Living in Thailand...

[Bcgardener]

Moved our business here in 2007 and have been relatively successful. We are making good money with manufacturing here and exporting , so as long as that continues we will stay here. Day to day life can be frustrating and as others have said it's all a bit of a love hate relationship. We still have our home in Australia and will probably base ourselves there after retirement but keep the house here in Thailand for long term holidays. I don't think I could retire here as there is too little to do (compared to where we live in Australia) and, as a foreigner, non-existent government services as you get older, however I can understand Europeans interest in retirement here as the climate is much kinder and their pensions go further.

[NoshowJones]

Don't listen to TV users they are old and angry, mad that the bar girl hustled them out the retirement funds.

They criticize, hate and put dirt on the Thai people and country, yet are dieing inside for another chance to come back.

This forum is full of,

"why do Thais do this"

"why won't a girl 30 years younger love me"

"why do Thai people do that"

"I hate Thailand and it's people"

"Stupid Thai TV fx"

"Didn't know it was a ladyboy"

"Stuck in Los, need donations"

"Thai men are scum, we are superior"

ECt........

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

I do not know the percentage, but there are lots of TV members who are not old and angry, and there are many old ones who are gems and a pleasure to debate with, although I have to say there are what I believe are a very small minority, say 1% who are really sub human, like the one who rides his motorbike on the sidewalk, and is worried that if he hits someone, he will damage his bike, if he isn't trolling, then there is no answer to this. is there?

[NoshowJones]

Don't expect or hope that Thailand will make you happy. You have to make yourself happy in Thailand. How you go about this will make or break you.

A really good post this time "I Like Thai" keep it up.

[NoshowJones]

Ok.... I tried, admin please close topic! Let's get back to normality!

No, don't close it, it is starting to get interesting.

[bonobo]

I have been here longer than many and not as long as many and in that time I have learned one valuable lesson I will share. Be here and forget the west. When you have a family focus on your family and be a family man embrace your time with your children and pick your fights wisely In other words don't sweat the small stuff and stand your ground for what you believe in. Manage your money don't borrow or lend. Always be aware of what is happening around you be prudent stay fit and enjoy life.

"Forget the West" is probably good advice, but impractical for many, at least for myself. While I like much about Thailand (or I wouldn't be here), I can't help complaining about Thai driving, workmanship, True TV, the cost of cars (even those made in Thailand), so-called broadband, not being able to own property in my own name, etc. I can't forego watching my US, British, Canadian, and Aussie tv, I like western food (although I happily eat Thai every lunch and sometimes for dinner), and want my home to be more of a western style.

On the other hand, when I am back in the US, I complain about the lack of decent Thai food, the overall cost of living, the regulatory requirements (primarily concerning taxes), etc. When I am there, I miss Thailand.

I live what I would call a hybrid life. I am neither wholly in the Thai nor West world but in part of both. While I do complain about certain things, I think overall, I am happier this way whether I am in Thailand or the US.

[robertthebruce]

I have been here almost 7 years and it has been a rollercoaster. Some ups, some downs but it has been an interesting ride. I love London (my home town) but I doubt I could return. I live near Pattaya which is like my stay here, a rollercoaster. But my work is here so I need to be. I could complain all day but, by the same token I could spend all day extolling the virtues of Thailand.

I have never been ripped off by women but they have cost me a few shekels. None of which I regret. I keep hoping I will meet the right woman to grow old (er) with but that has not happened yet. But I live in hope.

I paraphase Shakespeare, "Theres nothing in this world thats good or bad but thinking makes it so".

I love London too... but like you said doubt if i could return...

Weather for one, is the big draw back with me, with the UK....

Thailand works for me, so thats fine , all going well...

