is it me who is (-) or is it you who is (+)

[Sheryl]

A lot depends on where in the country you live. It is still fine in the rural areas that don't attract tourists. Though of course living in same, one is often the only farang around, and you won't find much in the way of western food in the shops. Still it is much more comfortable in small town Thailand now than it used to be...electricity far more reliable, internet available, etc etc. So some places have actually improved.

Bangkok I agree has gone way downhill in terms of quality of living. And Hua Hin, which was a favorite spot of mine in the early 1980's, is not even a remnant of its old self.

Have to say though that personally I found Pattaya intolerable even back in 1980.....

[nonthaburial]

A lot depends on where in the country you live. It is still fine in the rural areas that don't attract tourists. Though of course living in same, one is often the only farang around, and you won't find much in the way of western food in the shops. Still it is much more comfortable in small town Thailand now than it used to be...electricity far more reliable, internet available, etc etc. So some places have actually improved.

Bangkok I agree has gone way downhill in terms of quality of living. And Hua Hin, which was a favorite spot of mine in the early 1980's, is not even a remnant of its old self.

Have to say though that personally I found Pattaya intolerable even back in 1980.....

Nice Post Sheryl, but your comments suggest that being isolated is OK for you , however you then go on to say there are no tourist there, which was exactly my point. Tourists in the main = decadence = trouble, and the Thais, quite rightly are very good at taking advantage of, whether its scamming or ganging up en mass on vulnerable but idiot tourists. I wonder what would happen if Thailand banned alcohol, banned prostitution (which is already illegal) and made visas even more difficult - which by the way should include jailing for a minimum of 3 months over stayers. Yes I really do wonder !!!!

[MJP]

A lot depends on where in the country you live. It is still fine in the rural areas that don't attract tourists. Though of course living in same, one is often the only farang around, and you won't find much in the way of western food in the shops. Still it is much more comfortable in small town Thailand now than it used to be...electricity far more reliable, internet available, etc etc. So some places have actually improved.

Bangkok I agree has gone way downhill in terms of quality of living. And Hua Hin, which was a favorite spot of mine in the early 1980's, is not even a remnant of its old self.

Have to say though that personally I found Pattaya intolerable even back in 1980.....

This is spot on!

The village in deepest darkest Issan where my daughters' house is has gone from third world hell to about the most civilised living environment imaginable.

No more litter. No more alcoholics. Very friendly people. Gardens, fences, well decorated and well kept new homes and many have motor cars on the driveway. I know that sounds like a suburban nightmare but within the setting of rice paddy's and rubber plantations it's very pleasant.

Much of the rest of Thailand I honestly do not like, especially the Eastern Seaboard.

[rct99q]

I always think of Stevie Y at times like this. Greatest Red Wing to ever don the jersey. In the beginning he was the young upstart trying to prove himself, then he became a superstar playing 25 minutes a game. Then hecwas the seasoned vet, still reliable but managing 18-20 minutes a game. Then he become the mentor to the next generation still well thought of but seeing less ice time and being talked about not talkedvto. Then he becomes the respected elder getting some 7 to 8 minutes of ice time with newcomers talking about him in the past tense but still with respect. And then retires to good front office job as the greatest red wing to ever play the game. To finally being the forgotten oldtimer rolled out for the odd photo shoot.

Thailand has past you by, the game is different and being played by a group of younger players...some say the game was better in the good old days....but the game today is bigger, faster and some people say better.

Leave the game for the next generation to enjoy...it may not be the same, but it is just as fun!

[StreetCowboy]

A lot depends on where in the country you live. It is still fine in the rural areas that don't attract tourists. Though of course living in same, one is often the only farang around, and you won't find much in the way of western food in the shops. Still it is much more comfortable in small town Thailand now than it used to be...electricity far more reliable, internet available, etc etc. So some places have actually improved.

Bangkok I agree has gone way downhill in terms of quality of living. And Hua Hin, which was a favorite spot of mine in the early 1980's, is not even a remnant of its old self.

