When boredom starts to rule the day

[Maroon Watcher]

Even without much money - there is always something else to do...

You don't have to come all the way to south east Asia and Pattaya to find them. Bored people who drink are everywhere.

[JSixpack]

A drunk is a drunk no matter where he lives; every country has plenty of them. Would he otherwise while away the hours happily in the British Museum Reading Room? No.

What to do is retirement is a common issue. Yet most old retired folks can and do find satisfying other ways--less costly than a large drinking bill--to occupy their time, and such is certainly possible here in our beloved cess (whoops, almost said one our newly-designated forum wordy dirds) city.

Here ya go, lots of solutions: https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=avoid+boredom+in+retirement

[Suradit69]

Boredom is a problem for many retired people no matter where they decide to live, but how much time could you realistically spend snorkeling or paragliding even if you had the money and physical capability as you age? Hard to believe someone with genuine financial constraints can manage to spend most of the day guzzling booze at Pattaya bars.

The problem is not Pattaya and seeking to solve the problem through alcohol in many cases was how those affected by boredom have chosen to solve problems throughout their lives. Many farang stay here in Pattaya without becoming bored or alcoholics.

"...and half of the expats in Pattaya drink for that reason only."

I have no more reliable data than he does, but have to believe this is an over statement in terms of the number and the reason.

I suppose if you spend all your time on Walking Street or the other farang booze ghettos it must seem that most farang spend all their time intoxicated. I expect many of them had the "butt glued to a bar stool" activity well practiced before they came to Thailand.

Alcoholism and age related issues that encourage it are legitimate problems, but both are probably better dealt with the support of family & friends ... back home if necessary. If he spends all his time with others who drink away the day the problem will only get worse.

[canarysun]

Hello Viewers!

Well i would just like to add that " I live in Pattaya " ( Naklua ) and live a great simple basic life! I do not drink and never visit bars ( i think the last time was a year ago! ) I am up early most mornings with a leisurely 10 Km gentle stroll followed by a " spot of lunch " a pineapple ( a tropical fruit ) 10 baht from the market and then soaking up the sunshine on the Wongamat beach most afternoons ( with cool tunes ) and then go on a few " Train Trips ".

I would " hate " to live my life centered around a bar all day " boozing it up " not only would i be " bored out of my mind " but waste this lovely weather! after all that's why we are here isn't it ?

It should also be noted that most people who live this kind of lifestyle would then " broadcast to the world " how expensive it is to live in Thailand! ( beer is ridiculously expensive! ) when living in Thailand can be so cheap!

Farang Jaidee

[GOLDBUGGY]

Yah! He could also be working 12 hours a day outside in the Canadian North where it is cold 8 months of the year to. I personally would sooner be bored here.

[Pattaya Pat]

I have never understood why people relate sweating your balls off 365 days a year to 'good weather' It's disgusting and not natural.

I know some like jsixpack will go into a hissy fit about that but there is NOTHING good about hot weather 365 days a year.

[petercool]

Post with quotes only removed. Please make a comment if you are quoting another post - not just post a quote.

[Strangebrew]

I know at 55 I retired with good pension And savings I projected how long and what I'd based on staying state side found out could go 30 years no problem. Then I decided what if I moved outside US? Well seems my lifestyle goes up but spending less drove trucks over 30 years so no need for car hate driving motorbike no way not the way Thai's drive When time to get out and about hire car and driver. As far as being bored nope enjoy travelling to much big world out there. Guess if you plan like my grandfather and dad taught me guess you get along easier in the end. So you young guys think with the big head not the little and one day you can enjoy the best part of life.

[Baghdad]

We must understand that back in your own country's we have more friends so we dont get bored that quick.Here in Thailand the culture is different and its very easy to get bored here. I use to do the same thing, start drinking in the morning because i was so bored but now i only drink at night.People r quick to judge someone because they start drinking early in the morning.His a drunk because he starts drinking so early and that is not always the truth. I wonder what the Thai's would do all day in western country when they become bored

[slipperylobster]

He should join a golf, chess, dart, pool, pinnochle, bridge, toaster, exercise, bicycle, motorbike, or french bread baking club.

[petercool]

post with crude reference removed. Humour is fine when it is kept within these rules ...

