I love Thailand

[Nayet]

I don't use the word "love" very often, but I truly love living in Thailand. I have a long list of things that I like about Thailand, but only a very short list of things that I don't like. I get the impression that a lot of folks here on TV are only marginally partial to life in Thailand and may or even plan to move back to their native countries at some point in the future.

Unlike a lot of expats who work as teachers or in corporate environments, I do all my work from home. I wonder if people who work out of their homes are better able to keep a certain distance to Thai society and therefore don't get into all the complications of dealing with the Thai mentality and all the frustrations that it seems to entail.

I can still feel a little bit like a tourist when I leave work, because I never have to experience Thai society as an integral part of it, but more as an observer. What do you think?

[GuestHouse]

I don't use the word "love" very often, but I truly love living in Thailand. I have a long list of things that I like about Thailand, but only a very short list of things that I don't like..........

Unlike a lot of expats who work as teachers or in corporate environments, I do all my work from home. I wonder if people who work out of their homes are better able to keep a certain distance to Thai society and therefore don't get into all the complications of dealing with the Thai mentality.

_____________

So you.love living in Thailand because you've isolated yourself from Thai society.

[Nayet]

I don't use the word "love" very often, but I truly love living in Thailand. I have a long list of things that I like about Thailand, but only a very short list of things that I don't like..........

Unlike a lot of expats who work as teachers or in corporate environments, I do all my work from home. I wonder if people who work out of their homes are better able to keep a certain distance to Thai society and therefore don't get into all the complications of dealing with the Thai mentality.

_____________

So you.love living in Thailand because you've isolated yourself from Thai society.

"Keeping a certain distance" is very different from "isolating". Also, I don't know if that is why I love living here since I've never had a "normal" job in Thailand. It's just a hypothesis.

[cpofc]

I think I have an idea where the OP is coming from. I live here single. On my 'Pat Malone'. Apart from the odd blow in from Aust who comes and visits and/or stays with me. BTW There is a huge difference between being alone and being lonely and you have to be capable and happy with keeping your own company at times. I did have 20 years of marriage living with a Thai, so it is not as if I have not done it,

I am quite engaged with my neighbourhood, attend social functions of all kinds, naughty nights out with the 'boys' etc. Have a lot of good friends. No money involved. As a matter of a fact I have cut back on my social activities a bit recently, gettin' old!

The luxury I have is that I can insulate myself from any petty squabbles, gossip, and 'Moo Baan politics. As a foreigner I am afforded that luxury, besides there would be those who would resent it if I did get involved.

Indeed one of my friends, he is in his mid 70's and is always 'bagging' my next door neighbour, he doesn't like him at all. Just recently again while we were all having a few drinks together the other night. I just shrug my shoulders, not my problem, he is always nice to me. Can't ask for better than that and I don't say anything more than that. So he smiles says mai pen rai and let's it slide until the next time. I am not about to be 'got in'.

A few others have questioned why I let the young lads and their girlfriends gather outside the front of my place. My next door neighbour on the other side is a young bloke who lives with his mum and he is one of the 'Leaders of the Pack' and they use his place as a meeting place. he is a decent young bloke. it is all very cordial and they are very polite, generous young blokes. Some of my more 'mature' thai friends reckon I shouldn't tolerate it and I should do something about it. I tell them they are my 'security guards', I mean who is going to break into my house with all those young blokes out the front. They simply laugh at that. Good idea! Mai pen rai!

Back home in my country neighbours shoot or assault each other almost on a daily basis.

Love maybe a bit strong. But I am about as happy and as chilled out as I think I'll want ever be.

Yeah. Things could change. Things have a habit of doing that, but for now I'm alright Jack.

[HeijoshinCool]

Just got here, huh?

[cpofc]

Just got here, huh?

if you are referring to me. it would depend on your own perception of time. I have lived in this particular Moo Baan for 10 years. My Mother In Law for well over 20.

I first 'got here' in 1970 actually.

How about yourself?

[cpofc]

Ok. I will tell you the secret. Seriously. No Charge,

The Secret is 'Man Bot'

Mashed Potato!

They only love me for my mashed potato.

Whenever we have a social function, where everyone brings their 'Signature Dish' to share I am always in great demand for Mashed Potato. The buggers just can't get enough of it ever since I spoiled them by placing the finished mashed potato into a baking tray, with mozzarella cheese and diced TGM Canadian Bacon on top and placed under the griller.

But keep that under your hat, I don't tell everyone.

Edited September 26, 2013 by cpofc

[jackr]

Just got here, huh?

if you are referring to me. it would depend on your own perception of time. I have lived in this particular Moo Baan for 10 years. My Mother In Law for well over 20.

I first 'got here' in 1970 actually.

How about yourself?

Guessing they're referring to the op.

Op, I'd posit your average boozer is more in with Thai society and all its foibles than your average teacher/corporate type.

[Cheapcharly]

U like here because it s cheap. If it was 10x more expensive , you would stay at home every night watching TV.

This is why usa/europe SUCK!

At the end, everything is about money....

