Initial Reason For Settling In Isaan

[DILLIGAD]

I often thought about these poor Isaan-people that have to have these strange people living there, thiefes are thiefes whereever they are I think. And these falangs are giving the rest of us a bad renomme´I think without any doubt..

Glegolo

Very true and sometimes when living in Isaan, you get more problems from fellow farangs (and especially their downtrodden &/or jealous wives) than Thai people.

The other day I was talking to a Hospital Manager and she said xyz farang guy was 'something high up in the police in UK' when I know he was actually so high up that they threw him out and imprisoned him for 6 months!

I tell this story as an example of how some farangs are here living Walter Mitty lives.

[JLCrab]

I met a guy who said that he was a translator / volunteer with the local Tourist Police. I said must there not be a lot of activity for him as there are hardly any tourists up this way. He said that, no, he doesn't deal with tourists in that sense -- he strictly deals with domestic violence issues between resident farang and their Thai wives/GFs. Go figure.

[MeMock]

Hi JLCrab, I hope that wasn't in Ubon you heard that as there is an impostor in that city who tells everyone he is a volunteer but in fact was asked to leave two years ago. He still gets around town wearing the uniform telling great big porkies.

[glegolo]

Hi JLCrab, I hope that wasn't in Ubon you heard that as there is an impostor in that city who tells everyone he is a volunteer but in fact was asked to leave two years ago. He still gets around town wearing the uniform telling great big porkies.

Is this guy englishman or is he maybe swedish? I know a strange guy living in Ubon from time to time as well-...

Glegolo

[TexasRanger]

I love that there are few westerners where I stay, I met some and the first thing they did was start spouting religion, no time for that crap.

[glegolo]

I love that there are few westerners where I stay, I met some and the first thing they did was start spouting religion, no time for that crap.

No time?? In Isaan? Obviously it is easy to get kicked out of your social life...

shame

Glegolo

[TexasRanger]

I love that there are few westerners where I stay, I met some and the first thing they did was start spouting religion, no time for that crap.

No time?? In Isaan? Obviously it is easy to get kicked out of your social life...

shame

Glegolo

They were never in my social life, I choose to live with mainly Thai people, spewing religious nonsense and passing disrespectful comments about the people in whose community they have come to live makes me not want to socialise with them. I keep my time busy in Issan thanks very much.

[glegolo]

I love that there are few westerners where I stay, I met some and the first thing they did was start spouting religion, no time for that crap.

No time?? In Isaan? Obviously it is easy to get kicked out of your social life...

shame

Glegolo

They were never in my social life, I choose to live with mainly Thai people, spewing religious nonsense and passing disrespectful comments about the people in whose community they have come to live makes me not want to socialise with them. I keep my time busy in Issan thanks very much.

Yes I think THAT is just the thing!!! You have your "guys" that you are socializing with.. Good for you than... I´ve seen your kind

a couple of times, And I usually stay out of the way.. Nothing good comes from that...

Glegolo

[TexasRanger]

I love that there are few westerners where I stay, I met some and the first thing they did was start spouting religion, no time for that crap.

No time?? In Isaan? Obviously it is easy to get kicked out of your social life...

shame

Glegolo

They were never in my social life, I choose to live with mainly Thai people, spewing religious nonsense and passing disrespectful comments about the people in whose community they have come to live makes me not want to socialise with them. I keep my time busy in Issan thanks very much.

Yes I think THAT is just the thing!!! You have your "guys" that you are socializing with.. Good for you than... I´ve seen your kind

a couple of times, And I usually stay out of the way.. Nothing good comes from that...

Glegolo

My kind? You know me? You're probably right though, no good would come from it.

[patongphil]

Patongphil

Thanks for introducing the word weirdo into the tread.

Describing someone as a weirdo doesn't have to have a negative connotation to it.

Truth be told weirdos have always fascinated me that was the purpose for starting the post.

