Why can't foreigners in Thailand read and speak Thai?

[Neeranam]

Because 90 percent of Thai conversations are about food, and I don't care what they ate, when they ate it, was it good, when will they eat next etc....

Total rubbish.

Also, I can't understand the people who say they don't want to talk to Thais.

I can speak, read and write due to simple hard work learning.

Was it a waste of time? Of course not. I just bought a house and it would have been extremely difficult if I couldn't have read the mortgage details or been able to tell the builders what to do.

I just built a shed and to go around shops asking for advice on what material to use etc would have been impossible if I was linguistically challenged. I read newspapers to see what's going on.

If you are a long-term tourist I guess there's no need to learn. If you're happy to be chained to your wife, fair enough. I could think of nothing worse than having to take my wife to the mechanic, bank, barber, etc. Learning the language gives so much freedom. I'd be totally embarrassed if after a few years I was still using sign language.

I spoke to the local 'head man' at eh weekend regarding security of my house and noise levels.

Last week I had had a drink with my neighbour and I learned a lot about Thai history.

Today, I went to the bank and discussed my mortgage. Yesterday, I had a meeting with one of my kid's teachers to discuss her getting off school for travelling to Bangkok. I could go on but basically, I live a normal life and to say the use of the language is a waste of time is ridiculous.

There are no excuses - only laziness and lack of motivation. Age is irrelevant. I'm no youngster and I'm learning Chinese at the moment. I know old guys, one in his 70s, who have learned to speak Thai fluently.

-some people pay cash for their homes instead of borrowing money,

-some people use a builder who is able to speak acceptable English,

-some people did not marry Thai ladies,

-some people don't live in the wilderness where "headmen" exist,

-some people have studied Thai history without using a neighbour's knowledge,

-some people do not have school age children,

-for some people learning Thai is a waste of precious time.

period!

- Most people where I come from and here borrow money to buy their first home. Did you pay cash? I remember you inferring in another thread or three that you had a lot of money.

- having a builder who speaks English will certainly limit your options.

- if I were single, it wouldn't be for very long. Being able to speak increases your pick-up rate, of course.

- I live in Khon Kaen, Amphur Meung. Ask your Thai friends about 'headmen' in all communities. If you don't have any Thai friends due to your disability, ask your butler.

- I read some stuff about the 'Thammassat massacre' but much more informative talking to somone who was active in it. I speak to my father-in-law about the Vietnam war too as he was there.

- some people have a superior colonial attitude and basically wouldn't stoop to the level of the Siamese. Some people don't have a single Thai friend after living here for years. The only Thais some people know are their servants. DO you drink gin and tonic?

Edited December 5, 2013 by Neeranam

[gerry1011]

I have Money, I find that it speaks all the launguages that I need.

Even better is to have money and speak fluent Thai...

It pays to be multilingual

Money can help us buy many things in Thailand, and everywhere else, but mastering the language can bring us happiness that money can't buy

I could not be happy here without having both...

[crazydrummerpauly]

It requires a lot of effort on our part.

Thailand makes it near impossible to ever become a citizen, we're not allowed to buy land, etc, etc, etc

Due to this most people will only regard themselves as temporary visitors so why bother learn a language that is only useful in a country where you're staying on a temporary basis.

Long term temporary or not, I don't see the point. I will never be here permanently and I'll move on at some time in the future at which point Thai becomes useless and I have less useless things to spend my time on.

Agree completely - not worth the investment of time and effort especially if 1) not intending to stay for ever; 2) already pretty old and tired of learning; 3) have a Thai partner who teaches English full-time and has a BA and MA - moi !

