January 14, 201610 yr Never underestimate how stupid they are, or how stupid they think you are. Very true 'mesquite', but if I may add something to the end of that; or...... "how stupid you can be", (you.... as in the we)
January 14, 201610 yr That even if your married, own a company, working and have kids you will NEVER be accepted as you are back home, no matter how long you stay and at any time you can be kicked out or refused your visa Sounds about same as a Muslim in the West. except a muslim in the west will be accepted if they knuckle down and find a job, work hard and try to become a valued member of the communtiy. that won't happen here
January 14, 201610 yr Wish I knew :- My woman IS different. Thai's love us foreigners No need to ever learn Thai as your girlfriend/wife will translate everything for you. No need to rent a house instead its so easy to buy one under your wife's name. Let her do the paperwork while you put your feet up and open a cold beer Chang. Thai's are naturally honest and truthful. If one asks to borrow money, go ahead and lend them. No need for a contract. Their word is their bond. Any farrang telling you different, is just twisted and sick. Ignore them. 555........5 this is the real list agree 100% oh, one more, if a thai starts a sentence with "honest mister", what they are going to say is 100% bullshit
January 14, 201610 yr No. 6 - traffic is dangerous I've written about this elsewhere. Despite plenty of experience driving in Thailand, I still get caught off guard sometimes. Here are some common dangers to be aware of: If you come from a country that drives on the right, be EXTRA EXTRA careful, especially as a pedestrian! You will instinctively start looking in the wrong direction. So a good rule of thumb is to look three or even four times before you start, and to keep looking both ways at all times while you are crossing. Thai drivers routinely overtake each other regardless of oncoming traffic (and on bends). The driver simply expects you to somehow get out of the way. Be vigilant, be aware of what's in the motorbike lanes and be ready to edge over to the left at a moment's notice. Thai drivers routinely jump the red lights at an intersection. Just because the light is green, don't assume that it's safe to go! When on your bike and driving in the motorbike lane with stationary or slow-moving traffic on your right, it often happens that someone turns into a side lane just as you're driving past (they’re obscured by the car immediately in front and to the side of you and they won't bother to check for oncoming bikes); so be super-vigilant whenever you are passing other vehicles. Give yourself time to react and stop or slow down quickly if necessary. Pedestrians do not have right of way, even when crossing at a pedestrian crossing when the green walk light is on! Drivers will drive straight through the red lights if they don't see anyone actively crossing - and usually they drive through even while you are crossing (and often they don't even notice)! In general, don't speed - or at least drive only as fast as you can safely and suddenly stop or avoid an obstruction (or pedestrian or dog or a vehicle coming at you from out of the blue in front or from the side).Watch your back!! Thai drivers tend to tailgate when driving so they will not be able to stop in time if you stop suddenly - even if you stop at a red light! You need to have plenty of space and time to stop gradually if necessary in the case of someone tailgating you. Slow down if the car behind you is too close to give yourself and the driver behind you extra time to react and, if you can, edge over to the left and let him pass. When it's wet, drive even more defensively. The water on the roads might just as well be oil, and it's almost impossible to see clearly. And many Thai drivers drive just as fast and recklessly as on a regular bright, sunny day! Keep in mind also that dozens of motorbikes have no lights at all (bicycles and mobile food carts very seldom have any lights either), the tail or brake lights of many cars are faulty, and Thai people have dark skin and wear dark clothes. Finally, watch out for pedestrians (and dogs and cyclists) who seem to have absolutely no awareness of traffic. They will cross the street without bothering to look at all. And even those that do look seem to wait until you're almost upon them and then suddenly dash out in front of you! BTW, check that your insurance policy covers you for motorbike accidents (whether driving or as a passenger). Often they don't, or if they do then the cover is usually halved! Please drive, walk and cross roads with extreme caution at all times.
