Do You Mind your own Business?

[MaeJoMTB]

As the saying goes "mind your own business". Sometimes other business becomes your business

I'm not disagreeing with you, but can you give an example?

You see the Kray twins cutting someone up, report it to the police, then they send someone to cut you and your family up.

[enuff said]

.

Yeah, 7000 posts since 2011 and he's minding his own bizness!

The OP's definition of "Minding your own business" seems to be "Running like a coward from everything" or "Ignoring all social responsibility".

Let's all build a wall around ourselves and completely ignore the plaints and troubles of our fellow human beings, because we just can't be bothered.

Must be a Christian

enuff said

~

[northernphil]

I mind only my own business everyone else's is of no interest to me.

Ah, another poster with the same mindset as me. Anyone else?

Something trivial I know but, in the cold weather up here in t'north a women in T/Lotus was in need of a woolen hat. There she was looking in the mirror , liked what she saw and put the said hat in her cart. After 30 mins or so I was behind her at the checkout and her hat was now on her head, off she went through and forgot the hat was on her head. T/Lotus won't feel the loss of a 100B hat but what gets up my nose is all these small thefts put the prices up. If I had said to the cashier " Oy , she no pay hat bin " I might of got from the thief " Oh solly my head very yen ,forgot I put hat on " Not worth the effort.

[96tehtarp]

"f you saw a motorbike riding on the wrong side of the road, cause an accident, and then ride off, if you got the reg no,"

Riding a motorcycle on the wrong side of the road, on the shoulder, is perfectly legal in Thailand. It's in the rule book and on the driver's licence test. Causing an accident isn't legal.

When is it time to not mind my own business and get involved in other people biz? I know it when it happens. One needs to weigh out the risks/benefits, and wait. Usually some other Thai person will take on the challenge. This in 99% of cases.

[canuckamuck]

The dilemma comes from the fact that you don't know where you stand here. In our own countries we are aware of our rights, and have a certain level of confidence in taking things to another level. Such as involving authorities, stopping an assault, or administering first aid. In Thailand however you can have no confidence in any rights at all. You can't be sure the authorities won't turn things against you. You can't be sure what side of the law will be upheld. You can't be sure that you won't be assaulted or extorted.

There is a different social contract in Thailand for citizens than there is for foreigners. And both of those are very different than the social contract we were brought up with.

The best you can hope for is to never come across a situation where your instinct to help is so powerful, you are willing to risk the consequences.

where is that line? like another poster has said, it is different for everyone.

I have taken the chance and put myself on the line a couple of times. It went OK for me. But looking back I can see where it could have gone south pretty quick.

[ToddinChonburi]

Yes you would have to assess each situation as it comes up. Do I care if someone shop lifts, no but a hit and run if I can get the plate sure I would help. Now a guy slapping around his girl, I may have to bounce his head off a tree.

I do see thai's helping out were they can in many things, like taking my money . OK move along nothing to see here !!

[1FinickyOne]

If I thought I could be helpful to someone, I probably would…

[ExPratt]

Depends on what others actions . People who drive like idiots and cause accidents. I would without a doubt Grass them up. If someone robbed a bank and I had their Licence plate number I would NOT Grass them up.

[alantheembalmer]

This is what happened to me today, and it is absolutely true.

I was on a bus going to the market, and the driver and conductor on my bus decided that the bus in the outside lane was a major problem to them. So we pulled up besides this bus, and words were exchanged. Then everything went ballistic. The driver and conductor from my bus armed themselves with machetes that were hidden under the dashboard, and they stormed the other bus, where their corresponding employees were also getting some large blades ready for their arrival. It was at this point that everyone on the two buses decided that it would probably be prudent if they adjourned to the pavement, which we did. After much shouting and gesticulating the warring parties separated, with fortunately no blood being spilled.

We all then got back on our corresponding busses, and went on our way.

I will leave you to guess whether I minded my own business, or not!

[NoshowJones]

.

You need a better analogy. If you witness a crime it sorta becomes your business, doesn't it?

Doesn't "mind your own business" mean stuff like passing on gossip or trash talk? Or giving your own opinion on others behaviour loudly?

