German woman suffers broken nose after attack in Ayutthaya historical park

[Baerboxer]

"Countries such as Thailand under military rule are seeing their economies suffer."

Ironic isn't it that Thailand is under military rule with the manpower and facilities to impose martial law, and still crime against both Thais and tourists is increasing?

Guess military rule is nothing to be concerned about, at least for the criminal element.

Is the phenomenon of violent crime really increasing or is the information flow improving?

Were the police previously doing a sterling job preventing crime, detecting crime and ensuring those responsible were prosecuted?

Any facts are simply your opinion?

And guess what, a huge massive number of countries, that aren't under military rule, are seeing their economies in tatters.

Previous governments have done nothing about it so let's not pretend.

[Baerboxer]

Sadly we hear of so few of these common crimes that happen all around the world .

Countries such as Thailand under military rule are seeing their economies suffer.

There is no question it makes it far more desperate and dangerous

This sort of assault has being going on for a lot longer than the current govts period of rule.

There is decapitation in some countries for being a christian, crime is in every country, USA is awash with it.

This is TVF, the thread's about Thailand. Please stop trying to lessen the offense by comparing.

Please stop trying to distort facts to pretend it's all the Junta's fault.

We live in the information technology, knowledge age and globalization is a reality. Comparisons are very relevant.

Perhaps Mr. Plutojames thinks that countries that aren't governed by military regimes have prospering economies at the moment? Maybe he is indeed from Pluto?

To suggest law and order has diminished in Thailand is nonsense. It's the same inept police, who the previous government were closely linked with, the same one law for the rich connected hisos and one for the rest attitude. Not one government this century has done anything about that. The only thing that has changed is more media, including social media, coverage of such things; and more reaction from ordinary people to the lack of police competence and appropriate justice seen in many cases.

But slagging the current government off whilst pretending all was wonderful under the last lot suits your political agenda.

[Broken Record]

Thailand has it apologists here.

So I recommend google or just browse this site.

Not smooth as silk

All the while a steady stream of millions of Farangs are coming to Thailand and thousands upon thousands of expats choose to live in Thailand, it sends out a strong message.

The message is, It can't be that bad.

There are posters on this forum that appear to hate everything about Thailand, whine and moan continually, yet they still choose to stay here, unlike most Thai's that have no choice, most Farang have a choice, and their choice is to stay in Thailand, they join an anonymous forum and moan and whine every waking hour, but stay they do.

Edited May 12, 2016 by Broken Record

[Baerboxer]

Crime stats are way up in Thailand due the the country being under military rule and suffering economically.

Sure these crimes always exist and can be said to happen in all countries.

That doesn't alter the facts that its happening more frequently now in this particular Nation

It's a topic we increasing dwell on here now.

Rapes, murders, and assaults , two weeks ago it was elderly westerners bashed and hospitalised .

Last week a murdered disabled man by six attackers all Thai.

Thais involved with police connections might even walk.

Today an innocent German lady.

Luckily people were able to scare attacker away before it might have worsened.

Thailand has it apologists here.

So I recommend google or just browse this site.

Not smooth as silk

The grammar police are hovering, waiting to pounce on those that use "Apologist". Frankly, I can't think of a better word to describe those who think Thais, and the junta in particular, can do no wrong.

I will continue to use it with glee and hope that you do too.

Yep - just like in the phrase "Shin apologist". You've probably read and heard that a lot.

They say London's East End was safer for ordinary people when the Kray Twins and their gang ran the underworld there. And Las Vegas is safe as the Mob patrol the streets as well as the police to make it safe for punters. So perhaps you might be correct. A country being run by a ruthless criminal without any ethics and morals, who has used death squads before, might well appear safer - well for some at least. You just have to worry if you have a different view.

[Baerboxer]

Crime stats are way up in Thailand due the the country being under military rule and suffering economically.

Sure these crimes always exist and can be said to happen in all countries.

That doesn't alter the facts that its happening more frequently now in this particular Nation

It's a topic we increasing dwell on here now.

Rapes, murders, and assaults , two weeks ago it was elderly westerners bashed and hospitalised .

