drag me along for a cheap shag, I never go and they don't understand why not.

Edited May 28, 2012 by TommoPhysicist

[PattayaParent]

I unlearnt that

Thailand is the Land of Smiles

Thais are really polite

Thais are very friendly

With 9000 + posts, I'm surprised you have any time to meet anyone other than a bunch of disgruntled cynics who may, or more liklely, may not live in Thailand.

I have been her full time for over 21 years, I find Thai people friendly , polite and very easy with a smile..

Are you polite, friendly and willing to smile, or are you like most Farangs, miserable?

From you answer I see you have become very assimilated in Thailand, just like a Thai in fact.

[F1fanatic]

I agree Pattayaparent.

The only things I had to 'unlearn' is that 1) not all the smiles are genuine and 2) they are not all friendly - in fact some are downright rude if they are in a low-paying job and don't like foreigners.

Having said this, I still prefer the immediate Thai smile to the normal Western scowl (at home). Even when its not genuine, its far more cheering and often becomes genuine when returned - even when no money is involved.

[Hostile17]

People in the west smile.. a lot more than thais who mostly smile for money

Again people from the UK thinking that their depressed country represents the world.

[Berkshire]

You seem to be rather obsessed with this notion that Thais are racist. But in fact, you're confusing beauty preference for racism, clearly, not the same thing. Do you prefer a large woman to a skinny one? It's more like that than anything sinister that you're trying to conjure up.

What's happening in Thailand is similar to what's been happening within the African-American community in the US. This article (http://edition.cnn.c...l?iref=obinsite) discusses this very issue. Thais can't be racist against themselves any more than African-Americans can be racist against themselves.

Light-skinned Thai women certainly have an advantage in the beauty department, but they're not getting jobs that they are not qualified to do. You're way off base on that one. They're only getting jobs where looks matter, and these aren't exactly choice jobs (as opposed to professional jobs that require a degree). As for the men, power and status trumps any sort of light-skin nonsense that women may have to deal with. As have been mentioned before, there are plenty of clearly dark-skin Thai men in positions of power, both in industry and government. I also know a couple of African-American men who are married to Thai women and they are treated no differently than any farang/Thai couple. Of course, I'm sure every Thai person you come into contact with will tell you something different, i.e., whatever it is you want to hear.

As for kids getting bullied, I've never heard of that one. But heck, kids get bullied for all sorts of silly reasons. What I'm confused about is this: Do you think there are more dark skinned Thais or light skinned Thais in Thailand? I'd say there's more dark skinned Thais. So you really believe that the majority group is somehow getting bullied by the minority group?

And denying employment is absolutely an issue, and not just Thai-on-Thai. A dark-skinned English teacher won't have nearly as many opportunities as a white one. A customer-facing sales-related position in a corporate environment will rarely go to a dark-skinned person. This kind of racism permeates the whole culture and can only be eliminated with long and expensive public education campaigns as every English-speaking country has done in past decades.

You many not care about the issue, but don't try to deny it isn't one here.

Man, you're making it sound as if Thailand is some sort of Apartheid regime. Surely you don't believe this. Did you even bother to read the article that I cited? Did some of that sound familiar? It's certainly not a positive thing, but I don't think Thailand is even THAT bad (referring to little kids in the study). While I agree about the English teacher thing, Thais are not being denied employment, promotion, housing, medical services, cab ride, or anything else, based on the hue of their skin.

Perhaps there are a good number of farangs who are married to darker skinned Thais and feel a need to berate the Thais about this. All I can say is good luck on your quest.

[F1fanatic]

People in the west smile.. a lot more than thais who mostly smile for money

Again people from the UK thinking that their depressed country represents the world.

You're right - I should have been more specific than "Westerners" - should be Europeans.

I've only visited the US once and they did smile at strangers far more than Europeans.