~

I once saw a pick up truck run a motor cycle with two girl students on it off the road.. I got ahead of the pick up, blocked the way, and forced the driver to stop. then got out and took the keys away from the driver. about then a policeman showed up followed by the two students. the driver denied it but other witnesses stopped and the ass hole was hauled off to jail. sometimes you just can't standby and wtch these heartless stupid idiots get away with anything they want, especialy when it harms innocent people.

How true that is, that's why I said you have to be in that position to know whether to interfere or not.

Remember also that you did take a risk as it is well known that the majority of Thai drivers carry weapons,

you would have no chance against a gun.

[NoshowJones]

As the saying goes "mind your own business". Sometimes other business becomes your business

I'm not disagreeing with you, but can you give an example?

You see the Kray twins cutting someone up, report it to the police, then they send someone to cut you and your family up.

This is a bit off topic, but I have heard from a few people from London, that the Kray twins did not do violence on women or kids, and no one in their area would dare mug any old folk.

[NoshowJones]

.

Yeah, 7000 posts since 2011 and he's minding his own bizness!

The OP's definition of "Minding your own business" seems to be "Running like a coward from everything" or "Ignoring all social responsibility".

Let's all build a wall around ourselves and completely ignore the plaints and troubles of our fellow human beings, because we just can't be bothered.

Must be a Christian

enuff said

~

Yes, and I will keep on minding my own business, and if keeping away from a situation where there is a chance of getting beat up by six Thais, makes me a coward, then that's what I am.

Remember, this is Thailand we are living in, and except for the odd occasion, to be 99% safe, is too mind your own business, and stay sober.

[NoshowJones]

I mind only my own business everyone else's is of no interest to me.

Ah, another poster with the same mindset as me. Anyone else?

Something trivial I know but, in the cold weather up here in t'north a women in T/Lotus was in need of a woolen hat. There she was looking in the mirror , liked what she saw and put the said hat in her cart. After 30 mins or so I was behind her at the checkout and her hat was now on her head, off she went through and forgot the hat was on her head. T/Lotus won't feel the loss of a 100B hat but what gets up my nose is all these small thefts put If I had said to the cashier " Oy , she no pay hat bin " I might of got from the thief " Oh solly my head very yen ,forgot I put hat on " Not worth the effort.

Good post, but I don't agree that all those small thefts keep putting the prices up, the prices would still go up by as much as the shops could get away with if all the shoplifting stopped tomorrow. It is called Capitalism.

[NoshowJones]

"f you saw a motorbike riding on the wrong side of the road, cause an accident, and then ride off, if you got the reg no,"

Riding a motorcycle on the wrong side of the road, on the shoulder, is perfectly legal in Thailand. It's in the rule book and on the driver's licence test. Causing an accident isn't legal.

When is it time to not mind my own business and get involved in other people biz? I know it when it happens. One needs to weigh out the risks/benefits, and wait. Usually some other Thai person will take on the challenge. This in 99% of cases.

On the hard shoulder of a highway, yes, but not on a road without a hard shoulder. Your last paragraph I agree with.

[NoshowJones]

if the aussie ( Mark Hamilton Pendlebury),in phuket, the other night, had minded his own business and moved along when asked,

he would NOT be on MURDER charges.

on the other hand, i was knocked off my motor bike a few weeks ago, and literally every vehicle stopped, closing the road until me and the bike were moved to the side, and first aid applied by a nurse travelling past.

there is a time to mind your own business and a time to get involved, IMHO

Like I said, all down to common sense.

[NoshowJones]

The dilemma comes from the fact that you don't know where you stand here. In our own countries we are aware of our rights, and have a certain level of confidence in taking things to another level. Such as involving authorities, stopping an assault, or administering first aid. In Thailand however you can have no confidence in any rights at all. You can't be sure the authorities won't turn things against you. You can't be sure what side of the law will be upheld. You can't be sure that you won't be assaulted or extorted.

There is a different social contract in Thailand for citizens than there is for foreigners. And both of those are very different than the social contract we were brought up with.

The best you can hope for is to never come across a situation where your instinct to help is so powerful, you are willing to risk the consequences.

where is that line? like another poster has said, it is different for everyone.

I have taken the chance and put myself on the line a couple of times. It went OK for me. But looking back I can see where it could have gone south pretty quick.

The most sensible post on this topic so far.