[Tchooptip]

I have travelled all around the world and make an effort with languages everywhere I go. The thai language is difficult to learn- there is no doubt about it. Go to Indonesia and you can learn very easily and quickly. In LOS its a lot harder to get the pronunciation correct. As for being able to write thai.... forget it

Write Thai ...Why forget it? Certainly not, more more easy than the tones, I do know all the letters by heart now, when I say easy of course you have to learn, a question of motivation thats all, I learn most of the time 3 hours a day, simply because I love it, kind of a challenge for me not a bore at all. But of course as have said David48 (an ever wise man )

"and if they choose not to do ... fine by me also" for no proselytism at all on my behalf

reading helps speaking, as you know the correct pronunciation.

however reading but not understanding what you read, does become boring and painful

however reading but not understanding what you read, does become boring and painful

Yes indeed very hard to contradict my dear lemoncake, on the other hand before one learns anything one is not supposed to know it so it's a prerequisite

I am not a native English speaker but in our computer world if I do not understand a word on TV I click on it an I have the translation even the synonyms AND the pronunciation in a millisecond. It was not so easy only a few years ago, same for learning Thai many many more tools all with sounds, pictorial dictionary with native Thai voice, flash cards, games, CD, portable translation with tablet , smart phone, learning a foreign language nowadays has nothing to do with 20 years ago or more. I can tell you for I have learnt English on my own with the BBC World Service sometimes hardly audible with the fading or parasites. Conclusion learning Thai to day is 100 times more easy than a few years ago ... sorry sorry 100 times less difficult

[bobthomas]

Some basic level is advisable. It makes it easier to get lower prices for goods/services and it generally makes life and the not frequent, yet inevitable confrontations we will face- just slightly easier.

The downside being, many Farangs may feel excluded if you are blathering away in what is probably remedial Thai anyway and their reactions will be mixed.

Also then it becomes painfully obvious what Thai people are often saying about you- and all in sundry. Also, there are some parts of their culture and attitude that I would have preferred never to have found out.

Edited December 5, 2013 by bobthomas

[Neeranam]

I have travelled all around the world and make an effort with languages everywhere I go. The thai language is difficult to learn- there is no doubt about it. Go to Indonesia and you can learn very easily and quickly. In LOS its a lot harder to get the pronunciation correct. As for being able to write thai.... forget it

Write Thai ...Why forget it? Certainly not, more more easy than the tones, I do know all the letters by heart now, when I say easy of course you have to learn, a question of motivation thats all, I learn most of the time 3 hours a day, simply because I love it, kind of a challenge for me not a bore at all. But of course as have said David48 (an ever wise man )

"and if they choose not to do ... fine by me also" for no proselytism at all on my behalf

reading helps speaking, as you know the correct pronunciation.

however reading but not understanding what you read, does become boring and painful

however reading but not understanding what you read, does become boring and painful

Yes indeed very hard to contradict my dear lemoncake, on the other hand before one learns anything one is not supposed to know it so it's a prerequisite

I am not a native English speaker but in our computer world if I do not understand a word on TV I click on it an I have the translation even the synonyms AND the pronunciation in a millisecond. It was not so easy only a few years ago, same for learning Thai many many more tools all with sounds, pictorial dictionary with native Thai voice, flash cards, games, CD, portable translation with tablet , smart phone, learning a foreign language nowadays has nothing to do with 20 years ago or more. I can tell you for I have learnt English on my own with the BBC World Service sometimes hardly audible with the fading or parasites. Conclusion learning Thai to day is 100 times more easy than a few years ago ... sorry sorry 100 times less difficult

I agree, learning Thai these days would be 100 times easier, or 100 times less difficult.

Easy has 2 syllables so we say easier. Difficult has 3 syllables so we say less or more difficult.

Edited December 5, 2013 by Neeranam

[MantisMan]

 

Why on earth should I learn how to read and write Thai? May be to buy a newspaper to see all those advertisements written or who was last night popped off on the frontpage.

I speak fairly good Thai and Isaan according to my Thai staffs in Bangkok and family in Sakon nakhon. Besides I speak fluent Malay and Indonesian besides German and English and I am almost 50 years and for god's sake I am not learning another language in my life or learn how to write and read Thai, Chinese, Arabic or whatever.

