Has ThaiVisa discouraged you from moving to Thailand?

[Naam]

Guest House,

This was kind of my point. I don't want people to get discouraged from coming or moving to Thailand because of what some disgruntled Expat has to say on ThaiVisa. Because, most of the time there is some great information also.

i don't agree with "most of the time" but think that the 3.5% great and valuable information justifies to sift through 96.5%

[jacky54]

No better place for visa info and health advice IMO and you are insulated from the nastiness that you see on other Thai forums by decent moderation

Edited February 9, 2016 by jacky54

[Ace of Pop]

No

[kannot]

I have been discouraged by Sukhumvit today, soi 3 and alley ways around there have more arabic than Thai on shop signs. Went in Foodland on soi 5, workers behind the counter referring to customers as 'it' walked up Suk past the Nuch massage place, ugly ladyboys accosting passers by, one having a shouting match with a tourist who claimed he wasted her time by talking and no wanting business, as if she had anything else to do! Further up tuk tuk drivers sticking massage ads under my nose even though I was with my wife. Various working girls around along the road and taking up space in Mcdonalds, most looked like AIDS cases or who should be receiving mental health care.All this at 3 P.M. Horrible, but then life in the sticks where we live is horrible in a different way. Might check out check in 99 tonight not been in there for about 12 years. TV encouraged me to go.

So you're judging a road that runs all the way to Cambodia by what happens on a stretch of a few hundred yards?

Maybe you should broaden your horizons a little.

Well it goes downhill all the way to Cambodia

[kannot]

It seems to me a few people who are disgruntled post very frequently and repetitively negative... nobody is going to like 100% of everything anywhere... but hopefully people will be able to see past the "All Thai people..." comments and the "I don't want to bash, but..." people who go on to bash -

Thailand is a unique culture - it is not always easy to figure things out and not possible if you only have limited or surface knowledge... it takes time, language abilities and years of experience...

It seems near everyone I know personally amongst Expats are people who like it here - I assume that if someone did not like it here, they would be smart enough to leave. I live in the countryside and find most people to be kind and friendly - if you are considering retirement, probably the further you get from the haunts of tourism, the closer you will get to the "old" Thailand..

But every ones view is different I too live in the countryside and find the locals petty, childish ,bickering, thieving ,liars in general even the new head of the village told my Wife he wishes he hadnt taken the job now he sees how they are, ex army.

And why is this view any less than the "all locals are happy smiling wonderful kind caring people" This has been my experience of "village life" its was even worse oooop in Loei.

Its not ok for me to say "all Thai people are no good " but it is ok for you to say "Most people are kind and friendly"

Well I guess the General will agree with you on that.

Sorry for your bad experiences - it does not negate my good ones - and you Kannot see the difference between the words "all" and "most" ??

Gosh "all" and "most" huh split some hairs if you want. Whats to be sorry for.?. why does it have to negate your good ones, people read this tripe and make up their own mind............

[farang95]

Thanks so much for this topic... i understand and follow your point of view ....

But its not just THAIVISA since 8 years ago..since a start researching and going to thailand even also lived there for more than a year....... all the forum i've been to include a lot of foreigner who talk so bad about thailand.....

I needed some time to understand why they talk like that..... the only answer i can give you is that when people failed .... when they are disappointed , when they didnt achieve what they believe they would ..... they don't wanna feel bad alone...they want everybody to feel the same as they do ..... its a personal problem .... so better stay out from them.....they are dangerous in many way......

Thailand is the best country i visited and where i did had the chance to live and hope i will again soon ... no one is perfect...no country is perfect.... but it is in my opinion the best country i ever been. Thai people are good people.....i believe that very sincerely... if you are good..they will be good to you ....

I hope this love will last forever...Will see !

Point of using a forum is to collect a lot of information .. Live information of the situation of the country.... and it is important to show the good and bad of the country so when you arrive in thailand you got all this information for yourself and use it to be a good foreigner.... a good tourist....a good expat...... a good human ........

Life is hard people are dangerous.... but always try your best to be the best person you can ..... that's a life challenge....