[orpheus454]

I have a situation that I believe is fairly unique here in The Royal Kingdom. I married a girl, built a house in the village and then, when said girl started up with her Thai boyfriends, I kicked her out of the house, kept it and now share it with the in-laws (her mother and my step-daughter plus various related visitors). I have done this for the last five years and all seem pretty happy about it. Her mother gave me her blessings when I bounced the wife and treats me like another son, though she is only 4 yrs. my senior and she waits on me and cooks for me, etc. Whenever she is here (she goes to school in SIseket; our village is in Surin), Step-daughter does the same (and is a better cook than "Momma" but don't mention that to momma!). I do my part by handling most (but not all) of the monthly expenses and share the cost (with ex-) of step-daughter's schooling.

No one else in the village speaks English and my Thai is only passable, but improving, however I have developed many friendships with people that live here.

Anyone else in such a situation, or know of such a person. I would be interested in comparing notes....

Unique indeed...!

Love your work. Well done.

[robertthebruce]

Would love to do ''Voluntary Work'' , but its near enough impossible here... , such a same, as there is lots i could do for the ''Country'' and there people...

[khunpa]

I have lived in Thailand for nearly 4 years now and I have also seen and met many foreigners critical about Thailand and Thais. I think the main problem is that many people get disappointed because they visit Thailand with wrong or overrated expectations. They search for their dream-life or dream-woman, but end up finding out that reality can not always provide that or it requires much harder work and commitment than expected.

To me Thailand is a great country to live in and I am also still after 4 years and a baby, madly in love with my Thai-girlfriend. But as all other places in the world, life will also throw pain, suffering and worries your way and things are not always perfect. The thing I am grateful for that Thailand learnt me, was to not worry too much and just live life.

I think to live here and be truly happy, it is important to adapt, understand and be patient with the culture and people here and not think you are something special, because you are a Farang.

Thailand is a wonderful place to live, but it also requires that you find and surround yourself with people that you truly love and you know will return your love when you most need it. Some of the most open hearted and generous people I have met are actually Thai-people, but as all other places in this world there are also bad Thai-people. The trick is the make the right choices and the right partners/friends. Like it is where ever you choose to live in the world.

[elsmido]

Turning 50 this year. I moved to Thailand just under 5 years ago from Dublin. Never married and soon met a great girl here. She got pregnant and we now have the most beautiful daughter. We moved away from Phuket to the islands and took over a small resort. We opened last October and haven't looked back since. I could never have done something like this at home...especially in the current economic climate....and would never have met a girl like my lady. The song that sums her up best for me is 'Hard Headed Woman' by Cat Stevens. We have become the perfect foil for each other and when it gets a bit tough we have our daughter as our common cause.

We struggled at first but you can't move to the other side of the world, to an alien culture and expect to progress quickly. I like to think that we both have an adaptability that has helped us to get over the hard times and find something that fulfills us....and pays the bills. Have I been lucky? Yes but I feel I have, for the most part, made the right decisions and used my head when the situation required.

Having a child has given both of us more clarity of purpose and while it does curtail your freedom somewhat, that is not necessarily a bad thing. It's easy enough to just drift through to the wilderness years without having something to show for it and not the type of existence I wanted.

I am extremely happy with my lot now and long may it last.

[Noi657]

Thanks all and a big thanks for getting the post back on track!

[umbanda]

Are you male or female? age? I am very happy here, but I am retired male and 70 years old......A lot younger people approach to life in Thailand probably will be lot different than mine...The only think I can say is that in this forum most people are against Thailand's life and culture. Sometimes makes me wonders why are living here...I know many foreigners with very happy life and very good business in Thailand...

[Noi657]

I am male, aged 40, from UK, married 6 years to Thai national and have a three year old daughter.

[choochoo]

I have a situation that I believe is fairly unique here in The Royal Kingdom. I married a girl, built a house in the village and then, when said girl started up with her Thai boyfriends, I kicked her out of the house, kept it and now share it with the in-laws (her mother and my step-daughter plus various related visitors). I have done this for the last five years and all seem pretty happy about it. Her mother gave me her blessings when I bounced the wife and treats me like another son, though she is only 4 yrs. my senior and she waits on me and cooks for me, etc. Whenever she is here (she goes to school in SIseket; our village is in Surin), Step-daughter does the same (and is a better cook than "Momma" but don't mention that to momma!). I do my part by handling most (but not all) of the monthly expenses and share the cost (with ex-) of step-daughter's schooling.

