Gladiator Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 Hi, Like many of you - I have been in and about Chiang Mai for too many years that I wish to remember. I have my own experiences and prefences as do all of you. It sems to me time that if I can collate our collective experiences, not for commercial purpose, rather more enlightening for any new folk joining us - it would be beneficial. So I would welcome any feedback, both positive and hegative, regarding becoming a resident here. Any commnents would be most appreciated. Thanks for reading this. Gladiator Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post hellodolly Posted June 17, 2012 Popular Post Share Posted June 17, 2012 We all have favorites and that is good. As the new comers will find out their are many different opinions on where to go for food. Things to do and places to see. The only advise I would offer for a enjoyable life in Chiang Mai is try to look at the Thai way of doing things as neither good or bad just different. Try as much as you can to not use the standards you lived by on the Thai's. Also if you could learn a few of the basic Thai words for thank you, you are welcome, and I find being able to count in Thai as beeing a bit usefull. I find them to be a friendly people as a whole. Yes they have their scounderals just like back home. The sellers in the tourist areas are just like back home trying to get the most money they can and you can bargan with them.The songtells and tuck tuck's are cheap transportation compared to back home and some may try to over charge you. No problem theire will always be another along just let them go there way. Don't take it personal. I don't know where youi come from but I would venture to say you are safer walking down a dark street at night here than back home. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slapout Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 When trying to sort out a problem which is not a everyday occurance, with staff, and you hear "the boss/owner said to do this", if you diagree, talk to the boss. The staff, in most cases, have no authority to make adjustments and you can talk in circles for hours, without any satisfaction. Get to the boss and you have a good chance of solving the orginal problem. Most are astute business people and depend on repeat customers. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keo Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 Be careful crossing the road, zebra crossings and green men don't mean sh*t over here. Thais scuttle across the road with a look of fear in their eyes for a reason! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rebo Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 Start to learn at least basic Thai asap (I did, and it paid out from the first day on). In case you plan to settle down somewhere for a longer time make sure the property and neighbourhood was never(!) prone to flooding. The first two, better three years: Rent only, and don't invest much, better nothing in improving the rented house substantially. (I did not, and had to learn the hard way ...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Gonzo the Face Posted June 17, 2012 Popular Post Share Posted June 17, 2012 I think very important....maybe most important ! ! ! Take the opinions you read on Thai Visa with a grain of salt. 11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thailand Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 I think very important....maybe most important ! ! ! Take the opinions you read on Thai Visa with a grain of salt. You have a very low opinion of TV members.Sure there are very few wa-k-rs I wouldn't give the time of day to and are a waste of space.. But in general if used correctly TV is probably one of the best resources relating to Thailand available anywhere on the internet. Ask a question and you will usually have an answer within minutes in many cases (along with the smart arse replies from aforementioned wa-k-rs - there is an ignore button if required). 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eyecatcher Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 I think very important....maybe most important ! ! ! Take the opinions you read on Thai Visa with a grain of salt. Quite the opposite, I prefer to learn by other peoples mistakes rather than my own- its certainly cheaper- be wise and do the same Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoloFlyer Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 I think very important....maybe most important ! ! ! Take the opinions you read on Thai Visa with a grain of salt. ^ You shouldn't talk about yourself like that, na. ...think of all those keystrokes wasted. (just joshen, like) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicksal37 Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 I think it is important to read your contract if you rent a condo/house from some of the Thia owners.Normally you have to give them two months rent as a deposit + one months rent.I have heard many stories of people (farangs) not getting their deposits back.When you give notice that you are leaving,2 months is normal, stop paying the rent.If there is any damage to their property then you can come to some agreement with them on your terms.Otherwise they tend to think their deposit is theirs to keep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gladiator Posted June 18, 2012 Author Share Posted June 18, 2012 Many thanks for all of your replies. I first visited in 1976. I was lucky to have family here who showed me 'the ropes' as back then no tv.com... no Tesco/Big C or even 7-11. Quite daunting. Change is the way of life and today there is much media and sources of information. Still, over and above choice of restaurant... bar.. or entertainment and the provision of tv.com for information - I believe that there