CHOK DEE

[bwpage3]

I will say this, I have no desire whatsoever to visit England or Australia if they're as dangerous as TVF posters make them sound.

And I'm scared to death to go back home to the USA. Too many crazies with guns must have moved in since I was last there 5 years ago.

Edit: As for Thailand, I like it here just fine, but have no intention to stay once my paychecks quit getting mailed to BKK. Nothing to do with TVF, it's the freaking heat, mold and mildew. TVF has some good info, but it's become very painful to sift through the detritus to glean the good stuff.

I couldn't agree more, many western countries seem to be very very violent these days and I'm put off from visiting by the same.

Are you saying Thailand isn't violent?

[bwpage3]

There are some genuine folks on Thai VISA that have valuable experience only obtained by living in Thailand for a long time.

However, Thailand is no Utopia.

In order for a person to truly educate themselves, they have to have a complete mix of the good points and bad.

It is better to be prepared for the worst, than expect the best and struggle afterwards.

Many posters here cannot seem to get off their opinions one way or the other.

It is either 100% good or 100% bad. In actuality Thailand has good points and Thailand has bad points.

The people that seem to manage well in Thailand have enough money to live a semi-normal life, no matter which part of Thailand they live in.

The people trying to get by on a shoe-string budget because they want to chase girls are often the ones with issues.

There is plenty of information on Thai VISA to make an educated decision, if you are educated enough to make an educated decision.

If you toss the educated decision because you cannot think past the easy girls and doing anything to get them, you will soon find out Thailand is not such a great place.

Money rules in Thailand. Over the past 30 years Thailand has become much more expensive than many expats ever dreamed it would be.

A person has to understand the costs associated with the lifestyle they want to live the rest of their lives.

If you move to Thailand and think you can spend the rest of your life in a 1 room flat? That will probably get old at some point.

However, if you have the money to get married and buy a house and support a family, then a totally different situation.

I big issue I have in Thailand is Thai's have the right in any western country to do what ever they want to make money. But that is not reciprocated in Thailand. If expats could do whatever job they wanted in Thailand and had a fair shake to make the same kind of money Thai's are allowed to make in the west, that would be a different story.

The big issue I would say is if you decide to move to Thailand and settle in, make sure you have the money to be able to do so and be able to afford the lifestyle that will make you happy year in and year out.

Time flies, sooner or later you find yourself getting old, no pension accrued, no way to take care of yourself in Thailand when you get old.

It is a huge difference whether you can truly afford to live in Thailand, or trying to make a go as a school teacher when the lack of income will catch up with you years later in life.

The happiest bunch seems to be those that did their research and can manage the costs of living in Thailand with a car, home, family etc.

[weegee]

I agree with the op.

It is important to keep in mind that the majority of posts on TV are from disgruntled, disappointed, and unhappy people.

It is pretty rare for people to start a post about how happy they are in Thailand.

The unhappy like to cry and scream, the happy just smile and keep quiet for the most part.

TV is a good representation of those who are having problems,

but not a good representation of all foreigners in Thailand.

Many are "just fine thank you", but never bother to complain about it!

Total rubbish........Gawd.........the most crap I read is from folk who don't even live here.........

If you are refering to me and my post Transam maybe you should know....

I Have lived here fo ra while now and I married a good Thai woman about 14 years ago..

She is university educated in computer science and worked for a large Thai bank until she retired a few years ago.

Now she is employed as a teacher..

When the US economy tanked eight years ago and I lost my income and most of what I owned, her job, investments and savings here in Thailand supported our entire family until I was able to get on top again ( so, she obviously didn't marry me for money ).

She has never worked in the social service industry.

In fact she has never drank alcohol , stepped inside of a bar, or even been married before our current marriage.

She has many Thai friends who are very much like her in background and life style.

So, there are many good Thai women available.

Now, please tell me what part of my previous post is "rubbish".

I have been following your posts for years Transam, and I find your response to my post a little surprising.

In defence of Transam....I dont think he ment you in paticular....just the ratbags that dont even live here and comment CRAP, a lot....

