Why Thailand?

[sdanielmcev]

My avatar is my girlfriend. That's why I'm here. I like Thailand (up here in Sedate City.) I also liked most places in the US I've lived in. Except for Cleveland. Nobody likes Cleveland. I didn't come here because it was Thailand, although that helped.

[manarak]

For a lot of people, the answer seems to be because their dick likes it here.

France for the food. England for the history. Thailand for the significant others. So? Thailand has been famous for providing significant others to travelers since the 1500's. What makes you think that time honored tradition is wrong or somehow tawdry for a "normal" person?

The result of brainwashing by various lobbies who found a common ground, all greeing to various extent with the far reaching misconception that money cannot buy consent.

Are you agreeing with me or soibiker?

With you - Soibiker believes the customers are exploiting the girls, which is nonsense.

[NeverSure]

I'm rich so I can afford to complain. That is what we do.

I thought you were so poor you couldn't afford to pay attention.

[chrisinth]

A lot of people who move abroad, Thailand and other places, find out very soon that they have to look after themselves.

By that I mean that they have been removed from mainstream thinking (water will follow the path of least resistance) and believing everything they see and read about their own countries being utopia. This is how governments are elected in any democratic country, making false promises that are accepted by the masses through paths of least resistance.

In Thailand, as guests, you don't have those rights and have to live with what you have. IMHO, those that complain most, cannot come to terms with dis-involving themselves with what they were used to before.

Not everyone can be an ex-pat, that's the truth. And as for the ones who make the move on advice from friends as a basis for their life-changing event, and then find out it is not what it said on the proverbial box and got into financial problems?

Truth is that they didn't start the game with a full deck anyway...........................

[NeverSure]

A lot of people who move abroad, Thailand and other places, find out very soon that they have to look after themselves.

By that I mean that they have been removed from mainstream thinking (water will follow the path of least resistance) and believing everything they see and read about their own countries being utopia. This is how governments are elected in any democratic country, making false promises that are accepted by the masses through paths of least resistance.

In Thailand, as guests, you don't have those rights and have to live with what you have. IMHO, those that complain most, cannot come to terms with dis-involving themselves with what they were used to before.

Not everyone can be an ex-pat, that's the truth. And as for the ones who make the move on advice from friends as a basis for their life-changing event, and then find out it is not what it said on the proverbial box and got into financial problems?

Truth is that they didn't start the game with a full deck anyway...........................

Very, very good post and I agree with you.

I don't think my home country (USA) is perfect by any means. I disagree with government to a large extent, but still, enshrined in our Constitution I have a lot of rights. The first one is that I have a right to be here and move around without anyone's permission. I have a lot of other rights including against the police and courts if there's a problem. I have none of that In Thailand.

I love visiting Thailand on my annual journeys but there's nothing that would entice me to live there. I don't want to give up my long time circle of good friends or knowing and fitting into the culture and language.

To each his own, and those who want to live in Thailand should certainly do that. Many are very happy. Good for them.

[AnotherOneAmerican]

98% of expats in Thailand would never even log on to TVF, let alone post.

and how did you work this out?

please explain

Easily, all the years I have lived here I have asked every expat I know and kept a record.

Would you like me to send you the data, it's quite extensive, but probably confuse someone who takes every comment literally!

If you asked me, I would have said the same.

The whole point of an anonymous forum is to remain anonymous.

If you admit to posting the next question is, what's your nick?

I am not, nor have I ever been a member of ThaiVisa.

PS. I would never join any forum that would have someone like me as a member.

[AnotherOneAmerican]

In Thailand, as guests, you don't have those rights and have to live with what you have. IMHO, those that complain most, cannot come to terms with dis-involving themselves with what they were used to before.

Hmmmmm, I'm not a guest and I don't get to vote either, nor do any of my Thai family.

Maybe everyone in Thailand is a guest, apart from the general.

One man, one vote, and he's the man!

[SoiBiker]

Most expats I know here seem pretty oblivious to this place. I think this might be a generational thing - forums are pretty old hat these days, and younger people tend to gravitate towards stuff like facebook and twitter for information and discussion instead.

Of those that are aware of thaivisa, most seem to find it quite laughable.

[chiang mai]

Most expats I know here seem pretty oblivious to this place. I think this might be a generational thing - forums are pretty old hat these days, and younger people tend to gravitate towards stuff like facebook and twitter for information and discussion instead.

Of those that are aware of thaivisa, most seem to find it quite laughable.

That's the difference of course between an idiot who has a high level global perspective rather than an idiot who has a detailed local perspective, think about it.

[SoiBiker]

That's the difference of course between an idiot who has a high level global perspective rather than an idiot who has a detailed local perspective, think about it.

I'm not sure what you mean by this. Could you elaborate?

[chrisinth]

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In Thailand, as guests, you don't have those rights and have to live with what you have. IMHO, those that complain most, cannot come to terms with dis-involving themselves with what they were used to before.

