Avoiding 'iffy' expats......

[Beetlejuice]

treat people as you would in your home country

many expats expect you to relate here and you dont have to play the tourist role and prove anything to anybody

learn to not just give out personal info on why your here and how. its bs. you dont have to answer this stuff just because your in a new location. thailand is one of the best places there is to practice that skill of being your own man and not explaining everything to everybody. makes bar chatter difficult though, learn to have a conversation about something interesting

when you learn to be your own man and dont feel like you have to explain or give whatever is asked you become an extremely difficult target for scammers, in fact they will likely move to a softer target.

If anyone asks me what I do in Thailand and why I`m here, I tell them, have nothing to hide. As regards being scammed, I am not so gullible, I can smell BS from a mile off.

[fey]

treat people as you would in your home country

many expats expect you to relate here and you dont have to play the tourist role and prove anything to anybody

learn to not just give out personal info on why your here and how. its bs. you dont have to answer this stuff just because your in a new location. thailand is one of the best places there is to practice that skill of being your own man and not explaining everything to everybody. makes bar chatter difficult though, learn to have a conversation about something interesting

when you learn to be your own man and dont feel like you have to explain or give whatever is asked you become an extremely difficult target for scammers, in fact they will likely move to a softer target.

If anyone asks me what I do in Thailand and why I`m here, I tell them, have nothing to hide.

such as?

[David48]

@David could you and your bunch of merry jokers who have nothing to ad to this topic but inane drivel from dusk till go back to poster of the year topic.

Sure, if The Plant invites me out the door.

.

[ATF]

It has always been said that the working classes have much more in common with the aristocracy than the middle classes.

Neither the aristocracy or the working classes pay much attention to who thinks what about them.

It's the middle class social climbers who are the fools who believe they can change their class by doing all the "right" things.

The aristocracy laugh at you busting your ass to keep up appearances and speak with falsified accents.

[ExPratt]

I'd say there are more Ex pat wrong-uns in Thailand than elsewhere in Asia. Probably because it used to be easy to come here with no money and eek out a living working without a Work Visa. Some of those people are ok I'm sure, but being skint in a foreign country doesn't usually bring the best out in people

[AnotherOneAmerican]

If anyone asks me what I do in Thailand and why I`m here, I tell them, have nothing to hide. As regards being scammed, I am not so gullible, I can smell BS from a mile off.

Lots of gullible buying BS health insurance in CM at this very moment.

Same people, same place, new chairman.

Edited December 23, 2014 by AnotherOneAmerican

[chiang mai]

No bashing intended here and I am a Brit, but I have to say that of all the western expats I've met over the past twenty years of being here (permanently and as a visitor) the dodgy ones have always been Brits and I'm not sure why that is. Just an observation.

[NancyL]

No bashing intended here and I am a Brit, but I have to say that of all the western expats I've met over the past twenty years of being here (permanently and as a visitor) the dodgy ones have always been Brits and I'm not sure why that is. Just an observation.

Thank you for coming forward with this observtion, Chiang Mai. And for disclosing that you're a Brit.

I knew I'd get bashed for making the observation I did in the previous page (and I probably lost votes for it) but I've heard others make the same observation, too.

I'm not anti-Brit. I'm just at a loss to understand why both the con-men and the victims seem to be disproportionately British. Trying to make sense of it. And I don't think it's totally fair to blame good social service organizations. If the OP and others are trying to come up with an explanation for the phenomenon, can't another slant be offered? One that doesn't just blame the social service organizations entirely?

And imply that everyone who assumes a leadership role in those organizations also has the same motivation? That, I suspect, is really what some posters are on about.

Edited December 24, 2014 by NancyL

[ExPratt]

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No bashing intended here and I am a Brit, but I have to say that of all the western expats I've met over the past twenty years of being here (permanently and as a visitor) the dodgy ones have always been Brits and I'm not sure why that is. Just an observation.

Thank you for coming forward with this observtion, Chiang Mai. And for disclosing that you're a Brit.

I knew I'd get bashed for making the observation I did in the previous page (and I probably lost votes for it) but I've heard others make the same observation, too.

I'm not anti-Brit. I'm just at a loss to understand why both the con-men and the victims seem to be disproportionately British. Trying to make sense of it. And I don't think it's totally fair to blame good social service organizations. If the OP and others are trying to come up with an explanation for the phenomenon, can't another slant be offered? One that doesn't just blame the social service organizations entirely?