To someone who lives here like yourself....Good to see you enjoy the place, as anyone who lives here and married to a Thai....it's a Pick and Win type of place.....

You have been one of the lucky ones....Me too.

[kevvy]

And me too.

[big carl]

In reply to the topic No it had nothing to do with my moving here.

In fact I was here for many years before I found T V. Any one who moves here or won't come here based on T V needs there head examined. I really liked the OPs suggestion to come here for three months before making up your mind.

I first came here for one month. On returning home I realized I had not really seen that much of Thailand area wise I had but there is much more to Thailand than just land. I decided to come back for 6 months and have a better look at it. I did not see as much country but I got a closer look at Thailand and decided to move here permanently. I do not regret it one bit.

[big carl]

There are some genuine folks on Thai VISA that have valuable experience only obtained by living in Thailand for a long time.

However, Thailand is no Utopia.

In order for a person to truly educate themselves, they have to have a complete mix of the good points and bad.

It is better to be prepared for the worst, than expect the best and struggle afterwards.

Many posters here cannot seem to get off their opinions one way or the other.

It is either 100% good or 100% bad. In actuality Thailand has good points and Thailand has bad points.

The people that seem to manage well in Thailand have enough money to live a semi-normal life, no matter which part of Thailand they live in.

The people trying to get by on a shoe-string budget because they want to chase girls are often the ones with issues.

There is plenty of information on Thai VISA to make an educated decision, if you are educated enough to make an educated decision.

If you toss the educated decision because you cannot think past the easy girls and doing anything to get them, you will soon find out Thailand is not such a great place.

Money rules in Thailand. Over the past 30 years Thailand has become much more expensive than many expats ever dreamed it would be.

A person has to understand the costs associated with the lifestyle they want to live the rest of their lives.

If you move to Thailand and think you can spend the rest of your life in a 1 room flat? That will probably get old at some point.

However, if you have the money to get married and buy a house and support a family, then a totally different situation.

I big issue I have in Thailand is Thai's have the right in any western country to do what ever they want to make money. But that is not reciprocated in Thailand. If expats could do whatever job they wanted in Thailand and had a fair shake to make the same kind of money Thai's are allowed to make in the west, that would be a different story.

The big issue I would say is if you decide to move to Thailand and settle in, make sure you have the money to be able to do so and be able to afford the lifestyle that will make you happy year in and year out.

Time flies, sooner or later you find yourself getting old, no pension accrued, no way to take care of yourself in Thailand when you get old.

It is a huge difference whether you can truly afford to live in Thailand, or trying to make a go as a school teacher when the lack of income will catch up with you years later in life.

The happiest bunch seems to be those that did their research and can manage the costs of living in Thailand with a car, home, family etc.

Well you have many good points. but you assume that every one came here for the same reason. I have had it all am now retired and no longer need a car and a house and the maintenance that goes with it. As far as money goes yes it has got more expensive here. How ever it is no where near as expensive as my home was what has gone up here 10 baht has increased there by 20 baht. I would have a hard time making ends meet there. It would restrict my activities. Recently the wife and I returned for a visit. I had not been back there for 5 years and could not believe the prices.

As far as pensions go I had them before I moved here.

I agree with you that most posters can not get off their opinion one way or the other. Could be they are like me. I have a hard time complaining even when I am hiding behind the key board. But there are bad points here. Probably the worst is the traffic and lack of control of it. For some it is the inability to own land. They can own the house but not the land. How ever they can get a 30 year lease on it. If they are looking for security and that is not good enough for them then it is a downer for them. We are all different and have different needs and wants.

What bothers me might not bother others. for instance it bothers me that they drive on the wrong side of the road but many people like that. Go figure.

[SoiBiker]

Round here, they drive on both sides of the road, and occasionally the pavement too.

[geriatrickid]

Thailand's negatives are on full display to anyone with common sense, a mature psyche and a grip on reality.

I don't need Thailand. Thailand needs me.

You have to admit, from time to time you can have a good laugh with ThaiVisa.