Hmmmmm, I'm not a guest and I don't get to vote either, nor do any of my Thai family.

Maybe everyone in Thailand is a guest, apart from the general.

One man, one vote, and he's the man!

Unless you are a citizen, then you will be here on a permission to stay. Visitor/guest, apples/oranges.

Your Thai family can't vote? Unless they have no housebook or have chosen to travel back to Thailand with a different passport, I find that hard to believe.

[chiang mai]

That's the difference of course between an idiot who has a high level global perspective rather than an idiot who has a detailed local perspective, think about it.

I'm not sure what you mean by this. Could you elaborate?

Trying to gain a perspective or understanding of anything (localized or global), via social forums alone, is pointless and rarely breeds anything more than a vague awareness of things - there is no substitute for hand on experience. But what is seen repeatedly in social forums is "experts" at a global or local level where no expertise is actually warranted. It's far too easy for say the housebound West Midlands based troll to offer up a credilble opinion on matters about which they haven't got any first hand experience or knowledge.

[AnotherOneAmerican]

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In Thailand, as guests, you don't have those rights and have to live with what you have. IMHO, those that complain most, cannot come to terms with dis-involving themselves with what they were used to before.

Hmmmmm, I'm not a guest and I don't get to vote either, nor do any of my Thai family.

Maybe everyone in Thailand is a guest, apart from the general.

One man, one vote, and he's the man!

Unless you are a citizen, then you will be here on a permission to stay. Visitor/guest, apples/oranges.

Your Thai family can't vote? Unless they have no housebook or have chosen to travel back to Thailand with a different passport, I find that hard to believe.

You missed the coup that took away everyone's vote then?

[willyumiii]

I came to Thailand because of great weather, a good exchange rate, beautiful young women and a very interesting culture.

Years later now.....

I stay in Thailand because of my good wife and child.

There are some things that irritate me in Thailand, but there are things that irritate me about the entire world.

Oh well!

Life goes on, and it's pretty good.

[chrisinth]

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

In Thailand, as guests, you don't have those rights and have to live with what you have. IMHO, those that complain most, cannot come to terms with dis-involving themselves with what they were used to before.

Hmmmmm, I'm not a guest and I don't get to vote either, nor do any of my Thai family.

Maybe everyone in Thailand is a guest, apart from the general.

One man, one vote, and he's the man!

Unless you are a citizen, then you will be here on a permission to stay. Visitor/guest, apples/oranges.

Your Thai family can't vote? Unless they have no housebook or have chosen to travel back to Thailand with a different passport, I find that hard to believe.

You missed the coup that took away everyone's vote then?

Touche

[Baa_Mango]

oh, ever tasty and delicious food thats comes quick and cheap!

Cheap thrills and fast life style! never mind the riff raff

[Somsrisonphimai]

OP, I think the expats are secretly love Thailand. They just don't want to admit it yet until they leave Thailand; they will find out that Thailand is one of the best countries to stay.

[TheSpade]

And as for the ones who make the move on advice from friends as a basis for their life-changing event, and then find out it is not what it said on the proverbial box and got into financial problems?

I really never understood this.

I know a few people who despite having never even have visited moved to Australia.

Before they went they loudly proclaimed how much they were going to love it and would never be back home.

Many were home in a matter of months. The majority within a year.

Turns out it just wasn't the paradise they thought it was.

Just don't get why anyone would move to a country they'd never even visited before.

But try telling them that before hand and they won't listen to a word of it.

Haven't met anyone yet who did the same with Thailand but sure it happens too.

Someone else said it earlier in the thread - many guys come here on holiday and have a great time. It's new, it's fun, it's exciting and they get a skewed view of what Thailand is really like.

Then they move here and the novelty wears off, reality kicks in, the things that once excited them (usually the bars and women) stops being so exciting.

But they can't go home because there's nothing there for them, or they can't afford it, or they don't want to lose face and admit they made a mistake so instead they stay in Thailand and complain about everything instead.

It's funny but most of the stuff people on here complain about never seems to happen to me - Thai's cheating and lying, being ripped off, corruption (sure it happens but can't think of many if any when it happened to me), everyone only after your money etc. Not my experience at all.

[gk10002000]

I am not an expat yet, although I could be. But here are the reasons I first started visiting Thailand 10 years ago in 2004.

1: I wanted a place that was easy to travel to. My contract job start and end dates are very unpredictable so I needed a country that had easy or no Visa requirements that did not require any advance planning. Thailand and the 30 day Visa Exemption was perfect.

2: I wanted a country that had some tourist infrastructure.

3: I appreciate Buddhism

4: I will admit the night life was an attraction

5: I wanted a country that was reasonably priced with a range of accommodations. That ruled out okyo at the time.

6: I wanted a place with warm water options for swimming, and islands.

7: I wanted a place that had a lot of countryside and outdoor activities, Parks, preserves, etc.