Time is important for me for the next couple of years so I prefer to focus on making money for retirement and to allow my son to have a good eduction.

Hypocrite.

You just said you speak Thai and Issan dialect. You took the time to learn Malay and German.

<deleted>??

[bigbamboo]

1. Many foreigners consider Thai a stupid and useless language and not worth the effort to learn.
2. Many foreign men are married to a Thai woman who has a considerable vested interest in their husbands never learning Thai. That may explain why foreign women who are in relationships with Thai men often speak and read/write Thai exceptionally well.
3. Many foreigners live in tourist areas where the indigenous Thai people also have a vested interest in the foreigner not having much of a clue what is going on around them. The foreigners ignorance facilitates double-pricing. Also the locals in Tourist areas often don't speak Thai. Rather, they speak Yawi, Issaan, or Khmer. When faced with a foreigner who speaks Thai they will immediately switch to a dialect the foreigner can't understand.
4. Learning Thai is time consuming and requires much more effort than drinking beer.
5. Some foreigners can't learn a second language.

Of course there are some occasions where playing the 'mai kao jai' card can be useful too!

[MantisMan]

 

Because 90 percent of Thai conversations are about food, and I don't care what they ate, when they ate it, was it good, when will they eat next etc....

Total rubbish.

Also, I can't understand the people who say they don't want to talk to Thais.

I can speak, read and write due to simple hard work learning.

Was it a waste of time? Of course not. I just bought a house and it would have been extremely difficult if I couldn't have read the mortgage details or been able to tell the builders what to do.

I just built a shed and to go around shops asking for advice on what material to use etc would have been impossible if I was linguistically challenged. I read newspapers to see what's going on.

If you are a long-term tourist I guess there's no need to learn. If you're happy to be chained to your wife, fair enough. I could think of nothing worse than having to take my wife to the mechanic, bank, barber, etc. Learning the language gives so much freedom. I'd be totally embarrassed if after a few years I was still using sign language.

I spoke to the local 'head man' at eh weekend regarding security of my house and noise levels.

Last week I had had a drink with my neighbour and I learned a lot about Thai history.

Today, I went to the bank and discussed my mortgage. Yesterday, I had a meeting with one of my kid's teachers to discuss her getting off school for travelling to Bangkok. I could go on but basically, I live a normal life and to say the use of the language is a waste of time is ridiculous.

There are no excuses - only laziness and lack of motivation. Age is irrelevant. I'm no youngster and I'm learning Chinese at the moment. I know old guys, one in his 70s, who have learned to speak Thai fluently.

-some people pay cash for their homes instead of borrowing money,

-some people use a builder who is able to speak acceptable English,

-some people did not marry Thai ladies,

-some people don't live in the wilderness where "headmen" exist,

-some people have studied Thai history without using a neighbour's knowledge,

-some people do not have school age children,

-for some people learning Thai is a waste of precious time.

period!

You're just embarrassed to admit that you're one of the lazy and arrogant ones and you're jealous of those who took the time to learn it and are now successfully using it.

In other words, you now see you've wasted you're time and 20,000 something post here on TV and did not take the time to learn the language that would have benefited you, so instead, you lash out at others who took the time to learn it.

How pathetic.

Do us a favor and stop fighting something you've clearly lost. Move on.

Edited December 5, 2013 by MantisMan

[Tchooptip]

Would it be too much to learn "ow bia singh kuat neung"? The first words I learned were "bia Singh eek kuat" out of desperation rather than anything else.

It sounds pretty hard, i only learned "Sing krap"

Should it not be owe bia sing neung kuad? and should it not be ow bia sing neung kuat krap?

I thought you said you were fluent

Nope, Neer's karaoke was correct.

Could say both kuad neung or neung kuat, since you'r among perfectionists maybe Neeranam only forgot to say kuad yai or kuat lek

[Ackybang]

Loving this thread...