I suppose admire them for being different, especially when they sometimes facing hostility

from the all knowing defensive majority, remain true to themselves.

Lest we forget, to many people back home who don't have the same urge to travel and absorb new

culture(s) and people it is we are the weirdos.

Wow touched a nerve I believe. As a matter of interest I said the guy was weird not a weirdo!!!!

[swissie]

I met a guy who said that he was a translator / volunteer with the local Tourist Police. I said must there not be a lot of activity for him as there are hardly any tourists up this way. He said that, no, he doesn't deal with tourists in that sense -- he strictly deals with domestic violence issues between resident farang and their Thai wives/GFs. Go figure.

Not all bad. This would make him a "mediator" between farangs and theirThai-wifes. I am shure he would not be underemployed.

BUT: He would have to know a great deal about Thai-civil-law and he would have to speak excellent Thai (hard to find). Could be a "business-opportunity" for the right farang!

Cheers.

[DILLIGAD]

I met a guy who said that he was a translator / volunteer with the local Tourist Police. I said must there not be a lot of activity for him as there are hardly any tourists up this way. He said that, no, he doesn't deal with tourists in that sense -- he strictly deals with domestic violence issues between resident farang and their Thai wives/GFs. Go figure.

Not all bad. This would make him a "mediator" between farangs and theirThai-wifes. I am shure he would not be underemployed.

BUT: He would have to know a great deal about Thai-civil-law and he would have to speak excellent Thai (hard to find). Could be a "business-opportunity" for the right farang!

Cheers.

with a death-wish,yes maybe!

[swissie]

I met a guy who said that he was a translator / volunteer with the local Tourist Police. I said must there not be a lot of activity for him as there are hardly any tourists up this way. He said that, no, he doesn't deal with tourists in that sense -- he strictly deals with domestic violence issues between resident farang and their Thai wives/GFs. Go figure.

Not all bad. This would make him a "mediator" between farangs and theirThai-wifes. I am shure he would not be underemployed.

BUT: He would have to know a great deal about Thai-civil-law and he would have to speak excellent Thai (hard to find). Could be a "business-opportunity" for the right farang!

Cheers.

with a death-wish,yes maybe!

............only if he takes the side of the Farang.

Cheers.

[JLCrab]

The gentleman that I mentioned above was strictly -- as he described to me -- the translator and the Tourist Police themselves were the mediators; The volunteer was there to translate into Thai language for farang who were other than native English speakers.

[NeverSure]

I must be the only one.

I decided to live in the sticks all by myself with no Thai-Wife or GF nor having aqired a "mia-noi" in the meantime. Duration 1 1/2 years now.

Result: According to Thai-Logic therefore: I do not contribute to the financial well-beeing to any "Thai-Family", I just sit here and mind my own business. For the time beeing, I am tolerated at best, but voices are getting louder that the presence of a farang should be linked to "how much have we to gain by having the farang among us". Monetary-wise, that is.

In a nutshell: A farang that does not appear as an financial resource to the village (with or without Thai-Wife/GF) will soon be regarded as an "asset with no value".

So I will abandon my live in the sticks soon for obvious reasons. I will mark it off as an "experiment" and as a live experience, no more, no less.

In conclusion: "Thai Rak Thai" and the major reason why Thais get involved with Farangs has three reasons:

a) money

money

c) money

Live and learn. Cheers.

You cant be real. For sure you must be a troll writing stupid stuff like that. Are there still babies moving out on the countryside... Yes you should stay in the ghettos down south, and do what you do best, and that probably is to drink beer and take absolutely no notice of your surroundings, learning absolutely nothing about life up here. A pure excuse of an tourist trying to live in Isaan,

Glegolo

Why are you so bitter when other people voice their very valid observations and experiences?

That is an easy question. When people like thai voice their opinion and claim that ALL people from a whole area that is almost 1/3 of Thailand is all theifs and scammers, than I react at least..... And to call that valid observations is not correct at all. There are words for it like:

prejudiced, generalizing, and much more.