No one else in the village speaks English and my Thai is only passable, but improving, however I have developed many friendships with people that live here.

Anyone else in such a situation, or know of such a person. I would be interested in comparing notes....

Dont be this guy.............lol. Mother in law only 4 years older!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good thing ages not disclosed-i might die laughing!

[belg]

want to be happy ? ZOLOFT, XANAX

[transam]

Don't listen to TV users they are old and angry, mad that the bar girl hustled them out the retirement funds.

They criticize, hate and put dirt on the Thai people and country, yet are dieing inside for another chance to come back.

This forum is full of,

"why do Thais do this"

"why won't a girl 30 years younger love me"

"why do Thai people do that"

"I hate Thailand and it's people"

"Stupid Thai TV fx"

"Didn't know it was a ladyboy"

"Stuck in Los, need donations"

"Thai men are scum, we are superior"

ECt........

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Why are you a member then..........?

[thailiketoo]

want to be happy ? ZOLOFT, XANAX

23% of women in their 40s and 50s take antidepressants, a higher percentage than any other group in the USA.

The rate of antidepressant use in this country (US) among teens and adults (people ages 12 and older) increased by almost 400% between 1988–1994 and 2005–2008.

Is there any wonder why us old guys flock to Thailand.

[Diddl]

I came to Chiang Mai a couple of times, looking for a new home and a permanent home, and I was very pleased and surprised to find such a great place. In fact I should have come here years ago, if only I had known. I am on a retirement visa now and in the process of moving all my personal things over. I have lived in different countries and Thailand, as far as I am concerned, is still a good place to live and the people are very nice.

People complain about this and that, the driving, the Thai people, the workmanship, etc., but they seem to always want to complain even though all these problems can be found elsewhere. I have been living in India for the past 5 years and, believe me, you would never complain about anything in Thailand if you compare. I find the driving in Thailand is good, people are courteous and tolerant generally – try driving in India! – even the motorbike driving is better although I must admit that it is not good in Thailand. I remember how aggressive drivers in the UK had become years ago. As for workmanship, try the workmanship in India! As for cheating and lying, when I left Europe I was cheated and lied to, in India also, and the only person who has cheated me here in Thailand is a farang.

I did not come to Thailand for sex or to get married, I am alone, and I am already happy to be in such a wonderful country and I feel safe here. I will not keep any ties to the West, have not returned to the UK since 1993, and no other country offers me a good and happy life like Thailand does amongst kind, tolerant, and patient people. No country will be 100% perfect, but for me, Thailand comes close compared to others today. I hope Thailand does not change as so many countries have over the years.

I do not expect Thailand or Thais to have the same culture as I was brought up with so I will not be disappointed or complain, in fact I am very happy to discover another culture and even integrate as I understand it more. I like the Buddhist ways and I find that Thais tend to live their teachings for the most part, unlike a lot of Westerners who use their religion just as a label.

I bought a small condo until I find something more permanent and I was surprised because everything was done in no time at all and went very smoothly - in the UK and Europe, it would have taken at least 2-3 months to buy a property and here everything can be done in a day.

I like TV and all the information that is available but there are those that want to complain day in and day out – I suppose it is because they have nothing better to do! Don’t be dissuaded by the negative comments, try it for yourself, live the adventure of life and find your place in this big world of ours. I am grateful that Thailand accepts me in their beautiful country, unlike all the foreigners that are not accepted in the UK, Europe, and US – see the difference! We Westerners do not accept foreigners in our country and yet we forget that we are foreigners in Thailand and are accepted – be thankful that we are not treated as we treat foreigners back home. Thank you Thailand for giving me a home.

[Naam]

wow! A positive thread.

Been here thirty two years, married a Thai and we have two boys, currently at Uni. Am a writer and also involved in Sak Yant tattoing. Thailand is a great place if you embrace it and resist the urge to compare.

Thailand is also an extremely great place without embracing it but respecting the country and inhabitants.

living here since nearly 10 years but numerous visits (holiday and business) before, foreign wife, i.e. no Thai in-laws.