Isn't all language tonal to some degree ?

You know, before we were force fed these incomplete sets of quantitive tools by our masters, and subsequently grab onto the ideologies that stem from them for ballast, that do nothing but encourage disparity, and subjugate the many, under the guise of righteousness, freedom and expression, I believe we all got along in a much more harmonious, natural way, with each other, aswell as our surroundings.

Our primary language is love - before, above and beyond all else. Without it, nothing can exist.

The most important and powerful interactive tools are the ones that transcend, and are therefore not confined by language. These carried us for millions of Years, without the rot we see these days.

I believe love, a genuine disposition and smile can carry you around the World, and leave you wanting for nothing.

I myself, would rather be able to speak one, or indeed no oral language, but naturally understand and display the value of boundaries, manners, learn from, love and be able to help a fellow human being - which is surely contributive to the premise of harmonious interaction on the grandest scale.

Surely better than assimilated ostentatious cognitive diplays, and purportedly knowing how ever many languages fluently, but perpetually having nothing of any substance to say, or contribute ?

John Lennon had it right all along.

Together, everyone.....

[jaideeguy]

And then there are the idiot falangs that speak 'show off Thai' that often gets them in more trouble than me, who speaks my own form of 'baby Thai' and can be understood much easier just using hand speak and sketches or pics.

I do find it frustrating that supposed specialists in certain fields like mechanics, hardware, electronics and other fields sometimes speak their own form of Thaiginglish and can screw that up by using the wrong tone or accent.

[khunpa]

Although I am certainly getting better at Thai the main problem in my case, is that my GF speaks good English. So although we sometimes speak Thai for me to learn, it mostly ends up with us speaking English, to speed things up...

With our baby being born soon, I however hope to get the chance to learn more Thai. For sure it is a huge advantage being able to speak and understand Thai - especially because most Thais do not expect you to speak or understand their language.

[rct99q]

Ah the good old why can't you speak Thai thread...must be December already. For me learning to read, speak and write was purely selfish. I like to read books & newspapers. I like to watch news programs and I enjoy having a conversation with people in coffee shops etc...

All of which I can do in English but find doing so in Thai ..... fun. it takes me a while to slug through a page or two of a newspaper but nevertheless it is still fun to read.

[super22k]

You are so right MrHammer.I support you 100%.The UK is taken for ride every time.British people living in bus shelters while immigrants and their ilk get all the cream.

[JLCrab]

As per the John Lennon reference a few above, from the Chris Farley (mock) interview of Paul McCartney on Saturday Night Live:

Chris Farley: ... Uh.. remember when you were in The Beatles? And, um, you did that album Abbey Road, and at the very end of the song, it would.. the song goes, "And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make"? You.. you remember that?

Paul McCartney: Yes.

Chris Farley: Uh.. is that true?

[slipperylobster]

Picked up Japanese fairly quick, then there was Tagalog in the Philippines for 15 years, then four years learning the French Language.... Now its Thai. In my opinion, (because I am basically tone deaf ..I am not a prolific speaker and tend to converse in a monotone, I find the Thai language difficult. However, I am very good at the simple phrases...greetings, eating, drinking, buying, asking directions. Will I ever be fluent? Not here.

People learn languages more quickly when they are in an environment where they have no choice but to learn. Go to any meeting place for farangs and you will only hear english. The farang that shows off his intelligence usually gets that smile and everything gets quiet. The other farangs kind of shrug (they do not relate) and probably think you are just showing off.

In contrast, the luckier farangs who get off to a completely Thai environment, have Thai Children, and are reinforced by their efforts, and probably enjoy great satisfaction.

Congrats for those that succeed

[MrHammer]

...It is a slur, not nessecarily racist or negative but a slur none the less...

Huh ?!?

I guess I can see how a slur might not be 'racist', but how the hell can a slur not be negative?