[seajae]

well I love it here too, there are some draw backs but over all it is a great place to live and I have no intention of moving back to Australia. We all have our bitches now and then about someone/thing but thats natural and to be expected but it does not detract from the country. By the way, I agree with the post above, being able to make great mashed potatoes helps people like you too, every time someone comes over they want me to make them, go figure.

Edited September 26, 2013 by seajae

[StreetCowboy]

Just got here, huh?

if you are referring to me. it would depend on your own perception of time. I have lived in this particular Moo Baan for 10 years. My Mother In Law for well over 20.

I first 'got here' in 1970 actually.

How about yourself?

Guessing they're referring to the op.

Op, I'd posit your average boozer is more in with Thai society and all its foibles than your average teacher/corporate type.

If I wanted to go bush I'd be an immigrant, not an expat.

[Tafia]

Ok. I will tell you the secret. Seriously. No Charge,

The Secret is 'Man Bot'

Mashed Potato!

They only love me for my mashed potato.

Whenever we have a social function, where everyone brings their 'Signature Dish' to share I am always in great demand for Mashed Potato. The buggers just can't get enough of it ever since I spoiled them by placing the finished mashed potato into a baking tray, with mozzarella cheese and diced TGM Canadian Bacon on top and placed under the griller.

But keep that under your hat, I don't tell everyone.

You have spoilt them, how can anyone top that!!

[Dancealot]

I don't use the word "love" very often, but I truly love living in Thailand. I have a long list of things that I like about Thailand, but only a very short list of things that I don't like..........

Unlike a lot of expats who work as teachers or in corporate environments, I do all my work from home. I wonder if people who work out of their homes are better able to keep a certain distance to Thai society and therefore don't get into all the complications of dealing with the Thai mentality.

_____________

So you.love living in Thailand because you've isolated yourself from Thai society.

"Keeping a certain distance" is very different from "isolating". Also, I don't know if that is why I love living here since I've never had a "normal" job in Thailand. It's just a hypothesis.

Are you speculating about your own hypothesis?

Edited September 26, 2013 by Dancealot

[Chittychangchang]

I love Thailand because it has given me the life i have today.

CCC

[geronimo]

Keep thinking the way you are.

[Jasun]

This morning I have learned more about mashed potato than Thai society.

[greg71]

Lets see how you feel in a year ,or maybe 10 years buddy

[Naam]

I don't use the word "love" very often, but I truly love living in Thailand. I have a long list of things that I like about Thailand, but only a very short list of things that I don't like..........

Unlike a lot of expats who work as teachers or in corporate environments, I do all my work from home. I wonder if people who work out of their homes are better able to keep a certain distance to Thai society and therefore don't get into all the complications of dealing with the Thai mentality.

_____________

So you.love living in Thailand because you've isolated yourself from Thai society.

he has a very valid point! fact is that a foreigner without Thai family connections has not much to gain from Thai society. au contraire!

[pigeonjake]

well when youve been away for 6 months, missing your wife and child,

it brings it home how much you do love the place, and great to get home,

i think it might come to us having to live in england for a few years, im just so bloody busy and like i say, you really really miss your home,

jake

[David48]

It's Friday and I'm in Love ...

.

[cpofc]

TGIF. One of the great drawbacks of being retired is that Fridays don't have the same meaning anymore.

Below, here is an Australian Icon for you. Very popular when I was a young lad.

[HeijoshinCool]

Just got here, huh?

if you are referring to me. it would depend on your own perception of time. I have lived in this particular Moo Baan for 10 years. My Mother In Law for well over 20.

I first 'got here' in 1970 actually.

How about yourself?

Guessing they're referring to the op.

Op, I'd posit your average boozer is more in with Thai society and all its foibles than your average teacher/corporate type.

Yup.

[StreetCowboy]

Just got here, huh?

if you are referring to me. it would depend on your own perception of time. I have lived in this particular Moo Baan for 10 years. My Mother In Law for well over 20.

I first 'got here' in 1970 actually.

How about yourself?

Guessing they're referring to the op.

Op, I'd posit your average boozer is more in with Thai society and all its foibles than your average teacher/corporate type.

Yup.

I'm not so sure. The Thai blokes I work with are real lightweights when it comes to bevvin'

[HeijoshinCool]

I meant, yup, I was referring to the OP.

[Nayet]

Just got here, huh?

I've been here for a year and a half, so didn't "just get here".

You still have a valid point though - I can't expect to feel this way in 5, 10 or 20 years from now.

[Nayet]

Just got here, huh?

if you are referring to me. it would depend on your own perception of time. I have lived in this particular Moo Baan for 10 years. My Mother In Law for well over 20.

I first 'got here' in 1970 actually.

How about yourself?

Guessing they're referring to the op.

Op, I'd posit your average boozer is more in with Thai society and all its foibles than your average teacher/corporate type.

Really? Feel free to state your case.

In my view, folks who spend most of their time in bars (I assume that's what you mean by boozer) are (on some level) in touch with the segment of Thai society that turns tricks on Sukhumvit Rd. As for the rest of "normal" society? Not so much.

Teachers interact with average Thais on a daily basis. Those who bother learning some Thai probably have an even better chance of getting to know their host country.