My Changing Preconceptions on "Real" Thai People

[GAZZPA]

I think it is very strange that Thailand seems to consider certain people as role models and “Hi So’s” simply because of the money they have. I know this is not particularly exclusive to Thailand but it is strange to me when convicted criminals are revered as honorable people because of their wealth.

But contrary to what I was initially lead to believe I am meeting more and more Thai people that are not all about chasing money and that do care about more important things.

One example is a Thai man I met some 6 months ago. His behavior contradicts any preconceptions I may have had about how Thai people see others.

The gentlemans name is Peace, appropriate name I guess. He is a man in his early 50’s, he has 2 grown up children who still live with him. By any standards he is not a wealthy man, he works in the building trade and sweats for a living. Unfortunately his wife is no longer with them. His work can be inconsistent with long hours and he does not live an extravagant lifestyle. His house is very humble and his regular mode of transport is a motorbike with a sidecar attached that he rather ingeniously built himself. So, the reason why I, and others have enormous admiration for this man is nothing to do with his money.

About 4 years ago 2 little girls (sisters) one 18 months old, the other 2.5 years were abandoned by their mother, they had been mistreated and their futures looked bleak. Despite the fact that Peace had already raised his own children he could not just turn a blind eye and took it upon himself to adopt the 2 little girls and try and give them a decent chance in life.

So today, the 2 little girls have Peace as their father and they are doing great. They call him Dad and clearly love him very much. They are both beautiful, happy girls full of smiles and they treat everyone around them with the appropriate respect. The are now speaking English to a higher level then a lot of Thai adults and are clearly very bright children. Of course they can be a bit cheeky at times but by any standards they are lovely little girls.

Peace has a hectic routine like any parent with young children. But he never complains, he is always happy and despite being constantly tired he always has time for the girls. The girls now have a new God father who helps sit the girls at times when Peace is working which makes life a little easier. So, I think Peace is a truly remarkable man. He is what community is all about as he gives so much of himself for others. He does this humbly, asks for no thanks and simply soldiers on.

At a time where some seem to be revering people with money who on the face of it have done little more then line their pockets at the expense of others, it is so refreshing to meet Peace and see that Thailand has some amazing people.

Knowing what I know if I were to stand Peace next to a number of well dressed, so called “Hi So” people I have met it would be very clear to me which one was the Hero and which one was the Zero. I am proud to call him my friend.

I hope that the Thai people can shake the shallowness that seems to be prevalent, ignore the money and observe the behavior. There are Thai people out there that the country should be proud of.

[benalibina]

Very nice post.

[ultimate weapon]

What a freaking bore. The way OP writes as if there aren't any materialistic people from the west when it's the west that built capitalism and all the material trappings. Remember charging an arm and a leg for a bag all because it has a logo called "prada" on it or "lois vuitton" all of this came from the west and western ppl buy them and so do ppl from other countries rather than a similar bag from a flea market.

I find it rather silly and presumptous of OP to make such statements like thai ppl worship rich people what about the sports ppl like david beckham or kobe? What about rock stars and singer? These ppl are worshipping by millions of common sheep in the west.

I'll give it though that western ppl have a way of making everything seem more noble even though they behave exactly the same way as ppl in thailand.

Let's take a person donald trump. Rich guy behaves just like every rich guy the world over. Has women and knows how to control his underlings etc. Yet i am willing to bet ppl here think donald trump somehow is a more "noble" or a better person than a rich hi so thai person similar to him all because trump is a western guy.

Sounds really stupid but that's how people like you think.

[benalibina]

What a freaking bore. The way OP writes as if there aren't any materialistic people from the west when it's the west that built capitalism and all the material trappings. Remember charging an arm and a leg for a bag all because it has a logo called "prada" on it or "lois vuitton" all of this came from the west and western ppl buy them and so do ppl from other countries rather than a similar bag from a flea market.

I find it rather silly and presumptous of OP to make such statements like thai ppl worship rich people what about the sports ppl like david beckham or kobe? What about rock stars and singer? These ppl are worshipping by millions of common sheep in the west.