Sent from my Xoom using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

A slur may be offensive but the one saying may not mean it like that, they may just be ignorant.

[Sigurris]

If you don't speak the local language ask for what you want in English. If they don't understand speak louder. If they still don't understand smash the place up safe in the knowledge that you tried. Ricky Gervais

[DavidMavec]

As per the John Lennon reference a few above, from the Chris Farley (mock) interview of Paul McCartney on Saturday Night Live:

Chris Farley: ... Uh.. remember when you were in The Beatles? And, um, you did that album Abbey Road, and at the very end of the song, it would.. the song goes, "And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make"? You.. you remember that?

Paul McCartney: Yes.

Chris Farley: Uh.. is that true?

Not in Thailand I am afraid, from my experience.

[Sydebolle]

Well, I came in 1985 and speak Thai fairly fluent; I can also read typo texts (hand writing is more challenging).

I guess it has to do with the fact, that if you work here, you are well advised to learn the local lingo. Even if you do not use it in meetings etc. it is always a helpful thing to understand them. Thais are among the poorest 2nd, 3rd or 4th language linguists and assume that the rest of the world is the same. Kaw Chai mai krab?

[Naam]

 

Because 90 percent of Thai conversations are about food, and I don't care what they ate, when they ate it, was it good, when will they eat next etc....

Total rubbish.

Also, I can't understand the people who say they don't want to talk to Thais.

I can speak, read and write due to simple hard work learning.

Was it a waste of time? Of course not. I just bought a house and it would have been extremely difficult if I couldn't have read the mortgage details or been able to tell the builders what to do.

I just built a shed and to go around shops asking for advice on what material to use etc would have been impossible if I was linguistically challenged. I read newspapers to see what's going on.

If you are a long-term tourist I guess there's no need to learn. If you're happy to be chained to your wife, fair enough. I could think of nothing worse than having to take my wife to the mechanic, bank, barber, etc. Learning the language gives so much freedom. I'd be totally embarrassed if after a few years I was still using sign language.

I spoke to the local 'head man' at eh weekend regarding security of my house and noise levels.

Last week I had had a drink with my neighbour and I learned a lot about Thai history.

Today, I went to the bank and discussed my mortgage. Yesterday, I had a meeting with one of my kid's teachers to discuss her getting off school for travelling to Bangkok. I could go on but basically, I live a normal life and to say the use of the language is a waste of time is ridiculous.

There are no excuses - only laziness and lack of motivation. Age is irrelevant. I'm no youngster and I'm learning Chinese at the moment. I know old guys, one in his 70s, who have learned to speak Thai fluently.

-some people pay cash for their homes instead of borrowing money,

-some people use a builder who is able to speak acceptable English,

-some people did not marry Thai ladies,

-some people don't live in the wilderness where "headmen" exist,

-some people have studied Thai history without using a neighbour's knowledge,

-some people do not have school age children,

-for some people learning Thai is a waste of precious time.

period!

You're just embarrassed to admit that you're one of the lazy and arrogant ones and you're jealous of those who took the time to learn it and are now successfully using it.

In other words, you now see you've wasted you're time and 20,000 something post here on TV and did not take the time to learn the language that would have benefited you, so instead, you lash out at others who took the time to learn it.

How pathetic.

Do us a favor and stop fighting something you've clearly lost. Move on.

let's stick to facts. i don't lash out. i ridicule clowns and prove those wrong who are lashing out at me and others trying to tell us what we should do and what not because that is arrogance².

but let me be arrogant now and ask you for a logical reason why i'd be jealous of anybody who may (or may not) speak Thai but needs a mortgage to build a home in the boonies for his Thai family.

once you have answered my question you have my permission to address me again.

[FiftyTwo]

but let me be arrogant now and ask you for a logical reason why i'd be jealous of anybody who may (or may not) speak Thai but needs a mortgage to build a home in the boonies for his Thai family.