Have to say though that personally I found Pattaya intolerable even back in 1980.....

Nice Post Sheryl, but your comments suggest that being isolated is OK for you , however you then go on to say there are no tourist there, which was exactly my point. Tourists in the main = decadence = trouble, and the Thais, quite rightly are very good at taking advantage of, whether its scamming or ganging up en mass on vulnerable but idiot tourists. I wonder what would happen if Thailand banned alcohol, banned prostitution (which is already illegal) and made visas even more difficult - which by the way should include jailing for a minimum of 3 months over stayers. Yes I really do wonder !!!!

It seems like your years of exotic affluence and privileged travel have firmly hardened your soul against your fellow man. The perils of living a good life, I suppose.

SC

SC

[StreetCowboy]

I always think of Stevie Y at times like this. Greatest Red Wing to ever don the jersey. In the beginning he was the young upstart trying to prove himself, then he became a superstar playing 25 minutes a game. Then hecwas the seasoned vet, still reliable but managing 18-20 minutes a game. Then he become the mentor to the next generation still well thought of but seeing less ice time and being talked about not talkedvto. Then he becomes the respected elder getting some 7 to 8 minutes of ice time with newcomers talking about him in the past tense but still with respect. And then retires to good front office job as the greatest red wing to ever play the game. To finally being the forgotten oldtimer rolled out for the odd photo shoot.

Thailand has past you by, the game is different and being played by a group of younger players...some say the game was better in the good old days....but the game today is bigger, faster and some people say better.

Leave the game for the next generation to enjoy...it may not be the same, but it is just as fun!

I know just what you mean

[Johnniey]

I always think of Stevie Y at times like this. Greatest Red Wing to ever don the jersey. In the beginning he was the young upstart trying to prove himself, then he became a superstar playing 25 minutes a game. Then hecwas the seasoned vet, still reliable but managing 18-20 minutes a game. Then he become the mentor to the next generation still well thought of but seeing less ice time and being talked about not talkedvto. Then he becomes the respected elder getting some 7 to 8 minutes of ice time with newcomers talking about him in the past tense but still with respect. And then retires to good front office job as the greatest red wing to ever play the game. To finally being the forgotten oldtimer rolled out for the odd photo shoot.

Thailand has past you by, the game is different and being played by a group of younger players...some say the game was better in the good old days....but the game today is bigger, faster and some people say better.

Leave the game for the next generation to enjoy...it may not be the same, but it is just as fun!

Never heard of Stevie Y . What is a red wing?

Sent from my GT-I9152 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Johnniey]

I always think of Stevie Y at times like this. Greatest Red Wing to ever don the jersey. In the beginning he was the young upstart trying to prove himself, then he became a superstar playing 25 minutes a game. Then hecwas the seasoned vet, still reliable but managing 18-20 minutes a game. Then he become the mentor to the next generation still well thought of but seeing less ice time and being talked about not talkedvto. Then he becomes the respected elder getting some 7 to 8 minutes of ice time with newcomers talking about him in the past tense but still with respect. And then retires to good front office job as the greatest red wing to ever play the game. To finally being the forgotten oldtimer rolled out for the odd photo shoot.

Thailand has past you by, the game is different and being played by a group of younger players...some say the game was better in the good old days....but the game today is bigger, faster and some people say better.

Leave the game for the next generation to enjoy...it may not be the same, but it is just as fun!

Never heard of Stevie Y . What is a red wing?

Sent from my GT-I9152 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[cgphuket]

"for there is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes its so"

---- Hamlet

[StreetCowboy]

I always think of Stevie Y at times like this. Greatest Red Wing to ever don the jersey. In the beginning he was the young upstart trying to prove himself, then he became a superstar playing 25 minutes a game. Then hecwas the seasoned vet, still reliable but managing 18-20 minutes a game. Then he become the mentor to the next generation still well thought of but seeing less ice time and being talked about not talkedvto. Then he becomes the respected elder getting some 7 to 8 minutes of ice time with newcomers talking about him in the past tense but still with respect. And then retires to good front office job as the greatest red wing to ever play the game. To finally being the forgotten oldtimer rolled out for the odd photo shoot.