I'll give it though that western ppl have a way of making everything seem more noble even though they behave exactly the same way as ppl in thailand.

Let's take a person donald trump. Rich guy behaves just like every rich guy the world over. Has women and knows how to control his underlings etc. Yet i am willing to bet ppl here think donald trump somehow is a more "noble" or a better person than a rich hi so thai person similar to him all because trump is a western guy.

Sounds really stupid but that's how people like you think.

U know the OP ?

[kikoman]

There are many people like the person you mentioned in Thailand, as many Falang's live in tourist cities where there is a big Falang population they just never get to meet them. I live in a village of caring people always helping each other , those type of caring people are in the majority, I am quite happy that I chose to live in a rural rice growing village and live among such great caring people!

Cheers

[HeavyDrinker]

I'd say you've been more misled by the popular 'expat' myth that; 'Hi-So is better than all" as many pretend or yearn to have Hi-So friends, wives or Girlfriends.

Why do you think there is such an obsession on this forum with the "background" of wives and Girlfriends....?

Fair play to your pal. Sounds like a diamond.

I'm just waiting for the furious posts/rants here from the "FaLanging" apologists berating you for making negative assumptions about the Thais like the chaps above...How dare you suggest they are materialistic....they'll cry without providing a decent counter argument bar spurious comparisons with the West....

Edited December 16, 2013 by HeavyDrinker

[kikoman]

Seems like you are the one posting the "Furious post/rants" please point to the part of my post where I "berated" the OP, I was agreeing with his assessment of the person in question, and stated I knew many of such people.

It seems like you have a problem with people that find Thai's to be no different then other people all around the world, but much more accepting, get use to it there are a lot of great caring people among the Thai population!

From the chap above to the chap below!

Cheers

[vadimbz]

All generalizations are false, including this one

[Hardened Spanker]

What a freaking bore. The way OP writes as if there aren't any materialistic people from the west when it's the west that built capitalism and all the material trappings. Remember charging an arm and a leg for a bag all because it has a logo called "prada" on it or "lois vuitton" all of this came from the west and western ppl buy them and so do ppl from other countries rather than a similar bag from a flea market.

I find it rather silly and presumptous of OP to make such statements like thai ppl worship rich people what about the sports ppl like david beckham or kobe? What about rock stars and singer? These ppl are worshipping by millions of common sheep in the west.

I'll give it though that western ppl have a way of making everything seem more noble even though they behave exactly the same way as ppl in thailand.

Let's take a person donald trump. Rich guy behaves just like every rich guy the world over. Has women and knows how to control his underlings etc. Yet i am willing to bet ppl here think donald trump somehow is a more "noble" or a better person than a rich hi so thai person similar to him all because trump is a western guy.

Sounds really stupid but that's how people like you think.

I think the bags with the "Lois Vuitton" logo on them are probably from Patpong and made in Thailand!

[Hardened Spanker]

I'd say you've been more misled by the popular 'expat' myth that; 'Hi-So is better than all" as many pretend or yearn to have Hi-So friends, wives or Girlfriends.

Why do you think there is such an obsession on this forum with the "background" of wives and Girlfriends....?

Fair play to your pal. Sounds like a diamond.

I'm just waiting for the furious posts/rants here from the "FaLanging" apologists berating you for making negative assumptions about the Thais like the chaps above...How dare you suggest they are materialistic....they'll cry without providing a decent counter argument bar spurious comparisons with the West....

You don't have a Hi-So wife OR girlfriend?

Mods please remove this filthy urchin from the forum forthwith,give him a damn good thrashing for his cheek out the back by the bins while you're at it as well,the guttersnipe!

[GAZZPA]

What a freaking bore. The way OP writes as if there aren't any materialistic people from the west when it's the west that built capitalism and all the material trappings. Remember charging an arm and a leg for a bag all because it has a logo called "prada" on it or "lois vuitton" all of this came from the west and western ppl buy them and so do ppl from other countries rather than a similar bag from a flea market.

I find it rather silly and presumptous of OP to make such statements like thai ppl worship rich people what about the sports ppl like david beckham or kobe? What about rock stars and singer? These ppl are worshipping by millions of common sheep in the west.