So I am not especially bitter, but that guy seems to me, to be quite bitter... going blind through life...

Glegolo

Where do you get off saying he called anyone a thief or a scammer? This is the classic example of someone reading into something that which isn't there, but is a reflection from a mirror of himself.

YES. In most villages if you are a farang they will expect or at least hope that you will pay for some things. They are on the lookout for a free beer or two and hope you have some to share, If there is a get together, it will be hoped that you will make a trip and bring back some nice things from the market to share.

Yes, in many villages you can be used, and it's not right to put someone down for pointing it out.

Most Thais will at least initially think you have money, and hope to benefit from it.

I don't blame them, and I don't think that makes them bad, nor do I think they are all like that. But it is common enough that it can get tiresome.

I just went though that myself last month.

[NeverSure]

I met a guy who said that he was a translator / volunteer with the local Tourist Police. I said must there not be a lot of activity for him as there are hardly any tourists up this way. He said that, no, he doesn't deal with tourists in that sense -- he strictly deals with domestic violence issues between resident farang and their Thai wives/GFs. Go figure.

Ya gotta be careful all right. Them teeny Thai gals will beat the chit outta ya for almost no reason at all.

[kimbathewhitelion]

I must be the only one.

I decided to live in the sticks all by myself with no Thai-Wife or GF nor having aqired a "mia-noi" in the meantime. Duration 1 1/2 years now.

Result: According to Thai-Logic therefore: I do not contribute to the financial well-beeing to any "Thai-Family", I just sit here and mind my own business. For the time beeing, I am tolerated at best, but voices are getting louder that the presence of a farang should be linked to "how much have we to gain by having the farang among us". Monetary-wise, that is.

In a nutshell: A farang that does not appear as an financial resource to the village (with or without Thai-Wife/GF) will soon be regarded as an "asset with no value".

So I will abandon my live in the sticks soon for obvious reasons. I will mark it off as an "experiment" and as a live experience, no more, no less.

In conclusion: "Thai Rak Thai" and the major reason why Thais get involved with Farangs has three reasons:

a) money

money

c) money

Live and learn. Cheers.

Agreed. At least through my short but extensive research over the past 3 years, it is money. Thais are generally a lazy people. Of course like any other person other than Western Welfare recipients, they will work for survival, but overall of all the Asian regions I been to, Thailand has the most lazy of peoples. Compared to the population of the country, only a tiny fraction (usually the rich) exercise. The women say "Falangs" are better companions, but in the end, (italicized) it does come down to money. Go to Vietnam, for a good GF, you work at it like any male should & if she is just that, most likely she has a good job which she will keep thru out the relationship & support you if needed. I have a Thai GF now, but my long term goal is China.

Right....the Isaan question. Isaan is REAL Thailand, the food is amazing. Unfortunately, that's about it. I've been traveling non-stop for 3years now, so need a rest, but want to try one of the smaller villages down south. Thailand is only Thailand if you see the beauty of the land over any people first. The western influence has destroyed much of that beauty, thus Bangkok, Phuket, Phi Phi, most of the Krabi region, Pattaya, Chiangmai...can only speak of where I spent enough time, but these places are no longer Thailand, but Tourist Land. Udon, with exception of UD Town is still Thailand. Venture to the countryside (You'll need a GF for translation & convenience), & peace abound. Make sure to buy a very big & heavy safe for your valuables. I plan to bolt mine to the ground.

[DILLIGAD]

I must be the only one.

I decided to live in the sticks all by myself with no Thai-Wife or GF nor having aqired a "mia-noi" in the meantime. Duration 1 1/2 years now.

Result: According to Thai-Logic therefore: I do not contribute to the financial well-beeing to any "Thai-Family", I just sit here and mind my own business. For the time beeing, I am tolerated at best, but voices are getting louder that the presence of a farang should be linked to "how much have we to gain by having the farang among us". Monetary-wise, that is.