[canuckamuck]

if the aussie ( Mark Hamilton Pendlebury),in phuket, the other night, had minded his own business and moved along when asked,

he would NOT be on MURDER charges.

on the other hand, i was knocked off my motor bike a few weeks ago, and literally every vehicle stopped, closing the road until me and the bike were moved to the side, and first aid applied by a nurse travelling past.

there is a time to mind your own business and a time to get involved, IMHO

Like I said, all down to common sense.

And a bit of luck.

[NoshowJones]

Yes you would have to assess each situation as it comes up. Do I care if someone shop lifts, no but a hit and run if I can get the plate sure I would help. Now a guy slapping around his girl, I may have to bounce his head off a tree.

I do see thai's helping out were they can in many things, like taking my money . OK move along nothing to see here !!

Now a guy slapping around his girl, I may have to bounce his head off a tree. That's a real certain way to find yourself up against six Thais.

[smudger1951]

Good Samaritans in short supply over here !

[NoshowJones]

Depends on what others actions . People who drive like idiots and cause accidents. I would without a doubt Grass them up. If someone robbed a bank and I had their Licence plate number I would NOT Grass them up.

If someone robbed a bank and I had their Licence plate number I would NOT Grass them up. Not even if they had weapons and terrified innocent people??

[ExPratt]

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Depends on what others actions . People who drive like idiots and cause accidents. I would without a doubt Grass them up. If someone robbed a bank and I had their Licence plate number I would NOT Grass them up.

If someone robbed a bank and I had their Licence plate number I would NOT Grass them up. Not even if they had weapons and terrified innocent people??

If they were horrible sods then maybe, hard for me to say that I would , like many I come from a don't get involved area , especially with the Police

[northernphil]

At the end of the day I mind my own but Thais do not ;at least the ladies do not. How many here have been sat at a bar minding their own when "

'ello big boy where you flom sexy man ? " I reply " None of your business you wanton strumpet " Well this is what I tell my wife as it is none of her bisnet either.

[whooshbang]

two occasions in Thailand that i have not mind my own business.... firstly an incredibly racist farang in a little bar i was drinking in was abusing two black girls, the Thais didn't care but it was ruining my drinking experience and causing a bad vibe. I approached him and told him politely to go forth.... surprisingly he got up and left. I was left to pay his 160 baht bill which was a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Secondly, helped a drunk farang who was violently sick over a bar and pool table in Samui.... suffice to say the mamasan was not best pleased. Whilst the girls cleaned bar i helped him pay his bar tab and flagged him a taxi (car because there's no way he was gonna stay on the back of a bike).

The rest of the time i have turned a blind eye!

So it really does depend on the moment and situation. Always pays to think it through though or you might get caught will someones bill, angry husband/wife, mafia, police, bangkok hilton or a good beating.

[Daniel Ingalls]

Hey! What about becoming part of the community. Looking out for each other? Watch my house I'll watch yours. (neighborhood watch)

very successful in the States. Not reporting a crime (shoplifting) report! Its your moral duty. Vandalism Report, Its your moral duty. We live in a society where

we are suppose to be vigilant towards each other abide by the rule of law, and to report any and all acts of crime. Look at Japan, it is almost impossible to

get away with anything illegal. Petty crimes are almost nonexistent. We, don't hear much on corruption or embezzlement coming out of Japan. So don't give me

this mind your own business. This is how things are suppose to happen. Many people talk about the honesty of individuals 60-90 years ago Why? Because they got involved. A society that observes and reports all the facts to a crime being committed, or vandals destroying property, is a community in control of

things, and the happening around them. By not getting in evolved is plainly un-American, showing anti -social behavior, and down-out-right being self centered,

and carelessness. The fear of reprisals should never enter your mind. What is right is right. Letting someone get away, will only strengthen them in the next attempt.

[EmptyHead]

I would depend on the exact situation.

If the crime wasn't that bad and there were lots of other witnesses around, i am not so sorry to say - i would probably let it be their business.

[Thian]

One day on a market i walked behind a mother with her son at hand.

The boy grabbed a dogcooky from a shop and ate it, the mother didn't notice it.

A monk behind me went to tell the mum what he did and i confirmed i had seen it as well.

That's about as far as i will go in interfering with the Thai. For the rest i don't see anything.

It was very funny though, he even seemed to like it.