And imply that everyone who assumes a leadership role in those organizations also has the same motivation? That, I suspect, is really what some posters are on about.

You would be more likely to do someone from Your own country a favour and so increase the potential for getting ripped off by someone from your own country

[AYJAYDEE]

No bashing intended here and I am a Brit, but I have to say that of all the western expats I've met over the past twenty years of being here (permanently and as a visitor) the dodgy ones have always been Brits and I'm not sure why that is. Just an observation.

Thank you for coming forward with this observtion, Chiang Mai. And for disclosing that you're a Brit.

I knew I'd get bashed for making the observation I did in the previous page (and I probably lost votes for it) but I've heard others make the same observation, too.

I'm not anti-Brit. I'm just at a loss to understand why both the con-men and the victims seem to be disproportionately British. Trying to make sense of it. And I don't think it's totally fair to blame good social service organizations. If the OP and others are trying to come up with an explanation for the phenomenon, can't another slant be offered? One that doesn't just blame the social service organizations entirely?

And imply that everyone who assumes a leadership role in those organizations also has the same motivation? That, I suspect, is really what some posters are on about.

if the organizations and their leaders cant keep the cons out then they arent "good" organizations or leaders.

Edited December 24, 2014 by AYJAYDEE

[ATF]

One guy I knew from CM conned a certain Rotary Club by telling them his daughter needed an operation which could only be performed overseas.

So they raised about a million baht, he had a nice holiday, returned to Thailand and bought a brand new pick-up truck. He wasn't British.

[canman]

"There is a constant debate as to what constitutes the 'right' of 'wrong' type of expat.
How does one differentiate?"

Your op smacks of elitism and frankly it's an imature question. Here is a clue for you. Judge people on their actions, not their looks.

[ATF]

"There is a constant debate as to what constitutes the 'right' of 'wrong' type of expat.

How does one differentiate?"

Your op smacks of elitism and frankly it's an imature question. Here is a clue for you. Judge people on their actions, not their looks.

I believe the OP was trying to point out exactly that.

The guys swilling beer in their cargo shorts, flip flops and wife beaters are more honest and trustworthy than the country club types.

[Berkshire]

Perhaps ask yourself why in the back of your mind you're looking for faults in other expats as soon as you come across them, sizing them up, wondering what they're doing here, what their work is, are they 'straight arrow' etc., instead of just giving them the benefit of the doubt.

The wise man looks for faults in himself not others. If you find yourself being suspicious of others maybe it's a reflection of yourself.

I see this 'anti-expat' phenomenon a lot, essentially I think it stems from insecurity and not wanting an influx of other expats on your 'patch' making you feel less unique. So the tendency is to want to convince yourself they're below you in some way, broke, a criminal, desperado, 'iffy'.

You sound like the trusting sort, giving everyone the "benefit of the doubt." If I was a con man, I'd be on you like white on rice.

[Berkshire]

You would be more likely to do someone from Your own country a favour and so increase the potential for getting ripped off by someone from your own country

So true. It's natural to trust someone that you think is more like yourself, especially in a foreign country. And no one knows more about human nature than a con artist.

[pitrevie]

It does seem pretty sad that most of these clubs / organisations are full of people who are either on the make, or trying to make themselves look good.

Many of these chancers would never ever get to be members of Rotary / Lions / Round Table in their own countries. Most of the decent people I have met here have been pretty low key, but involved in sports clubs of which I've been a member, and funnily enough some thoroughly decent people who I've met through the forum.

I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member.

Groucho Marx

[mrtoad]

"There is a constant debate as to what constitutes the 'right' of 'wrong' type of expat.

How does one differentiate?"

Your op smacks of elitism and frankly it's an imature question. Here is a clue for you. Judge people on their actions, not their looks.

He's being far from elitist. I'll give you sn example. I know a group of guys, salt ofthe earth actually, all from differing backgrounds. A mixture of bar owners and retires (Brits and Aussies). Nothing fancy about them, and not likely to be wearing a suit anytime soon, more likely shorts and t shirts. They raise thousands every year, and donate it to a local orphanage and other worthwhile causes. Never see it plastered around the papers etc, as none of them are interested in it. They do it, because they want to, not for the kudos of being in the paper etc Edited December 24, 2014 by mrtoad

[canman]

"There is a constant debate as to what constitutes the 'right' of 'wrong' type of expat.