In a nutshell: A farang that does not appear as an financial resource to the village (with or without Thai-Wife/GF) will soon be regarded as an "asset with no value".

So I will abandon my live in the sticks soon for obvious reasons. I will mark it off as an "experiment" and as a live experience, no more, no less.

In conclusion: "Thai Rak Thai" and the major reason why Thais get involved with Farangs has three reasons:

a) money

money

c) money

Live and learn. Cheers.

Agreed. At least through my short but extensive research over the past 3 years, it is money. Thais are generally a lazy people. Of course like any other person other than Western Welfare recipients, they will work for survival, but overall of all the Asian regions I been to, Thailand has the most lazy of peoples. Compared to the population of the country, only a tiny fraction (usually the rich) exercise. The women say "Falangs" are better companions, but in the end, (italicized) it does come down to money. Go to Vietnam, for a good GF, you work at it like any male should & if she is just that, most likely she has a good job which she will keep thru out the relationship & support you if needed. I have a Thai GF now, but my long term goal is China.

Right....the Isaan question. Isaan is REAL Thailand, the food is amazing. Unfortunately, that's about it. I've been traveling non-stop for 3years now, so need a rest, but want to try one of the smaller villages down south. Thailand is only Thailand if you see the beauty of the land over any people first. The western influence has destroyed much of that beauty, thus Bangkok, Phuket, Phi Phi, most of the Krabi region, Pattaya, Chiangmai...can only speak of where I spent enough time, but these places are no longer Thailand, but Tourist Land. Udon, with exception of UD Town is still Thailand. Venture to the countryside (You'll need a GF for translation & convenience), & peace abound. Make sure to buy a very big & heavy safe for your valuables. I plan to bolt mine to the ground.

That's nothing an Earth mover couldnt sort out! Remember who owns the land! LOL!!!

[George Harmony]

Very true and sometimes when living in Isaan, you get more problems from fellow farangs (and especially their downtrodden &/or jealous wives) than Thai people.

The other day I was talking to a Hospital Manager and she said xyz farang guy was 'something high up in the police in UK' when I know he was actually so high up that they threw him out and imprisoned him for 6 months! I tell this story as an example of how some farangs are here living Walter Mitty lives.

Not only jelous wifes....envy and jelous farangs as well. Many have only a small pension or a disable pension and they think they are GOD in the land of smile and they think they know it all. I am now generalizing but i have met some native english speakers who really think they know it all and that they are above others.

Edited April 28, 2013 by George Harmony

[rgs2001uk]

I must be the only one.

I decided to live in the sticks all by myself with no Thai-Wife or GF nor having aqired a "mia-noi" in the meantime. Duration 1 1/2 years now.

Result: According to Thai-Logic therefore: I do not contribute to the financial well-beeing to any "Thai-Family", I just sit here and mind my own business. For the time beeing, I am tolerated at best, but voices are getting louder that the presence of a farang should be linked to "how much have we to gain by having the farang among us". Monetary-wise, that is.

In a nutshell: A farang that does not appear as an financial resource to the village (with or without Thai-Wife/GF) will soon be regarded as an "asset with no value".

So I will abandon my live in the sticks soon for obvious reasons. I will mark it off as an "experiment" and as a live experience, no more, no less.

In conclusion: "Thai Rak Thai" and the major reason why Thais get involved with Farangs has three reasons:

a) money

money

c) money

Live and learn. Cheers.

Agreed. At least through my short but extensive research over the past 3 years, it is money. Thais are generally a lazy people. Of course like any other person other than Western Welfare recipients, they will work for survival, but overall of all the Asian regions I been to, Thailand has the most lazy of peoples. Compared to the population of the country, only a tiny fraction (usually the rich) exercise. The women say "Falangs" are better companions, but in the end, (italicized) it does come down to money. Go to Vietnam, for a good GF, you work at it like any male should & if she is just that, most likely she has a good job which she will keep thru out the relationship & support you if needed. I have a Thai GF now, but my long term goal is China.