Last week a murdered disabled man by six attackers all Thai.

Thais involved with police connections might even walk.

Today an innocent German lady.

Luckily people were able to scare attacker away before it might have worsened.

Thailand has it apologists here.

So I recommend google or just browse this site.

Not smooth as silk

The grammar police are hovering, waiting to pounce on those that use "Apologist". Frankly, I can't think of a better word to describe those who think Thais, and the junta in particular, can do no wrong.

I will continue to use it with glee and hope that you do too.

Yep - just like in the phrase "Shin apologist". You've probably read and heard that a lot.

They say London's East End was safer for ordinary people when the Kray Twins and their gang ran the underworld there. And Las Vegas is safe as the Mob patrol the streets as well as the police to make it safe for punters. So perhaps you might be correct. A country being run by a ruthless criminal without any ethics and morals, who has used death squads before, might well appear safer - well for some at least. You just have to worry if you have a different view.

[Baerboxer]

if i remember it was in ayuthaya, few years ago, a japanese woman was robbed and murdered... this german girl can feel very but very lucky.

I keep repeating, this country is really unsafe. For every violent assault or murder who made the news, you have certainly hundred that have been covered.

Rubbish. How can you possible know the amount of crimes that are not reported in the media? Hyperbolic.

I've lived in many countries and this is one of the ones I regard as the safe.

I keep abreast of things back home. Look at the on-line news from the BBC (go into the regional news), The Scotsman, Wales On-Line as an example. The amount, diversity, and seriousness of very sickening assaults, grievous bodily harm, and murders is horrifying. Last time I lived in the UK, in a small city, I always had things in my pockets if I ventured into the city center on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. That was a while back. Things seem to have got worse rather than better. Friends who still live there and do door work confirm that to be the case in their opinion. And the police force covering that area is one of the better ones.

My daughter had her purse stolen in London few weeks back, pickpocket. A friend was mugged near a train station, very nervous and frightened since. They took her purse, phone and jewelry. In both cases the Met Police didn't want to know - <deleted>.

I have never felt that way about Thailand. But, as with all countries, you need to keep your wits about you and be wary of some areas, activities and situations.

[Baerboxer]

if i remember it was in ayuthaya, few years ago, a japanese woman was robbed and murdered... this german girl can feel very but very lucky.

I keep repeating, this country is really unsafe. For every violent assault or murder who made the news, you have certainly hundred that have been covered.

Rubbish. How can you possible know the amount of crimes that are not reported in the media? Hyperbolic.

I've lived in many countries and this is one of the ones I regard as the safe.

I keep abreast of things back home. Look at the on-line news from the BBC (go into the regional news), The Scotsman, Wales On-Line as an example. The amount, diversity, and seriousness of very sickening assaults, grievous bodily harm, and murders is horrifying. Last time I lived in the UK, in a small city, I always had things in my pockets if I ventured into the city center on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. That was a while back. Things seem to have got worse rather than better. Friends who still live there and do door work confirm that to be the case in their opinion. And the police force covering that area is one of the better ones.

My daughter had her purse stolen in London few weeks back, pickpocket. A friend was mugged near a train station, very nervous and frightened since. They took her purse, phone and jewelry. In both cases the Met Police didn't want to know - <deleted>.

I have never felt that way about Thailand. But, as with all countries, you need to keep your wits about you and be wary of some areas, activities and situations.

[Merylhighground]

As a former resident of Ayutthya, I've been saying for years that the temples in Ayutthya are a potential 'gold mine' for villains.

They are quiet, rarely busy apart from the crowds of Asian tourists photographing the 'Buddha Root head' at Wat Mahathat, and offer plenty of quiet hidden corners for a crook to strike in. No security staff to speak off who seem more interested in stopping paying tourists from 'sneaking in' or pinching souvenirs than keeping out any undesirable elements who can literally just wander in off the streets. I used to hang out at a pal's Guest House from time to time and he was always telling his guests to be on their guard when wandering the temples alone even during he day.