[wym]

I have a situation that I believe is fairly unique here in The Royal Kingdom. I married a girl, built a house in the village and then, when said girl started up with her Thai boyfriends, I kicked her out of the house, kept it and now share it with the in-laws (her mother and my step-daughter plus various related visitors). I have done this for the last five years and all seem pretty happy about it. Her mother gave me her blessings when I bounced the wife and treats me like another son, though she is only 4 yrs. my senior and she waits on me and cooks for me, etc. Whenever she is here (she goes to school in SIseket; our village is in Surin), Step-daughter does the same (and is a better cook than "Momma" but don't mention that to momma!). I do my part by handling most (but not all) of the monthly expenses and share the cost (with ex-) of step-daughter's schooling.

No one else in the village speaks English and my Thai is only passable, but improving, however I have developed many friendships with people that live here.

Anyone else in such a situation, or know of such a person. I would be interested in comparing notes....

Yes, uniquely. . . something. So I'm almost afraid to ask, what do you do for sex? I'd love to imagine how it goes when you want to move your next SO into "your" household.

And I sure hope you've got everything in order to have legal rights over your daughter if/when you want to move on with her.

Sounds like a great deal for them, perhaps even intentional on their part, daughter hooked a farang for her mum 8-)

PS totally normal to be the same age as the SOs parents, I'm almost always much older than them these days.

[YeahSiam]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I have a situation that I believe is fairly unique here in The Royal Kingdom. I married a girl, built a house in the village and then, when said girl started up with her Thai boyfriends, I kicked her out of the house, kept it and now share it with the in-laws (her mother and my step-daughter plus various related visitors). I have done this for the last five years and all seem pretty happy about it. Her mother gave me her blessings when I bounced the wife and treats me like another son, though she is only 4 yrs. my senior and she waits on me and cooks for me, etc. Whenever she is here (she goes to school in SIseket; our village is in Surin), Step-daughter does the same (and is a better cook than "Momma" but don't mention that to momma!). I do my part by handling most (but not all) of the monthly expenses and share the cost (with ex-) of step-daughter's schooling.

No one else in the village speaks English and my Thai is only passable, but improving, however I have developed many friendships with people that live here.

Anyone else in such a situation, or know of such a person. I would be interested in comparing notes....

Sorry buddy, but you've got yourself into a MONUMENTALLY stupid position.

To be fair, you DO sound happy and while that's all that SHOULD matter, unfortunately, it's not.

That is all the more true when you factor in that you've built a house in someone else's name and still have her relatives in situ.

Whether you acknowledge it or not, the MIL and, to a lesser extent, your stepdaughter are there to oversee your estranged wife's interests in that house - plain & simple.

You've got an assortment of other family members living there for whom you take care of "most of the expenses" and contribute to the education of your stepdaughter.

Unless you've got one of those agreements that allows you to stay in the house indefintiely, the fact that you're allowed to remain - and I mean ALLOWED - owes much to the fact that you handle those expenses and pay some of those education costs.

Just try shutting off the money faucet - come back and tell us how you get on

[seajae]

want to be happy ? ZOLOFT, XANAX

havent been able to get zoloft since I moved over and its not a good enough excuse to leave, means I lose it a bir more with some posters but sh*t happens.

[seajae]

mate, we may bitch a bit in here but to be honest I know I never want to live in any other country. Like you, going through some of the daily posts/articles tends to fire me up sometimes(especially with no zoloft) but I wouldnt give Thailand away for quids. Truly wish I had come here when I was a lot younger so I could have developed a business, I have a fantatstic wife, great mil and tremendous step daughter(who wants me to adopt her and I will), wifes family are pretty good too and all her friends(work/uni) are top people. Being dissabled in some ways should make it hard for me but the majority of time I am smiling and laughing and everyone around me joins in. I much prefer being out of Bangkok and the other tourist areas and I am not into bars/clubs etc and enjoy spending time with my family. Australia was not a happy place for me even though I love it, marriage break up, rape & death of my daughter, severe workplace injury but Thailand has really picked me back up and given me a reason to keebe happy again. I aim to live to be a realy old, old fart and enjoy travelling all over Thailand with my wife and daughter, what I say and do on tv can be serious and just sarcasm, its a great place to release all your frustrations and help others when you can. We may all have our own opinions but that doesnt mean we arent genuine people, its the ones that cant see anything else but their bias and dislikes that are the only problem, most of us are just happy to be able to do what we want and to be with those we love.