8) You will not post disruptive or inflammatory messages, vulgarities, obscenities or profanities.

[belg]

he can always open his own bar and DRINK FOR FREE

[bushwacker]

The human mind is a fantastic and incredible device. With it you can pretty much do anything you want (to a degree) but you need to decide that you want to do it.

This fellow has decided that he wants to get drunk and be bored. And look he is successful. (Great focus he has!)

[quandow]

I took up teaching because I was falling into the same rut. As I only have a two year college degree, I can teach in many schools in Thaland. HAVING SAID THAT, I am now gearing up to move to Dominican Republic. A one year overstay costs about $75 US and NO negative stigma for doing so. Thailand is getting quite farang-unfriendly, and I absolutely believe it's only going to get worse before it gets better. This guy needs to put down the bottle, save up whatever he can, get the hell out of here - or curl up and die, cuz he sure ain't "living the dream!"

[xylophone]

It sounds like the OP's friend is just bored, and it's easy to understand why when one is retired and has access to bars and booze. In both my country of birth and adopted country, it was quite normal to see older folk shuffling off to the pub of a night-time, sitting in the corner supping their pints of warm beer until it was time to go home.

It was a ritual for many, otherwise they would just sit in front of the television until they dozed off or were ready for bed. Boredom in retirement is not the exclusive domain of folk in Thailand, it is a worldwide occurrence.

Having said that, it is up to the individual to decide if they want to do anything about it and as several other posters have said, there is plenty to do if you want to. One of the easiest things I did, and which improved my knowledge and provided a little adventure, was that I made a point of exploring my surrounds on my motorbike, purposely going down little roads and side roads that I knew nothing about so that I could explore and get to know the place better.......and of course it was very interesting.

I have honed my skills on the computer and almost enjoy trying to overcome any problem, which I encounter, by my own skills and thought processes, although not always successful I may add. I also take to writing thoughts and events from the past in the form of a diary and swear that someday I will write a book!

I did take up tennis for a while until I pulled a calf muscle (again) and will shortly get back into that. A friend of mine has joined the Hash House Harriers and thoroughly enjoys his weekends exercising and mingling with them, and that could be something I will also look at.

Reading is not a forte of mine, however I do like watching movies, so I like delving back in time to see what movies I have missed, or would like to watch again, and then do so, making a library of the really good ones and I am always uncovering little gems, which makes for a good evening's entertainment.

As I have an engineering background, I am always available to pop round to friends places to sort out problems and I enjoy that because it exercises not only the grey matter, but the muscles as well if some manual work is needed.

I have limited my forays out to the nightlife to about two days a week, and then only to catch up with friends, and I never drink during the daytime.

Travelling was something I enjoyed, although I have curtailed that somewhat, however I have endeavoured to leave my place of abode here on at least two occasions per year to go elsewhere overseas and may well expand that in the years to come.

You can be bored anywhere, and it is as much a state of mind as anything, because life can become interesting again just by doing something about it – – simple as that.

[helloagain]

Hi, this is my first post, I have looked at Thai visa many times over the years in fact it comes to my phone as well. I have also noticed that as soon as somebody makes a comment many people crawl out of the woodwork & slag them off, even when some are asking for sensible advice. So let me state here & now I do not care what any of you say cos what is right for me is right for me & I will not be replying either, so bring it on, especially as none of you know me.

Yes here on Phuket where I have lived for many years after retiring at 50 I would imagine it is the same as in Pattaya the alcoholics start to descend on the bars early afternoons & it is just like Super Member said “get tanked up, sleep, then go back for more” one person I know here totally smashed his face up in a car accident (his fault) & is back doing the same again. Unbelievable. I do not drink much but I do like a drink, I can’t stand Cricket, Golf, Rugby or Football…..there & back, there & back, miss the goal. I do like live music, computering, diner parties (but amazing how quite a few do not respond back (yes many comments now I am sure) some can afford Salmon, some a BBQ some even Beans on a jacket potato, I don’t mind, thought that counts). Sport, I like Tennis, cage fighting & F1. I also like days out or getting out & about but here near to Phuket is only Koh Lac/Sok or Krabi, been there & done that many times, a little further Koh Toa, very nice but wait until the Army get there hehehe………even gone down South as I like a touring holiday. Love Chaing Mai.