I'll give it though that western ppl have a way of making everything seem more noble even though they behave exactly the same way as ppl in thailand.

Let's take a person donald trump. Rich guy behaves just like every rich guy the world over. Has women and knows how to control his underlings etc. Yet i am willing to bet ppl here think donald trump somehow is a more "noble" or a better person than a rich hi so thai person similar to him all because trump is a western guy.

Sounds really stupid but that's how people like you think.

You set up your reply with your first sentence "the OP writes as if.. blah, blah, blah" seems like you just wanted to "bore me" with your ranting about capitalism and brand marketing in the West. The post is not about that and I need no education on it, the West wasn't mentioned once,,, read the post again if it is not too freaking boring for you.

The whole point of my post is that there are a lot or preconceptions about Thai's in that they accept people because of their money irrespective of everything / anything else that they do,, call it face or social standing,, don't care. Are you not aware of these preconceptions? I have been told this before and seen it written countless times on posts and in other places.

However, after being here just over a year my preconceptions are changing.

It was my gentle, first posted topic and thank you for coming out of the woodwork to post such an entertaining reply.

[GAZZPA]

All generalizations are false, including this one

I disagree, using a specific example and then assuming that everyone else is the same can be unfair but not necessarily wrong.

[beachproperty]

I love it!!!!....OP writes a nice story about a decent human being.....and the TV snakes come out to find some fault....

I'm new to TV but it appears there are many bitter, unhappy "farangs" in Thailand (and on TV)....Too bad!!!! ...I'm one of the happy ones who has met many decent Thai's (and rotten ones)...but that is nothing different than the rest of the world.

Good Post

[bra]

What a freaking bore. The way OP writes as if there aren't any materialistic people from the west when it's the west that built capitalism and all the material trappings. Remember charging an arm and a leg for a bag all because it has a logo called "prada" on it or "lois vuitton" all of this came from the west and western ppl buy them and so do ppl from other countries rather than a similar bag from a flea market.

I find it rather silly and presumptous of OP to make such statements like thai ppl worship rich people what about the sports ppl like david beckham or kobe? What about rock stars and singer? These ppl are worshipping by millions of common sheep in the west.

I'll give it though that western ppl have a way of making everything seem more noble even though they behave exactly the same way as ppl in thailand.

Let's take a person donald trump. Rich guy behaves just like every rich guy the world over. Has women and knows how to control his underlings etc. Yet i am willing to bet ppl here think donald trump somehow is a more "noble" or a better person than a rich hi so thai person similar to him all because trump is a western guy.

Sounds really stupid but that's how people like you think.

Has Lois Vuitton had a sex change lately?

[xtof2]

OP: thanks for sharing. Feeling good to start the day !

[willyumiii]

What a freaking bore. The way OP writes as if there aren't any materialistic people from the west when it's the west that built capitalism and all the material trappings. Remember charging an arm and a leg for a bag all because it has a logo called "prada" on it or "lois vuitton" all of this came from the west and western ppl buy them and so do ppl from other countries rather than a similar bag from a flea market.

I find it rather silly and presumptous of OP to make such statements like thai ppl worship rich people what about the sports ppl like david beckham or kobe? What about rock stars and singer? These ppl are worshipping by millions of common sheep in the west.

I'll give it though that western ppl have a way of making everything seem more noble even though they behave exactly the same way as ppl in thailand.

Let's take a person donald trump. Rich guy behaves just like every rich guy the world over. Has women and knows how to control his underlings etc. Yet i am willing to bet ppl here think donald trump somehow is a more "noble" or a better person than a rich hi so thai person similar to him all because trump is a western guy.

Sounds really stupid but that's how people like you think.

The Op is correct.

You are wrong.

Some people just can't stand to see a positive post about Thai people on TV.

That's how people like you think.

Keep browsing, Thai bashing posts are easy to find here.

