Which Country Is Better: Thailand Or Malaysia

[MobileContent]

I can remember being in Singapore and seeing big signs in the Post Office ----- "Men With Long Hair Will Be Served Last". Does this date me?

Lee Kwan Yu is still alive. "You will invariably find that a man with long hair will have reefer in his pocket" is one of my favorite quotes. He still has a column in a right-wing US magazine, writes as if the Cold War is still ranging and the Domino Theory is a looming threat.

Remember the S.H.I.T. stamp in the passport? I never actually saw one, I still suspect it's a myth.

This is the funniest thing I have read for a very long time.

Thank you very much for sharing this.

The SHIT stamp which Singapore put in people's passports was real. It stood for Suspected Hippy In Transit.

An even better one was in China. Tourists who were caught with prostitutes had PERVERT stamped in their passports.

Actually the Hippies were not permitted to enter Singapore. No stamp (SHIT) was entered in the passport and immigration escorted them to a counter so that they bought a ticket to another destination.

If you walk around now the Balestier or Selegie area, Singapore is flooded with hippies and the government officials have changed their rules and they are happy now to allow hippies enter Singapore.

[VocalNeal]

Sex availability:

My wife and I are happily married. I am monogamous.

Alcohol availability:

My wife and I are Muslims. We don't consume alcohol.

Food (local quality):

Muslim food (spicy but sweet) is my favourite. It's available in Thailand and Malaysia.

Food (western availability):

My wife, children and I don't eat western food.

Beaches:

The beaches in Yala and Narathiwat are beautiful. But they are not safe. I know the beaches are safer in Malaysia.

Housing/Accomodation:

This is what we are checking.

Getting around (driving/vehicles/roads):

We think Thailand and Malaysia are similar in this respect.

Sightseeing:

My wife and I both love Malaysia. We believe the country has more to offer than Thailand, especially for our children.

Population (friendly/hostile):

Malaysians are friendly. But there are less of the fake smiles that you see in Thailand.

Cost of Living:

Very true. My wife and I do not much money. Malayisa is more expensive than Thailand

Nightlife:

We drink tea at coffee shops. We seldom go out after dark, except to pray.

Weather:

The same.

Visa requirements:

Very good point. I need to research this.

Safety (Beaches/Attacks):

Another good point. Our Muslim friends in Malaysia tell us that safety standards are higher in Malaysia.

Child friendly:

We feel both countries are the same.

Crime rates:

Malaysia is safer. We have checked this.

Tourist rip-offs:

Thailand is terrible. I won't give details.

Shopping (Western/Fake/Lux):

KL is great.

General Western standards density (Newspapers/TV in Bars/Clothes):

My family and I have no need for bars or western food outlets. But I do wish to read English newspapers and magazines. If such publications are not available, I will happily read online.

I would say Indonesia. You would be happy there.

[MobileContent]

make categories for what people are looking:

Sex availability:

Alcohol availability:

Food (local quality):

Food (western availability):

Beaches:

Housing/Accomodation:

Getting around (driving/vehicles/roads):

Sightseeing:

Population (friendly/hostile):

Cost of Living:

Nightlife:

Weather:

Visa requirements:

Safety (Beaches/Attacks):

Child friendly:

Crime rates:

Tourist rip-offs:

Shopping (Western/Fake/Lux):

General Western standards density (Newspapers/TV in Bars/Clothes):

Thank you very much for taking the time and trouble to reply. I will comment on your observations one by one.

Sex availability:

My wife and I are happily married. I am monogamous.

Alcohol availability:

My wife and I are Muslims. We don't consume alcohol.

Food (local quality):

Muslim food (spicy but sweet) is my favourite. It's available in Thailand and Malaysia.

Food (western availability):

My wife, children and I don't eat western food.

in Malaysia Western food is always Halal.

Beaches:

The beaches in Yala and Narathiwat are beautiful. But they are not safe. I know the beaches are safer in Malaysia.

I didn't know Yala has beaches and I was in Yala province many times and as recently as last year.

Housing/Accomodation:

This is what we are checking.

Housing in Malaysia is cheap and comparable to Bangkok. You can rent a cheap flat in KL for around 700RM / 7000 Baht per month but you and your wife can't rent on a tourist visa.

Getting around (driving/vehicles/roads):

We think Thailand and Malaysia are similar in this respect.

Correct:

Sightseeing:

My wife and I both love Malaysia. We believe the country has more to offer than Thailand, especially for our children.