One lass had her day pack stolen (containing a camera, cash, and a CDWalkman- we're going back a bit here) in the beautiful Palace grounds to the side of Wat Phra Si Sanphet simply because she let her guard down and didn't notice that she was being followed. She had sat down, put her bag down and the villain struck.

I hope the lass makes a full recovery and returns.

Sad, horrible story, but it can happen anywhere, not that that makes it 'right' and this sort of crime IS an increasing problem in Thailand (for whatever reason) as punishments for getting caught seem scarcely a deterrent.

[Bender]

if i remember it was in ayuthaya, few years ago, a japanese woman was robbed and murdered... this german girl can feel very but very lucky.

I keep repeating, this country is really unsafe. For every violent assault or murder who made the news, you have certainly hundred that have been covered.

Rubbish. How can you possible know the amount of crimes that are not reported in the media? Hyperbolic.

I've lived in many countries and this is one of the ones I regard as the safe.

I keep abreast of things back home. Look at the on-line news from the BBC (go into the regional news), The Scotsman, Wales On-Line as an example. The amount, diversity, and seriousness of very sickening assaults, grievous bodily harm, and murders is horrifying. Last time I lived in the UK, in a small city, I always had things in my pockets if I ventured into the city center on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. That was a while back. Things seem to have got worse rather than better. Friends who still live there and do door work confirm that to be the case in their opinion. And the police force covering that area is one of the better ones.

My daughter had her purse stolen in London few weeks back, pickpocket. A friend was mugged near a train station, very nervous and frightened since. They took her purse, phone and jewelry. In both cases the Met Police didn't want to know - <deleted>.

I have never felt that way about Thailand. But, as with all countries, you need to keep your wits about you and be wary of some areas, activities and situations.

oh please keep your garbage for yourself, you dont gonna convince anybody except the very few thai apologists.

Do i need to remember you that in the last few days, a 65 yo woman was savagely kicked in the head, a 20 yo laotian was beaten by a mob, a handicapped man was hacked to death, a 3 yo toddler was murdered, a german girl got her nose smashed etc etc.

oh please keep all your BIG BS about London. Yeah right UK is so dangerous, that the police dont even carry gun, UK is so dangerous that it has a murder rate 10 fold lower than thailand....

"My daughter had her purse stolen in London few weeks back"

you thai apologists are so full of lie, i am pretty sure you dont even have a daughter

Edited May 12, 2016 by Bender

[Plutojames88]

I think there is little doubt ( stats don't lie) crime has generally increased.

The reasons are varied .

Some wish us not to point at the Military.

However, their forceful approach teaches those less fortunate to follow the "" might is right"" approach.

Robberies may be more about hardship under poor economic management than the above ...

But both speak to people under increasing household debt..

This forum continuously for example highlights crimes in Thailand from brutal rape and murder to robberies and assault.

Sometimes elderly , handicapped, young lovers , anyone in the wrong place and time.

The apologists here double post away and try to forcefully denounce those simply observing the reports online .

Here and elsewhere.

They even state the tourist numbers swelling which most of us know is amusing unless you count Chinese.?

Point is the reader looking for some balance needs to know more UK , Australian , American , European tourists are assaulted or murdered here than any other tourist destination ..

Google it.

[Bender]

if i remember it was in ayuthaya, few years ago, a japanese woman was robbed and murdered... this german girl can feel very but very lucky.

I keep repeating, this country is really unsafe. For every violent assault or murder who made the news, you have certainly hundred that have been covered.

Rubbish. How can you possible know the amount of crimes that are not reported in the media? Hyperbolic.

I've lived in many countries and this is one of the ones I regard as the safe.

I keep abreast of things back home. Look at the on-line news from the BBC (go into the regional news), The Scotsman, Wales On-Line as an example. The amount, diversity, and seriousness of very sickening assaults, grievous bodily harm, and murders is horrifying. Last time I lived in the UK, in a small city, I always had things in my pockets if I ventured into the city center on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. That was a while back. Things seem to have got worse rather than better. Friends who still live there and do door work confirm that to be the case in their opinion. And the police force covering that area is one of the better ones.