[Hostile17]

im not american but in canada if say i leave at 7am, hit tim hortons(food/doughnuts/coffee) i will get smiles and possibly a quick nice chat with any of the young or old ladies there, then a doorman in a building in the city will smile and chitchat gladly without requesting a tip. On lunch wherever i go, may it be subway or a nice business restaurant the waiter/cashier will always smile even on a minimum wage salary. Chitchat again sometimes if theres no customers waiting. Then i get home and hit the supermarket 4mins by walk(rarely happens in thailand, no convenience in this country). I'll probably have a small chitchat with 2-3 people in there.

And those chitchat won't be about who raped raped on the latest thai soap or to point out the disabled person which is pretty much what i hear thais chitchat about all the time.

Best place for a warm welcome is hotdog joints at 1-4am. ex-convict trying to do better on the grill and some burned out woman on the cashier. Those people look really dirty and mean but they're always a lot of fun, non-judgmental and looking for entertainment/friendship while you're there. They wont spend the whole time on their iphone even if you do not wish to engage.

Only place i might get someone in a bad mood is at the gas station because its usually fat emo/goth kids.

Edited May 28, 2012 by Hostile17

[skybluestu]

You seem to be rather obsessed with this notion that Thais are racist. But in fact, you're confusing beauty preference for racism, clearly, not the same thing. Do you prefer a large woman to a skinny one? It's more like that than anything sinister that you're trying to conjure up.

What's happening in Thailand is similar to what's been happening within the African-American community in the US. This article (http://edition.cnn.c...l?iref=obinsite) discusses this very issue. Thais can't be racist against themselves any more than African-Americans can be racist against themselves.

Light-skinned Thai women certainly have an advantage in the beauty department, but they're not getting jobs that they are not qualified to do. You're way off base on that one. They're only getting jobs where looks matter, and these aren't exactly choice jobs (as opposed to professional jobs that require a degree). As for the men, power and status trumps any sort of light-skin nonsense that women may have to deal with. As have been mentioned before, there are plenty of clearly dark-skin Thai men in positions of power, both in industry and government. I also know a couple of African-American men who are married to Thai women and they are treated no differently than any farang/Thai couple. Of course, I'm sure every Thai person you come into contact with will tell you something different, i.e., whatever it is you want to hear.

As for kids getting bullied, I've never heard of that one. But heck, kids get bullied for all sorts of silly reasons. What I'm confused about is this: Do you think there are more dark skinned Thais or light skinned Thais in Thailand? I'd say there's more dark skinned Thais. So you really believe that the majority group is somehow getting bullied by the minority group?

And denying employment is absolutely an issue, and not just Thai-on-Thai. A dark-skinned English teacher won't have nearly as many opportunities as a white one. A customer-facing sales-related position in a corporate environment will rarely go to a dark-skinned person. This kind of racism permeates the whole culture and can only be eliminated with long and expensive public education campaigns as every English-speaking country has done in past decades.

You many not care about the issue, but don't try to deny it isn't one here.

Man, you're making it sound as if Thailand is some sort of Apartheid regime. Surely you don't believe this. Did you even bother to read the article that I cited? Did some of that sound familiar? It's certainly not a positive thing, but I don't think Thailand is even THAT bad (referring to little kids in the study). While I agree about the English teacher thing, Thais are not being denied employment, promotion, housing, medical services, cab ride, or anything else, based on the hue of their skin.

Perhaps there are a good number of farangs who are married to darker skinned Thais and feel a need to berate the Thais about this. All I can say is good luck on your quest.

Like I said before, shadism/colorism is sub-racism and is alive and well here in Thailand, you are naive if you think otherwise! It is accepted as part of the culture so goes on every day in every walk of life on a daily basis. People do often get employed if they have lighter skin then another applicant, even if the other applicant is more experienced or qualified. Kids do get bullied at school for having dark skin, sure they try to laugh it off like a fat kid does but they are often permanently scarred because of it. There are many more examples but I may as well bang my head against a brick wall as you won't accept it is reality. Like BigJohnny said, most countries have been trying to stamp out racism for decades and wouldn't accept such blatant discrimination but not Thailand, Thailand just says mai pen rai, it's just the way it is here and unfortunately so do many foreigners who should know better!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorism

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/10/AR2009071000022.html

[BigJohnnyBKK]

Man, you're making it sound as if Thailand is some sort of Apartheid regime. Surely you don't believe this. Did you even bother to read the article that I cited? Did some of that sound familiar? It's certainly not a positive thing, but I don't think Thailand is even THAT bad (referring to little kids in the study). While I agree about the English teacher thing, Thais are not being denied employment, promotion, housing, medical services, cab ride, or anything else, based on the hue of their skin.

