Fit in

[Somsrisonphimai]

It seems people complain quite often the things they dislike in Thailand including sin sot, loud music, double pricing, driving, poor customer services, and so on. My question is simple, are you fitting into Thailand or do you want Thailand to fit into you?

[In Search of Space]

Go with the flow, there're some things that need to change, such as corruption etc which I think would improve the country but it is not my position to suggest such things. I view everything as different not wrong & don't let it make me mad

Edited March 2, 2014 by In Search of Space

[Somsrisonphimai]

Go with the flow, there're some things that need to change, such as corruption etc which I think would improve the country but it is not my position to suggest such things. I view everything as different not wrong & don't let it make me mad

It is kind of fitting in then, right?

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[CharlieH]

For most, its hard not to make comparisons when you have spent more than 40 years in another way of life, with totally different standards and expectations. It takes a little time to let go of those things and except people places and cultures are different, not wrong, just different.

[Soutpeel]

It seems people complain quite often the things they dislike in Thailand including sin sot, loud music, double pricing, driving, poor customer services, and so on. My question is simple, are you fitting into Thailand or do you want Thailand to fit into you?

For some it wouldn't matter if they are in Thailand, Disneyland, or farangland, they will always complain, they are not happy unless they are whinging.

[GaoYuk]

Yep as a visitor is thier country I'm just expected to bend over, gently part my bumcheeks and take it...not allowed to complain.

[Scottythai]

I like it all. Though the driving does sometimes frustrate me I cope with it. The rest is funny and it's what makes Thailand Thai... But I am one of the if you don't like It I don't remember someone holding a gun to your head forcing you to stay kind of guys!

[Somsrisonphimai]

Yep as a visitor is thier country I'm just expected to bend over, gently part my bumcheeks and take it...not allowed to complain.

Umm...no, complaints are not allowed, 555. When you are in Rome, do what the Roman does.

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[richard_smith237]

My Thai friends complain about same things: Corruption, Driving Standards, Loud Music etc...

Do they fit in ?? Or, are you suggesting that foreigners don't have a right to an opinion and shouldn't be discussing these issues ?

Of course - some will always complain, but for the most part these are issues that Thai's would also like to see improve, the opinions of many foreigners in Thailand often mirror the opinions of many Thai's...

If you were to take a look at the Thai forum Panthip.com you will see that many similar issues are mirrored there.

[NeverSure]

Somsrisonphimai, if you came to my country you would complain. It's a totally different culture with totally different laws, different food, different ideas about what's polite, you would sometimes feel insulted because people say what they think with no need to "save face"...

You would think that Thai food is expensive and not like what you're used to and you'd want to buy ingredients and cook your own.

You would think it's much too cold in the winter. You would be afraid to drive on ice or snow, and then feel trapped in the house.

There would be so many things that are different for you and not to your liking that surely you would complain at least some.

[Somsrisonphimai]

My Thai friends complain about same things: Corruption, Driving Standards, Loud Music etc...

Do they fit in ?? Or, are you suggesting that foreigners don't have a right to an opinion and shouldn't be discussing these issues ?

Of course - some will always complain, but for the most part these are issues that Thai's would also like to see improve, the opinions of many foreigners in Thailand often mirror the opinions of many Thai's...

If you were to take a look at the Thai forum Panthip.com you will see that many similar issues are mirrored there.

Not at all, you have the right to your opinion. It is just that how do people deal with the things they dislike. It is hard to be living in another country to have to adapt into another way of living.

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[namdocmai]

The double pricing and showing no price on markets will soon be over, then Thailand is full of shoppingmalls from Central with only big shops left.

The not obeying trafficrules and being selfish on the roads will also stop one day when Thailand gets real policemen. Nobody likes to be hurt in an accident. I see more rich Thai biking now, that is a good sign.

Thailand is just still an undeveloped 3rd world country on many fronts, there is enough money these days so it is just a matter of time before civilisation kicks in.

[Somsrisonphimai]

The double pricing and showing no price on markets will soon be over, then Thailand is full of shoppingmalls from Central with only big shops left.

The not obeying trafficrules and being selfish on the roads will also stop one day when Thailand gets real policemen. Nobody likes to be hurt in an accident. I see more rich Thai biking now, that is a good sign.

Thailand is just still an undeveloped 3rd world country on many fronts, there is enough money these days so it is just a matter of time before civilisation kicks in.

I have been hearing about Thailand is undeveloped country since I was born. I mean can you or anyone explain what is considered developed country?

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Edited March 2, 2014 by Somsrisonphimai

[richard_smith237]

My Thai friends complain about same things: Corruption, Driving Standards, Loud Music etc...

Do they fit in ?? Or, are you suggesting that foreigners don't have a right to an opinion and shouldn't be discussing these issues ?

Of course - some will always complain, but for the most part these are issues that Thai's would also like to see improve, the opinions of many foreigners in Thailand often mirror the opinions of many Thai's...