Indeed. I have a few questions for you:

1.There are a number of important foreign funded and led research projects underway in Thailand. If the foreigners responsible for the research and the operations leave, what do you think will happen to the subject patients receiving treatment? What happens to all the skilled labor employed? Would you not agree that Thailand needs these foreigners?

2. There are a number of foreign based representatives for major cruise lines. They ensure that the cruise lines visit Thailand, and they are responsible for large contracts upon which many Thais depend for their livelihoods. It night be logistics, or it might be shore excursions. What do you think would happen if these specialists were pulled from Thailand?

3. Thailand is seeking third party supply contracts for electronics and automotive parts. There are foreigners in Thailand who are tasked with over seeing QC and compliance with the foreign purchaser's needs. Some of the international hi tech electronic companies have full time inspectors in Thailand so as to avoid past negative experiences. What do you think would happen if these specialists were no longer in Thailand?

4. Olaf is a wealthy individual. He flies in to Thailand every few months and stays a few weeks. When he visits, he stays at an expensive hotel and spends a considerable amount on F&B. Olaf is also fond of wildlife preservation. He has donated large amounts to various wildlife charities and is considered the reason why some have been able to eke out survival helping to save many of Thailand's endangered critters. What do you think would happen if Olaf never returns?

Here's a reality check. All of the above are real life examples. Thailand needs these people. They do not need Thailand. It may come as a shock to you, but there are foreigners in Thailand who make significant contributions to the country and who contribute far more than they receive. Not every foreigners is unskilled, or retired, or living on benefits, or on the run from their homeland.

[big carl]

Thailand's negatives are on full display to anyone with common sense, a mature psyche and a grip on reality.

I don't need Thailand. Thailand needs me.

You have to admit, from time to time you can have a good laugh with ThaiVisa.

Indeed. I have a few questions for you:

1.There are a number of important foreign funded and led research projects underway in Thailand. If the foreigners responsible for the research and the operations leave, what do you think will happen to the subject patients receiving treatment? What happens to all the skilled labor employed? Would you not agree that Thailand needs these foreigners?

2. There are a number of foreign based representatives for major cruise lines. They ensure that the cruise lines visit Thailand, and they are responsible for large contracts upon which many Thais depend for their livelihoods. It night be logistics, or it might be shore excursions. What do you think would happen if these specialists were pulled from Thailand?

3. Thailand is seeking third party supply contracts for electronics and automotive parts. There are foreigners in Thailand who are tasked with over seeing QC and compliance with the foreign purchaser's needs. Some of the international hi tech electronic companies have full time inspectors in Thailand so as to avoid past negative experiences. What do you think would happen if these specialists were no longer in Thailand?

4. Olaf is a wealthy individual. He flies in to Thailand every few months and stays a few weeks. When he visits, he stays at an expensive hotel and spends a considerable amount on F&B. Olaf is also fond of wildlife preservation. He has donated large amounts to various wildlife charities and is considered the reason why some have been able to eke out survival helping to save many of Thailand's endangered critters. What do you think would happen if Olaf never returns?

Here's a reality check. All of the above are real life examples. Thailand needs these people. They do not need Thailand. It may come as a shock to you, but there are foreigners in Thailand who make significant contributions to the country and who contribute far more than they receive. Not every foreigners is unskilled, or retired, or living on benefits, or on the run from their homeland.

Thailand needs those people to make you happy. Doesn't bother me a bit. You as usual leave out the reality that Thailand has to bring in workers from other countries. With out all these extra workers Thailand would revert to a slower pace. It might even encourage more tourists as not all of them can afford the costly resorts.

You are strictly concerned with taking away the family values here in Thailand and replacing them with Materialism.

It was funny here about a month ago here in the Chiang Mai forum they were looking for an agent that handled cruises. The one that they came up with is closed down. It did mildly upset me as I every once and a while think about a cruise. not sure where they would take me here but the thought passes through my mind occasionally back where I come from every travel agent had a handful of cruises.

[JohnnyJazz]

Thailand's negatives are on full display to anyone with common sense, a mature psyche and a grip on reality.

