Life in Bangkok these days

[SoiBiker]

Then why shout it?

[PFWilliams]

ITS NOT, JUST READ THE POST

I DONT CARE WHO YOU ARE OR WHERE YOU ARE FROM.

I AM REFERING TO BEING VERY CAREFUL LIVING IN THAILAND.

I WANT TO SAY THAT I AM SORRY THAT YOU HAVE MISUNDERSTOOD ME.

JUST DO WHAT YOU WANT. JUST WANTED SOME PEOPLE TO BE CARFUL IN WHAT

THEY DO IN LIFE. MY THOUGHTS ONLY.

[PFWilliams]

Man I am sorry I had the caps on. wow just trying to have a little explanation to

what happen. I am not trying to start a war.

[mydee]

I have been in Bangkok since I was a teenager and now I am 54 and retired from school teaching. There is nowhere in the world I would rather live. Where I live is quiet and clean and still central to a vibrant and exhilirating city. Opportunities abound everywhere for pleasant social interaction. The friendliness of the people has not changed and for those willing to put in the time to learn the Thai language and move out of the so called expat lifestyle somewhat it is perpetually rewarding. My grown up kids actually prefer Europe and live and work there. But i am working on another family and have no doubts that my little ones will grow up happy and safe and fulfilled before deciding what they would like to do. My main interest in life is professional Scrabble (i just returned from Perth, Australia, where I represented Thailand)and it may be incredible for non-players to learn that Bangkok was recently named as the number one city in the world to play the game. Bangkok has given me everything and I owe it and Thailand big time. The naysayers of TVF just give me chuckles and even if I feel outraged by their nonsense there are, i know, many people from abroad who have made their life here are are very happy.

And you, sir make reading Thai Visa worthwhile

[soc]

I AM A AMERICAN

So what?

You can't help that!

Nobody is perfect.

OJ=(only joking!)

Some of my best friends are American.

[bazza40]

But how is your nationality relevant here?

Perhaps it's because there are many Americans who travel the world convinced their American citizenship is a suit of armour which protects them from adverse consequences. And when they find they are mistaken, they are outraged.

[bazza40]

Personally, I find Bangkok too large and overwhelming. Cities such as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are more to my liking. However, each to his/her own.

[Familyonthemove]

Just my (very) subjective opinion - but I think there's been a change in the cultural and demographic mix of the ex-pats, but the numbers are about constant .....

I base this on my walk/BTS ride home from the office - which runs up Sukhumvit.

1. Fewer Japanese and Korean businessmen - Korea Town and Phrom Pong restaurants looking sparse and Soi 33 dead - I think this started with the floods that resulted in automotive suppliers reducing their production in Thailand?

2. Fewer European and American 'senior' ex-pats as they have all paired up with local girls and are now raising their kids in Pattaya/Hua Hin (compounding the impact on Soi 33 noted in 1)

3. Fewer Indian ex-pats as they have integrated with the locals and their Indian/Thai off-spring are now spending the fruits of the family property empire in Robinsons

4. More Middle Eastern ex-pats running businesses around Nana and Bumrungrad catering to the medical tourist

5. More Chinese ex-pats running tour businesses for their countrymen

6. More young European ex-pats working in finance and phoning the dwindling population of senior ex-pats every damn day trying to sell dodgy retirement investments

[SoiBiker]

How do you know what the young European ex-pats you see on Sukhumvit do for a living?

[Familyonthemove]

How do you know what the young European ex-pats you see on Sukhumvit do for a living?

..... from the cut of their suit.

Edited November 10, 2015 by Familyonthemove

[mpyre]

But how is your nationality relevant here?

Perhaps it's because there are many Americans who travel the world convinced their American citizenship is a suit of armour which protects them from adverse consequences. And when they find they are mistaken, they are outraged.

Some Americans, some Brits, some French, some Russians...applies to several nationalities that hail from the empires of recent history...America just being the most recent example.

[PFWilliams]

But how is your nationality relevant here?