is still a requirement for an easy accessible source of information as a guide for those that may wish to make Chiang Mai their home here. To include items that many of take for granted as we have accumulated the 'knowledge' along the way. Could be anything from obtaining a driving license - where to go what to do/ what to do if your vehicle gets clamped/details about marriage/ reputable lawyers/ choice of medical care and facility/ How to get from A - B subject to comfort threshold and budget - you name it. Anyway the concept is still embyronic at present - but I do truly believe that it would afford immense assistance for newcomers. Thanks for reading. Gladiator Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hellodolly Posted June 18, 2012 Share Posted June 18, 2012 Also have a look t all the medical doctors and specialists on the pinned list. Look around and see if you can find a doctor you like. Give them your medical history just in case a emergency comes up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gonzo the Face Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 I think very important....maybe most important ! ! ! Take the opinions you read on Thai Visa with a grain of salt. You have a very low opinion of TV members.Sure there are very few wa-k-rs I wouldn't give the time of day to and are a waste of space.. But in general if used correctly TV is probably one of the best resources relating to Thailand available anywhere on the internet. Ask a question and you will usually have an answer within minutes in many cases (along with the smart arse replies from aforementioned wa-k-rs - there is an ignore button if required). Good Morning Thailand You know, I have a bit of annoyance with your reply......I do not think you have reached the level of deity yet, so I don't think that you are in any position to state what my opinion is. Yes you can give your 'opinion' of my opinion but cannot tell anyone what my opinion is any more than I a can tell others what you think or your opinion is on any topic. No I do not have a low opinion of TV members. Like you , I realize there are a number of , as you put it , wa-k-ers in the brood , but they are in the minority. .....and acknowledging them, they have their right to their opinions, just as you or I do. I still say as my input, "take with a grain of salt" , what you read on TV and will give you an example using another highly view current topic. A current topic on the passing of the two Canadian girls, seems to revolve quite a bit about 'rat poison'. The possible killing of someone with rat poison is despicable, but the rat poison itself is not..... it may be said one should use rat poison employing "a grain of salt". So let me restate my original comment to you......Take what you read on TV with a grain of salt, because as many people know there is good advice given, but there is some questionable advice given by wa-k-ers. Hope you now understand my position 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thailand Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 I think very important....maybe most important ! ! ! Take the opinions you read on Thai Visa with a grain of salt. You have a very low opinion of TV members.Sure there are very few wa-k-rs I wouldn't give the time of day to and are a waste of space.. But in general if used correctly TV is probably one of the best resources relating to Thailand available anywhere on the internet. Ask a question and you will usually have an answer within minutes in many cases (along with the smart arse replies from aforementioned wa-k-rs - there is an ignore button if required). Good Morning Thailand You know, I have a bit of annoyance with your reply......I do not think you have reached the level of deity yet, so I don't think that you are in any position to state what my opinion is. Yes you can give your 'opinion' of my opinion but cannot tell anyone what my opinion is any more than I a can tell others what you think or your opinion is on any topic. No I do not have a low opinion of TV members. Like you , I realize there are a number of , as you put it , wa-k-ers in the brood , but they are in the minority. .....and acknowledging them, they have their right to their opinions, just as you or I do. I still say as my input, "take with a grain of salt" , what you read on TV and will give you an example using another highly view current topic. A current topic on the passing of the two Canadian girls, seems to revolve quite a bit about 'rat poison'. The possible killing of someone with rat poison is despicable, but the rat poison itself is not..... it may be said one should use rat poison employing "a grain of salt". So let me restate my original comment to you......Take what you read on TV with a grain of salt, because as many people know there is good advice given, but there is some questionable advice given by wa-k-ers. Hope you now understand my position I am stood admonished accordingly but I take it with a grain of salt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gonzo the Face Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 I think very important....maybe most important ! ! ! Take the opinions you read on Thai Visa with a grain of salt. You have a very low opinion of TV members.Sure there are very few wa-k-rs I wouldn't give the time of day to and are a waste of space.. But in general if used correctly TV is probably one of the best resources relating to Thailand available anywhere on the internet. Ask a question and you will usually have an answer within minutes in many cases (along with the smart arse replies from aforementioned wa-k-rs - there is an ignore button if required). Good Morning Thailand You know, I have a bit of annoyance with your reply......I do not think you have reached the level of deity yet, so I don't think that you are in any position to state what