January 14, 201610 yr Never underestimate how stupid they are, or how stupid they think you are. never underestimate you own stupidity. it's triple than what you think it is
January 14, 201610 yr No. 6 - traffic is dangerous I've written about this elsewhere. Despite plenty of experience driving in Thailand, I still get caught off guard sometimes. Here are some common dangers to be aware of: If you come from a country that drives on the right, be EXTRA EXTRA careful, especially as a pedestrian! You will instinctively start looking in the wrong direction. So a good rule of thumb is to look three or even four times before you start, and to keep looking both ways at all times while you are crossing. Thai drivers routinely overtake each other regardless of oncoming traffic (and on bends). The driver simply expects you to somehow get out of the way. Be vigilant, be aware of what's in the motorbike lanes and be ready to edge over to the left at a moment's notice. Thai drivers routinely jump the red lights at an intersection. Just because the light is green, don't assume that it's safe to go! When on your bike and driving in the motorbike lane with stationary or slow-moving traffic on your right, it often happens that someone turns into a side lane just as you're driving past (they’re obscured by the car immediately in front and to the side of you and they won't bother to check for oncoming bikes); so be super-vigilant whenever you are passing other vehicles. Give yourself time to react and stop or slow down quickly if necessary. Pedestrians do not have right of way, even when crossing at a pedestrian crossing when the green walk light is on! Drivers will drive straight through the red lights if they don't see anyone actively crossing - and usually they drive through even while you are crossing (and often they don't even notice)! In general, don't speed - or at least drive only as fast as you can safely and suddenly stop or avoid an obstruction (or pedestrian or dog or a vehicle coming at you from out of the blue in front or from the side).Watch your back!! Thai drivers tend to tailgate when driving so they will not be able to stop in time if you stop suddenly - even if you stop at a red light! You need to have plenty of space and time to stop gradually if necessary in the case of someone tailgating you. Slow down if the car behind you is too close to give yourself and the driver behind you extra time to react and, if you can, edge over to the left and let him pass. When it's wet, drive even more defensively. The water on the roads might just as well be oil, and it's almost impossible to see clearly. And many Thai drivers drive just as fast and recklessly as on a regular bright, sunny day! Keep in mind also that dozens of motorbikes have no lights at all (bicycles and mobile food carts very seldom have any lights either), the tail or brake lights of many cars are faulty, and Thai people have dark skin and wear dark clothes. Finally, watch out for pedestrians (and dogs and cyclists) who seem to have absolutely no awareness of traffic. They will cross the street without bothering to look at all. And even those that do look seem to wait until you're almost upon them and then suddenly dash out in front of you! BTW, check that your insurance policy covers you for motorbike accidents (whether driving or as a passenger). Often they don't, or if they do then the cover is usually halved! Please drive, walk and cross roads with extreme caution at all times. 3A. Check before proceeding on the light change to green. My GF was always going cranky because "u crazy! you not look before go green light". I not here long before I understood exactly what her concerns were. 9. Turning left at a T intersection always check for overtakers coming the other way BEFORE pulling out. Upcoming intersections are no reason not to overtake here. When I first come here, I was keen to get a motorbike to get around. Now I'm happy to continue driving the Hilux.
January 14, 201610 yr And on a positive note.......... Love Life Love your Wife Love your kids Love your decision to live in Thailand Accept all of the above unconditionally and enjoy it. If non of the above is you wakeup and depart Thailand
January 14, 201610 yr It is sad to see so many unhappy T V members living in Thailand. It must be terrible to hate the food, feel ostracized and paranoid about all those Thai's just waiting to hate them and rip them off, having no friends other than a few bar girls , liking only the beer. Perhaps one should start a T V anonymous club to help unhappy expats break out of their doom and gloom and and enjoy the l o s for what is. What you make it.
January 14, 201610 yr Bring lots of breathable underwear Never ask a Thai for directions Teach your GF the meaning of "no' early Add 30% to your budget Assume anything another falang says is wrong.
January 14, 201610 yr No. 6 - traffic is dangerous I've written about this elsewhere. Despite plenty of experience driving in Thailand, I still get caught off guard sometimes. Here are some common dangers to be aware of: If you come from a country that drives on the right, be EXTRA EXTRA careful, especially as a pedestrian! You will instinctively start looking in the wrong direction. So a good rule of thumb is to look three or even four times before you start, and to keep looking both ways at all times while you are crossing. Thai drivers routinely overtake each other regardless of oncoming traffic (and on bends). The driver simply expects you to somehow get out of the way. Be vigilant, be aware of what's in the motorbike lanes and be ready to edge over to the left at a moment's notice. Thai drivers routinely jump the red lights at an intersection. Just because the light is green, don't assume that it's safe to go! When on your bike and driving in the motorbike lane with stationary or slow-moving traffic on your right, it often happens that someone turns into a side lane just as you're driving past (they’re obscured by the car immediately in front and to the side of you and they won't bother to check for oncoming bikes); so be super-vigilant whenever you are passing other vehicles. Give yourself time to react and stop or slow down quickly if necessary. Pedestrians do not have right of way, even when crossing at a pedestrian crossing when the green walk light is on! Drivers will drive straight through the red lights if they don't see anyone actively crossing - and usually they drive through even while you are crossing (and often they don't even notice)! In general, don't speed - or at least drive only as fast as you can safely and suddenly stop or avoid an obstruction (or pedestrian or dog or a vehicle coming at you from out of the blue in front or from the side).Watch your back!! Thai drivers tend to tailgate when driving so they will not be able to stop in time if you stop suddenly - even if you stop at a red light! You need to have plenty of space and time to stop gradually if necessary in the case of someone tailgating you. Slow down if the car behind you is too close to give yourself and the driver behind you extra time to react and, if you can, edge over to the left and let him pass. When it's wet, drive even more defensively. The water on the roads might just as well be oil, and it's almost impossible to see clearly. And many Thai drivers drive just as fast and recklessly as on a regular bright, sunny day! Keep in mind also that dozens of motorbikes have no lights at all (bicycles and mobile food carts very seldom have any lights either), the tail or brake lights of many cars are faulty, and Thai people have dark skin and wear dark clothes. Finally, watch out for pedestrians (and dogs and cyclists) who seem to have absolutely no awareness of traffic. They will cross the street without bothering to look at all. And even those that do look seem to wait until you're almost upon them and then suddenly dash out in front of you! BTW, check that your insurance policy covers you for motorbike accidents (whether driving or as a passenger). Often they don't, or if they do then the cover is usually halved! Please drive, walk and cross roads with extreme caution at all times.