Perhaps it's because there are many Americans who travel the world convinced their American citizenship is a suit of armour which protects them from adverse consequences. And when they find they are mistaken, they are outraged.

How is it everyone is misunderstanding what I was trying to say. It had nothing to do with Nationality or being relevant. Now I wish I never said anything. To be Honest I don't like what many of the Foreign People are doing either they think this country owes them something.

[PFWilliams]

I AM A AMERICAN

So what?

You can't help that!

Nobody is perfect.

OJ=(only joking!)

Some of my best friends are American.

Just to say you are Correct, So What

[SoiBiker]

If it had nothing to do with nationality, why mention your nationality?

[balo]

Don't forget the trolls, they come from all over the world.

[Oceanbat]

No, no, yes, no.

Bangkok takes a little while to warm to. But once you do it's a great place to live and work. From what I understand from people working here longer than I the scene has changed in that there is a lot more interaction between Thais and expats now given the preponderance of overseas educated Thais working for foreign companies and with foreign employees. I have some really good Thai friends met through work and they move in the Malaysian/Singaporean expat scene as well.

OB

[farangmick]

For some reason people that don't like cities often feel the need to tell people this fact. I'm not sure why.

Spot on SB. The sticks suits me. If cities, seaside fleshpots or a tree house in the jungle suits other people, fine. Choose the lifestyle you prefer. That's why we leave our home countries.

[ableguy]

I Wrote a reply But WiFi went out and Lost it ALL.

I will make it Short this time. Frist Thailand is Great. But Don't Get hurt PERIOD.

Ok I Have Some thing to say. Your Life is not worth anything to Thai People, You May say

I am Bitter no I am not. I Happen to Fall off a Bus when I was getting off. I Don't Drink

I was Going Home after Buying some Food. the bus started to go when I was half way off

that's when I fell and hurt my Knee and land on my face, NO ONE I MEAN NO ONE HELPED ME

Too see if I was ok, The bus just Drove off after I rolled over. ALL Thai People on the BUS.

I AM A AMERICAN an have lived here for Two Years now and no Problems that I cannot except.

Not until this happen which made me Realize my LIFE Means NOTHING TO THEM Not even to see if I was Okay. Just be carful and spend your money you are just a GUEST HERE AND Don't ever forget

That FACT. I Wanted to stay here for my Retirement but now I am rethinking it After this

Accident. I could have Died or Broke a Hip, But who would Care. Just SAYING I live alone

I do have friends and they are sorry that this happen and that I must be carful but accidents

do Happen,

WHO CARES RIGHT. Luck have it I am in good shape for my age 70. I Look like 55 or 60 Just

saying and MIXED in Nationalty very light skin not dark. Maybe that had something to do with

it. But remember we are Human Beings and I dont care if you cant speak English or Thai OVE

which I can speak a little. So Just remember Have your money ready for Problems and EMERGANCY. I am now thinking about leaving, Don't want to but Life is to short to be Cut SHORT BY NO

ONE WANTING TOO HELP. GOOD LUCK

Sad story friend but I can relate to it, living in Korat without friends is not easy.

[thrilled]

It's all about networking.You need to put yourself out there.There are places where farangs go.

Myself I enjoy visiting Bangkok but it's so hot and crowded I can't stay there for long periods of time.I like the beaches and also

isaan area.PlusI enjoy traveling to neighboring countries.Just get yourself out there.

[Shadychris]

I think Bangkok is a fabulous place to live, excellent restaurants, the Skytrain pubs and friendly considerate people. But I rarely frequent the tourist areas like Sukhumvit and have a nice little apprtment overlooking the river. I have developed interest here such as learning Thai but I do miss having a beer with friends.

I am 62 and own condo in BKK, not in tourist section.

I am only there half the time -- will be interested in Ex-Pat responses as well.

I'd like to find some guys my age for some beers and good talk.

I'll watch the thread -- it will be a few months before I get back there.

My Thai wife and I BASE in BKK - and travel around from there.

We Love BKK -- but beware, as there are just at 62,395 BKK-Bashers on here.