How does one differentiate?"

Your op smacks of elitism and frankly it's an imature question. Here is a clue for you. Judge people on their actions, not their looks.

I believe the OP was trying to point out exactly that.

The guys swilling beer in their cargo shorts, flip flops and wife beaters are more honest and trustworthy than the country club types.

Yes, your correct, I didn't read the op properly. I'll just have to blame too many Christmas drinks last night and the broken coffee maker.

Apologies to the op, comments withdrawn.

[NancyL]

One guy I knew from CM conned a certain Rotary Club by telling them his daughter needed an operation which could only be performed overseas.

So they raised about a million baht, he had a nice holiday, returned to Thailand and bought a brand new pick-up truck. He wasn't British.

AFT -- I don't know you, but you seem to have a major problem with me and my mere existence on the planet, much less my being nominated for Thai Visa POTY. Much of what you post are really thinly disguised personal attacks.

But, you've stepped over the line here. I'm pretty knowledgeable about CM Rotary activities. I think I would have known about this story. It just doesn't ring true for several reasons.

First, Rotary clubs don't normally give money to individuals -- they raise funds for projects that benefit groups of people, like installing a water filtration system for a school, conducting an eye clinic for a group of villages -- that sort of thing.

Secondly, there are very few surgeries that can't be performed in Thailand.

And thirdly, a million baht is only $27,000 U.S. which really isn't very much money if someone has to go overseas for some sort of special surgery. But, it's a huge sum for a Thai Rotary Club to raise by itself for a charity project and it definitely would have attracted attentions within local Rotary circles.

If you PM me with details and the story checks out, I'll be honest enough to come onto this forum and say I was wrong and you were right.

[steven100]

Avoid all expats ... I'd rather spend my time with a nice young thai ....

[daveAustin]

I've heard other expats say this happens in other expat parts of the world, too -- in Spain, the Middle East, etc. It seems to be a British problem, where British con men gather to try to pry money out of their fellow countrymen. Maybe has something to do with the way their pension system works. Doesn't much matter with U.S. expats -- we're going to owe Uncle Sam taxes no matter where we live.

What a delightful comment, and you chaps voted for this person.

Yes, those dastardly Brits again... no yank expat conmen/women anywhere else in the world of course; we all know how difficult you lot find it to get out and explore the real world outside your borders, and besides, why bother when there are millions of gullibles to be ripped off in their own backyard?

/Btw, avoiding 'iffy' expats: just keep your head screwed on.

Only conmen I've directly come across was a ****** of a South African and a Swede.//

Edited December 24, 2014 by daveAustin

[connda]

Let me make it simple. If you believe that you are the 'right-type' of expat, my guess is that your head is so firmly shoved where the 'sun-don't-shine' and you're overly stuck on you're own status -- meaning there is little if anything separating you from HiSo Thais and Wall Street scum. Enjoy the exclusivity of your club. And stay away from 'real people'.

Edited December 24, 2014 by connda

[CALSinCM]

Let me make it simple. If you believe that you are the 'right-type' of expat, my guess is that your head is so firmly shoved where the 'sun-don't-shine' and you're overly stuck on you're own status -- meaning there is little if anything separating you from HiSo Thais and Wall Street scum. Enjoy the exclusivity of your club. And stay away from 'real people' with an ingrained sense of morality.

Signed,

A traveling man

Edited December 24, 2014 by CALSinCM

[klauskunkel]

I give everybody the benefit of the doubt, whether they wear a tie, or flip-flops...until they ask for money.

[ATF]

One guy I knew from CM conned a certain Rotary Club by telling them his daughter needed an operation which could only be performed overseas.

So they raised about a million baht, he had a nice holiday, returned to Thailand and bought a brand new pick-up truck. He wasn't British.

AFT -- I don't know you, but you seem to have a major problem with me and my mere existence on the planet, much less my being nominated for Thai Visa POTY. Much of what you post are really thinly disguised personal attacks.

But, you've stepped over the line here. I'm pretty knowledgeable about CM Rotary activities. I think I would have known about this story. It just doesn't ring true for several reasons.