8: I liked the architecture, temples

9: I wanted a country that had a mix of old and new.

So would I stay and become an Expat in Thailand? Yes. It is still by far my number one choice. I have been 14 times and have stayed up to two months at a time in country.

[StreetCowboy]

oh, ever tasty and delicious food thats comes quick and cheap!

Cheap thrills and fast life style! never mind the riff raff

I have to admit, Thai hookers are cheaper in Thailand than anywhere else. But not much, and I;m not sure it's worth relocating for the saving

SC

[john1000]

Each to their own. One mans meat and all that. But in all honesty some people are never happy and never will be. The way they are made.

If you opt for a life changing move, expect big differences in lifestyle. Not all will be better.

Grass always looks a bit greener in the distance.

[thailiketoo]

oh, ever tasty and delicious food thats comes quick and cheap!

Cheap thrills and fast life style! never mind the riff raff

I have to admit, Thai hookers are cheaper in Thailand than anywhere else. But not much, and I;m not sure it's worth relocating for the saving

SC

If I was a young man I would say no. But as an old man definitely yes but not for the price for the convenience. How many brothels does the average mall have in the West? I've calculated the average in Thailand to be 6 and 4 barber/beauty salons. That ratio seems to hold true in most parts of Thailand. So anywhere you can pop out for a hair trim and ...... or top up the gas tank and ....... or pick up some milk on the way home and ......... Or just go for a walk. It's healthy and good for you. Walking keeps your heart and muscles in good shape and here in Thailand a short walk can also mean some good cardio exercise........

[tim armstrong]

OP suggest you read some of the other forums like farming or health. You may find more posts from people who have been here for many years. In my experience the longer you stay the better it gets. But I live in the country with a caring, faithful and intelligent wife. The in laws live a bit close (next door) but that's OK. My sons from Oz visit regularly. We are not well off but are OK financially. Apart from being old and fat, I'm reasonably healthy, and will probably live another 20 years. I've never done the bar scene, even while living in Pattaya for 2 years. I'm quite happy with my lot and only really go back to Oz when I have too.

[Kudel]

OP, I think the expats are secretly love Thailand. They just don't want to admit it yet until they leave Thailand; they will find out that Thailand is one of the best countries to stay.

In youre dreams lady,in youre dreams and old age pensioners are not expats .......when the rose tinted glasses start coming of and the viagra starts wearing off what else has youre great country to offer?

[chiang mai]

OP, I think the expats are secretly love Thailand. They just don't want to admit it yet until they leave Thailand; they will find out that Thailand is one of the best countries to stay.

In youre dreams lady,in youre dreams and old age pensioners are not expats .......when the rose tinted glasses start coming of and the viagra starts wearing off what else has youre great country to offer?

You clearly haven't lived here long enough, looked long enough or matured sufficiently to be able to answer your own question!

[zydeco]

OP, I think the expats are secretly love Thailand. They just don't want to admit it yet until they leave Thailand; they will find out that Thailand is one of the best countries to stay.

In youre dreams lady,in youre dreams and old age pensioners are not expats .......when the rose tinted glasses start coming of and the viagra starts wearing off what else has youre great country to offer?

Chang or Heineken?

[StreetCowboy]

OP, I think the expats are secretly love Thailand. They just don't want to admit it yet until they leave Thailand; they will find out that Thailand is one of the best countries to stay.

In youre dreams lady,in youre dreams and old age pensioners are not expats .......when the rose tinted glasses start coming of and the viagra starts wearing off what else has youre great country to offer?

Temples. Spicey food. Thailand is the world capital of mor lam music. Beaches, and relatively cheap accommodation, if you're into living in buildings. Good connections to other countries. Two great MRT systems... How long do you want me to go on for?

[thailiketoo]

OP, I think the expats are secretly love Thailand. They just don't want to admit it yet until they leave Thailand; they will find out that Thailand is one of the best countries to stay.

In youre dreams lady,in youre dreams and old age pensioners are not expats .......when the rose tinted glasses start coming of and the viagra starts wearing off what else has youre great country to offer?

There is no set definition and usage varies with context, for example the same person may be seen as an "expatriate" by their home country and a "migrant worker" where they work. Retirement abroad, in contrast, usually makes one an "expatriate".

ex·pa·tri·ate

noun

noun: expatriate; plural noun: expatriates

ˌeksˈpātrēət/

1.

a person who lives outside their native country.

http://www.retiredexpat.com/

Best 6 Countries to Retire As an Expat in 2013 http://vivatropical.com/panama/best-countries-to-retire/

I think the word you are looking for is "working expatriate" as opposed to "expatriate."

A lot of expatriates retire and come to Thailand and work too so they are retired, working expatriates.

[The Man Who Sold the World]

"Why come and/or stay if it is so horrible and your so miserable?"

Take the tales of woe with a grain of salt.

It's just human nature. Humans need to complain about something. No body regales in fairy tale good stories.

[chiang mai]

Agreed.