Thailand has past you by, the game is different and being played by a group of younger players...some say the game was better in the good old days....but the game today is bigger, faster and some people say better.

Leave the game for the next generation to enjoy...it may not be the same, but it is just as fun!

Never heard of Stevie Y . What is a red wing?

Sent from my GT-I9152 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Here's a link to a site where all your questions will be answered.

I'm surprised that you did not know about this site before.

www.google.com

SC

[Neeranam]

I always think of Stevie Y at times like this. Greatest Red Wing to ever don the jersey. In the beginning he was the young upstart trying to prove himself, then he became a superstar playing 25 minutes a game. Then hecwas the seasoned vet, still reliable but managing 18-20 minutes a game. Then he become the mentor to the next generation still well thought of but seeing less ice time and being talked about not talkedvto. Then he becomes the respected elder getting some 7 to 8 minutes of ice time with newcomers talking about him in the past tense but still with respect. And then retires to good front office job as the greatest red wing to ever play the game. To finally being the forgotten oldtimer rolled out for the odd photo shoot.

Thailand has past you by, the game is different and being played by a group of younger players...some say the game was better in the good old days....but the game today is bigger, faster and some people say better.

Leave the game for the next generation to enjoy...it may not be the same, but it is just as fun!

Never heard of Stevie Y . What is a red wing?

Sent from my GT-I9152 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Here's a link to a site where all your questions will be answered.

I'm surprised that you did not know about this site before.

www.google.com

SC

This site is even better:-

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Stevie+Y

[Neurath]

There have been 2 similar themed threads published on Thai visa recently:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/670250-five-reasons-why-youll-never-last-here-in-thailand/?p=6858275

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/670227-westerners-on-the-decline-in-thailand-maybe-time-to-move-on/

Is this I’m really feeling cheesed off with Thailand week?

I suggest you look at the last 2 threads and perhaps you will find your answers on those.

I also live in Thailand and have sexual, financial and emotional problems. Was going to open a thread about it, but no one is interested.

I am. But drop the financial one and stick to the other two.

[Neurath]

my attempted post was to simply point out that Thailand's better days are over

,

Sounds like your better days are over too.

but how would you know>> another newbie with less than 2 years as a TV member but knows it all. you obviously cannot read. I did ask for answers from the old brigade not newbie wanke_rs, and yes Sir you are a newbie, so kindly go back to your vipers nest and don't risk getting bitten. comments from the likes of you are ........................ insert what you want ! TV should open up memberships forum titled " I am new here but I know it all" for sure will fill or become a filled topic full of inexperienced nonsense by those children wet behind the knees

Wet behind the knees?

[Neurath]

the reactions to my original post have somewhat surprised me, there are of course the usual's, who didn't read what I wrote carefully and responded to issues that were not there. Then there were the "youre a grumpy old sod, bugger off and take your medication" brigade, then there were those who actually read, absorbed and understood what I was trying to project.

To those who think I am a sick and boring old fart, let me put the record straight, I am not. I am fully enjoying life, a senior position in a joint venture with a 6 figure USD salary per year. My wife (Chinese) and I own a 6 level Villa in China, she drives a BMW x5, whilst I drive a Hyundai, we owe no one any money we are both very self sufficient. For ,my age I play a pretty mean game of squash, I am fit and healthy and have never taken any medication in my life.

So with the record now been put straight, I am fully aware that things never stay the same and change is inevitable, however, in the case of Thailand, that expected change has been rather rapid and as a few posters have suggested, Thailand is the best of a bad lot. Has anyone else noticed the number of threads talking about relocating to the likes of Vietnam, Cambodia., the Phils and even Myanmar. Now I wonder why ???? You can turn over any stone or rock and find nasty's underneath, it just seems to me that Thailand has too many stones.To those who think I am a sick and boring old fart

To those who think I am a sick and boring old fart

Let me put the record straight

I am not I am

Fully enjoying life

A senior position in a joint venture

With a 6 figure USD salary per year

My wife

(Chinese)

She drives a BMW x5

Whilst I drive a Hyundai

There you go! Much, much better as a poem.