No, compared to many places Thailand isn't so bad. And if I only beat my wife occasionally and most of the time I don't put her in hospital, I'm still a wife-beater aren't I?

You keep ignoring the issue of people verbally denigrating others to their face and creating an uncomfortable atmosphere for them, if not actual painful suffering for those that are sensitive, especially children. If you're told you're whole life you're ugly because you've got dark skin, you don't think that will have a serious impact on your self-confidence and self-esteem?

And I also stand by the following, even applies to receptionists:

> A customer-facing sales-related position in a corporate environment will rarely go to a dark-skinned person.

Like I said before, shadism/colorism is sub-racism and is alive and well here in Thailand

IMO since it's been proven that there is no scientific basis for the concept of "race" anyway, it's a culturally defined concept whether it's based on facial structure, nationality, skin color, language or whatever, there's no need to make such distinctions.

To me the key consideration is the harm done. If no harm is done to the affected person, e.g. I prefer not to associate with a particular group and thus avoid them but remain polite so they never know the reason then fine.

most countries have been trying to stamp out racism for decades and wouldn't accept such blatant discrimination but not Thailand, Thailand just says mai pen rai, it's just the way it is here and unfortunately so do many foreigners who should know better!

Actually I'll go along with the mai pen rai, but I admit it's because I don't suffer from that particular problem.

There are much more heinous human rights issues in Thailand worth fighting, but I personally am not in a position to be effective in such a fight and prefer to choose peace of mind anyway.

[Ulysses G.]

Of course Thais are racist! They are obsessed with skin colour, all Thai models and superstars are light-skinned regardless of whether they are actually beautiful or not. People are still employed here based on colour of skin, how is that not racist? Kids are often bullied if they have dark skin, not racist?

You seem to be rather obsessed with this notion that Thais are racist. But in fact, you're confusing beauty preference for racism, clearly, not the same thing.

Obsessed indeed. He has got to be pulling our chain.

[arminbkk]

I unlearnt that

Thailand is the Land of Smiles

Thais are really polite

Thais are very friendly

That would be my top 3

As for the OPs top 3:

1: I wouldn't say walking ATM, but money is "money" is ever present in most Thais mind, and they always that you have it, no matter what you say.

2: I have heard/hear that 8 out of 10 times....mostly coming from Thai women. And that's mostly because Thai men cheat. They have kiks and/or mia nois.

One of the first 4 questions a Thai will ask me is:"do you have kik?"

I look at Thai women most of the time, a Thai guy even more.

A Thai guy basically has whisky/beer and women on his minds.

And before anyone starts, this is based on hanging out with Thai male friends, from office folk to motorcycle taxi drivers.

3: Cannot say Thais are "racist", can say they do not quite appreciate dark/black skin. Is that immediately racist? Can say they discriminate.

I've never heard a Thai guy, or girl, say about a tanned/dark skinned girl, or guy, that she/he is beautiful/handsome.

Pretty/cute maybe, but not beautiful/handsome.

They will point out a "fair skinned" girl and say she is beautiful, even though she has no expression whatsoever.

I've been coming here for over 10 years, have lived and worked here for 5 years, both in Bangkok and Isarn.

I don't like it as much as I did in the early years.

I read a lot of posts on TV, mostly "bad" experiences of other people, be it with Thai police, landlords, taxi drivers, the

computer repair shop etc etc.

I've never really had bad experiences like those.

My "bad" experience?

What I had to unlearn is what is my greatest disappointment about Thailand: it is not the "Land of Smiles" and "Thais are /not/ friendly".

I refer to normal everyday 'encounters', while going to work, getting lunch, ordering an iced coffee, waiting for the elevator, waiting in line

at 7/11.