First, Rotary clubs don't normally give money to individuals -- they raise funds for projects that benefit groups of people, like installing a water filtration system for a school, conducting an eye clinic for a group of villages -- that sort of thing.

Secondly, there are very few surgeries that can't be performed in Thailand.

And thirdly, a million baht is only $27,000 U.S. which really isn't very much money if someone has to go overseas for some sort of special surgery. But, it's a huge sum for a Thai Rotary Club to raise by itself for a charity project and it definitely would have attracted attentions within local Rotary circles.

If you PM me with details and the story checks out, I'll be honest enough to come onto this forum and say I was wrong and you were right.

The person concerned is dead now and he had the sense to go to a different Rotary Club other than his own. I would rather not disclose names but I can assure you it happened and I believe he was barred from the club.

Nancy I am sure you have done good deeds and the POTY is a chance for everyone to vent their spleen and have a joke at the candidates expense.

I would just kindly request that you please try to understand there are many different kinds of expats here and the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Have a nice day.

[villagefarang]

The level of class warfare and outright hostility toward those who are different is really impressive here on TV. Like everyone else, I have my own gage for deciding who’s company I enjoy and those individuals I will politely keep at arms length. I don’t see the need for personal attacks and overt hostility.

[PaulHamon]

personally, i assume that all the farang out here are broken in some way until proven/shown otherwise.

3-4 dinner and drink with a character and you get a good idea of them... but just an idea.

if a person might...

~ talks about girls and dodgey clubs - don't hang out with sad lonely people at strip clubs in Australia, why do it here.

~ bags Thai people and Thai life - don't hang out with haters in Australia, why do it here.

~ just siting around drinking all day - don't hang out with drunks in Australia, why do it here.

~ don't have any ambition or dreams - don't have out with these kind of people in Australia, why do it here.

~ etc

so basically if i would not hang out with them back home, then i'm not going to do it here.

first sign of being a &lt;deleted&gt;, i'm out. plenty of other people to meet.

[Estrada]

It does seem pretty sad that most of these clubs / organisations are full of people who are either on the make, or trying to make themselves look good.

Many of these chancers would never ever get to be members of Rotary / Lions / Round Table in their own countries. Most of the decent people I have met here have been pretty low key, but involved in sports clubs of which I've been a member, and funnily enough some thoroughly decent people who I've met through the forum.

Sorry, before I joined Rotary, I was Chairman of a Round Table at the time the UK President, who was a financial advisor, was arrested at the National Conference in Bournemouth for fraud. I could list quite a number of other instances in the UK and US. Whilst in Rotary, Lions and Round Table we try to keep out the bad apples, some slip through no matter what the country.

For instance: 2013: The longtime treasurer of the Milford Rotary Club was arrested Wednesday on a warrant charging him with embezzling more than $211,000 over the past 18 years.

Richard Weir, 66, of Snug Harbor Road, also took money from two other groups that he served as treasurer -- Milford Special Olympics and The Milford Club -- police said.

2012: Retired North Wales Police superintendent Gordon Anglesea has been arrested on suspicion of historic physical and sexual assaults against children.

He served as a policeman for more than 34 years and reached the rank of Superintendent by the time he retired in 1991.

Anglesea is a Rotarian and a Freemason.

Edited December 24, 2014 by Estrada

[Gecko123]

Thais value social cohesion. Being friendly to strangers is part of the process.

Thais notice when one farang is rude and unfriendly towards another farang.

They conclude that farangs aren't really friendly, and that there's no need to be friendly to farangs because they don't reciprocate or value that friendliness.

People need to wake up! Is that really the message you want to be sending?

If cold anomynity, interpersonal brick walls, and social isolation and exclusion is what you're about, why on earth did you move to the land of smiles?

Like a nod or a smile is too much effort.

Pffft.

[AYJAYDEE]

Thais value social cohesion. Being friendly to strangers is part of the process.

Thais notice when one farang is rude and unfriendly towards another farang.

They conclude that farangs aren't really friendly, and that there's no need to be friendly to farangs because they don't reciprocate or value that friendliness.

People need to wake up! Is that really the message you want to be sending?

If cold anomynity, interpersonal brick walls, and social isolation and exclusion is what you're about, why on earth did you move to the land of smiles?

Like a nod or a smile is too much effort.

Pffft.

thais dont nod and smile at strangers in our town