My daughter had her purse stolen in London few weeks back, pickpocket. A friend was mugged near a train station, very nervous and frightened since. They took her purse, phone and jewelry. In both cases the Met Police didn't want to know - <deleted>.

I have never felt that way about Thailand. But, as with all countries, you need to keep your wits about you and be wary of some areas, activities and situations.

and let me remind you a simple fact

http://reports.weforum.org/travel-and-tourism-competitiveness-report-2015/economy-rankings/#indicatorId=TTCI.A.02

ranked at the bottom in term of safety

[Plutojames88]

Thailand 132nd

[Bender]

Thailand 132nd

132 on 141 countries...

[johnatong]

As a former resident of Ayutthya, I've been saying for years that the temples in Ayutthya are a potential 'gold mine' for villains.

They are quiet, rarely busy apart from the crowds of Asian tourists photographing the 'Buddha Root head' at Wat Mahathat, and offer plenty of quiet hidden corners for a crook to strike in. No security staff to speak off who seem more interested in stopping paying tourists from 'sneaking in' or pinching souvenirs than keeping out any undesirable elements who can literally just wander in off the streets. I used to hang out at a pal's Guest House from time to time and he was always telling his guests to be on their guard when wandering the temples alone even during he day.

One lass had her day pack stolen (containing a camera, cash, and a CDWalkman- we're going back a bit here) in the beautiful Palace grounds to the side of Wat Phra Si Sanphet simply because she let her guard down and didn't notice that she was being followed. She had sat down, put her bag down and the villain struck.

I hope the lass makes a full recovery and returns.

Sad, horrible story, but it can happen anywhere, not that that makes it 'right' and this sort of crime IS an increasing problem in Thailand (for whatever reason) as punishments for getting caught seem scarcely a deterrent.

You are right ! Really tough "punishment" deters criminals --- Lessons should be learnt from the West.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/04/26/notorious-criminal-given-an-asbo-at-just-12-years-old-jailed-for/

[Merylhighground]

The fact is that Thailand is a tough country, not only for us foreigners but also for many, many locals.

There is no recourse to social security or governmental aid. In such circumstances people turn to crime the world over.

To try and macro/micro-analyse this social problem in a singularly Thai context is probably beyond most members of this forum (certainly judging from some of the replies thus far) unless they have degrees, or vast professional experience in such fields as Criminology or Sociology as well as in depth understanding of the Thai Nation (not something apparent from this thread).

That a lone young lady in a fairly isolated location was seen as a 'good/easy target' by an opportunistic criminal is not particularly Thai specific, nor exclusive to Thailand.

In an extreme case scenario one could say she is fortunate it was only a petty robber and not some drugged up rapist, who would/could kill to get their 'fix'. We could be looking at a far grimmer article today had it been so.

Thailand is a dangerous place, as are millions of places the world over.

Until tourists exercise common sense and awareness of their surroundings, law enforcement improves to prevent such occurrences or society improves to Utopian standards where crime is non existent we shall continue to hear of such things. As all three of these are unlikely to happen any time soon be prepared for more of such occurrences here.

[Bender]

yeak UK is vely vely dangerous

574 murder in 2015..... you have certainly more murder in Bkk alone than in the whole UK

these thai apologists knows how to hijack a threads....

a german girl got her nose smashed in piece and we are talking about UK..... thank you baerboxer

Edited May 12, 2016 by Bender

[Jonmarleesco]

Sadly we hear of so few of these common crimes that happen all around the world .

Countries such as Thailand under military rule are seeing their economies suffer.

There is no question it makes it far more desperate and dangerous

Given Thailand has spent more time under military rule than civilian, that is unlikely.

[IAMHERE]

I'm first and most vocal on the scumbags here and how they treat foreigners, including the bib but in reality.... this reeks of jumping on the bandwagon. To add to it she was helped by 2 students and therefore the opposite of Hua Hin.

The only 'help' she received by 2 students was they drove by,from the OP.

[stevenl]

Seems to happen more and more. Soon the news coverage of these incidents will not be enough motivation for the BiB anymore to really try to catch the bad guys. And then again... what if they catch the rat? An apology, a wai and back to farang mugging.