I don't need Thailand. Thailand needs me.

You have to admit, from time to time you can have a good laugh with ThaiVisa.

Indeed. I have a few questions for you:

1.There are a number of important foreign funded and led research projects underway in Thailand. If the foreigners responsible for the research and the operations leave, what do you think will happen to the subject patients receiving treatment? What happens to all the skilled labor employed? Would you not agree that Thailand needs these foreigners?

2. There are a number of foreign based representatives for major cruise lines. They ensure that the cruise lines visit Thailand, and they are responsible for large contracts upon which many Thais depend for their livelihoods. It night be logistics, or it might be shore excursions. What do you think would happen if these specialists were pulled from Thailand?

3. Thailand is seeking third party supply contracts for electronics and automotive parts. There are foreigners in Thailand who are tasked with over seeing QC and compliance with the foreign purchaser's needs. Some of the international hi tech electronic companies have full time inspectors in Thailand so as to avoid past negative experiences. What do you think would happen if these specialists were no longer in Thailand?

4. Olaf is a wealthy individual. He flies in to Thailand every few months and stays a few weeks. When he visits, he stays at an expensive hotel and spends a considerable amount on F&B. Olaf is also fond of wildlife preservation. He has donated large amounts to various wildlife charities and is considered the reason why some have been able to eke out survival helping to save many of Thailand's endangered critters. What do you think would happen if Olaf never returns?

Here's a reality check. All of the above are real life examples. Thailand needs these people. They do not need Thailand. It may come as a shock to you, but there are foreigners in Thailand who make significant contributions to the country and who contribute far more than they receive. Not every foreigners is unskilled, or retired, or living on benefits, or on the run from their homeland.

Your colonialist views are totally out of touch with the realities of this century. If they don't need Thailand what are they doing here ?

Here is the reality check. These foreigners are here for a reason, they are looking either for customers or suppliers. They do need Thailand as much as Thailand needs them.

Just like this forum with you. Do people appreciate your comments ? Yes, some for sure. Do you contribute to make this forum more lively ? Definitively. But do ThaiVisa needs you and will go bankrupt without you ? .... reality check !

[forumuser10]

I had a blissful happy life before joining TV. But now I fear for the future

Sent from my SC-01D using Tapatalk

lol

[Suradit69]

Has ThaiVisa discouraged you from moving to Thailand?

Already here and quite happy.

TV has discouraged me from getting chummy with other farang ... but to be fair I was always leery of most of them.

[chicowoodduck]

Keep up the great work TV......the less drunks, kooks, meatheads and the like the better as far as I'm concerned.....

[mesterm]

I had a blissful happy life before joining TV. But now I fear for the future

Sent from my SC-01D using Tapatalk

Good to know you're not gullible anymore.

[ggt]

This has been a paid advertisement...and I approve of this message...

[RolandRat]

Found it after I had been here awhile, wish I had known before as it would have saved me alot of time effort and frustrations in many areas.

There is alot of info and experience to be found around this forum. A lot of crap too but thats life in any community and easily dismissed or avoided.

[mihalis]

If you actually listened to what most write about Thailand you would never visit..

Most who complain, are bitter ex pats, blaming Thailand for their mistakes..

I for one, laugh my head off, every time I read some of these ex pats whining about their own stupidity ! If I could move today I would..

[emilymat]

No. But it encourages me to up sticks and leave.

[BudRight]

The problem with the OP is the failure to recognize that the distinction between "Thai" and "Foreigner," "Thailand" and "non-Thailand" is totally artificial. Laws of various countries reinforce this distinction, but it doesn't make it any more true.

One shouldn't have to check what race they are and figure out where they're standing to know if they're allowed to notice something, good or bad.

Just be realistic about Thailand instead of this stupid crap like "I know Thais like me because they smile all the time they must be such gooooood people not like hoooome." It's just nonsense.