In my 10 years here I have met my wife who worked in an internet café & 2 years later after a motorbike accident she has never worked again. To keep this short, we bought 2 rai, built 4 houses & rent 3 out. My wife gained a degree, can speak excellent English, is honest as the day & more than happy to cook & enjoys my food. I have taken her to USA three times visiting Florida, second visit Vegas, Death Valley, Yosemite, San Francisco, then on her third visit New York, Vegas, Yellowstone, Bryce Canyon & Monument Valley & Los Angeles. She has been to UK 7 times (but not like many just visit relations), also Mallorca, Amsterdam, Vietnam, Cambodia, Bali & Australia. My wife also has 10 year visa’s for UK & USA.

But now I am bored “sh*tless”. I feel like I am waiting to die.

I’m the sort of person that if you have a problem, sit on it for a little bit then do something about it…………..

So I have decided to go back to UK for a month at first then for 6 months then who knows? Perhaps even move on to USA for 6 months? My home town was the South East of UK but I fancy “Tavistock in Devon”, why? Cos there is so much to do & to fill my days……..walk on Dartmoor visiting Dartmeet to step on the rocks there on the river, have a Devon cream tea. Again hire electric bikes for a half day tour. Visit Buckfastleigh & the Abbey. Fishing on River Tavy around Tavistock (without the fear of snakes etc & the heat all the time, I’m sorry if you are hot there are only so many things you can do, but if you are cold buy the right clothes which is what I have done for my Wife). Days out to Padstow (decent beer instead of bloody Chang etc & a pasty…aroi), Bude, Clovelly & Lynmouth North Devon. Or going south of Tavistock, Paignton, Plymouth (Jim Davison is there in the coming months), Looe, Polperro. In Tavistock it’s self the Panier Market has different things most days (arts & crafts, local produce, antiques etc). There is a cinema, & tribute bands (again in the next few months Gensis & Os-sis). Rent a flat for 6 months or 12 months, or buy a 30 foot caravan is another option? Still want more to do visit the many National trust places an annual ticket for 2 is only £98, or the gardens that are around Lost Gardens of Heligan or The Eden Project, there are many markets in different towns on different days & there meat is not covered in a 1,000 flies like Thailand. Again pop into a travel agents & say I want to go to Tenerife tomorrow & get a bargain.

I don’t have a good education but it does surprise me how many have degree’s & have so little. Did they not think about their retired years, did they not know it costs more to be retired than to actually work, you need more money? Go back to your own Country & get you Gov: pension upgraded is one way. Go round the weekend markets & try to make a bit on your finds on E-bay, I know somebody that does that. A friend here who has since died bless him sold boats in the UK, he loved his job but only survived here on his Gov: pension of 38,000 baht a month? Did he not think about the future?

I have been lucky, I fell into my boring job that I loved, it suited me & I suited it. I started earning my pension rights the day I started there 1 month before my 17th b/d. Phuket the same I think as Pattaya not an easy place to make friends if you don’t go to the bars, but then I don’t suffer fools gladly. My wife is happy to follow me & I am so happy for that cos we can discover together, but I am happy to return for 5 or 6 moths to visit her family etc.

[eastcanje]

Life offers many options at any age. I had my options and took one. So can anyone. But if we all did the same thing the same way that would make any city boring in my honest opinion. I feel Pattaya has such a wide variety of types and lifestyles that to generalize about its resident expats is fairly pointless.

Instead of going to the bar for 10:00 to 2:00, and again from 5:00 to 8:00, (where I'm sure he isn't hanging out for free) he could take up an activity which would help pass the time and also meet other residents, both Farang and Thai, and improve his physical and mental health!

As an example, there is a group (consisting of Farangs and Thai) that meet to play badminton three times each week at X-zyte (on Third Road, opposite the golf driving range, not the old night club). They are friendly and very helpful, and costs just a fraction of what he probably spends in the bar! It costs 500 Baht for a one year membership, and 80 Baht per session.

There are other activities, all probably cheaper that his home country, he just has to look around!

[Beetlejuice]

When you get bored you don't try to change your surroundings.....you change yourself, your thinking, your attitude and your lifestyle. The definition of insanity is to continually do the same thing and expect a different result every time.