Jails here are full of criminals like this. You clearly don't know what you're talking about.

[Bluespunk]

The fact is that Thailand is a tough country, not only for us foreigners but also for many, many locals.

There is no recourse to social security or governmental aid. In such circumstances people turn to crime the world over.

To try and macro/micro-analyse this social problem in a singularly Thai context is probably beyond most members of this forum (certainly judging from some of the replies thus far) unless they have degrees, or vast professional experience in such fields as Criminology or Sociology as well as in depth understanding of the Thai Nation (not something apparent from this thread).

That a lone young lady in a fairly isolated location was seen as a 'good/easy target' by an opportunistic criminal is not particularly Thai specific, nor exclusive to Thailand.

In an extreme case scenario one could say she is fortunate it was only a petty robber and not some drugged up rapist, who would/could kill to get their 'fix'. We could be looking at a far grimmer article today had it been so.

Thailand is a dangerous place, as are millions of places the world over.

Until tourists exercise common sense and awareness of their surroundings, law enforcement improves to prevent such occurrences or society improves to Utopian standards where crime is non existent we shall continue to hear of such things. As all three of these are unlikely to happen any time soon be prepared for more of such occurrences here.

Apologist 101

[Broken Record]

The fact is that Thailand is a tough country, not only for us foreigners but also for many, many locals.

There is no recourse to social security or governmental aid. In such circumstances people turn to crime the world over.

To try and macro/micro-analyse this social problem in a singularly Thai context is probably beyond most members of this forum (certainly judging from some of the replies thus far) unless they have degrees, or vast professional experience in such fields as Criminology or Sociology as well as in depth understanding of the Thai Nation (not something apparent from this thread).

That a lone young lady in a fairly isolated location was seen as a 'good/easy target' by an opportunistic criminal is not particularly Thai specific, nor exclusive to Thailand.

In an extreme case scenario one could say she is fortunate it was only a petty robber and not some drugged up rapist, who would/could kill to get their 'fix'. We could be looking at a far grimmer article today had it been so.

Thailand is a dangerous place, as are millions of places the world over.

Until tourists exercise common sense and awareness of their surroundings, law enforcement improves to prevent such occurrences or society improves to Utopian standards where crime is non existent we shall continue to hear of such things. As all three of these are unlikely to happen any time soon be prepared for more of such occurrences here.

Apologist 101

Realist 101 you mean.

[Bangkokazy]

It is easy to understand

lazy thaiss thenk why work when I can rob, That a lone young lady in a fairly isolated location was seen as a 'good/easy target

many Thaiss rages around all day looking for easy prey.

[Broken Record]

It is easy to understand

lazy thaiss thenk why work when I can rob, That a lone young lady in a fairly isolated location was seen as a 'good/easy target

many Thaiss rages around all day looking for easy prey.

is this the reason you don't live in Thailand, fear ?

[Bangkokazy]

I have a better life in Europe than I would hate in Thailand

[Bluespunk]

The fact is that Thailand is a tough country, not only for us foreigners but also for many, many locals.

There is no recourse to social security or governmental aid. In such circumstances people turn to crime the world over.

To try and macro/micro-analyse this social problem in a singularly Thai context is probably beyond most members of this forum (certainly judging from some of the replies thus far) unless they have degrees, or vast professional experience in such fields as Criminology or Sociology as well as in depth understanding of the Thai Nation (not something apparent from this thread).

That a lone young lady in a fairly isolated location was seen as a 'good/easy target' by an opportunistic criminal is not particularly Thai specific, nor exclusive to Thailand.

In an extreme case scenario one could say she is fortunate it was only a petty robber and not some drugged up rapist, who would/could kill to get their 'fix'. We could be looking at a far grimmer article today had it been so.

Thailand is a dangerous place, as are millions of places the world over.

Until tourists exercise common sense and awareness of their surroundings, law enforcement improves to prevent such occurrences or society improves to Utopian standards where crime is non existent we shall continue to hear of such things. As all three of these are unlikely to happen any time soon be prepared for more of such occurrences here.

Apologist 101

Realist 101 you mean.