Not sure but as a Western Muslim (convert) myself I think Thailand has much more on offer. KL, Malacca and the Cameroon Highlands are great but so is Bangkok. Chiang Mai, Krabi, etc.

I lived 4 years in Malaysia and almost 20 years in Thailand and I wouldn't change it. Economically wise opportunities in Malaysia are very limited and only if you ahve employment and income will you be able to enroll your kids to the school.

Population (friendly/hostile):

Malaysians are friendly. But there are less of the fake smiles that you see in Thailand.

I would again counter your remarks. I have absolute no problems with the Thai's and the problem that I face in Malaysia is that most workers in the service industry are not Malaysian's but they come from Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and Indonesia and speak broken Bahasa (except the Indonesian's). Of course I have a good relationship with the Malays.

Cost of Living:

Very true. My wife and I do not much money. Malayisa is more expensive than Thailand

Kelantan might be the best place for you and your wife.

Nightlife:

We drink tea at coffee shops. We seldom go out after dark, except to pray.

Weather:

The same.

Visa requirements:

Very good point. I need to research this.

Your wife is Thai, which means you are permitted to live in Thailand. In Malaysia as you both are foreigners you are not permitted to stay longterm in Malaysia and you need to pay a lot under table. If you speak the Malay language it can open some doors with government officials but try not to speak the Malay dialect from Yala.

A Westerner with a Yala dialect will ring alarm bells and you might get visits from Bukit Aman. Your kids are not permitted to go to school until you have a valid work permit. The economy in Malaysia is run heavy by the Chinese and they do not like to hire Muslim's in general.

The best option for you would be to setup a company but try to keep the Bumi's out of it.

Safety (Beaches/Attacks):

Another good point. Our Muslim friends in Malaysia tell us that safety standards are higher in Malaysia.

Child friendly:

We feel both countries are the same.

Crime rates:

Malaysia is safer. We have checked this.

Tourist rip-offs:

Thailand is terrible. I won't give details.

Malaysia is terrible too. Every day you hear from pick-pockets in KL but I do have to say they don't get killed. I ahve never been ripped-off in Thailand.

Shopping (Western/Fake/Lux):

KL is great.

but expensive.

General Western standards density (Newspapers/TV in Bars/Clothes):

My family and I have no need for bars or western food outlets. But I do wish to read English newspapers and magazines. If such publications are not available, I will happily read online.

ONCE YOU MOVE TO MALAYSIA, ESPECIALLY KL WITH YOUR KIDS, YOUR CHILDREN'S WILL LEAD YOU TO THOSE WESTERN RESTAURANTS WHICH ARE RUN BY MALAY MUSLIM'S.

A personal question:

1) Where are you from (which country)?

2) How old are you

3) How long have you been living in Yala

Salam

[GreenSnapper]

I can remember being in Singapore and seeing big signs in the Post Office ----- "Men With Long Hair Will Be Served Last". Does this date me?

Lee Kwan Yu is still alive. "You will invariably find that a man with long hair will have reefer in his pocket" is one of my favorite quotes. He still has a column in a right-wing US magazine, writes as if the Cold War is still ranging and the Domino Theory is a looming threat.

Remember the S.H.I.T. stamp in the passport? I never actually saw one, I still suspect it's a myth.

This is the funniest thing I have read for a very long time.

Thank you very much for sharing this.

The SHIT stamp which Singapore put in people's passports was real. It stood for Suspected Hippy In Transit.

An even better one was in China. Tourists who were caught with prostitutes had PERVERT stamped in their passports.

Better than Sweden, where you get prison.

No joke.

[Gweiloman]

And their PRO Boomie laws make Thais look racially tolerant .

a ridiculous statement! there is immobile property galore available which non-Bumis and foreigners can buy.

Completely ignorant statement on your part if you think that everything just refers to purchasing property.

[astral]

There may be good beaches in Malaysia, but none that I saw were

equipped with chairs and umbrellas.............

The cultural problem, I guess.

[Berkshire]

ABD is a self-admitted Muslim, which is perfectly fine. I know several Muslims and they're decent, God-fearing people. But when your entire life revolves around religion, then your perspective is going to be completely different. Muslims would face less discrimination in Thailand than they would, say, the USA. But seriously, I think he'd be happier in a Muslim-dominant society. I, on the other hand, would not.

[Naam]

And their PRO Boomie laws make Thais look racially tolerant .

a ridiculous statement! there is immobile property galore available which non-Bumis and foreigners can buy.

