What Do You Expect From Thailand ?

[soi41]

When I moved here 10 years ago, I felt very adventurious moving from my safe nannystate to SE Asia, and expected to meet likeminded people, who had moved here to live a life different from the one back home.

After being here for a while, I soon realised that most expats spend a good deal of their time comparing Thailand to either their homecountries or neighbouring countries. Of course with Thailand coming out as the losing party every time!

From posts within the last couple of days:

Thailand hasn't even got 3G. Cambodia have 4G already.

The transportsystem in Bangkok is 100 years behind Tokyo.

Subvarnabhum is a disgrace, ------------(fill in a choice of 20 airports) is so much better

It is cheaper in the UK, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, not to forget the new favorite Myanmar.

And the list goes on and on.

As for my point of view: My mobile is working, my internet is (mostly) working. Whenever I go Bangkok and uses public transport, it serves my purposes. I don't fly very often, but when I do, I can live with a half an hour waiting. And I still think Thailand is relatively cheap, income in baht!

And in my opinion, despite a little more red tape, than we are used to, normally contact with authorities turns out satisfactory.

Not to mention the guy on his bamboo-ladder entering the birdnest of cables outside your house, and 2 minutes later, against all odds, your internet/cableTV is working.

So instead of concentrating on, how things could be done here, what about treasuring the moments, where things are actually working.

The rosetinted has fallen off a long time ago, but despite all the flaws of Thailand, I still enjoy waking up here every morning.

So what were/are your expectations for your life here?

[mrtoad]

I don't expect anything, that way I don't get disappointed .

[Cobalt60]

Lower your expectations the same time they lower the landing gear and you should be OK.

[World Traveler]

I learned quickly not to have any.

And to relax sit back enjoy and take Thailand as it is.

[Stradavarius37]

Thanks Dr Phil

[HeavyDrinker]

I'd like to see James Taylor here once again...and Metallica, KISS, Slayer and maybe Iron Maiden...

[HeavyDrinker]

And also some decent renditions of Britten. The last I saw here were dreadful.

[geronimo]

It's all about attitude. Clearly you have a healthy one whereas many on here do not!

[pomchop]

I have pretty much learned that no matter where you may be on the planet if you look for positives you will find many and generally be a pretty happy person. If you look for negatives you will find plenty of them and generally be a pretty miserable sort.

When I compare the life that I have had thus far with the vast majority of Thais I tend to think "gee what a lucky guy I have been".

We all play the cards we are dealt to the best of our ability. I am most often impressed with how well most Thai people have adapted to their circumstances and live their lives in as happy a manner as they can manage. Many of us westerners could learn a few things about not sweating the small stuff and not getting all bent out of shape over things we cannot change.

[GuestHouse]

I've come to expect other expats to do something Thais never do.

Dictate to me the limits they wish to apply to the opinions I might hold or express.

[farang000999]

A day does not go by on TV without someone starting a topic to complain about the complainers. Why don't you start a new message board called "We Love Thailand" and ban anyone who is bitter or angry or disappointed or criticizes anything Thai related?

[hansje1980]

I wished thailand would be free of farang, but actually the percentage of the "bad" kind of farangs is so much bigger than back home. ..

[hansje1980]

Btw, Every country is not perfect. Thailand isn't perfect either but for me personally I love it in almost all possible ways which is why I'm here now and no intentions to go back EVER!

[boink]

I have pretty much learned that no matter where you may be on the planet if you look for positives you will find many and generally be a pretty happy person. If you look for negatives you will find plenty of them and generally be a pretty miserable sort.

I completely agree with this, and with the original poster. There's something about this particular forum and the posters that are drawn to it. Just look at the type of ads that typically run on here.

[uptheos]

I have pretty much learned that no matter where you may be on the planet if you look for positives you will find many and generally be a pretty happy person. If you look for negatives you will find plenty of them and generally be a pretty miserable sort.

I completely agree with this, and with the original poster. There's something about this particular forum and the posters that are drawn to it. Just look at the type of ads that typically run on here.

I think the type of ads you see are linked to your searching activities.

I only see ads for temples, food and beaches.

[Sayonarax]

I have pretty much learned that no matter where you may be on the planet if you look for positives you will find many and generally be a pretty happy person. If you look for negatives you will find plenty of them and generally be a pretty miserable sort.

I completely agree with this, and with the original poster. There's something about this particular forum and the posters that are drawn to it. Just look at the type of ads that typically run on here.

Hahaha. Thanks for the laugh..