[Tiger7Moth]

I have met many very nice Thai people and received kindness many times. Just the other day, I recently had shoulder surgery and have my arm in a sling, I was walking back to my hotel and a young Thai man (early 20's I would guess) stopped, picked me up and gave me a ride to my hotel on his motocy. Nothing wrong with my legs so I didn't need a ride, but, accepted to show appreciation for his kind gesture. And, of course, I thanked him and said he was a nice guy.

[tingtongteesood]

What a freaking bore. The way OP writes as if there aren't any materialistic people from the west when it's the west that built capitalism and all the material trappings. Remember charging an arm and a leg for a bag all because it has a logo called "prada" on it or "lois vuitton" all of this came from the west and western ppl buy them and so do ppl from other countries rather than a similar bag from a flea market.

I find it rather silly and presumptous of OP to make such statements like thai ppl worship rich people what about the sports ppl like david beckham or kobe? What about rock stars and singer? These ppl are worshipping by millions of common sheep in the west.

I'll give it though that western ppl have a way of making everything seem more noble even though they behave exactly the same way as ppl in thailand.

Let's take a person donald trump. Rich guy behaves just like every rich guy the world over. Has women and knows how to control his underlings etc. Yet i am willing to bet ppl here think donald trump somehow is a more "noble" or a better person than a rich hi so thai person similar to him all because trump is a western guy.

Sounds really stupid but that's how people like you think.

Stupid comments like this make me wish we could 'dislike' posts as well as 'like'....

[me313]

"Thai people" are the same thing as "people" from anywhere on the planet, ruled by the same forces of The Market and psychology and religion, more or less.

[geronimo]

There is so much good in this country, we should focus on that.

[oneday]

I love it!!!!....OP writes a nice story about a decent human being.....and the TV snakes come out to find some fault....

I'm new to TV but it appears there are many bitter, unhappy "farangs" in Thailand (and on TV)....Too bad!!!! ...I'm one of the happy ones who has met many decent Thai's (and rotten ones)...but that is nothing different than the rest of the world.

Good Post

Thanks for saying what was on my mind, though "snake" is too tame a word for me.

I've known Peace for around 4 years and he is everything the OP says. His two young adopted daugthers are adorable. And he lives in Pattaya, so many farang in this tourist trap may have the pleasure of meeting him one day.

[Kilgore Trout]

What a freaking bore. The way OP writes as if there aren't any materialistic people from the west when it's the west that built capitalism and all the material trappings. Remember charging an arm and a leg for a bag all because it has a logo called "prada" on it or "lois vuitton" all of this came from the west and western ppl buy them and so do ppl from other countries rather than a similar bag from a flea market.

I find it rather silly and presumptous of OP to make such statements like thai ppl worship rich people what about the sports ppl like david beckham or kobe? What about rock stars and singer? These ppl are worshipping by millions of common sheep in the west.

I'll give it though that western ppl have a way of making everything seem more noble even though they behave exactly the same way as ppl in thailand.

Let's take a person donald trump. Rich guy behaves just like every rich guy the world over. Has women and knows how to control his underlings etc. Yet i am willing to bet ppl here think donald trump somehow is a more "noble" or a better person than a rich hi so thai person similar to him all because trump is a western guy.

Sounds really stupid but that's how people like you think.

I agree that his post may seem a little sanctimonious but, I think he does have a point. Just an offhand example is how I see rich people treating gas station attendants; ordering them around and speaking very bluntly and rudely.

Where I'm from, if you talked to an attendant like that you would be refused service; full stop, no exceptions, no matter if you are driving a 1979 Pinto or a Porsche.

Thais are VERY class and status minded. This is a simple fact; but beyond that there are good and bad people just like anywhere else in the world.

[FM505]

What a freaking bore. The way OP writes as if there aren't any materialistic people from the west when it's the west that built capitalism and all the material trappings. Remember charging an arm and a leg for a bag all because it has a logo called "prada" on it or "lois vuitton" all of this came from the west and western ppl buy them and so do ppl from other countries rather than a similar bag from a flea market.

I find it rather silly and presumptous of OP to make such statements like thai ppl worship rich people what about the sports ppl like david beckham or kobe? What about rock stars and singer? These ppl are worshipping by millions of common sheep in the west.