Right....the Isaan question. Isaan is REAL Thailand, the food is amazing. Unfortunately, that's about it. I've been traveling non-stop for 3years now, so need a rest, but want to try one of the smaller villages down south. Thailand is only Thailand if you see the beauty of the land over any people first. The western influence has destroyed much of that beauty, thus Bangkok, Phuket, Phi Phi, most of the Krabi region, Pattaya, Chiangmai...can only speak of where I spent enough time, but these places are no longer Thailand, but Tourist Land. Udon, with exception of UD Town is still Thailand. Venture to the countryside (You'll need a GF for translation & convenience), & peace abound. Make sure to buy a very big & heavy safe for your valuables. I plan to bolt mine to the ground.

Thais are generally a lazy people.

I dont know what Thais you have been mixing with, suggest you move on up the food chain and mix with, Chinese, Southerners or Muslims, all of them I found to be very hard working and none of them suffer from the "mai pen rai" malaise that affects others in the country, if they tell you they will arrive at a certain time, they will. You are correct its about money and the ones I mentioned know that, their businesses depend on giving good service and their reputations depend on it.

Isaan is REAL Thailand, the food is amazing.

Personally I think Issan food is disgusting, thats why its jacked up with chillis to disguise the poor quality.

[rgs2001uk]

Very true and sometimes when living in Isaan, you get more problems from fellow farangs (and especially their downtrodden &/or jealous wives) than Thai people.

The other day I was talking to a Hospital Manager and she said xyz farang guy was 'something high up in the police in UK' when I know he was actually so high up that they threw him out and imprisoned him for 6 months! I tell this story as an example of how some farangs are here living Walter Mitty lives.

Not only jelous wifes....envy and jelous farangs as well. Many have only a small pension or a disable pension and they think they are GOD in the land of smile and they think they know it all. I am now generalizing but i have met some native english speakers who really think they know it all and that they are above others.

Aint that the truth, these know it all types cant even string a simple sentance together in Thai, woe betide you for invading their own personal paradise, how dare you invade their privacy.

[daboyz1]

Personally I think Issan food is disgusting, thats why its jacked up with chillis to disguise the poor quality.

Had to laugh at that. I think you're right.

[winstonc]

i moved here to ubon ratchathanee 2 months ago from down near phuket.your right its a world away,ive noticed the only difference is no beaches, everything else here you could possibly need,true everyones different,but after 0 odd years in london well you could say its time to slow down,at4 9 im not yet clinically dead,and certainly not rich,you gotta do what is best for oneself,i havnt noticed it being cheaper tho and i dont hardlt go to farang type restaurents,mmmmm

[Rajab Al Zarahni]

It's a slower pace of life. The roads are quieter and the driving is less hectic. Food and other commodities are cheaper. You get a lot of house for your money. For me the downside is the lack English newspapers,books and English speakers. You certainly need your PC. I have found the locals to be friendly. I live in an area where there are a lot of Europeans and Americans and it seems to be free of crime, rowdiness and willful damage. I think the strongest downside is the lack of intellectual stimulation. There isn't a lot going on and if you have been living in a highly charged environment you might find it too quiet.

[thehelmsman]

Even though I have a family there I really can't honestly say I want to live there full time when I retire. If I can afford it I want my baby girl to attend a international school. Now what I admire about the people in my village is what would appear to be happiness living hand to mouth. Of course they are not happy to be poor but they make the best of it. My baby is treated like a princess by everyone, the stuff she does makes people laugh.

She rides the front of the motorbike standing up like a stormtrooper blowing the horn down the narrow soi to the corner market.