Totally agree. It could be described as a do or die, especially if there are no other options.

You know what they say; One man’s meat is another man’s poison. What is considered as enjoyment to some can be considered as boring to others.

There are many ex-pats who are quite content to live isolated lives or are happy to rarely participate in social activities outside of their family lives, and then there are those who prefer to go out regularly and engage in social entertainments and like to have groups of friends.

I too consider myself as a social animal but like the OP`s friend have found that over the years social in Thailand has become one of the most expensive pass times and whereas some years ago it was possible to go out on a regular basis, social has now become an occasional luxury and can no longer afford to do the socialising that I use to do, so as our dotpoom has mentioned, I have had to adapt to a changing situation. This is not because my income has decreased, as in fact my income has increased over the years, but the main reason is that the cost of social in Thailand has increased way out of proportion. Also up here in Chiang Mai due to the clampdowns on bars and adult entertainments over the years there is no longer the diversity of adult venues available and what there is, is expensive for sure.

I do not consider that social in Thailand can be equated with social in the home countries, because in our home countries it is much easier to find our peers and make friends, whereas being a foreigner living in a foreign land the making of friends for socialising can be much more difficult and due to these circumstances it is easy to end up feeling secluded and friendless here in Thailand or not having any close associations with anyone outside of our own families or online.

This is something that those considering moving to Thailand for the long term should take into consideration prior to leaving their own countries and abandoning their old friends, because social activities, especially wine, women and song, has now become very expensive in Thailand.

[eastcanje]

I can't understand anyone who says they get bored. Having free time is great, that's why we retire, especially in a country with good weather.

Thousands of books to read, thousands of films to see, languages to learn, science to try and understand, hobbies, walking, swimming. None of that costs one satang. There are not enough hours in the day.

Absolutely!

I have a Kindle, and can be entertained for hours at a time by the books I have on it. In addition, Amazon has free books which can be downloaded.

The OP's friend can also learn Yoga, or tennis...they wouldn't be free, but he can divert some of the funds he spends in the bars every day, and it will improve his health, and probably his mood!

[JSixpack]

But now I am bored sh*tless. I feel like I am waiting to die.

Im the sort of person that if you have a problem, sit on it for a little bit then do something about it..

So I have decided to go back to UK for a month at first then for 6 months then who knows? Perhaps even move on to USA for 6 months? My home town was the South East of UK but I fancy Tavistock in Devon, why? Cos there is so much to do & to fill my days..walk on Dartmoor visiting Dartmeet to step on the rocks there on the river, have a Devon cream tea. Again hire electric bikes for a half day tour. Visit Buckfastleigh & the Abbey. Fishing on River Tavy around Tavistock (without the fear of snakes etc & the heat all the time, Im sorry if you are hot there are only so many things you can do, but if you are cold buy the right clothes which is what I have done for my Wife). Days out to Padstow (decent beer instead of bloody Chang etc & a pastyaroi), Bude, Clovelly & Lynmouth North Devon. Or going south of Tavistock, Paignton, Plymouth (Jim Davison is there in the coming months), Looe, Polperro. In Tavistock its self the Panier Market has different things most days (arts & crafts, local produce, antiques etc). There is a cinema, & tribute bands (again in the next few months Gensis & Os-sis). Rent a flat for 6 months or 12 months, or buy a 30 foot caravan is another option? Still want more to do visit the many National trust places an annual ticket for 2 is only £98, or the gardens that are around Lost Gardens of Heligan or The Eden Project, there are many markets in different towns on different days & there meat is not covered in a 1,000 flies like Thailand. Again pop into a travel agents & say I want to go to Tenerife tomorrow & get a bargain.

I dont have a good education but it does surprise me how many have degrees & have so little. Did they not think about their retired years, did they not know it costs more to be retired than to actually work, you need more money? Go back to your own Country & get you Gov: pension upgraded is one way. Go round the weekend markets & try to make a bit on your finds on E-bay, I know somebody that does that. A friend here who has since died bless him sold boats in the UK, he loved his job but only survived here on his Gov: pension of 38,000 baht a month? Did he not think about the future?

