I've previously spent a total of several years in the Kingdom and have considered buying a condo to visit every winter.

However; when reading Thailand's news headlines, about all the crime and injustice, I feel apprehensive about ever returning to Thailand.

For me "Thainess" is now too much and I doubt I'll ever return.

Anyone feel the same ?

No.

You need to turn off the internet and go outside

There is crime and injustice in every society, just focus on what you can change and your own reality

Your post is very vague.

Are you referring to the weak legal system that is open to corruption? Or something else?

Buying a completed condo is generally a fairly straightforward process. There are many riskier activities, like getting involved in property development and land speculation.

You need to be more specific.

That depends on what you are basing your decision.As they say location location location.

You choose to spend your time in the sewer, then you'll encounter more rats.

Personally, other than reading about it, I never see ANY, most of the people I encounter are pleasant, you get the occasional "ferang" hike in price but generally life's pretty damn good with no hassle or issues at all, its a very quiet life, just the way I want it.

Others will have found there place that ticks all their boxes. You clearly havnt found yours and I suggest you try other areas.

That depends on what you are basing your decision.As they say location location location.

You choose to spend your time in the sewer, then you'll encounter more rats.

.

Roland might be a little upset about that

I see a massive potential for it all to go pear shaped very quickly.

Take driving a car, or going riding a motorbike, for example. We all know that if a drunken Thai runs into the road then you're potentially in big trouble.

I've already personally suffered because of the injustice, and yes, it does leave a bitter taste.

The fact is that if you have interaction with unsavoury people, even if you try to avoid them or any situation in the first place, these people will turn your life upside down and not give a hoot.

It would be nice to say "only one in a million chance" but that's not being honest with oneself.

Yeeeaahhhhh Ratfans......nothing wrong with sewers, great places to get down and be dirty! plenty of fun to be had.

Us rats are actually very clean animals, we like using the sewers as our own MRT system, easy to get around without having to deal with all you smelly people.

We appreciate the free food you leave lying around though

I'm starting to think "Thainess" is just a term when the situation can't be explained by basic logic, common sense, or a general adult mentality.

no good bye

I see a massive potential for it all to go pear shaped very quickly.

Take driving a car, or going riding a motorbike, for example. We all know that if a drunken Thai runs into the road then you're potentially in big trouble.

I've already personally suffered because of the injustice, and yes, it does leave a bitter taste.

The fact is that if you have interaction with unsavoury people, even if you try to avoid them or any situation in the first place, these people will turn your life upside down and not give a hoot.

It would be nice to say "only one in a million chance" but that's not being honest with oneself.

What you describe can happen anywhere, in any major city. You are focusing on the negative.

You said "The fact is that if you have interaction with unsavoury people", then dont live amongst them, find an area that's more suited to your sensitivities.

You sound too prissy for Thailand.

If you are only coming for the Winter, rent instead of buying.

I have been listening to people predict the collapse of Thailand for nearly 40 years. For some it is all gloom and doom but fortunately for most of us who actually live here, life is good.

I see a massive potential for it all to go pear shaped very quickly.

Take driving a car, or going riding a motorbike, for example. We all know that if a drunken Thai runs into the road then you're potentially in big trouble.

I've already personally suffered because of the injustice, and yes, it does leave a bitter taste.

The fact is that if you have interaction with unsavoury people, even if you try to avoid them or any situation in the first place, these people will turn your life upside down and not give a hoot.

It would be nice to say "only one in a million chance" but that's not being honest with oneself.

What you describe can happen anywhere, in any major city. You are focusing on the negative.

You said "The fact is that if you have interaction with unsavoury people", then dont live amongst them, find an area that's more suited to your sensitivities.

Agreed 100%. The only times I hear about crime and violence against foreigners is when it happens very late at night and the foreigner is alone, probably drunk, and usually in or leaving a dangerous setting (shady bar, quiet soi, etc.). Other situations seem to involve dangerous women, arguments with taxi drivers, or unpaid debts, all which can be avoided if you have any sense at all. The only scary part about living here is feeling like you can't defend yourself bc the law will always favor Thais. But you can counter that by minding your manners and showing proper respect to locals at all times. If you maintain a good reputation in the places you live and frequent, people will look out for you.

Push the boat out and give it a try, if it does not work out, you could always go back to Kansas with Toto.

I see a massive potential for it all to go pear shaped very quickly.

Take driving a car, or going riding a motorbike, for example. We all know that if a drunken Thai runs into the road then you're potentially in big trouble.

I've already personally suffered because of the injustice, and yes, it does leave a bitter taste.

The fact is that if you have interaction with unsavoury people, even if you try to avoid them or any situation in the first place, these people will turn your life upside down and not give a hoot.

It would be nice to say "only one in a million chance" but that's not being honest with oneself.