If you were to take a look at the Thai forum Panthip.com you will see that many similar issues are mirrored there.

Not at all, you have the right to your opinion. It is just that how do people deal with the things they dislike. It is hard to be living in another country to have to adapt into another way of living.

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Agreed - There are numerous issues I disagree with in Thailand, I discuss them with my friends and on this forum sometimes. There are also numerous things I disagree with in my home country and others countries I visit. Much in the same way there are numerous pleasures I enjoy in many different countries... Wishing for a 'hybrid' country of all the pleasures without the issues is often a common topic, realism identifies that many of the negatives come hand in hand with the positives...

Thus I'm sure we all have an opinion... but wherever we are we simply need to adapt. That does't mean we need to go completely native.

I still give my Thai friends a hard time when they drink drive, I bring many of the ideals I've grown up with with me... What I have found is that many of these ideals overlap....

For for the most part enjoying life in Thailand means being prepared accept the issues we have no control over and to comfortably adapt to the minor differences that just aren't a big deal....

[In Search of Space]

Yep as a visitor is thier country I'm just expected to bend over, gently part my bumcheeks and take it...not allowed to complain.

Umm...no, complaints are not allowed, 555. When you are in Rome, do what the Roman does.

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Good analogy, drink, eat & entertain ladies !!!!!

[In Search of Space]

Go with the flow, there're some things that need to change, such as corruption etc which I think would improve the country but it is not my position to suggest such things. I view everything as different not wrong & don't let it make me mad

It is kind of fitting in then, right?

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Kind of, but I don't see anything to complain about. Every country has it's own unique character

As if by magic

[seajae]

Are we fitting into Thailand or is it that some thais(and farangs) simply cannot accept anything but their own way. I find that I have all the same dislikes as my thai wife, does this mean she is not fitting in or is it that she is more typical of thai people. The loud music isnt too bad but the fact that when it is loud it is distorted because no one knows how to set the bass/treble ratios, they simply think loud is better. Same with the drivers, its not everyone doing it just those that have no consideration for other people or simply do not know the rules. This actually applies to a lot of things here, some people just dont know any better but that does not make it thai as a lot of thais dont like what they do.

A better question would be "should face mean you always have tp be right and that you should never change what you do" and you would find that a lot of thais simply dont like it, I think most farangs know that they have to accept what happens here, just that we still reserve the right to have a bitch about it exactly the same way we bitch about it in our own countries. I love Thailand and want to stay here so I know I have to accept it but that doesnt mean we have to like it.

[David48]

I take the pragmatic approach.

For me - I change what I have the power to change.

Influence who I have the power to influence.

What I can't change and who I can't influence ... I let go and don't worry about things.

[David48]

The only thing in life you have total control over is your personal attitude.

Plus, to coin a well worn phrase ... I never rarely sweat the small stuff (except those pesky mosquitoes ... hate those little suckers. They love me - and I hate them).

All the above keeps me sane ...

OH ... I do ask that you don't drink my last beer. Happy to share the 2nd last beer though ...

[In Search of Space]

Except Saudi Arabia which I hate !

As if by magic

[Bluetongue]

The double pricing and showing no price on markets will soon be over, then Thailand is full of shoppingmalls from Central with only big shops left.

The not obeying trafficrules and being selfish on the roads will also stop one day when Thailand gets real policemen. Nobody likes to be hurt in an accident. I see more rich Thai biking now, that is a good sign.

Thailand is just still an undeveloped 3rd world country on many fronts, there is enough money these days so it is just a matter of time before civilisation kicks in.

I have been hearing about Thailand is undeveloped country since I was born. I mean can you or anyone explain what is considered developed country?

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3rd world is ancient terminology now, no longer relevant. Thailand is not undeveloped. I think he is saying it is underdeveloped. Western culture is playing a part in Thailand's ongoing development at a macro or big picture level and some farang would like it to be down to their individual level which shouldn't and won't happen. Thailand is civilised but it's people do what they want, I can't wait to see what happens. But be careful of what you wish for, do you really want $400 speeding fines or only 7/11

[seajae]

The double pricing and showing no price on markets will soon be over, then Thailand is full of shoppingmalls from Central with only big shops left.

The not obeying trafficrules and being selfish on the roads will also stop one day when Thailand gets real policemen. Nobody likes to be hurt in an accident. I see more rich Thai biking now, that is a good sign.

Thailand is just still an undeveloped 3rd world country on many fronts, there is enough money these days so it is just a matter of time before civilisation kicks in.

I have been hearing about Thailand is undeveloped country since I was born. I mean can you or anyone explain what is considered developed country?