Completely ignorant statement on your part if you think that everything just refers to purchasing property.

for a foreigner who looks at pros and cons topic "living in Malaysia or Thailand", especially as a retiree, any other "pro bumi" laws are totally irrelevant. look at the title of this thread!

[chris2004]

The fact that Malaysia is a Muslim country would stop most people from wanting to live there.

[Naam]

The fact that Malaysia is a Muslim country would stop most people from wanting to live there.

does that mean you have asked "most people" what they would "want or not want"?

[WebBangkok]

I like Thailand and its people a lot better, but that is juts going with my own experiences.

I did like Malaysia more at one point, but I am over that place now. Plus there is nothing for me in that place.

[playon]

some 25 years ago i met a student in europe... he was a chinese from malaysia... and he was talking about discrimination, harassment and even attacks from their local population, being a minority there, and of no options and inequality applied when it comes to study and to work... he was a huge schwarzenegger fan...

some 15 years ago i spent a few days in KL and penang... penang was a dirthole and depressing, because its former beauty could be seen everywhere... but all rotten... otherwise a few days in KL really suprised me... what gorgeous shopping centers, with an assortment of european and luxury goods - and that at really good prices - i still havent seen anywhere in bangkok...

15 years is a long time ago -- was in both places earlier this year and much preferred Penang. KL, badly planned public transport, badly planned roads, terrible traffic. Penang on the other hand, nice smaller city, much nicer weather, people more friendly in my experience. Also Penang has a very large % Chinese population which personally I like. Too bad you didn't buy a few shophouses in Penang back then, they are worth a ton of money now since Georgetown became a UNESCO world heritage site.

[giddyup]

The fact that Malaysia is a Muslim country would stop most people from wanting to live there.

does that mean you have asked "most people" what they would "want or not want"?

I think you can pretty much generalise that most people from western countries, that enjoy all the freedoms that the west offers, would prefer not to live in a Muslim society. The same as you can generalise that Muslims usually only opt for living in a western society for economic reasons.

Edited August 4, 2012 by giddyup

[StreetCowboy]

The fact that Malaysia is a Muslim country would stop most people from wanting to live there.

does that mean you have asked "most people" what they would "want or not want"?

I think you can pretty much generalise that most people from western countries, that enjoy all the freedoms that the west offers, would prefer not to live in a Muslim society. The same as you can generalise that Muslims usually only opt for living in a western society for economic reasons.

You could generalise any way you want. Your generalisations might be right in 90% of cases, or 51% of cases, or 10% of cases.

The question in this thread is not: Muslim or Buddhist? Its: Malaysia or Thailand. I'd never really thought about the inconvenience of living in a buddhist society, but apparently the temples make as much noise as the mosques, and the pubs are closed more often in Thailand for religious reasons.

On another frequent misconception:

I find pork is almost as readily available as alcohol; in other words, most pubs sell pork dishes. Most of the ones I go to, anyway; well, the ones I eat in... Not much bacon, to be fair. I suppose the Chinese and Indians don't eat a lot of bacon. Haggis is a challenge, but sid's does good Scotch eggs, second only to JBs in Shi Da Road.

SC

[Semper]

OP.

Malaysia is good: you've got the Cameron Highlands (can I show the photo here?), everywhere is safer and more tolerant, there's less (or no) violence, the food is good, and the country is much cleaner than Thailand.

You forgot to mention the nice loudpeakers on the mosques, used for Adhan (call to prayer) turned up to maximum volume very early in the morning.

[giddyup]

The fact that Malaysia is a Muslim country would stop most people from wanting to live there.

does that mean you have asked "most people" what they would "want or not want"?

I think you can pretty much generalise that most people from western countries, that enjoy all the freedoms that the west offers, would prefer not to live in a Muslim society. The same as you can generalise that Muslims usually only opt for living in a western society for economic reasons.

You could generalise any way you want. Your generalisations might be right in 90% of cases, or 51% of cases, or 10% of cases.

The question in this thread is not: Muslim or Buddhist? Its: Malaysia or Thailand. I'd never really thought about the inconvenience of living in a buddhist society, but apparently the temples make as much noise as the mosques, and the pubs are closed more often in Thailand for religious reasons.

On another frequent misconception:

I find pork is almost as readily available as alcohol; in other words, most pubs sell pork dishes. Most of the ones I go to, anyway; well, the ones I eat in... Not much bacon, to be fair. I suppose the Chinese and Indians don't eat a lot of bacon. Haggis is a challenge, but sid's does good Scotch eggs, second only to JBs in Shi Da Road.