[David48]

I completely agree with this, and with the original poster. There's something about this particular forum and the posters that are drawn to it. Just look at the type of ads that typically run on here.

I think the type of ads you see are linked to your searching activities.

I only see ads for temples, food and beaches.

OH ... uptheos ... you saint you ... temples, food and beaches!

Humm ... my searching activities ...

That would explain why I keep getting Zimmer Frame ads ...

.

[robblok]

I have pretty much learned that no matter where you may be on the planet if you look for positives you will find many and generally be a pretty happy person. If you look for negatives you will find plenty of them and generally be a pretty miserable sort.

I completely agree with this, and with the original poster. There's something about this particular forum and the posters that are drawn to it. Just look at the type of ads that typically run on here.

I think the type of ads you see are linked to your searching activities.

I only see ads for temples, food and beaches.

That explains all the workout adds, i knew this before but forgot about it.

What i expect here is for people to be late and in general do half a job. But at times like yesterday im pleasantly surprised.

[aTomsLife]

I expected it to be a buddhist country...

Sent from my GT-S5360B using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Naam]

i expect that Thailand treats me as the country has treated me for many years.

[pattayadingo]

I expect good and bad things like anywhere in the world, but Thailand is an adventure in itself. It can be a crazy place and a great place..

[geriatrickid]

What do you expect from Thailand?

Not very much. The country owes me nothing. I make the decision every time I purchase a ticket or deal with immigration paperwork.

I do however, wish the sob stories would get an update. I have the impression that some people operate from a script handed down in families as a treasured asset.

Some of the things I expect are; pollution, bureaucracy, corruption, the unexpected, decent food, some genuine decency, beautiful scenery, cute kids, pretty girls, loveable grannies and grampas. I expect from my shrinking circle of Thai friends; that out of nowhere they will go take a nap in my bed after the sheets are changed, guys peeing everywhere but in the toilet, girls asking intrusive questions, guys that snitch on me to my family because they think its funny, a best friend who will go out in the worst weather to get dinner because it's too dangerous for me to go, a friend that said she didn't like my hair and who gave me a trim on the beach, a best friend that hangs out with me at the military beach and is always up for a beer. And the number 1 expectation I have is that after I go out with for dinner or a drink with a "stranger", that I will be interrogated as to who the person is including income, family background, employment history and place of origin.

[SteeleJoe]

I have pretty much learned that no matter where you may be on the planet if you look for positives you will find many and generally be a pretty happy person. If you look for negatives you will find plenty of them and generally be a pretty miserable sort.

When I compare the life that I have had thus far with the vast majority of Thais I tend to think "gee what a lucky guy I have been".

We all play the cards we are dealt to the best of our ability. I am most often impressed with how well most Thai people have adapted to their circumstances and live their lives in as happy a manner as they can manage. Many of us westerners could learn a few things about not sweating the small stuff and not getting all bent out of shape over things we cannot change.

I really like your post and have had this attitude, more or less, for the three decades I've known this country. In my youth, I lived in one of the worst slums in the country and marveled at the sort of acceptance you mention at the end. However...

At the risk of seeming to inject negativity on what is so far a pleasantly - and rationally - positive thread, I have to point out what I have to so many people over the years: one of the greatest strengths of Thais is also one of the greatest weaknesses; there are some things that should NOT be accepted and they won't begin to change until Thais stop saying, "Oh, well. Whatever will be, will be."

[yermanee]

I expected sunshine, friendly and good looking people.

I've gotten that above all expectations.

Anything else is all about your own choices.

Life ain't no bitch for me.

Yermanee

[Soutpeel]

I'm here now and no intentions to go back EVER!

But if you get the wish you expressed in post # 12...you cant stay here..you have to leave unless you have PR or a citizenship...I am confused..on one hand you stated you wished Thailand to be free of farang, but the next post you state the intention of never going back

[1020]

I would expect basic respect and courtesy, from a Buddhist nation and populace that I choose to live and spend my money in.

Unfortunately as I speak and understand Thai I can see that these aren't given (unless there is some sort of advantage for the Thai in feigning them).

[Scottythai]

I expect warm weather, Cold Beer, Lots of Smiles and a place to ride my bike.

I know I ask for way to much but have not had an issue yet

[1020]

I expect warm weather,

I know I ask for way to much but have not had an issue yet

What time of year is it only 'warm'?

[Rust Never Sleeps]

Nothing

[Scottythai]

I expect warm weather,

I know I ask for way to much but have not had an issue yet

What time of year is it only 'warm'?

All year. can be hot Feb - April. But I love the climate