Good Luck.

You miss having a beer with friends? Are you saying you don't have any Thai friends that you can have a beer with?

Have to say I get baffled by the attitude\ethos of so many expats (not just in Thailand) who don't seem to have any desire to integrate themselves into the social life of the country they have chosen to make their new home. Instead they choose to only socialize with other expats either sat in 'English' bars or in cafes that make some attempt to provide Western style food.

I see this in Korat a lot - the same group of expats hanging around together at the cafe in the Mall, moaning about how hot it is, moaning because its a religious holiday and they cant buy a beer, moaning about this, moaning about that. None of them even able to put two words together in Thai... I just don't get the logic behind wishing to move to another country with such a different culture where English is not spoken widely, if all one wants to do is eat 'pie and mash', drink European beer, and hangout with other Europeans. There is an ideal place that caters much better for those criteria than Thailand - it's called Europe!

[Cinderella Man]

I'm different age group - late 20's... European who lived in several major cities in the World and I never expected to live in BKK. I came her for 6 days... 8 months ago.

I was hanging out with Thais since day one, haven't done any tourist stuff yet. Except spending the first week in Khaosan... I still haven't even visited the Grand Palace... It's a freaking huge city, anyone can find his/hers place and friends. My second home is RCA ))

And online porn... It takes 20-180 (on a bad day) minutes at a night-club to find hot middle/high class girl (not prostitutes). No need for videos

[SoiBiker]

I think Bangkok is a fabulous place to live, excellent restaurants, the Skytrain pubs and friendly considerate people. But I rarely frequent the tourist areas like Sukhumvit and have a nice little apprtment overlooking the river. I have developed interest here such as learning Thai but I do miss having a beer with friends.

I am 62 and own condo in BKK, not in tourist section.

I am only there half the time -- will be interested in Ex-Pat responses as well.

I'd like to find some guys my age for some beers and good talk.

I'll watch the thread -- it will be a few months before I get back there.

My Thai wife and I BASE in BKK - and travel around from there.

We Love BKK -- but beware, as there are just at 62,395 BKK-Bashers on here.

Good Luck.

You miss having a beer with friends? Are you saying you don't have any Thai friends that you can have a beer with?

Have to say I get baffled by the attitude\ethos of so many expats (not just in Thailand) who don't seem to have any desire to integrate themselves into the social life of the country they have chosen to make their new home. Instead they choose to only socialize with other expats either sat in 'English' bars or in cafes that make some attempt to provide Western style food.

I see this in Korat a lot - the same group of expats hanging around together at the cafe in the Mall, moaning about how hot it is, moaning because its a religious holiday and they cant buy a beer, moaning about this, moaning about that. None of them even able to put two words together in Thai... I just don't get the logic behind wishing to move to another country with such a different culture where English is not spoken widely, if all one wants to do is eat 'pie and mash', drink European beer, and hangout with other Europeans. There is an ideal place that caters much better for those criteria than Thailand - it's called Europe!

It's not that hard to understand. They came here for the women. They're not particularly interested in anything else about the country.

[Shadychris]

I think Bangkok is a fabulous place to live, excellent restaurants, the Skytrain pubs and friendly considerate people. But I rarely frequent the tourist areas like Sukhumvit and have a nice little apprtment overlooking the river. I have developed interest here such as learning Thai but I do miss having a beer with friends.

I am 62 and own condo in BKK, not in tourist section.

I am only there half the time -- will be interested in Ex-Pat responses as well.

I'd like to find some guys my age for some beers and good talk.

I'll watch the thread -- it will be a few months before I get back there.

My Thai wife and I BASE in BKK - and travel around from there.

We Love BKK -- but beware, as there are just at 62,395 BKK-Bashers on here.

Good Luck.

You miss having a beer with friends? Are you saying you don't have any Thai friends that you can have a beer with?

Have to say I get baffled by the attitude\ethos of so many expats (not just in Thailand) who don't seem to have any desire to integrate themselves into the social life of the country they have chosen to make their new home. Instead they choose to only socialize with other expats either sat in 'English' bars or in cafes that make some attempt to provide Western style food.