[itchybum]

the reactions to my original post have somewhat surprised me, there are of course the usual's, who didn't read what I wrote carefully and responded to issues that were not there. Then there were the "youre a grumpy old sod, bugger off and take your medication" brigade, then there were those who actually read, absorbed and understood what I was trying to project.

To those who think I am a sick and boring old fart, let me put the record straight, I am not. I am fully enjoying life, a senior position in a joint venture with a 6 figure USD salary per year. My wife (Chinese) and I own a 6 level Villa in China, she drives a BMW x5, whilst I drive a Hyundai, we owe no one any money we are both very self sufficient. For ,my age I play a pretty mean game of squash, I am fit and healthy and have never taken any medication in my life.

So with the record now been put straight, I am fully aware that things never stay the same and change is inevitable, however, in the case of Thailand, that expected change has been rather rapid and as a few posters have suggested, Thailand is the best of a bad lot. Has anyone else noticed the number of threads talking about relocating to the likes of Vietnam, Cambodia., the Phils and even Myanmar. Now I wonder why ???? You can turn over any stone or rock and find nasty's underneath, it just seems to me that Thailand has too many stones.To those who think I am a sick and boring old fart

To those who think I am a sick and boring old fart

Let me put the record straight

I am not I am

Fully enjoying life

A senior position in a joint venture

With a 6 figure USD salary per year

My wife

(Chinese)

She drives a BMW x5

Whilst I drive a Hyundai

There you go! Much, much better as a poem.

So she wears the pants.

Good to see someone comfortably confident with that.

[nonthaburial]

the reactions to my original post have somewhat surprised me, there are of course the usual's, who didn't read what I wrote carefully and responded to issues that were not there. Then there were the "youre a grumpy old sod, bugger off and take your medication" brigade, then there were those who actually read, absorbed and understood what I was trying to project.

To those who think I am a sick and boring old fart, let me put the record straight, I am not. I am fully enjoying life, a senior position in a joint venture with a 6 figure USD salary per year. My wife (Chinese) and I own a 6 level Villa in China, she drives a BMW x5, whilst I drive a Hyundai, we owe no one any money we are both very self sufficient. For ,my age I play a pretty mean game of squash, I am fit and healthy and have never taken any medication in my life.

So with the record now been put straight, I am fully aware that things never stay the same and change is inevitable, however, in the case of Thailand, that expected change has been rather rapid and as a few posters have suggested, Thailand is the best of a bad lot. Has anyone else noticed the number of threads talking about relocating to the likes of Vietnam, Cambodia., the Phils and even Myanmar. Now I wonder why ???? You can turn over any stone or rock and find nasty's underneath, it just seems to me that Thailand has too many stones.To those who think I am a sick and boring old fart

To those who think I am a sick and boring old fart

Let me put the record straight

I am not I am

Fully enjoying life

A senior position in a joint venture

With a 6 figure USD salary per year

My wife

(Chinese)

She drives a BMW x5

Whilst I drive a Hyundai

There you go! Much, much better as a poem.

Cars of choice to be honest, she purchased the Beemer and I the Hyundai . Driving an expensive car in Asia is asking for trouble. But, horses for courses

[GuestHouse]

I see this thread has turned into personal attacks on the OP.

... Oh well, it is to be expected. He seems to have had far too good a life for some to stomach.

[MrWorldwide]

I see this thread has turned into personal attacks on the OP.

... Oh well, it is to be expected. He seems to have had far too good a life for some to stomach.

Well, he WAS in the Special Forces, but weren't we all ?

[Morakot]

Much, much better as a poem.

I think you should aim for alliteration.

We should give credit to the OP for his dramatic effort.

