jsgatse Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 Hello all, I've been living here in Thailand for about 5 years now - and I am often asked - what's your favorite, and least favorite, thing(s) about living in Thailand. While they can vary from week to week, I think it's an interesting topic. So, I'd love to ask all the people Thai Visa to share their views/opinions as well. Let's not turn this into a ranting session - please just try to keep your answers as short and sweet as possible Here are mine: Top 3 Favorite (in no particular order): - Relative inexpensive cost of living - MOST people seem sincerely pleasant and nice on the surface with casual interactions (give a smile, get a nice smile in return) - Location. I work all throughout Asia, and it's pretty easy and reasonably inexpensive to get just about anywhere in the AP region - Top 3 Least Favorite (in no particular order): - Lack of critical thinking & debating skills - most people just seem to believe whatever they are told, never question authority, and are unable to operate outside a predefined set of operating procedures. - Lack of respect for the environment - Thailand has such natural beauty, and most people seem to not even think twice about throwing their crap out of their car window, dumping trash on the side of the road, throwing trash into the rivers/storm drains - Lack of freedom of speech - closely tied to the first item above in this category. But, the criminal / legal consequences for making statements about the government, voicing opinions on judicial rulings (and, of course you all know the big one that I can't even probably specifically mention here! (case in point)) goes squarely against the basic tenets of freedom of speech that are common in my home country. So....let's hear yours! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mesquite Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 We don't need another Thai-bashing thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsgatse Posted June 19, 2015 Author Share Posted June 19, 2015 We don't need another Thai-bashing thread. Ummm....excuse me? I specifically said "Let's not turn this into a ranting session" And, I asked for the top 3 favorite things as well. So, it's more of a conversation than a bash... If you asked me about my home country, I'd be happy to give you the top 3 and bottom 3 there as well.... So, relax, Mesquite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy chef 1 Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 pros: my family my job the weather cons: my family my job the weather Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ulysses G. Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 Thai girls. Thai girls, Thai girls Thai food, Thai food, Thai food Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
i claudius Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 Top three thing no speed cameras and parking wardens everywhere no political correctness stifling free speach the wife earns far more here in buisness than working in a Thai restaurant in Britain,all she could do. i could go on but you said only 3 worst things the me first attitude of drivers no free healthcare the lack of thought that goes into anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pigeonjake Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 first the good things, No 1, my wife and children, No 2, being able to farm without to many restrictions, No3, the general freedom you feel when living here, the not so good things, No 1, to bloody hot in the hot season, ( that seams to last longer now) No 3, not being able to grow all the veg i used to love growing in the uk, yes i can grow some here and some beautiful flowers, but i miss potatoes and the first frost on my brussles, No 3, i truely think they could make the visa reporting a little better, but its only once every 90days no hardship just a pain, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h90 Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 Well freedom of speech is relative...here you can't discuss the royals. In Germany you can't discuss the 2nd worldwar or Hitler In USA you can't discuss Jews or racial differences....OK might not go in jail but at least you would loose your job. In all Muslim countries you can't discuss homosexuality or religion Not freedom is when you are allowed to tell things that might be wrong or offensive to others. Freedom of speech is getting worse everywhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieH Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 Moved to Expat forum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlexRRR Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 For No pressure living/ carefree Cheaper Weather same same Against Customer service Long weekend/holiday crowds Free event crowds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quandow Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 Only two faves - soapies and bum guns. The negative aspects I won't put down. Let's just leave it at "I have already bought my plane ticket to move to Mexico." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emster23 Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 Thai girls. Thai girls, Thai girls Thai food, Thai food, Thai food So you started with least liked or most liked? Please clear up ambiguity there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artamus Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 Pros 1. Most Thais are very nice people. 