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Thailand is not an undeveloped country, it is a developing country. Yes it has modern world standards in some things but lacks them in others, this is the difference. Modern buildings but nowhere near modern building standards/regulations, roads that are not built correctly, bridges etc but most of this is due to corruption. Corruption is everywhere in the world but in Thailand it is in every aspect of life, every govt job and all other jobs as well all thrive on backhanders/graft, even the man and women have to pay each other off for everyday issues. To be a modern society people need to accept responsibility for themselvesand what they do, that is something a lot of thais(especially the males) will not do and this stops the country going forward. Thailand is a great country but it could be a lot better without the graft and govt departments that actually did their work without all the graft(police, customs,teachers, ministers, hell, every single department).

[Bluetongue]

Corruption exists in Western countries too, but most of the infrastructure is paid for by taxes that people see coming out of their pay packets and on their invoices dockets etc. Quite naturally seeing how much they pay they demand the infrastructure so the politicians and Government Departments (mostly) cannot wriggle out of it like they can here, where people have no idea if they even pay tax at all, much less any assertiveness to go with it.

[Somsrisonphimai]

Corruption exists in Western countries too, but most of the infrastructure is paid for by taxes that people see coming out of their pay packets and on their invoices dockets etc. Quite naturally seeing how much they pay they demand the infrastructure so the politicians and Government Departments (mostly) cannot wriggle out of it like they can here, where people have no idea if they even pay tax at all, much less any assertiveness to go with it.

You know people do know about the corruptions, and they do know they pay taxes, like my dad he pays property tax every year, but I don't believe he knows where the tax money goes. I guess education is the key if country is to be improved; it is such a powerful concept, isn't it?

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[marko kok prong]

A developed country such as Uk or Australia has certain benefits,but as with everything there is a price to be paid.

Benefits; safe on the roads,good health care for not reasonably low cost,very little litter,honest police force,social security if unemployed,disabled etc,reasonably good education system,smaller amount of corruption, however the other side to this is;

very high taxes,very high fines for motoring offences,no 200 baht and off you go,high cost of food and alcohol,and worst of all the nanny state,cannot burn dead leaves etc,fines for parking in wrong place[very high],no smoking just about anywhere,no chance of having a thai style party,because the police would come and tell you to turn of the music,eating at a resturant very expensive, i could go on,personally i think all countries have thier pro's and cons, but for me Thailand is a better fit for any one who does not constantly like being told what to do,how to behave,and what to think.Oh and in the Uk also there is the depressing climate to take into consideration too.

[Somsrisonphimai]

Are we fitting into Thailand or is it that some thais(and farangs) simply cannot accept anything but their own way. I find that I have all the same dislikes as my thai wife, does this mean she is not fitting in or is it that she is more typical of thai people. The loud music isnt too bad but the fact that when it is loud it is distorted because no one knows how to set the bass/treble ratios, they simply think loud is better. Same with the drivers, its not everyone doing it just those that have no consideration for other people or simply do not know the rules. This actually applies to a lot of things here, some people just dont know any better but that does not make it thai as a lot of thais dont like what they do.

A better question would be "should face mean you always have tp be right and that you should never change what you do" and you would find that a lot of thais simply dont like it, I think most farangs know that they have to accept what happens here, just that we still reserve the right to have a bitch about it exactly the same way we bitch about it in our own countries. I love Thailand and want to stay here so I know I have to accept it but that doesnt mean we have to like it.

Ok, could age has something to do with the complaining? I think the more older you are, the less tolerate you become for certain issues.

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[Bluetongue]

Everything has happened so quickly in the world that a country like Thailand which was behind in the first place, say post WW2, can catch up on some of the physical things quite quickly. But the mindset of the people is much slower to change, people are still to some extent living with the thought that the monarch will step in and make problems disappear, or that they have no power to step in themselves. Only time will change this, a hackneyed saying I know. As I say I can't wait because I think Thailand is unique and could end up with different thai style solutions.

[Somsrisonphimai]

Everything has happened so quickly in the world that a country like Thailand which was behind in the first place, say post WW2, can catch up on some of the physical things quite quickly. But the mindset of the people is much slower to change, people are still to some extent living with the thought that the monarch will step in and make problems disappear, or that they have no power to step in themselves. Only time will change this, a hackneyed saying I know. As I say I can't wait because I think Thailand is unique and could end up with different thai style solutions.

I hope that the teachers from the Western countries teach Thais students critical thinking and application of knowledge so that they can be used to improve Thailand, but on the other hand, it does not matter what type of education they may have or not have, if they lack of moral character and are consumed by greed, the country can be destroyed in the blink of an eye. I feel like I am contradicting with my early post regarding education.

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[fatdrunkandstupid]

When I was a lad I got stabbed by a robber. In the hand luckily. Nasty scar, but lived.

There are a lot of foreigners getting stabbed to death here in Thailand. More and more every week.

I do not want to die from a stabb wound, so yes, I want Thailand to 'fit' in to me on this issue.

[Datebayo]

Well it all depends. Sometimes it's very difficult to fit in Thailand, you just have to be gentle and try another direction of insertion. Lubrication helps as well.

I can definately say that no way I would like Thailand fit INTO ME. allthough some farangs like it, it's not for me though.