SC

I was responding to Naam and Streetcowboy as to whether westerners (generally) want to live in a Muslim country. I don't think we need to conduct a poll to get answers.

Edited August 4, 2012 by giddyup

[StreetCowboy]

...

...

I think you can pretty much generalise that most people from western countries, that enjoy all the freedoms that the west offers, would prefer not to live in a Muslim society. The same as you can generalise that Muslims usually only opt for living in a western society for economic reasons.

You could generalise any way you want. Your generalisations might be right in 90% of cases, or 51% of cases, or 10% of cases.

The question in this thread is not: Muslim or Buddhist? Its: Malaysia or Thailand. I'd never really thought about the inconvenience of living in a buddhist society, but apparently the temples make as much noise as the mosques, and the pubs are closed more often in Thailand for religious reasons.

On another frequent misconception:

I find pork is almost as readily available as alcohol; in other words, most pubs sell pork dishes. Most of the ones I go to, anyway; well, the ones I eat in... Not much bacon, to be fair. I suppose the Chinese and Indians don't eat a lot of bacon. Haggis is a challenge, but sid's does good Scotch eggs, second only to JBs in Shi Da Road.

SC

I was responding to Naam and Streetcowboy as to whether westerners (generally) want to live in a Muslim country. I don't think we need to conduct a poll to get answers.

If the Muslim country is Saudi Arabia, then generally No. if it's Malaysia, then generally Yes. Given a choice between the muslim country of Saudi Arabia and the Christian country of Zimbabwe, I'd probably take Saudi. Given the choice of Malaysia or the Philippines, I think I would take Malaysia. Dominant religion is not high up on my list of priorities, and would not be a decisive factor in a comparison of Thailand and Malaysia. Not for me, anyway, but then I'm pretty easy-going and quite tolerant. I suppose some people might choose where they lived based on religious prejudice

SC

[Naam]

The fact that Malaysia is a Muslim country would stop most people from wanting to live there.

does that mean you have asked "most people" what they would "want or not want"?

I think you can pretty much generalise that most people from western countries, that enjoy all the freedoms that the west offers, would prefer not to live in a Muslim society. The same as you can generalise that Muslims usually only opt for living in a western society for economic reasons.

generalising means nothing else than coming up with an assumption which is based on lack of knowledge.

[giddyup]

The fact that Malaysia is a Muslim country would stop most people from wanting to live there.

does that mean you have asked "most people" what they would "want or not want"?

I think you can pretty much generalise that most people from western countries, that enjoy all the freedoms that the west offers, would prefer not to live in a Muslim society. The same as you can generalise that Muslims usually only opt for living in a western society for economic reasons.

generalising means nothing else than coming up with an assumption which is based on lack of knowledge.

OK, we all can't wait to live in a Muslim country. Have it your way. It seems to me there's an awful lot of Muslims trying to get out of their own countries.

Edited August 4, 2012 by giddyup

[AmusingBellyDancers]

OK, we all can't wait to live in a Muslim country. Have it your way. It seems to me there's an awful lot of Muslims trying to get out of their own countries.

Would you like to live in Vatican City?

I agree that countries like Iran and Afghanistan are very dangerous, but so are Manila, Guatemala City and Rio. Phuket also seems to be unsafe.

I also agree that Saudi Arabia is too strict for most people.

If it's okay with, I would rather not discuss religion. It's my fault becuase I am the man who introduced the subject, but I promise I shall not discuss it again.

Enjoy your weekend and stay safe!!

[Naam]

OK, we all can't wait to live in a Muslim country. Have it your way. It seems to me there's an awful lot of Muslims trying to get out of their own countries.

three more assumptions, two of them as ridiculous as the one before. what do you know about "my way"?

[bendejo]

Would you like to live in Vatican City?

Best excuse in the world for going bareback!

[theblether]

Penang is a compelling and strange place.......it's a World Heritage site and some of the architecture is just superb, I love the mix of British / Indian / Chinese / Islamic architecture and cultures standing together.....being woken by the Imam in the morning, then watching a Chinese Dragon Parade or Hindu parade the next night is magic.

Some of the food is absolutely superb, the mixture of cuisines in a small area just outstanding and yet.........

The level of decay is appalling, Georgetown in Penang should be world famous, it should be a must see location for every visitor to Asia. The drainage is rudimentary and dangerous, I saw a brand new BMW disappear into a drain when I was there, and quite simply you are risking breaking your ankle every time you walk down the pavement.