my opinion is. Yes you can give your 'opinion' of my opinion but cannot tell anyone what my opinion is any more than I a can tell others what you think or your opinion is on any topic. No I do not have a low opinion of TV members. Like you , I realize there are a number of , as you put it , wa-k-ers in the brood , but they are in the minority. .....and acknowledging them, they have their right to their opinions, just as you or I do. I still say as my input, "take with a grain of salt" , what you read on TV and will give you an example using another highly view current topic. A current topic on the passing of the two Canadian girls, seems to revolve quite a bit about 'rat poison'. The possible killing of someone with rat poison is despicable, but the rat poison itself is not..... it may be said one should use rat poison employing "a grain of salt". So let me restate my original comment to you......Take what you read on TV with a grain of salt, because as many people know there is good advice given, but there is some questionable advice given by wa-k-ers. Hope you now understand my position I am stood admonished accordingly but I take it with a grain of salt. that grain of salt is much better tasting with some Pun Pun home fries under it ...... as my guest of course... G Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eyecatcher Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 Be fearful of a false friend that hugs you. -- careful who you trust don't be naive.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mestizo Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 The only advise I would offer for a enjoyable life in Chiang Mai is try to look at the Thai way of doing things as neither good or bad just different. Try as much as you can to not use the standards you lived by on the Thai's. That is by far, the best advise I've ever seen somebody give out on T.V. If a person can remember to apply that to all aspects of life here (DRIVING, politics, business interactions, working, etc), your experiences here will be so much more enjoyable. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post theblether Posted June 19, 2012 Popular Post Share Posted June 19, 2012 I'm not a Chiang Mai resident however I am a frequent visitor and I'm quite observant, that doesn't make me an expert, it just makes me observant. So here's a little list that you can either agree with or dissect........ 1. Start as you mean to go on, it's tempting to arrive in Thailand and go mad for a couple of months, all your going to do by doing that is pigeon hole yourself in the eyes of many. Thais have an excellent memory so.......... 2. Remember you are always being watched, get a reputation for rolling around with bar girl trash and the good girls who are watching you will never forget it so.......... 3. Remember you are surrounded by self sufficient small business owners, hard working people of every type, and they are looking for your business and custom.....treat them right, with respect and dignity and they will befriend you and guide you........ 4. Treat them rough and your reputation will be shredded in minutes, you ain't ever seen a grapevine like a Thai grapevine.........so from day one look to build a reputation about yourself that you are proud of..........Thais don't forget. 5. Dress appropriate to the occasion, Thais love it when you look sharp......I'm not suggesting that you dress sharp 24/7 but equally don't be a beachwear slob 24/7 either........... I've seen several people blow themselves apart in the last couple of years in Chiang Mai, I've seen some really shocking descents into literal madness and prison sentences, try to get a grip on yourself from day 1..........take up golf again, or tennis, or whatever.......just do something to structure your day. Obviously people who are working have their jobs to give them structure. I'm going to be cheeky.......there are a fair few expats in Thailand that have only ever been expats in Thailand, I've had a few stints in different countries, and the basic rules apply in every one, here is the most important rule you will ever hear for accepting your expat life........ It is what it is......... You better learn that quickly, otherwise you are going to create a world of trouble for yourself. you better get a grip on the REAL culture of the place you stay, not the BS culture of the guys that can't see beyond Loi Kroh etc etc, or the shyster locals. If you don't pick up on the real culture then you are going to have a disappointing and frustrating time. Anyone reading this that has been an expat in more than one country knows exactly what I'm talking about, I've seen people lose the plot in Africa, choke to death on their vomit in Spain ( prior to the expat boom there ), lose businesses by the dozen, lose jobs in even higher numbers too. I've seen suicides in Germany ( more than one ) broken necks and young widows, with babes in arm ( more than one again ), luckily nothing serious happened around me when I was in China, I was beginning to think I was a jinx. As I said I've already seen guys in Chiang Mai seriously hurt themselves flying off motorcycles when hurt, I've seen one guy jailed three times then deported, I've see a business owner have to buy his way out a police charge for breaking a guys jaw, and it only delayed the inevitable, he's been deported and lost his business, I've seen a yabba induced nervous breakdown, and I've seen guys blow every penny and have to beg for the money to get home. These traps are everywhere..........turn up, and settle down quickly, keep a low profile, it will always stand you well in the end, and don't let drink dominate your life. Trust me.........if you don't get a grip on yourself from the get go then you will lay a foundation of hurt that will come back and haunt you. Right then, flame away. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WinnieTheKhwai Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 (edited) ^ Good post.. I think you can juggle a couple parallel lifestyles though. No need to be a total square from day one; it's not like all 60 million Thais will know and forever remember. At the same time, it IS a fairly small town, so it's always good not to foul up one's own nest too much. Edited June 19, 2012 by WinnieTheKhwai 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theblether Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 ^ Good post.. I think you can juggle a couple parallel lifestyles though. No need to be a total square from day one; it's not like all 60 million Thais will know and forever remember. At the same time, it IS a fairly small town, so it's always good not to foul up one's own nest too much. Yup.......the only problem is that when you show up in a neighborhood you will be the subject of comment immediately, so your in the public eye in that small section of the community right away. If your a Loi Kroh visitor within a few nights every girl in the place will know of you, know who is trying to work you blah blah, I think I've made my point re that. My single biggest point is get a grip on yourself, there's a whole world of hurt waiting for you if you don't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimShortz Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 Get out and do stuff... Whatever you do avoid sitting around in bars with other people as bored as you will soon become. This seems to be such an easy trap to fall into with no job to go to and no real structure to your life. As an earlier poster said, take up a sport of some kind, and try to avoid becoming a full time whoremonger; that is not a sport, it's a pastime! People often sit around and drink because they can't rely think about what else to do. Try the attached file for a few ideas to get you started... Chiang Mai - things to do (info for new families).pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theblether Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 Get out and do stuff... Whatever you do avoid sitting around in bars with other people as bored as you will soon become. This seems to be such an easy trap to fall into with no job to go to and no real structure to your life. As an earlier poster said, take up a sport of some kind, and try to avoid becoming a full time whoremonger; that is not a sport, it's a pastime! People often sit around and drink because they can't rely think about what else to do. Try the attached file for a few ideas to get you started... Chiang Mai - things to do (info for new families).pdf Thanks for the pdf......excellent stuff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GolfAsian Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 Golf in Chiang Mai is very good if anyone is interested in taking it up. Click here http://www.golfasian.com/golf-courses/thailand-golf-courses/chiang-mai/ to have a look at some of the awesome golf courses there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eyecatcher Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 #18 TheBlether Thoroughly enjoyed reading your post, didnt want it to end. Many good observations that we all know but dont always heed. I am certainly not one of those lost souls (at the moment) but it inspired me to sit up and take note. Can you write some more of your observations please. And JS thankyou for providing the "things to do"list; many things on there to really make you appreciate Chiang Mai. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gladiator Posted June 21, 2012 Author Share Posted June 21, 2012 (edited) Ermmm... Thank you. When I was a nipper we had hand-held fireworks. One of the intructions was "To Light The Blue Touch-Paper and Retire." Maybe Carl Justalf Jung was right in his theory of Synchronicity. Much appreciated that you all made the time to reply. Peace Edited June 21, 2012 by Gladiator Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theblether Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 #18 TheBlether Thoroughly enjoyed reading your post, didnt want it to end. Many good observations that we all know but dont always heed. I am certainly not one of those lost souls (at the moment) but it inspired me to sit up and take note. Can you write some more of your observations please. And JS thankyou for providing the "things to do"list; many things on there to really make you appreciate Chiang Mai. Thanks for your kind words........I'm always a little bit wary of saying too much as it can end up in a flame fest, people can read a 10,000 word dissertation and focus on the 10 words that they don't like. I will return to this issue over the next couple of days and put forward my full thoughts, and no doubt i will suffer the consequences. @winniethekhwai, your totally right about the parallel lives. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
insertmembernamehere Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 Apropos of Thailand in general: Remember why you came here. It's very easy to have your compass damaged here. Stay true to whatever ideals, reasons and aspirations brought you here in the first place. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uptheos Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 Maybe Carl Justalf Jung was right in his theory of Synchronicity. Gustav. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gladiator Posted June 21, 2012 Author Share Posted June 21, 2012 Maybe Carl Justalf Jung was right in his theory of Synchronicity. Gustav. I stand corrected. Thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mesquite Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 Four words: "It's all about money." 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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