I have good times there BUT BUT BUT the thought of staying there for years on end is out of the question. The way I see it, you have to come from a real crappy place to think the world of this place.

For the people who say Isaan food is delicious.........<deleted> Which food do you like the best - rat, dog, the baala which is added to most everything.

Now I eat only Thai food when I'm there but the real, real Isaan food not so much. I eat whats served for the most part. Now granted rat and dog is only a sometimes thing for special nights.

Do you eat somtam lao or somtam thai ??? Me personally I perfer somtam thai.

Yeah I know - what a meaningless post - but no more than most.

[SlyAnimal]

Some posts have been removed for flaming / insulting comments.

Please keep it civil guys, no flaming please

[swissie]

Even though I have a family there I really can't honestly say I want to live there full time when I retire. If I can afford it I want my baby girl to attend a international school. Now what I admire about the people in my village is what would appear to be happiness living hand to mouth. Of course they are not happy to be poor but they make the best of it. My baby is treated like a princess by everyone, the stuff she does makes people laugh.

She rides the front of the motorbike standing up like a stormtrooper blowing the horn down the narrow soi to the corner market.

I have good times there BUT BUT BUT the thought of staying there for years on end is out of the question. The way I see it, you have to come from a real crappy place to think the world of this place.

For the people who say Isaan food is delicious.........<deleted> Which food do you like the best - rat, dog, the baala which is added to most everything.

Now I eat only Thai food when I'm there but the real, real Isaan food not so much. I eat whats served for the most part. Now granted rat and dog is only a sometimes thing for special nights.

Do you eat somtam lao or somtam thai ??? Me personally I perfer somtam thai.

Yeah I know - what a meaningless post - but no more than most.

This is not a meaningless post at all. Quite the opposite. It's a true reflection of live for a Farang in rural Thailand. As I gather. your Baby has become the center of your live. Nothing wrong with that.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

But the fact remains: The "Sticks" of Thailand offer little mental or intellectual stimulus for a Farang. It takes a "special kind of Farang" to live happily in the "sticks":

The "frame of mind" would have to be: I have made the decision to detach myself from the rest of the world (Taxes, Regulations, Burocracy with no end, etc..)

Can work for years, until health issues arise, or the marriage is not turning out the way it was planned, and then = "Where can I get a good lawyer" !?

At this point, the Farang is thrown back into an environement of (Taxes, Regulations, Burocracy with no end, etc..) Welcome back to the world!

After having "settled" the financial inconveniances, often times the Farang has nothing more to display than a few fotos from his stay in Thailand, because his financial assets have remained in Thailand beyond recovery.

Cheers.

[cardholder]

Even though I have a family there I really can't honestly say I want to live there full time when I retire. If I can afford it I want my baby girl to attend a international school. Now what I admire about the people in my village is what would appear to be happiness living hand to mouth. Of course they are not happy to be poor but they make the best of it. My baby is treated like a princess by everyone, the stuff she does makes people laugh.

She rides the front of the motorbike standing up like a stormtrooper blowing the horn down the narrow soi to the corner market.

I have good times there BUT BUT BUT the thought of staying there for years on end is out of the question. The way I see it, you have to come from a real crappy place to think the world of this place.

For the people who say Isaan food is delicious.........<deleted> Which food do you like the best - rat, dog, the baala which is added to most everything.

Now I eat only Thai food when I'm there but the real, real Isaan food not so much. I eat whats served for the most part. Now granted rat and dog is only a sometimes thing for special nights.

Do you eat somtam lao or somtam thai ??? Me personally I perfer somtam thai.

Yeah I know - what a meaningless post - but no more than most.

This is not a meaningless post at all. Quite the opposite. It's a true reflection of live for a Farang in rural Thailand. As I gather. your Baby has become the center of your live. Nothing wrong with that.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

But the fact remains: The "Sticks" of Thailand offer little mental or intellectual stimulus for a Farang. It takes a "special kind of Farang" to live happily in the "sticks":

The "frame of mind" would have to be: I have made the decision to detach myself from the rest of the world (Taxes, Regulations, Burocracy with no end, etc..)