Nope.

[Mudcrab]

It is easy to understand

lazy thaiss thenk why work when I can rob, That a lone young lady in a fairly isolated location was seen as a 'good/easy target

many Thaiss rages around all day looking for easy prey.

Name 5

[cpofc]

It would not surprise me if there are orders given NOT to report on these issues as it may have a negative refection on the country and hurt it's image.

Then there's the profits of tourist income that could be put at risk and we know just what is most important in LOS.

BTW I wonder if they will fine her 500 Baht for fighting? OK seriously who will be paying for her medical bills?

Now if the country had to pay compensation to victims of assault's I would imagine the BIB would be told to get off their ass and catch these thugs and gaol them for a minimum of one year gaol...

Mate. are you fair dinkum?

Honestly, you talk as if every petty street crime committed in the Kingdom on a daily basis gets reported in the Australian and/or International Media. Likewise the epidemic of 'low level' everyday crime in Australia gets reported in the Thai media.

You gotta be kidding. Way over the top!

One which was big news at the time though, a few years back, was a spate of bashings, muggings and even murders of International Indian Students . Quite a number of them actually, because they were considered an easy mark. There was a hell of a stink. Australia earns BILLIONS from International Students and both the State and Federal Governments went into acute damage control - Sending high level government ministers and delegations to India the reassure them that everything was OK in the Land Down Under and to not stop coming. it was all about the money.

additionally. What country's Government, in the world, accepts financial liability for the criminal actions of members of it's own population. Yes, there is a formal system to compensate victim's of crime, but then that is for everyone citizens, residents, the lot. But Governments don't do Travel Insurance.

[Bangkokazy]

1. Visas

If you are older than 50 and have $27,000 to lay down in a Thai bank account (twice that if you and your non-Thai spouse want to retire here), or have a pension of about $2,200 per month (each), then you can get a one year retirement visa to stay in Thailand – but you better not try working or even volunteering here. For that you need a work permit, something that those on retirement visas are not eligible for.

If you are married to a Thai or have children who are part Thai then you can stay for about half of the above on a spousal support visa.

And whatever visa you are lucky to get you will still have to report to Immigration every 90 days. You don’t do it, then you will be invited to leave the country.

Under 50 and not married to a Thai, or maybe you don’t have a big chunk of change to lock up in a Thai bank? Then you can do like lots of Expats in the same boat; they stay here for 30 – 90 days at a time and then have to travel to a border, cross over and turn around, and walk back in. And a couple months later, get up and do it again. This is referred to as a “visa run”.

Other countries, even here in SE Asia, are happy to welcome retirees without these draconian visa rules.

2. Weather

The weather is great for about 3 months a year. That means that 9 months a year can be not so great. December, January, and February are usually wonderful. Then comes the hot season. A few years ago, when I was still counting, I noted that the temperature on my back deck was over 40˚C (about 104°F) every day for 6 weeks in a row, with no break. They don’t call it the hot season for nothing. It isn’t that bad every year, but who knows what will happen in the future given the global climate change situation.

The rainy season, although not as hot, can be humid and enervating and can make traveling anywhere in country a real experience. For the last few years the central, south, and Bangkok areas have been hit with “100 year floods”. Seems like 100 years isn’t what it used to be. Thai Buddhist monks are supposed to sit tight in their temples, do no travel, but meditate and study during the long rainy season. We do the same, and stay at home, safe and dry.

3. Nature

There are creepy crawlies everywhere in Thailand; some are just sickening, and some will make you really sick. Here is a list of just some of the animals I have found in and around our garden.

• Cobras (Indian, Spitting, and King)
• Banded krait and various tree vipers (not all snakes are poisonous but lots are)
• Pythons (10’ plus is common)
• Monitor lizards (can administer a nasty, easily infected bite)
• Mongooses (chickens and ducks beware)
• Bamboo rat (can weigh up to 4 kilos)
• Scorpions (the large black kind and the small more dangerous red kind)
• Centipedes (painful and poisonous bite)
• Red weaver ants (very irritating bite)
• Small red fire ants (tiny, but they swarm, and their bites are excruciating)
• Cockroaches (the huge flying kind, love to get stuck in your hair)
• Swarming flying termites (millions come out on a rainy season evening)
• Stinging Caterpillars (just a brush by one of these feels like a blow torch hit you)

And that’s just my house.