[georgegeorgia]

I (and most of my fellow country men) quite often like to help people when they seem to be in some difficulty and it is usually well accepted and appreciated. Things like offering assistance to people who seem to be looking for a street while turning a map left and right, up and down....or telling an obvious visitor that they can have a free glass of water at the local food vendor while waiting for their noodle nosh up if I am sitting at the same table...or helping them to order a meal. When I do this my wife gives me a dig in the ribs and tells me to mind my owe business (though not in those words)...Why you talk to them, you not know them"? I find it hard explaining to her that I like to help people as I would like it if other people helped me in the same position.

Now, eventually to get to my point...........In Thailand I find it is not usually well accepted and appreciated by the Farang community, and even can get rebuffed for it. One particular country's nationals jump to mind straight away...and yet I still find it difficult to ignore a person's obvious distress in given situations if I feel I could help to relieve it for them. Thai's however are more than delighted when offered assistance.

I agree with you..I've had some bad experiences helping people..yes even Thais.

Unfortunately I guess we only remember the bad episodes of helping others.

I was walking down the stairs in a building last year and offered a lady with a pram/baby to help her carry it down the stairs..all of a sudden this guy covered in tattoos ..butts in and nastily says to me "thats my job im her husband now p..off" to me.Actually I didnt see him as he was walking behind her.

Another time im at Pattaya Railway Station and in exiting I saw a Elderly Thai lady carrying luggage..i offered to carry it for her...we walked towards a car with a farang sitting in it...the engine was running..the elderly woman was helped into the back seat by a younger thai lady i presume her daughter...i still had the suitcase in my hand and the driver popped the boot from inside so i walked to the boot and out the suitcase in and closed the boot.

By this time the elderly Thai lady who i helped originally was in the car.

I was going to walk past her and wave but before I could the farang driver called me over to his drivers side window..."excuse mate" he shouted ..."hey mate!

So thinking he was going to thank me for helping his mother in law or whoever the lady was that i carried the suitcase for...i went happily to his driver window..wherehe said "Do me a favour buddy...Dont ever f....n SLAM my boot ok !!! And just as he said that he must of hit the accelerator because he skidded away leaving me in shock that he was a ungrateful person the same as the lady who didnt even bother to give me a thankyou.

[Water Buffalo]

"surprisingly he got up and left. I was left to pay his 160 baht bill which was a small price to pay for peace of mind."

Brilliant.

[chrisinth]

I think I would have to ask myself some serious questions dependent on the scenario.

You are walking down a quiet soi and witness a car clipping a motorbike. The two girls are off the bike and on the road in front of you. Do you just walk past them and carry on?

You are walking down a busy soi and see a child in front of you about to run into the road. Would you ignore this?

You are in a bar and witness someone putting something into a girl's drink while she isn't looking at the next table. Do you just sit there and keep your mouth shut?

You are at the beach and see a child separated from their parents by about 10 meters or so. You see a dog approaching the child baring it's teeth, looking dangerous. As the parents haven't seen it yet, do you keep quiet about it?

In all the above, the answer would be no, I wouldn't mind my own business, I would get involved in things that weren't my business.

Something for the posters who live in their own little secure worlds and ignore what is going on around them........................

[marko kok prong]

I think I would have to ask myself some serious questions dependent on the scenario.

You are walking down a quiet soi and witness a car clipping a motorbike. The two girls are off the bike and on the road in front of you. Do you just walk past them and carry on?

You are walking down a busy soi and see a child in front of you about to run into the road. Would you ignore this?

You are in a bar and witness someone putting something into a girl's drink while she isn't looking at the next table. Do you just sit there and keep your mouth shut?

You are at the beach and see a child separated from their parents by about 10 meters or so. You see a dog approaching the child baring it's teeth, looking dangerous. As the parents haven't seen it yet, do you keep quiet about it?

In all the above, the answer would be no, I wouldn't mind my own business, I would get involved in things that weren't my business.

Something for the posters who live in their own little secure worlds and ignore what is going on around them........................

Good post mate,yes,you have made me think,the only thing,as i said before,and okay call me a cynic,is that Thai's see a falang,and see a chance with help from the bib to get money,not all Thai's but some will do this,as for the dog part,yeah i would do something,but would the Thai's see it as help,or a falang trying to snatch their kid,or cause them to loose face,because you saved the kid,while they where too busy eating to notice,then all hell could break loose,,Chris you just cannot apply your western thinking to these scenario's,the Thai could look at it in a totally different light.