I see this in Korat a lot - the same group of expats hanging around together at the cafe in the Mall, moaning about how hot it is, moaning because its a religious holiday and they cant buy a beer, moaning about this, moaning about that. None of them even able to put two words together in Thai... I just don't get the logic behind wishing to move to another country with such a different culture where English is not spoken widely, if all one wants to do is eat 'pie and mash', drink European beer, and hangout with other Europeans. There is an ideal place that caters much better for those criteria than Thailand - it's called Europe!

It's not that hard to understand. They came here for the women. They're not particularly interested in anything else about the country.

Yeah that must be it - though judging by the scruffy, unshaven and dishevelled appearance of most of them, I'm surprised they could attract a woman - even in Thailand. I guess when they arrived here they had a few more baht in their pockets - making them a slightly better proposition...

[50baht]

I've noticed some of the Ladies in Bangkok have big hands.

[Shadychris]

But how is your nationality relevant here?

Perhaps it's because there are many Americans who travel the world convinced their American citizenship is a suit of armour which protects them from adverse consequences. And when they find they are mistaken, they are outraged.

Some Americans, some Brits, some French, some Russians...applies to several nationalities that hail from the empires of recent history...America just being the most recent example.

Well I'm not so sure about that... For starters whilst it's true to say that Great Britain did have a pretty big empire once, the French also to a lesser extent, America has never had an empire. Maybe this is in part the problem - coming from a country with little history or culture, mainly colonized by overseas settlers, perhaps is the reason why so many Yanks constantly feel the need to inform the rest of the world of America's 'might and power'

I think nowadays the average Brit or Frenchman doesn't really consider themselves to be superior or rulers of the world, whereas unfortunately many Americans when abroad do seem to give a slightly arrogant impression that they are in some way special, and the rest of the world should treat them with some kind of awe.... Thais I speak with generally seem to hold Americans in pretty low esteem rating them alongside Chinese in terms of bad etiquette, lack of respect for tradition\culture, and general 'loudness'..

Edited November 10, 2015 by Shadychris

[MyFriend You]

I live in Bangkok most of the time because my Thai wife works here and it's a great hub for travel to the rest of Asia. I travel frequently but when in Bangkok I usually go to the gym at the Landmark hotel. They have a nice members lounge with free coffee, newspaper, and wifi. Plenty of places for lunch in the area and several parks to visit. Gets a little boring so I travel every couple of weeks and very soon several friends will show up for the winter. All good! A recent trip back to the USA reminded me how much I take the scenery here for granted. Beautiful friendly women everywhere!

How's the gym in Landmark? Been considering to give a try. Possible to pay as you go, or membership only? Do they have serious lifting equipment or just the usual fitness machinery?

The gym is very good, fitness first franchise so they have a lot of gyms in bangkok. About done with a complete remodel. You should check it out. Not cheap. Best to do yearly or at least monthly. I like it a lot! If you go in my name is Steve.

I have a friend that pays yearly in the Landmark, and turns it off whenever he goes back to the States or elsewhere, come back and they turn it back on for him - been going there for years - reckon he spends about 6 months total in Bangkok. He used to go to California Fitness but I hear they are out of business, the Gyms are a good place to meet people like yourselves. Don't pay any mind to the Thai/Bangkok bashers, they have their own agenda, and woldn't be happy if everything was peachy keen. Lots of us ole farts around, and not all of us are Jocks either, just normal folk that enjoy good conversation and loiving in SE Asia.

[MyFriend You]

I live in Bangkok most of the time because my Thai wife works here and it's a great hub for travel to the rest of Asia. I travel frequently but when in Bangkok I usually go to the gym at the Landmark hotel. They have a nice members lounge with free coffee, newspaper, and wifi. Plenty of places for lunch in the area and several parks to visit. Gets a little boring so I travel every couple of weeks and very soon several friends will show up for the winter. All good! A recent trip back to the USA reminded me how much I take the scenery here for granted. Beautiful friendly women everywhere!