[TheKnave]

I would never take life event advice from anyone on an anonymous chat board. You are right that Thailand is much more than bar girls and scams. Having worked in Bangkok as an attorney among Thai and international business people for many years I could never relate to the Thailand portrayed by many of the sexpat types on this forum. If you dwell among prostitutes and seedy bars whether in Thailand or your own country then you will of course have a very jaded view of the society. Listen to the losers in your own country talk and they sound the same as the the ones inThailand. I personally have no desire to live in Thailand but it has more to do with the heat than anything else. I've always enjoyed the country and its people and still enjoy our visits.

I think the point is that if you have never lived in Thailand, which implies more than an extended vacation- i.e., applying for visas, signing leases, dealing with utility companies, buying and registering cars -you can't appreciate the realities involved in functioning day-to-day as a de-facto resident.

Yes, the people are superficially lovely, and the lifestyle is very attractive, and vacations are great. And, it used to be fairly easy to sustain the illusion over time. But, ThaiVisa or not, the current situation is quite different.

Depending on the thickness of your 'saffron-colored glasses' (as described by a poster earlier in the thread), it may be sooner, or later, that you are affected by the wave of xenophobia currently gaining strength, but you WILL be affected. The smart folks here know better than to get attached, and as a nice, bright lady from CM has said, keep a clear path to the airport.

I was in Thailand long before ThaiVisa, or even the Internet. I left two years ago, not because of anything I saw online, but because things had exceeded my tolerance for abuse of myself and my wife. Now, with old folks being carted away for playing cards, and all the other government nonsense, I am glad we left when we did.

Bear in mind that ultimately it is the will of the Thai people that is being expressed, not merely a loose-cannon in the driver's seat. It has been building for 20 years or so...

In the current climate, you would need a truly compelling reason to even think about committing to retirement there.

TV is just the (crazy) messenger...

[laislica]

Found it after I had been here awhile, wish I had known before as it would have saved me alot of time effort and frustrations in many areas.

There is alot of info and experience to be found around this forum. A lot of crap too but thats life in any community and easily dismissed or avoided.

I am so glad that I found TVF after I got here and entered into a relationship.

When I first joined, I was appalled by the way some posters disrespected and bullied others.

I had never used public forums before so I had no idea what to expect.

However, over time I began to understand who gave good, honest and helpful information and I learned a huge amount about the Visa system in Thailand. Without this info I'm sure I would have fallen foul of Thai Immigration paws.

So Thank you Thai Visa Forum for being here.

I just had this silly idea.

How about a Confidence Vote system on each member and you could only see the rating by looking at their profile?

A member may cast a single vote per member, either Confident or No confidence.

The bullies can attach their No confidence but only once per member.

The "regulars" may cast their Confidence vote and over time, members will see what other members think of their posts.

Thus, 10 no confidence votes and 90 confidence votes would give a rating of +9

but 90 no confidence votes with 10 confidence votes would give a rating of -9.

This is only one possible way of scoring.

The vote could be to choose from a range of confidence that you could change at any time.

Then, If the member changed, one could adjust ones vote to reflect that change.

If my confidence rating was low, I might just change my posting behaviour?

Obviously, I have too much time on my hands.......

[geriatrickid]

Thailand's negatives are on full display to anyone with common sense, a mature psyche and a grip on reality.

I don't need Thailand. Thailand needs me.

You have to admit, from time to time you can have a good laugh with ThaiVisa.

Indeed. I have a few questions for you:

1.There are a number of important foreign funded and led research projects underway in Thailand. If the foreigners responsible for the research and the operations leave, what do you think will happen to the subject patients receiving treatment? What happens to all the skilled labor employed? Would you not agree that Thailand needs these foreigners?

2. There are a number of foreign based representatives for major cruise lines. They ensure that the cruise lines visit Thailand, and they are responsible for large contracts upon which many Thais depend for their livelihoods. It night be logistics, or it might be shore excursions. What do you think would happen if these specialists were pulled from Thailand?

3. Thailand is seeking third party supply contracts for electronics and automotive parts. There are foreigners in Thailand who are tasked with over seeing QC and compliance with the foreign purchaser's needs. Some of the international hi tech electronic companies have full time inspectors in Thailand so as to avoid past negative experiences. What do you think would happen if these specialists were no longer in Thailand?