Well maybe I don't spend enough time in bars.

I could go on but nahh.......i'm gonna have a smoke on the balcony in my shorts................because i can do that here (weather-wise)

[YeahSiam]

We've been here for a similar amount of time, what makes your opinion more 'right' than mine? I was replying to your initial post with my opinion based on what I've seen, heard and experienced myself, I don't need to open my mind any more. My time hasn't been spent in BKK, it has been up North so maybe that is why we have a different opinion or maybe it is you who needs to open your mind, your eyes too!

So every Thai girl/woman that told me Thai men are mai dee lied did they? For what purpose?

They told you lies because they wanted you to feel comfortable. I would bet that there were as many Thai ladies who weren't as negative in their opinions of Thai men but for some reason, you latched on to the negative aspect. I think HS is spot on with his thoughts on this subject.

[rene123]

My only question is why dig up an 8 month old topic to rehash the same old arguements that have been repeated over and over? What is it you haven't learned from the original topic?

I tirst came to Thailand in 1998 as a single back packer and learned a lot about people, including the farang gang I was traveling with. I had no preconceived notions about Asia at all, other than it was crowded in the cities. Returning 14 years later I didn't have to unlearn anything. But, I'm learning new things every day because I keep an open mind. Having spent a little bit of time in a few third world countries I learned that not all is as it seems to be on the surface, and not all smiles are genuine.

[HardenedSoul]

There's no rule against revisiting old threads, luv.

Despite rebuking the guy, you still elected to add your opinion, didn't you, so where's the harm?

[TommoPhysicist]

1. "Expect to be treated like a walking ATM"

2. "Thai girls think Thai men are no good"

3. "Thais are racist"

1 True

2 Thai girls tell you whatever they think you want to hear.

3 True

When I came to Thailand I assumed Thai people were like everyone else in the western world, some trustworthy, some not unfortunately I had to unlearn that and in it's place learn 'Thais can't be trusted'. Not a one of them and especially not your gf or your wife.

[theblether]

1. "Expect to be treated like a walking ATM"

2. "Thai girls think Thai men are no good"

3. "Thais are racist"

1 True

2 Thai girls tell you whatever they think you want to hear.

3 True

When I came to Thailand I assumed Thai people were like everyone else in the western world, some trustworthy, some not unfortunately I had to unlearn that and in it's place learn 'Thais can't be trusted'. Not a one of them and especially not your gf or your wife.

Do you like living in Thailand Tommo?

[TommoPhysicist]

Do you like living in Thailand Tommo?

Yep, it's really good, once you have the full picture.

You don't live here though, and have stated you never intend to.

[HardenedSoul]

1. "Expect to be treated like a walking ATM"

2. "Thai girls think Thai men are no good"

3. "Thais are racist"

1 True

2 Thai girls tell you whatever they think you want to hear.

3 True

When I came to Thailand I assumed Thai people were like everyone else in the western world, some trustworthy, some not unfortunately I had to unlearn that and in it's place learn 'Thais can't be trusted'. Not a one of them and especially not your gf or your wife.

Well as I think I've said,

1. I've never been treated like a walking ATM (Am I alone in being sick of that adage)

2. Maybe the Thai girls you've met, Tommo. Given recent admissions you've made, you'll forgive me if I absolutely do NOT take anything you have to say on the subject of women seriously.

3. One tends to get back back what he or she puts out into the universe. Perhaps that why your feelings on the country are somewhat jaded.

When I came to Thailand, I assumed that Thais were nothing like everyone else in the western world. Many are trustworthy, many are not - people are people wherever you go.

[TommoPhysicist]

Well as I think I've said,

1. I've never been treated like a walking ATM (Am I alone in being sick of that adage)

2. Maybe the Thai girls you've met, Tommo. Given recent admissions you've made, you'll forgive me if I absolutely do NOT take anything you have to say on the subject of women seriously.

3. One tends to get back back what he or she puts out into the universe. Perhaps that why your feelings on the country are somewhat jaded.

When I came to Thailand, I assumed that Thais were nothing like everyone else in the western world. Many are trustworthy, many are not - people are people wherever you go.