Many chances of the same happening on a m/c in most European countries, though not as bad as here. I have friends who refuse outright here to ride a m/c and they cannot understand why I do. Yet in almost 8 years, I had 1 accident . Not bad really.

Unsavoury people lurk everywhere. No need to interact with them at all. And if you go to and hang out in the right places your chances of meeting with unsavouiry lurkers is small indeed.

There are many good places and many good Thai people, it is a case of cultivating these ties with Thai people and often nthey will guide you along the way and help you steer clear of bad people.

I would love to be here full time again and cannot wait until that day returns.

The longer I lived here the less and less I had with (non-overseas educated) Thais and Thai society.

We live in a private village, the only Thais there are decent overseas educated Thais.

Our social scene is mainly Western expats and Western educated Asians. We have very little in common with Thai raised and 'educated' people.

Really the only Thais (raised and educated here) we have contact with are employed to serve us.

We take advantage of the good things, and have very little time or want for participating in Thai culture or society, or being around Thai raised and 'educated' people.

Works for us. mightn't work for others. That's the beauty of the World, we're all different, learn what works best for you and run with it.

Edited November 12, 201411 yr by greenfox

I see a massive potential for it all to go pear shaped very quickly.

Take driving a car, or going riding a motorbike, for example. We all know that if a drunken Thai runs into the road then you're potentially in big trouble.

I've already personally suffered because of the injustice, and yes, it does leave a bitter taste.

The fact is that if you have interaction with unsavoury people, even if you try to avoid them or any situation in the first place, these people will turn your life upside down and not give a hoot.

It would be nice to say "only one in a million chance" but that's not being honest with oneself.

Many chances of the same happening on a m/c in most European countries, though not as bad as here. I have friends who refuse outright here to ride a m/c and they cannot understand why I do. Yet in almost 8 years, I had 1 accident . Not bad really.

You almost need that one (hopefully not serious) accident to keep you on your toes. It's like a rite of passage here.

I've already personally suffered because of the injustice, and yes, it does leave a bitter taste.

AND the story of what you personally suffered is?

The longer I lived here the less and less I had with (non-overseas educated) Thais and Thai society.

We live in a private village, the only Thais there are decent overseas educated Thais.

Our social scene is mainly Western expats and Western educated Asians. We have very little in common with Thai raised and 'educated' people.

Really the only Thais (raised and educated here) we have contact with are employed to serve us.

We take advantage of the good things, and have very little time or want for participating in Thai culture or society, or being around Thai raised and 'educated' people.

Works for us. mightn't work for others. That's the beauty of the World, we're all different, learn what works best for you and run with it.

Ive found the best ones to be ones with businesses ( not all though) usually their kids are abroad studying.

Posts removed

11) You will not post slurs, degrading or overly negative comments directed towards Thailand, specific locations, Thai institutions such as the judicial or law enforcement system, Thai culture, Thai people or any other group on the basis of race, nationality, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

The timing of your decision ( question ) is interesting to me.

I have to wonder how aware you are of what is going on here.

I get the impression that what you know is what is fed to you by.......who? TV " experts " ?

Have you been here recently to actually see what is going on, to talk to the people, to "feel the pulse" so to speak?

Thailand is going through major growing pains right now and I believe all for the better.

Many people are working to clean up many problems and many people are supportive of their efforts.

This appears to be a positive time for Thailand and those who live here.

Maybe it's not so great for tourists, sexpats and snow birds?

I don't know, I am none of the above.

If you are just looking for a winter escape......

Try Florida, it sounds like you would fit in much better there.

If I was an older gentleman, I would be more interested in looking into basing oneself in Laos, more than Thailand.

That depends on what you are basing your decision.As they say location location location.

You choose to spend your time in the sewer, then you'll encounter more rats.

Personally, other than reading about it, I never see ANY, most of the people I encounter are pleasant, you get the occasional "ferang" hike in price but generally life's pretty damn good with no hassle or issues at all, its a very quiet life, just the way I want it.

Others will have found there place that ticks all their boxes. You clearly havnt found yours and I suggest you try other areas.

Yep,

tourist destinations, foreigner ghettos, islands and rural villages are all places to avoid.

Overly negative post removed.

Post removed

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so who they are? (dont tell me eldragon is talking nonsense )

You sound too prissy for Thailand.

Agree. RandomSand, Thailand is not for you. Seriously, you should not come here. Ever.

Define 'Thainess'.

It's the way of the world with regards to negative headlines making up most of the news.

It's not only Thailand.

There's no getting away from the fact that Thailand has some problems and some of the recent news (Koh Tao etc) has been genuinely depressing BUT I'd still rather live here than back in the UK.

If the Thainess don't get you, that Ebola which has been goin' around will!

Abandon all hope. You'll feel much better.