[Mr Average]

the reactions to my original post have somewhat surprised me, there are of course the usual's, who didn't read what I wrote carefully and responded to issues that were not there. Then there were the "youre a grumpy old sod, bugger off and take your medication" brigade, then there were those who actually read, absorbed and understood what I was trying to project.

To those who think I am a sick and boring old fart, let me put the record straight, I am not. I am fully enjoying life, a senior position in a joint venture with a 6 figure USD salary per year. My wife (Chinese) and I own a 6 level Villa in China, she drives a BMW x5, whilst I drive a Hyundai, we owe no one any money we are both very self sufficient. For ,my age I play a pretty mean game of squash, I am fit and healthy and have never taken any medication in my life.

So with the record now been put straight, I am fully aware that things never stay the same and change is inevitable, however, in the case of Thailand, that expected change has been rather rapid and as a few posters have suggested, Thailand is the best of a bad lot. Has anyone else noticed the number of threads talking about relocating to the likes of Vietnam, Cambodia., the Phils and even Myanmar. Now I wonder why ???? You can turn over any stone or rock and find nasty's underneath, it just seems to me that Thailand has too many stones.To those who think I am a sick and boring old fart

To those who think I am a sick and boring old fart

Let me put the record straight

I am not I am

Fully enjoying life

A senior position in a joint venture

With a 6 figure USD salary per year

My wife

(Chinese)

She drives a BMW x5

Whilst I drive a Hyundai

There you go! Much, much better as a poem.

I see this as the genesis of a rather catchy rap tune

Listen up brothers, I ain't a borin' fart

Gonna put the record straight, gonna make a start.

I am what I am; I got a great life

I'm a cool-looking brother; I got a sexy wife

I got a top position; I got a joint venture

I ain't an old fart; I ain't wearin' denture

I got a sexy little wife; she ain't japanese

She's a cute little bitch, dat's coz she's chinese

She drives a top set of wheels; she's got an x5

An' I'm the main man, an' I'm comin' alive.

[StreetCowboy]

I went back to read the OP again. It seems OP thinks Thailand has gone downhill because he travels from China on a flight full of Chinese. I never have that, because Immigration officers are grumpy dealing with i don't live in China.

He's grumpy at the touts and queues, because Thailanzd is such a popular destination. Perhaps if he wanted to come here, instead of being obliged to, he would be more tolerant. I don't think things are any worse than they were 12 years ago, though obviously things were much better when Victoria was on the throne and tinned beer was.a novelty.

As others said, Thailand has always attracted low-lifes, and worst of all, young people. Surprisingly, when I was hitch-hiking, I never noticed how distressing it was to be surrounded by degenerate no-good idle freeloaders, but now that I am a middle-aged member of the greying populationA with a flat cap to boot I fully appreciate his point.

It's unfortunate that people now are so much better off, travel so much cheaper, that the great unwashed can now go to places that were previously the province of expeditionaries, Mariners and the tools of Empire, but we should not begrudge them their freedom, nor the opportunities of the enterprising natives that cater to such market forces around the world.

If we have a hankering for times past, perhaps we could ask England to revert to pre_industrialisation; that is not a curse that I would wish to visit on Scotland. Or Thailand

SC

[Berkshire]

The OP is really not much different from some old folks I knew back in America. You know, guys who lament about the modern world and yearns for the "good ole days." Of course, you mention the "good ole days" to, say, an African-American and he'll say "poppycock!," meaning those good old days wasn't so good if you happened to be black in racist America of yesteryear. It's all really a matter of perspective, isn't it?

So the OP's claim-to-fame is his ability to focus on the negatives with regards to Thailand, yet, he lives in China. Sir, I've been to China and...let's just say I can certainly provide a long list of negatives about China. I'm sure many of the old folks there can lament about how it's changed, and not for the positive. But it's your little paradise, just like Thailand is for me. You see more positives than negatives in China, just like some of us do in Thailand. So we can agree to disagree.

[StreetCowboy]

Tales of youthful adventure

The complexities of today

but this is where we find ourselves

Oh, the irony of it!