[Skeetjones]

Don't listen to TV users they are old and angry, mad that the bar girl hustled them out the retirement funds.

They criticize, hate and put dirt on the Thai people and country, yet are dieing inside for another chance to come back.

This forum is full of,

"why do Thais do this"

"why won't a girl 30 years younger love me"

"why do Thai people do that"

"I hate Thailand and it's people"

"Stupid Thai TV fx"

"Didn't know it was a ladyboy"

"Stuck in Los, need donations"

"Thai men are scum, we are superior"

ECt........

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Why are you a member then..........?

Because I am of Thai blood.......?

I actually have a real purpose to go to Thailand other than complain about it.......?

I come here to reminisce and keep up with events that happen in Thailand.......?

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[benalibina]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I have a situation that I believe is fairly unique here in The Royal Kingdom. I married a girl, built a house in the village and then, when said girl started up with her Thai boyfriends, I kicked her out of the house, kept it and now share it with the in-laws (her mother and my step-daughter plus various related visitors). I have done this for the last five years and all seem pretty happy about it. Her mother gave me her blessings when I bounced the wife and treats me like another son, though she is only 4 yrs. my senior and she waits on me and cooks for me, etc. Whenever she is here (she goes to school in SIseket; our village is in Surin), Step-daughter does the same (and is a better cook than "Momma" but don't mention that to momma!). I do my part by handling most (but not all) of the monthly expenses and share the cost (with ex-) of step-daughter's schooling.

No one else in the village speaks English and my Thai is only passable, but improving, however I have developed many friendships with people that live here.

Anyone else in such a situation, or know of such a person. I would be interested in comparing notes....

Sorry buddy, but you've got yourself into a MONUMENTALLY stupid position.

To be fair, you DO sound happy and while that's all that SHOULD matter, unfortunately, it's not.

That is all the more true when you factor in that you've built a house in someone else's name and still have her relatives in situ.

Whether you acknowledge it or not, the MIL and, to a lesser extent, your stepdaughter are there to oversee your estranged wife's interests in that house - plain & simple.

You've got an assortment of other family members living there for whom you take care of "most of the expenses" and contribute to the education of your stepdaughter.

Unless you've got one of those agreements that allows you to stay in the house indefintiely, the fact that you're allowed to remain - and I mean ALLOWED - owes much to the fact that you handle those expenses and pay some of those education costs.

Just try shutting off the money faucet - come back and tell us how you get on

Maybe a PM to the poster, with a little more empathy, should have been more appropriate. Not questioning the point you tried to make.

[YeahSiam]

Maybe a PM to the poster, with a little more empathy, should have been more appropriate. Not questioning the point you tried to make.

Maybe.

Too late now but I don't think I was brutal with what I said.

Who knows? Maybe he appreciated the candor.

[bkkden]

Can someone tell me how to delete a post that I wrote?

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[isawasnake]

If you really want to be happy in Thailand, I would suggest the first thing to do is find a place to live that is not a major city, but it will have all you need. Hopefully it will be close to something you enjoy (the ocean, hiking....).

Now, before you come here, go into your kitchen and mix equal parts water and vegetable oil. Turn on the heater in your house, and put a towel in your mixture and cover your body with it. This is how you will feel every time you exit your dwelling. I know you said positive, but you should be prepared

[wym]

Only if you continue to insist on using A/C.

If you don't, your body will acclimatise within a few years.

[paz]

Only if you continue to insist on using A/C.

If you don't, your body will acclimatise within a few years.

I've kept A/C at 27c recently. I can turn it off and don't feel uncomfortable. Kind of a compromise.