How's the gym in Landmark? Been considering to give a try. Possible to pay as you go, or membership only? Do they have serious lifting equipment or just the usual fitness machinery?

The gym is very good, fitness first franchise so they have a lot of gyms in bangkok. About done with a complete remodel. You should check it out. Not cheap. Best to do yearly or at least monthly. I like it a lot! If you go in my name is Steve.

Removed double post

Edited November 10, 2015 by TunnelRat69

[seancbk]

I have been in Bangkok since I was a teenager and now I am 54 and retired from school teaching. There is nowhere in the world I would rather live. Where I live is quiet and clean and still central to a vibrant and exhilirating city. Opportunities abound everywhere for pleasant social interaction. The friendliness of the people has not changed and for those willing to put in the time to learn the Thai language and move out of the so called expat lifestyle somewhat it is perpetually rewarding. My grown up kids actually prefer Europe and live and work there. But i am working on another family and have no doubts that my little ones will grow up happy and safe and fulfilled before deciding what they would like to do. My main interest in life is professional Scrabble (i just returned from Perth, Australia, where I represented Thailand)and it may be incredible for non-players to learn that Bangkok was recently named as the number one city in the world to play the game. Bangkok has given me everything and I owe it and Thailand big time. The naysayers of TVF just give me chuckles and even if I feel outraged by their nonsense there are, i know, many people from abroad who have made their life here are are very happy.

Two thumbs up.

[boomerexpat]

I haven't figured out what most of these have to do with my post but I'm always fascinated by how white expats love to brag that they only hang around locals, something I find usually translates into hanging out with their wife's or girlfriend's family. But it is only a white thing. Expats I meet from Asia and Latin America love to run into and hang out with expats from their own countries. In the US where I'm from we have a lot of foreign born people, few of which, except for white Europeans, hang around anyone in their spare time except for people from their own country. A big reason they want to hang with their crowd is so they can speak their native language. Maybe they just aren't as enlightened as white people.

[Shadychris]

I haven't figured out what most of these have to do with my post but I'm always fascinated by how white expats love to brag that they only hang around locals, something I find usually translates into hanging out with their wife's or girlfriend's family. But it is only a white thing. Expats I meet from Asia and Latin America love to run into and hang out with expats from their own countries. In the US where I'm from we have a lot of foreign born people, few of which, except for white Europeans, hang around anyone in their spare time except for people from their own country. A big reason they want to hang with their crowd is so they can speak their native language. Maybe they just aren't as enlightened as white people.

Interesting points...

As you say a lot of what has been said does little to answer your OP's questions - but that's only to be expected here... ;-)

I'm not so sure that anyone here is 'bragging' that they 'only' hang around locals, though as you admit to being an American, a nationality much renowned for being particularly boastful - I guess it is logical that you would make the assumption that anybody else stating a fact about themselves is also being boastful.

In my case I was not saying that I only hang out with locals - but rather that I did not understand the attitude of those who prefer to do that, and make no effort whatsoever to integrate into Thai society. Sure its nice sometimes to meet up with someone who speaks English other than my partner, but it's of no importance to me that my closest circle of friends are other expats - or that I even know any other expats here at all..

You are certainly right to say that a lot of Asian and Middle Eastern people immigrating to Western countries make zero effort to integrate into their new homes, seemingly preferring to import and continue with their home culture, beliefs and languages in their own mini-communities. Perhaps that is the fault of the oh so PC western countries that have allowed them to do that...

As an American, a product of a fairly new country with zero historical national identity, and built upon mass immigration of different countries and cultures, this is perhaps a fairly natural situation for you. However for someone like myself, English born, and brought up, at a time when England was English, I find the refusal of immigrants to integrate, learn the national language and uphold local traditions and culture to be something completely abhorrent.

Anyway good luck to you in finding your 'little America' in Thailand!

p.s. Oh and if you do find it, be sure to let us know where so we can avoid it ;-)