Two suggestions

Reason 1, he is poor, TEFL teacher or struggling to make his basic pension stretch.

Reason 2, he doesn't trust his wife not to steal the house and kick him out.

(I'm firmly in the "reason 2" category myself)

PS

Before anyone has a go, I do actually speak, read and write central Thai, but freely admit it was a total waste of my time and effort. My time would have been better spent drinking beer.)

Edited December 5, 2013 by FiftyTwo

[thailiketoo]

but let me be arrogant now and ask you for a logical reason why i'd be jealous of anybody who may (or may not) speak Thai but needs a mortgage to build a home in the boonies for his Thai family.

Two suggestions

Reason 1, he is poor, TEFL teacher or struggling to make his basic pension stretch.

Reason 2, he doesn't trust his wife not to steal the house and kick him out.

(I'm firmly in the "reason 2" category myself)

PS

Before anyone has a go, I do actually speak, read and write central Thai, but freely admit it was a total waste of my time and effort. My time would have been better spent drinking beer.)

Lord knows me and 52 don't agree on much but I'm 100% with him on #2.

Edited December 5, 2013 by thailiketoo

[Naam]

- Most people where I come from and here borrow money to buy their first home. Did you pay cash? I remember you inferring in another thread or three that you had a lot of money.

- having a builder who speaks English will certainly limit your options.

- if I were single, it wouldn't be for very long. Being able to speak increases your pick-up rate, of course.

- I live in Khon Kaen, Amphur Meung. Ask your Thai friends about 'headmen' in all communities. If you don't have any Thai friends due to your disability, ask your butler.

- I read some stuff about the 'Thammassat massacre' but much more informative talking to somone who was active in it. I speak to my father-in-law about the Vietnam war too as he was there.

- some people have a superior colonial attitude and basically wouldn't stoop to the level of the Siamese. Some people don't have a single Thai friend after living here for years. The only Thais some people know are their servants. DO you drink gin and tonic?

-yes i paid cash for my home but admit that i had a mortgage for my first home (a condo) 42 years ago.

-i needed a builder who was able to translate my instructions and get me the craftsmen i required. for eleven months i was the first man at the construction site and the last man who left. my options were only limited because i was not able to supervise several crews who worked simultaneously on site.

-i am happily married since 34 years and therefore don't need to speak Thai for a "pick up".

-there is no headman in the gated community i live.

-i don't have a butler.

-my late father-in-law was never in Viet Nam. and i don't need anybody to tell me about the war in VN. reason: i made two "tours" each nine month in 1966/67 in a combat unit and i do not like to talk about the horrors i experienced.

-calling my withdrawn lifestyle "colonial attitude" is silly.

-the afore mentioned lifestyle is the reason why i don't have any local friends. no Thai ever rang my bell and asked me whether i'd like to be his friend and neither did the ladies ask who cut my hair, giving me a foot massage and/or a pedicure.

-i don't drink gin and tonic but prefer grapefruit juice, soda water and portwine (in that order).

next!

[lemoncake]

I have travelled all around the world and make an effort with languages everywhere I go. The thai language is difficult to learn- there is no doubt about it. Go to Indonesia and you can learn very easily and quickly. In LOS its a lot harder to get the pronunciation correct. As for being able to write thai.... forget it

Write Thai ...Why forget it? Certainly not, more more easy than the tones, I do know all the letters by heart now, when I say easy of course you have to learn, a question of motivation thats all, I learn most of the time 3 hours a day, simply because I love it, kind of a challenge for me not a bore at all. But of course as have said David48 (an ever wise man )

"and if they choose not to do ... fine by me also" for no proselytism at all on my behalf

reading helps speaking, as you know the correct pronunciation.

however reading but not understanding what you read, does become boring and painful

however reading but not understanding what you read, does become boring and painful

Yes indeed very hard to contradict my dear lemoncake, on the other hand before one learns anything one is not supposed to know it so it's a prerequisite