Can work for years, until health issues arise, or the marriage is not turning out the way it was planned, and then = "Where can I get a good lawyer" !?

At this point, the Farang is thrown back into an environement of (Taxes, Regulations, Burocracy with no end, etc..) Welcome back to the world!

After having "settled" the financial inconveniances, often times the Farang has nothing more to display than a few fotos from his stay in Thailand, because his financial assets have remained in Thailand beyond recovery.

Cheers.

Interesting how you managed to 'rant' from a lack of "mental or intellectual stimulus" to how a Farang will inevitably be financially raped by his Thai partner and forced to go back to whence they came.

Your post, although pretending to foresee the flight of most Isaan Farangs, lacked the intellect to consider other options, A couple for consideration:-

1. I know several Farangs who have been here 20+ years in successful marriages and a number of others who have moved on to second relationships. A few of those guys offer a far broader range of intellectual conversation than many of the shallow, selfish acquaintances back 'home'.

2. I know a small number for whom things haven't worked out. Most of those moved onto pastures greener - even if those greener pastures were Singapore, Hong Kong, Cambodia and the Phillipines.

3. My own personal reasons - I became disillusioned with that beaurocracy you mentioned - and a sense that the UK was rudderless and morally bankrupt (I accept that Thailand could score points under that criteria). Having dabbled with Spain I chose Thailand 7 years ago. - for a variety of personal reasons and gave a growing commitment to my relationship and residence in Thailand. I have found rewards from being involved in businesses here and have stimulation from many interesting friends. You don't have to "love" the place - simply understand your own postion in the structure and work out the best way for you live as a tolerated guest in this country.

For me, I have enough ups to make Isaan the place I call home. If things went 'tits up' I would move on - NOT back !!

Most of the ne'er do wells that I have met in Thailand were ne'er do wells in their own country - and many did head back with their tails between their legs and a lighter wallet. That said, most had embarked on a hedonistic cash-burning course that was only ever going to end in death or disaster.

[thehelmsman]

After working 4 months on the sea 7 days a week and dealing with rule after rule - going back to a place where life is simple is the greatest for me. Only 1 full time foreigner in the village and I've only seen him once so I don't have any first hand idea of problems other foreigners have living here. I just do my own thing - so far so good. It's not always a bed of roses - but you have ups and downs no matter where you call home.

I hear the gossip of things foreigners do in surrounding villages - some stupid things - other stories of foreigner building new house and buying new truck for in-laws - all of which I can only laugh at, which amuses my G/F. Are the stories true? Who knows.......

My reason for being here is probably the reason many like myself are here - And after having kids I find it easier to go back to work knowing her family is around to help out.

[MAJIC]

I was taken advantaged of by a few credit card companies back in blighty in 2003. In fact they just would not leave me alone and kept increasing my credit limits to a six figure sum over just 3 years so whenI realised I would never be able to repay them back in my lifetime I took a flight to Thailand.

Spent a few quid of their money in pattaya became poronoid and got a bus to Issan (to escape again)

I now live in Issan right near a famous river, speak reasonable thai/loas and built my home on some land that was lent to me indefinately, could be taken back tomorrow who cares. But I have lived here for 9 years now obey the immigration laws and live the life of Riley, know everyone in the village by name and am always included in the any events that take place. No body asks anything from me and I am sure I am considered part of their community having never had a bad word with anyone. Infact I only ever leave the village for visa runs. So am I the exception to the rule.? I don't think so.

So you worked over your Credit Card Companies,and done a runner to Thailand,but it was the Credit Card Companies fault! that really is the most pathetic excuse I have ever heard in my life,for theft! I wonder why you don't charge them interest for what they forced you to do?

Edited May 1, 2013 by MAJIC