2. Relatively cheap cost of living. 3. Not too many restrictions/laws and stupid nanny state rules. Cons. 1. Total lack of respect for the environment. 2. Corruption. 3. Burning in the north dry season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sanuk711 Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 1/ Thai women----I really do think that they are delightful, & isn't that what brought most of us here? ... if you disagree possibly you could be spending to much time in the bars, talking to the wrong ones. 2/ Casual life style --I wanted to build a very small garden wall for my daughter in Oz last time there--it was just over 3 ft......needed council building approval + architect planes ------architect plans for a back yard garden wall. 3/ Lack of PC................great 1/Whingers on ThaiVisa 2/Whingers on ThaiVisa 3/Whingers on ThaiVisa Thailand is not for everyone-----that's understandable , so if you don't like it, go find somewhere that will make you happy---- its not so much that life is short---just that death so bloody long. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katipo Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 I pretty much agree with OP on his list. I'd change his #2 of positives to 365 days of warm weather more of less allowing you to travel where you want, when you want, within the Kingdom itself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catoni Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 Pros: The amazing Thai food. The friendly people Ability to live very inexpensively (I could list more.... like medical being very cheap.... Buddhism with the temples etc... don't have to shovel snow... lol) (Someone mentioned "no free medical" I'm not aware of medical being "free" anyplace in the world. "Free" medical is an illusion...) Cons: The trash problem in some areas as mentioned by someone else... The traffic....which when I first was driving in it I referred to it as "...organized chaos..." The smokey season in parts of Thailand... like around Chiang Mai. All in all...... I love Thailand.... at least in the northern area... and some of the islands.... I'm not too interested in western party places like Pattaya. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little mary sunshine Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 PRO: Inexpensive, never have to look at a price tag Most people are friendly. I enjoy the different Culture Weather, hot but it never gets cold CON: The Cities,beaches and water are filthy To many freaken drunk Westerners always complaining about everything Thai. Reckless driving, lack of respect for other Drivers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Khunangkaro Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 Plus: The weather, The food, The traffic. Minus: The weather, The food, The traffic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nonb Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 What I like : 1. Fruits. 2. Food. 3. Weather. What I hate : 1. Soi dogs. 2.Taxi drivers. 3. International school fees. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suradit69 Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 (edited) We don't need another Thai-bashing thread. Ummm....excuse me? I specifically said "Let's not turn this into a ranting session" And, I asked for the top 3 favorite things as well. So, it's more of a conversation than a bash... If you asked me about my home country, I'd be happy to give you the top 3 and bottom 3 there as well.... So, relax, Mesquite. "I specifically said "Let's not turn this into a ranting session" Try to serious. Do you really think saying that will deter all the disgruntled, bored and self-loathing posters from having a go? Everyday people post 101 things, mainly imaginary or misunderstood things, they dislike This is Thai Visa. Most bashing threads have some caveat or disclaimer about bashing and then quickly turn to bash, bash, bash. What could you possibly hope to achieve by starting another thread that is unlikely to come up with anything new or interesting? Edited June 19, 2015 by Suradit69 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsgatse Posted June 19, 2015 Author Share Posted June 19, 2015 We don't need another Thai-bashing thread. Ummm....excuse me? I specifically said "Let's not turn this into a ranting session" And, I asked for the top 3 favorite things as well. So, it's more of a conversation than a bash... If you asked me about my home country, I'd be happy to give you the top 3 and bottom 3 there as well.... So, relax, Mesquite. "I specifically said "Let's not turn this into a ranting session" Try to serious. Do you really think saying that will deter all the disgruntled, bored and self-loathing posters from having a go? Everyday people post 101 things, mainly imaginary or misunderstood things, they dislike This is Thai Visa. Most bashing threads have some caveat or disclaimer about bashing and then quickly turn to bash, bash, bash. What could you possibly hope to achieve by starting another thread that is unlikely to come up with anything new or interesting? Well, I am trying to have an interesting and enlightening discussion, that I, for one, find interesting. Following your "reasoning", any topic that could turn into "bash, bash, bash" should be avoided since they could possibly allow someone to voice a genuine and well-founded opinion? If your colleagues aren't mature enough to have a intelligent conversation, that's not my fault. While I appreciate your pedantic concern, I am discerning enough to see