There is a hit squad on the go all the time spraying insecticide in a futile attempt to quell the voracious mosquito population, and the standard of some of the local guesthouses results in the cockroaches leaving in disgust. At places, vile, at others, stunning......what a mix for one small town. In saying all that, I love Penang, once you get into the rhythm of the place it's a fabulous place to visit and live in.

It's just another example of what makes Asia so compelling and frustrating at the same time..........and I wouldn't have it any other way.

[giddyup]

OK, we all can't wait to live in a Muslim country. Have it your way. It seems to me there's an awful lot of Muslims trying to get out of their own countries.

three more assumptions, two of them as ridiculous as the one before. what do you know about "my way"?

Nothing, and I don't need to know. The "assumption" that we can't wait was actually sarcasm, I shouldn't have to explain that. As for the rest, not assumptions, fact. I can provide you with the numbers if you want, but I get the impression that you wouldn't be convinced anyway. You can Google search the numbers yourself. No more to say on the subject.

Edited August 4, 2012 by giddyup

[StreetCowboy]

OK, we all can't wait to live in a Muslim country. Have it your way. It seems to me there's an awful lot of Muslims trying to get out of their own countries.

three more assumptions, two of them as ridiculous as the one before. what do you know about "my way"?

Nothing, and I don't need to know. The "assumption" that we can't wait was actually sarcasm, I shouldn't have to explain that. As for the rest, not assumptions, fact. I can provide you with the numbers if you want, but I get the impression that you wouldn't be convinced anyway. You can Google search the numbers yourself. No more to say on the subject.

What do you reckon people object to, about Muslim countries?

What makes you think people want to leave Muslim countries?

My understanding was that a lot of the immigrants in the UK were allegedly trying to establish Muslim society in the UK, if the whinging on this forum is to be believed. In my experience, religion is not a major concern for most people; they are more concerned with whether the country hosts a tolerant society, of whatever religion.

SC

[giddyup]

OK, we all can't wait to live in a Muslim country. Have it your way. It seems to me there's an awful lot of Muslims trying to get out of their own countries.

three more assumptions, two of them as ridiculous as the one before. what do you know about "my way"?

Nothing, and I don't need to know. The "assumption" that we can't wait was actually sarcasm, I shouldn't have to explain that. As for the rest, not assumptions, fact. I can provide you with the numbers if you want, but I get the impression that you wouldn't be convinced anyway. You can Google search the numbers yourself. No more to say on the subject.

What do you reckon people object to, about Muslim countries?

What makes you think people want to leave Muslim countries?

My understanding was that a lot of the immigrants in the UK were allegedly trying to establish Muslim society in the UK, if the whinging on this forum is to be believed. In my experience, religion is not a major concern for most people; they are more concerned with whether the country hosts a tolerant society, of whatever religion.

SC

What makes me think people want to leave Muslim countries. Try at least 10 million in Europe for a start. You are pretty naive if you think religion is not a major concern. Sorry, I said I was going to say no more on the subject.

Edited August 4, 2012 by giddyup

[simple1]

Here we go - nearly every week in TV is a debate about Islam/Muslims that very quickly degenerates into overtly racist/hateful posts by some members of the forum. Any chance this is not going to happen yet again?

[StreetCowboy]

I think Kuala Lumpur has a better climate than Bangkok.

I'm sure most of us would prefer the climate in Chiang Mai, though, but not so many job opportunities there, for me, anyway.

[croweater]

There's been ever increasing amounts of kidnapping in KL recently, most notably in the northern suburbs and expat areas especially targetting oil workers. Both places are nasty; KL slightly better in some ways but neither great. I chose BK, wish I had chose KL but will be returning to HK or China soon as they are both heaps and bounds better than both KL or BK.

Thanks very much for that. I'd never heard about kidnappings in KL before. I'll Google it and try to learn more.

What I hate about Thailand is that the mediocrity never stops. I won't give political details because I'm sure you know what I mean.

Is your wife Muslim? My wife is a Yala Muslim. Yala is in the far south, but the incidents there are not as bad as all the horrible news that's been coming out of Pattani. We both want to go somewhere safer and better for our children.

I agree that HK is better. And Singapore too. But my wife and I don't have too much money for expensive houses or apartments.

Checkout Indonesia, Yogyakarta, central Java, thinking about moving back there. $50 a week will get you a nice 3 bed house.

[tropo]

generalising means nothing else than coming up with an assumption which is based on lack of knowledge.

...generalizing about a generalization?