I am not a native English speaker but in our computer world if I do not understand a word on TV I click on it an I have the translation even the synonyms AND the pronunciation in a millisecond. It was not so easy only a few years ago, same for learning Thai many many more tools all with sounds, pictorial dictionary with native Thai voice, flash cards, games, CD, portable translation with tablet , smart phone, learning a foreign language nowadays has nothing to do with 20 years ago or more. I can tell you for I have learnt English on my own with the BBC World Service sometimes hardly audible with the fading or parasites. Conclusion learning Thai to day is 100 times more easy than a few years ago ... sorry sorry 100 times less difficult

I came here over 10 years ago and have not seen any difference in learning now or 10 years ago.

Language is a language, 4 tones still remained the same, so did the vowels.

There are easy languages and there are hard languages, Thai is a hard language to learn and master, even Thai themselves do not know it very well.

[beachproperty]

one of the overriding themes of the "I speak Thai fluently" crowd is the .....advantages...(never really say what they are though specificly....other than the poor idiot who thought he was signing a school document and not knowing he cosigned on a loan....Don't think speaking and reading Thai would've helped him anyway...he's a lost soul)

As said before I don't speak Thai....but have met many "High-so's and Low-so's" many who speak very limited (if at all) English. My lack of Thai has not limited me and my wife as they "all" have taken us in, want to get to know us, want to do things with us, ALL have been very open and accepting of me (EVEN with my limited Thai)... So ...I still don't see the advantage that you all talk about....My wife and I are doing well ...we're a team....and sometimes (most) she translates for me ...never a problem!

[lemoncake]

- Most people where I come from and here borrow money to buy their first home. Did you pay cash? I remember you inferring in another thread or three that you had a lot of money.

- having a builder who speaks English will certainly limit your options.

- if I were single, it wouldn't be for very long. Being able to speak increases your pick-up rate, of course.

- I live in Khon Kaen, Amphur Meung. Ask your Thai friends about 'headmen' in all communities. If you don't have any Thai friends due to your disability, ask your butler.

- I read some stuff about the 'Thammassat massacre' but much more informative talking to somone who was active in it. I speak to my father-in-law about the Vietnam war too as he was there.

- some people have a superior colonial attitude and basically wouldn't stoop to the level of the Siamese. Some people don't have a single Thai friend after living here for years. The only Thais some people know are their servants. DO you drink gin and tonic?

-yes i paid cash for my home but admit that i had a mortgage for my first home (a condo) 42 years ago.

-i needed a builder who was able to translate my instructions and get me the craftsmen i required. for eleven months i was the first man at the construction site and the last man who left. my options were only limited because i was not able to supervise several crews who worked simultaneously on site.

-i am happily married since 34 years and therefore don't need to speak Thai for a "pick up".

-there is no headman in the gated community i live.

-i don't have a butler.

-my late father-in-law was never in Viet Nam. and i don't need anybody to tell me about the war in VN. reason: i made two "tours" each nine month in 1966/67 in a combat unit and i do not like to talk about the horrors i experienced.

-calling my withdrawn lifestyle "colonial attitude" is silly.

-the afore mentioned lifestyle is the reason why i don't have any local friends. no Thai ever rang my bell and asked me whether i'd like to be his friend and neither did the ladies ask who cut my hair, giving me a foot massage and/or a pedicure.

-i don't drink gin and tonic but prefer grapefruit juice, soda water and portwine (in that order).

next!

Have you tried the new "blue magic" soda water? its delicious

[MrHammer]

one of the overriding themes of the "I speak Thai fluently" crowd is the .....advantages...(never really say what they are though specificly....other than the poor idiot who thought he was signing a school document and not knowing he cosigned on a loan....Don't think speaking and reading Thai would've helped him anyway...he's a lost soul)

As said before I don't speak Thai....but have met many "High-so's and Low-so's" many who speak very limited (if at all) English. My lack of Thai has not limited me and my wife as they "all" have taken us in, want to get to know us, want to do things with us, ALL have been very open and accepting of me (EVEN with my limited Thai)... So ...I still don't see the advantage that you all talk about....My wife and I are doing well ...we're a team....and sometimes (most) she translates for me ...never a problem!