thru immature and hateful comments that have no merit or not well founded. Since you seem to profess that you know what's best for me, and the Thai Visa community at large, I would be most interested in hearing your comments on my list, for instance, since you essentially discount them as "imaginary or misunderstood". I'm eager to hear your views. And, I am serious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lostoday Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 Lack of critical thinking skills among expats living in Thailand. Let me give you an example. A person posted a topic and said he didn't want it to become a Thai bash and then He started off the posting by writing the below - a major Thai bash. Lack of critical thinking & debating skills - most people just seem to believe whatever they are told, never question authority, and are unable to operate outside a predefined set of operating procedures. - Lack of respect for the environment - Thailand has such natural beauty, and most people seem to not even think twice about throwing their crap out of their car window, dumping trash on the side of the road, throwing trash into the rivers/storm drains - Lack of freedom of speech - closely tied to the first item above in this category. But, the criminal / legal consequences for making statements about the government, voicing opinions on judicial rulings (and, of course you all know the big one that I can't even probably specifically mention here! (case in point)) goes squarely against the basic tenets of freedom of speech that are common in my home country. That is three big Thai bashes in a row and sets the tone for the topic to become an out and out Thai bash. I feel sad that whatever school system he comes from has stopped teaching critical thinking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsgatse Posted June 19, 2015 Author Share Posted June 19, 2015 (edited) We don't need another Thai-bashing thread. Ummm....excuse me? I specifically said "Let's not turn this into a ranting session" And, I asked for the top 3 favorite things as well. So, it's more of a conversation than a bash... If you asked me about my home country, I'd be happy to give you the top 3 and bottom 3 there as well.... So, relax, Mesquite. "I specifically said "Let's not turn this into a ranting session" Try to serious. Do you really think saying that will deter all the disgruntled, bored and self-loathing posters from having a go? Everyday people post 101 things, mainly imaginary or misunderstood things, they dislike This is Thai Visa. Most bashing threads have some caveat or disclaimer about bashing and then quickly turn to bash, bash, bash. What could you possibly hope to achieve by starting another thread that is unlikely to come up with a Edited June 19, 2015 by jsgatse Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ggt Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 Likes: 1. Eye candy 2. Massages with happy endings 3. Relatively inexpensive housing near the beaches I have lived Dislikes: 1. Blatant corruption at every level 2. Obnoxious ladyboys 3. Lack of inexpensive wines Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmptyHead Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 Favs: 1.) The women 2.) The environment 3.) The interesting innovation Least favs: 1.) The women 2.) Thais destroying everything they come across (mostly environment related) 3.) Being sweaty and covered in ants too often Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northernphil Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 Far too many likes ( such as , are prawns better than chicken etc ) Dislikes Corruption The roads and driving thereon. 3 beers , Chang ,Leo and Singha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kuifje Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 (edited) pros: my family my job the weather cons: my family my job the weather 555, you are right Edited June 19, 2015 by kuifje Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1FinickyOne Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 My terrific Thai family Thai smiles and humor Learning Thai culture and language Dislike: Noise, noise, noise. Careless Driving Burning pollution Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fitnesspm Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 For 1 & 3 for Top 3 Least Favorite, what it leads to is bitching and complaining. In the west, it seems like everyone is having a cry about something and bitching about the government, people, work, etc.... WHO CARES!!! Just live your life the way you want where bitching is playing the "victim," game which doesn't change anything except make you depressed. You hear it all the time from the Feminist media in westernise society fuelling more hate towards men. That's one thing I love about Thai people, they seem to get over things easier and are laid back. They narcissistic like in find westernise are back home especially the women! My parents told me years ago, just keep your life simple and you will be happy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EnglishJohn Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 1. The food 2. The genuine friendliness of the majority of people 3. The relaxed culture 1. The corruption at every level 2. The extremely spiteful nature of some Thais when they don't get what they want (usually red-shirts) 3. The heat and humidity when it is at it's peak Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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