4. Olaf is a wealthy individual. He flies in to Thailand every few months and stays a few weeks. When he visits, he stays at an expensive hotel and spends a considerable amount on F&B. Olaf is also fond of wildlife preservation. He has donated large amounts to various wildlife charities and is considered the reason why some have been able to eke out survival helping to save many of Thailand's endangered critters. What do you think would happen if Olaf never returns?

Here's a reality check. All of the above are real life examples. Thailand needs these people. They do not need Thailand. It may come as a shock to you, but there are foreigners in Thailand who make significant contributions to the country and who contribute far more than they receive. Not every foreigners is unskilled, or retired, or living on benefits, or on the run from their homeland.

Your colonialist views are totally out of touch with the realities of this century. If they don't need Thailand what are they doing here ?

Here is the reality check. These foreigners are here for a reason, they are looking either for customers or suppliers. They do need Thailand as much as Thailand needs them.

Just like this forum with you. Do people appreciate your comments ? Yes, some for sure. Do you contribute to make this forum more lively ? Definitively. But do ThaiVisa needs you and will go bankrupt without you ? .... reality check !

This is not about me and Thai Visa.Why even go off on the tangent?

Thailand NEEDS a large number of people who are in the country. It just doesn't need, it REQUIRES them, or else it's economy will suffer. In other cases, without these outsiders, people will die or starve or suffer debilitating illness. The Japanese don't have a malaria problem. Thailand does. Yet, Japan provides the expertise and the funding for malaria research. Germany doesn't have the liver disease caused by the parasites found in Thailand, yet Germany provides expertise and funding for the problem. The Bill and Melinda Gates foundation have spent a considerable amount of money in Thailand. It is not for the Gates financial or personal benefit.

There are hundreds if not thousands of regular folks who have married Thai women and accepted these women's kids as their own, and /or who have financially assisted their Thai inlaws. In some cases, the foreign males have provided the male role model so badly needed and made the difference in some kids lives. After some time, many of these men would be quite happy elsewhere. They stay because of the love for their families and because they do not wish to abandon the families. They will tell you that Thailand needs them, and that they can do quite nicely without Thailand. The come in all shapes, sizes, and ages. We often make jokes in TVF about some of the people, but I know that without them, some women would be in dire straits, and many kids would face a bleak future. These foreigners make a positive difference and in return, the government rewards them with petty visa rules and layers of bureaucracy.

Many countries are faced with a shortage of skilled labour and have regions where the population is aging without replacement. One sees this in the rural areas of Australia and Canada. Their solution is to seek out foreigners, i.e. immigrants. They put the welcome mat out. Thailand doesn't do this.In many cases we have seen the abuse of the construction labourers or the seafood industry workers.

You call me "colonialist" because I observe that Thailand is dependent upon the intellectual capital of others. Nice. Unfortunately, it doesn't change the fact that Thailand despite it's very pressing needs for innovation, is dependent upon other countries for innovation. Thai hospitals advertise themselves as a medical services source. Well, who do you think flies in to Thailand to teach the new surgical procedures? Who do you think shows up to train the Thais in the use of modern medical equipment? Who do you think comes in to repair some of the advanced medical equipment? Do you honestly believe that the local Somchai is capable of repairing an expensive Siemens or GE laser or MRI device?

[flyingdoc]

I am sure that most people who are regular readers and contributors to TVF would like to think that they are reasonably intelligent, so they should be able to discriminate between the trolls,

detractors, cynics and those who are genuinely objective ? Many posts are just derisory and should be treated as such ! On the other hand I have sometimes been amazed by the depth of knowledge on a specific subject shown by one or two posts !

[Daniel Boon]

King and I movie was in colour ...

some TVF posters caused a lot of anguish betwixt my Wife and I at first; I was prepared to live (and work) here (at a Uni) but the Wife (having lived in Australia with me for 9 months) wants to live in OZ

Mixing with 'your own' on a regular basis would be advisable