I'll give it though that western ppl have a way of making everything seem more noble even though they behave exactly the same way as ppl in thailand.

Let's take a person donald trump. Rich guy behaves just like every rich guy the world over. Has women and knows how to control his underlings etc. Yet i am willing to bet ppl here think donald trump somehow is a more "noble" or a better person than a rich hi so thai person similar to him all because trump is a western guy.

Sounds really stupid but that's how people like you think.

Yaaaaaawwwwnn.... you need a gf...

[GAZZPA]

I love it!!!!....OP writes a nice story about a decent human being.....and the TV snakes come out to find some fault....

I'm new to TV but it appears there are many bitter, unhappy "farangs" in Thailand (and on TV)....Too bad!!!! ...I'm one of the happy ones who has met many decent Thai's (and rotten ones)...but that is nothing different than the rest of the world.

Good Post

Thanks for saying what was on my mind, though "snake" is too tame a word for me.

I've known Peace for around 4 years and he is everything the OP says. His two young adopted daugthers are adorable. And he lives in Pattaya, so many farang in this tourist trap may have the pleasure of meeting him one day.

Do you really, what a small world. Glad you see what I see, his girls are lovely.

[spidermike007]

Great post. Thanks for that. I have met so many kind people here. Generally, most of the people I encounter here are kind, helpful, very cheerful, and just pleasant to be around. Beats the hell out of California, I can tell you that. By contrast most people back there are sour, bitter, unfriendly, unhelpful, and seem put out when talked to by a stranger. Many Thais seem to be very helpful to each other. This post does not surprise me at all. I love being here. Many of us do. Generalizations are for the simple minded. Negative stereotypes are meant as general guidelines, but often times are wrong. Most Thais have many very impressive qualities.

[ajarnmarc]

Even though it's sure that there's more people good hearted like Peace,

it's a great story non the less.

Thanks for the share.

Nice to see people noticing and recognizing the few which are outstanding individuals such as this man.

Indeed a rise above above general population.

I have met some super HiSo Thai's in Bangkok,

who were extremely generous in their hospitality,

and manners towards me.

Which I will cherish the memory for my remaining days.

For them and the likes of Peace,

I'm so happy I made the move to remain here for all these years.

Though times have been confusing within Thailand,

it's that confusion that makes Thailand so appealing,

and challenging,

but worth the effort to be a long time resident,

within this country.

I happy to raise our children,

and call our home; Thailand.

Thailand has given me so much in culture,

and in relationships, which has altered my life for the better.

I couldn't of gotten this same experience in the States,

nor had the time to enjoy it.

[rsokolowski]

All generalizations are false, including this one

I would take the opposite tack, most generalizations are true to some portion of the population that you are describing.

[TempleTiger]

What a freaking bore. The way OP writes as if there aren't any materialistic people from the west when it's the west that built capitalism and all the material trappings. Remember charging an arm and a leg for a bag all because it has a logo called "prada" on it or "lois vuitton" all of this came from the west and western ppl buy them and so do ppl from other countries rather than a similar bag from a flea market.

I find it rather silly and presumptous of OP to make such statements like thai ppl worship rich people what about the sports ppl like david beckham or kobe? What about rock stars and singer? These ppl are worshipping by millions of common sheep in the west.

I'll give it though that western ppl have a way of making everything seem more noble even though they behave exactly the same way as ppl in thailand.

Let's take a person donald trump. Rich guy behaves just like every rich guy the world over. Has women and knows how to control his underlings etc. Yet i am willing to bet ppl here think donald trump somehow is a more "noble" or a better person than a rich hi so thai person similar to him all because trump is a western guy.

Sounds really stupid but that's how people like you think.

I don't post very often but having read your post, my opinion is that you are a very sad and bitter person that you cannot take a really nice post about one of the many, many lovely Thai people without spewing your bitterness all over it. Not only ARE there many wonderful Thai people, some of us actually marry one too. Get out and into the real Thailand and maybe things will become clearer and your life less bitter.

[Bpuumike]

Very nice post.

Indeed

[belg]

how can a single man

that is rarely home

adopt 2 young children ?

which agency would even allow that ????