I can see the simple advantage that you can strike up a conversation with anyone you like. Perhaps some people prefer limited conversation or limited to foreigners, I am not a big talker either, but I still like to have a chat with random people once in a while, ask someones opinion, directions, flirt with a cute girl without putting her on the spot about her english ability or just share a joke, basic stuff, when we're already far from home and friends here often come and go (back).

I don't really care much about the so called risk of finding out how much Thais badmouth me. Random people doing so without knowing me, are obviously morons and not worth the slightest consideration. Then again, you also gain the ability to understand when someone is saying nice things about you.

I can understand those who are content with living in a nice bubble, fine with me, sometimes it is probably also better not to be burdened with the inanity of society.

[beachproperty]

one of the overriding themes of the "I speak Thai fluently" crowd is the .....advantages...(never really say what they are though specificly....other than the poor idiot who thought he was signing a school document and not knowing he cosigned on a loan....Don't think speaking and reading Thai would've helped him anyway...he's a lost soul)

As said before I don't speak Thai....but have met many "High-so's and Low-so's" many who speak very limited (if at all) English. My lack of Thai has not limited me and my wife as they "all" have taken us in, want to get to know us, want to do things with us, ALL have been very open and accepting of me (EVEN with my limited Thai)... So ...I still don't see the advantage that you all talk about....My wife and I are doing well ...we're a team....and sometimes (most) she translates for me ...never a problem!

I can see the simple advantage that you can strike up a conversation with anyone you like. Perhaps some people prefer limited conversation or limited to foreigners, I am not a big talker either, but I still like to have a chat with random people once in a while, ask someones opinion, directions, flirt with a cute girl without putting her on the spot about her english ability or just share a joke, basic stuff, when we're already far from home and friends here often come and go (back).

I don't really care much about the so called risk of finding out how much Thais badmouth me. Random people doing so without knowing me, are obviously morons and not worth the slightest consideration. Then again, you also gain the ability to understand when someone is saying nice things about you.

I can understand those who are content with living in a nice bubble, fine with me, sometimes it is probably also better not to be burdened with the inanity of society.

What may seem like advantages to you......well....not so for me.....Although I stated I do not speak Thai ( which I don't as my Thai is limited to 500 or so words....and I am unable to make a sentence ...except for the few completely memorized)...the points you bring up seem minor to me.....

I have lived here in THailand for 10 years and had 3 homes built....none of the builders spoke English but they understood "No,NO,No" and then the drawing I did to show them how it was supposed to be done....All 3 homes turned out great and the builders although they may not have appreciated my "No,No, No" did respect my understanding of construction concepts and agreed on all.....

So I guess I'm saying ....that in the States I got an advanced education (law)....Moved in the upper circles of society..had a full life .....and here in Thailand I feel no loss by not being able to speak "conversational Thai"....My Thai friends here include Many retired generals (police and army), a professional golfer, and Many in the government ( one a minister, another an MP and others in various government positions)....Why or how is that possible....the houses I built were done in their neighborhoods and they appreciated not only the quality and style of the build but that I was a "good" neighbor....thoughtful and considerate of their feelings....I have moved on but they continue to stay in touch and invite us to their country homes for visits.....

So My lack of speaking Thai ....has absolutely not been a problem.....for others maybe their insecurity and need to speak Thai (kinda like a baby blanket for security) but not me...

Hey congrats to all you fluent Thai speakers.....but don't fool yourself into thinking that those's that don't speak Thai don't have as full a life as you do....

Because I have a great life with many great Thai friends...

Thank you very much