January 14, 201610 yr Just like RapidMethod said above. If you can-Do not drive a motorbike, drive a car/truck. 7. Do not drive a night-Too many motorbikes with "NO LIGHTS" back and front with no street lighting throughout Thailand especially in rural areas. Be careful at all times cause !!
January 14, 201610 yr Bring lots of breathable underwear Never ask a Thai for directions Teach your GF the meaning of "no' early Add 30% to your budget Assume anything another falang says is wrong. Assume anything another falang says is wrong. Including you??
January 14, 201610 yr One thing you also should know ,that there is a load of old bullshit posted on these boards Amen!
January 14, 201610 yr If you live in Pattaya, just know that most folks you run into think they are way smarter than they actually are...?
January 14, 201610 yr You should also know that you are more than likely to have at least one paedophile within spitting distance of you at any given time! So remember to spit. A god botherer commenting on paedophiles; that's rich!!
January 14, 201610 yr Understand the fact that you are in a foreign country with (definitely!) foreign traditions/norms and (likely!) foreign laws. Respect both and you will sleep MUCH better...... You're Welcome!!
January 14, 201610 yr In that case they would be better off in a nice muslim country wouldnt they? Thai thinking, 'cept change muslim to farang
January 14, 201610 yr And never underestimate the number of foreigners who feel superior to Thai people, continue to complain yet never leave. Never underestimate how stupid they are, or how stupid they think you are.
January 14, 201610 yr I wish I'd known that strange guys would come up and give you a massage when taking a pee in a bar. I'd have been here sooner. You mean that you actually want that to happen????
January 14, 201610 yr Don't bother to learn Thai, they pretend they don't understand and are not worth talking to anyway most of the time The one thing you cannot do without here are good ear plugs, you do not want to be listening to the Thai in laws rabbiting away about som tam or why it's hot/ cold. Don't eat the food, Thai 'cuisine' really is the most ghastly repetitive stuff, but if you like lots of rice, veg, + fish served with some of the worst smelling stuff (plha ra) maybe OK Never lend money to a Thai for obvious reasons, other foreigners even more so. Never ever be tempted to marry a bar girl, most are as thick as a brick and as crafty as a fox. The only thing Thais excel at are music and dance, that's the amazing part, the rest is not worth a mention. "Never ever be tempted to marry a bar girl, most are as thick as a brick". that would apply to Thais in general. particularly drivers and motorbike riders.
January 14, 201610 yr That even if your married, own a company, working and have kids you will NEVER be accepted as you are back home, no matter how long you stay and at any time you can be kicked out or refused your visa Sounds about same as a Muslim in the West. In that case they would be better off in a nice muslim country wouldnt they? You mean a "nice" Muslim country actually exists?????
January 14, 201610 yr "Never ever be tempted to marry a bar girl, most are as thick as a brick". that would apply to Thais in general. particularly drivers and motorbike riders. Only marry pedestrians,OK got it.
January 14, 201610 yr Bring lots of breathable underwear Never ask a Thai for directions Teach your GF the meaning of "no' early Add 30% to your budget Assume anything another falang says is wrong. Assume anything another falang says is wrong. Including you?? YES, including me! Everyone has their own experiences and they are all unique. Take everything you hear with a grain of salt, do your own research and expect the unexpected.
January 14, 201610 yr That even if your married, own a company, working and have kids you will NEVER be accepted as you are back home, no matter how long you stay and at any time you can be kicked out or refused your visa Sounds about same as a Muslim in the West. except a muslim in the west will be accepted if they knuckle down and find a job, work hard and try to become a valued member of the communtiy. that won't happen here except a muslim in the west will be accepted if they knuckle down and find a job, work hard and try to become a valued member of the communtiy. I agree they may work hard, but "become a valued member of the community"?? Almost unheard of in the UK.
January 14, 201610 yr That even if your married, own a company, working and have kids you will NEVER be accepted as you are back home, no matter how long you stay and at any time you can be kicked out or refused your visa ....and they will always be waiting for you to die......
January 14, 201610 yr "Never ever be tempted to marry a bar girl, most are as thick as a brick". that would apply to Thais in general. particularly drivers and motorbike riders. Only marry pedestrians,OK got it. They are just as thick, they don't realise that you should look both ways before crossing the road, even on a one way street.
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