I have been lucky, I fell into my boring job that I loved, it suited me & I suited it. I started earning my pension rights the day I started there 1 month before my 17th b/d. Phuket the same I think as Pattaya not an easy place to make friends if you dont go to the bars, but then I dont suffer fools gladly. My wife is happy to follow me & I am so happy for that cos we can discover together, but I am happy to return for 5 or 6 moths to visit her family etc.

Excellent! I agree: the UK is wonderful: so much to see, great museums, culture, scenery, pubs, chippys. NHS! Starbucks is donating tax to HMRC now. What's not to like except the weather? Your post should encourage many of our Brit complainers to move back.

[laobali]

When you get bored you don't try to change your surroundings.....you change yourself, your thinking, your attitude and your lifestyle. The definition of insanity is to continually do the same thing and expect a different result every time.

I disagree. It's easier to change your lifestyle and feelings if you change your surroundings.

[96tehtarp]

When you get bored you don't try to change your surroundings.....you change yourself, your thinking, your attitude and your lifestyle. The definition of insanity is to continually do the same thing and expect a different result every time.

I disagree. It's easier to change your lifestyle and feelings if you change your surroundings.

The easiest thing to do is drink.

At the beginning of this week there was a cremation at the local wat. A Swiss guy under 50 y/o who recently died of liver cancer. He'd drunk himself to death. It took him about 12 years of hard drinking to do it.

[padlin]

When you have done everything and been everywhere and get to know something is missing ... everywhere in in everything ... there is one thing left to do ... and that is the real place ... and the true 'find'.

And that place is inside oneself.

Silent, silent, still ... inside oneself is everything.

It speaks ...

[JSixpack]

When you have done everything and been everywhere and get to know something is missing ... everywhere in in everything ... there is one thing left to do ... and that is the real place ... and the true 'find'.

And that place is inside oneself.

Silent, silent, still ... inside oneself is everything.

It speaks ...

If it has anything to say, that is.

[Don Aleman]

Boredom is a national cultural event here in Pattaya. Yes, girls, various sizes/shapes/prices fill a part of this boredom but what of the other 22 hours every day ? TV with actors still alive ? No ! Titillating/interesting/debating conversation with interesting ex pats ?, No !

I, after 10 years , have discovered that, indeed, boredom, has it's finer points. I say that, in my luxurious sea side suite, while viewing 3 Thais who have been admiring a WALL for 4/5 hours ! I, at 80, am preparing for my final exit with travel companions, Noy & Lek, 3 cases of beer and my foxhole induced prayers !

[Bulldozer Dawn]

When you have done everything and been everywhere and get to know something is missing ... everywhere in in everything ... there is one thing left to do ... and that is the real place ... and the true 'find'.

And that place is inside oneself.

Silent, silent, still ... inside oneself is everything.

It speaks ...

If it has anything to say, that is.

I always have two voices inside my head. Both of them claim to be Jesus. One of them must be lying...

[JSixpack]

Boredom is a national cultural event here in Pattaya. Yes, girls, various sizes/shapes/prices fill a part of this boredom but what of the other 22 hours every day ? TV with actors still alive ? No ! Titillating/interesting/debating conversation with interesting ex pats ?, No !

I, after 10 years , have discovered that, indeed, boredom, has it's finer points. I say that, in my luxurious sea side suite, while viewing 3 Thais who have been admiring a WALL for 4/5 hours ! I, at 80, am preparing for my final exit with travel companions, Noy & Lek, 3 cases of beer and my foxhole induced prayers !

Well, now, leave Noy and Lek here with us, won't you? And we'll take any extra beer too.

[petercool]

crude post removed

8) You will not post disruptive or inflammatory messages, vulgarities, obscenities or profanities.

[Doc46]

It does not matter to some people where they are,,, they are bored no matter even in their own country if they have no interest in anything,,,,

[tropo]

You don't have to come all the way to south east Asia and Pattaya to find them. Bored people who drink are everywhere.

Yep. This is the exact same problem of most retired people the world over. The reason why it is surprising coming from an expat living in Pattaya is because Pattaya is seen as the cure (for boredom). People place a lot of faith in Pattaya.

He could just as well be posting endlessly on this forum. What's the difference really? Others choose religion. In the end, the OP's mate has discovered reality - life doesn't have a lot of meaning or purpose other than staying alive until you're not. In earlier years when you're too busy working your *ss off to make a living, you don't see this.