Yet you are the one that hasn't had a girlfriend in five years.

Not much giving 'putting out' coming from you by the looks of it.

As the great Mulder says ........... "Trust No-One"

As for treating me as an ATM, they can treat me however they like, but I'm a broken ATM, no money ever comes out.

Edited January 16, 2013 by TommoPhysicist

[andrew]

'Thais can't be trusted'. Not a one of them and especially not your gf or your wife.

That's quite a clever comment.

Love is for wimps.

Find a great-looking woman; shack up; start a family; produce fantastic kids.

And never bullshit yourself that you're getting unadulterated, 100% truth.

[HardenedSoul]

Well as I think I've said,

1. I've never been treated like a walking ATM (Am I alone in being sick of that adage)

2. Maybe the Thai girls you've met, Tommo. Given recent admissions you've made, you'll forgive me if I absolutely do NOT take anything you have to say on the subject of women seriously.

3. One tends to get back back what he or she puts out into the universe. Perhaps that why your feelings on the country are somewhat jaded.

When I came to Thailand, I assumed that Thais were nothing like everyone else in the western world. Many are trustworthy, many are not - people are people wherever you go.

Yet you are the one that hasn't had a girlfriend in five years.

Not much giving 'putting out' coming from you by the looks of it.

As the great Mulder says ........... "Trust No-One"

As for treating me as an ATM, they can treat me however they like, but I'm a broken ATM, no money ever comes out.

Ha. You wheel out that "no-girlfriend-in-5years" as if it's some sort of dig but surely you realise that it doesn't bother me in the slightest.

All I'm saying is that for you to have such a cynical attitude towards Thais in general and Thai women in particular, you must have made some terrible mistakes in your dealings with them.

As far as being a broken ATM is concerned, I don't think you're totally out of commission just yet. After all, didn't you say you paid off a loan secured on your wife's house and that you handle all the monthly bills??

[TommoPhysicist]

All I'm saying is that for you to have such a cynical attitude towards Thais in general and Thai women in particular, you must have made some terrible mistakes in your dealings with them.

As far as being a broken ATM is concerned, I don't think you're totally out of commission just yet. After all, didn't you say you paid off a loan secured on your wife's house and that you handle all the monthly bills??

I may have a bad attitude towards Thai women, but you are the one that admittedly only uses them as sex toys.

100k for a five year house rental seems like a good deal to me.

I've paid the monthly bills all my life, doing it here just reduces the outgoings. I'm saving money!

Who pays your monthly bills?

Edited January 16, 2013 by TommoPhysicist

[HardenedSoul]

All I'm saying is that for you to have such a cynical attitude towards Thais in general and Thai women in particular, you must have made some terrible mistakes in your dealings with them.

As far as being a broken ATM is concerned, I don't think you're totally out of commission just yet. After all, didn't you say you paid off a loan secured on your wife's house and that you handle all the monthly bills??

I may have a bad attitude towards Thai women, but you are the one that admittedly only uses them as sex toys.

100k for a five year house rental seems like a good deal to me.

I've paid the monthly bills all my life, doing it here just reduces the outgoings. I'm saving money!

Who pays your monthly bills?

Well for someone who doesn't trust Thai women, isn't it something of a gamble that your wife will let your lease run for the full 5 years? I mean, it's her gaff so it's her rules, right? If she wants to put you kerbside, there's nothing you can do, right?

[theblether]

Do you like living in Thailand Tommo?

Yep, it's really good, once you have the full picture.

You don't live here though, and have stated you never intend to.

What does my living arrangements have to do with the question?

Anyway I find your attitude to the women in your life to be regrettable, if I die today I will happily say with my last breath that the women in my life my my life worth living, and that includes my ex-wife.

I've been very lucky.

[ChiangMike]

I'm still just trying to figure out what the hell is going on.

The sum total of my experience here = it's a crazy mixed up world.

[poanoi]

Well i was homofobic incarnate, but now them ladyboys can play with my neck while having a kao pat moo without batting an eyelid nearly