It’s the tropics here so of course there are lots and lots of insects. As an example, there are more than 3,000 different species of ants that live just in bamboo. And we have lots of bamboo. And they all seem to want to build their nests in my kitchen cabinets. And termites just feast on any wood inside and outside our house. And let’s not forget the mosquitoes that buzz in your ears keeping you awake all night. They also bring us such fun offerings as dengue fever, encephalitis, and malaria. Luckily we have house geckos that crawl all over our walls and help keep the mosquito population controlled a bit. And then there are the mites and ticks and other biting insects that give us scabies and other fun stuff that make scratching a seemingly continuous occupation.

4. Real Estate

You cannot own land here. You can buy a condo though, and many people do. Others get around the land buying restrictions by putting it in the name of a Thai (friend, wife, girlfriend, lawyer), which is often a really bad idea. Just close your eyes and imagine. I bet you will come up with 10 things that could go wrong with that system.

Here is one of the big mistakes those thinking to invest in Thai real estate make. They think that real estate follows some basic laws of economics – you buy today, the prices rise, and you then sell for a profit. In Thailand it doesn’t work that way. First, Thais look at a house that has already been lived in as a “used house”. And just like it is with used cars, Thais would rather buy new. And second, there is such a boom in home and condo building that you can easily buy a new home as cheaply as a “used” one.

I have always recommended renting and keeping your money liquid. But if you plan to buy a house or condo, plan to live in it forever – unless you can convince a new Expat to take it off your hands.

5. Politics

Since the 1932 revolution that created a new government, there have been at least 18 coups (depending on how you count coups). And there have been 17 different versions of a constitution. Couple the instability of the central government with the unrest in the south, and you have a pretty volatile political situation.

6. Money

Your foreign money is worth less every day. When we first started coming here about 10 years ago the exchange rate was more than 40 baht to the dollar. As of today it is 29.4 baht to the dollar. That means that we need to spend, in terms of the dollar, more than a 25% more today than before. And that doesn’t count regular inflation.

A bowl of noodles was 20 baht then. Now it is 35 or more. And just about everything else is more expensive. Gasoline was 17 baht per liter. Now it is around 37 baht (currently about $4.75 U.S./gallon or 78 British pence/liter.) That means that with the change in exchange rate plus the inflation rate, where we used to be able to buy 2.75 liters of gasoline for every $1 we brought here, we now get about .8 liter for every $1. And things don’t look like they are going to get better soon.

7. Culture

Thai culture and western culture are about 180° distant from each other. Making a cultural faux pas in Thailand is about as easy as eating soup (not too loudly), or pointing to something (don’t do it with your foot), or talking about the new socks you just bought (apologize before speaking of anything about the feet), or calling someone by their name (honorifics, the equivalents of Sir, Auntie, Professor, Little Sister, etc., are always used before a person’s name). We are lucky though as Thais will usually just laugh at our ignorance.

8. Love

Coming here to look for that life companion? Lots of luck. You may be doing what the old country song says, “Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places”. For lots of people, Thailand can definitely be the wrong place.

I can’t seem to go for even a couple of days before hearing about another male foreigner, often one well into retirement age, who has known a young girl for a few weeks, someone he may have met at a bar, or who waited on him at a restaurant, and has fallen head over heels in love. He buys her a car and a house. He maybe even begets a child or two. She then sells the house and drives off into the sunset with the children in her new car with her husband she neglected to tell him about. If it didn’t happen so often you would think I was making this stuff up.

It doesn’t always end badly. For better luck you might want to find a companion the old fashion way and avoid bar pick-ups (BTW, these are usually prostitutes and not just fun-loving ladies.) And choosing a mate that is closer to your own age than your granddaughter’s is always a good idea. So is being able to speak each other’s language. I myself have been married to the same Thai wife for over 40 years. We argue in both English and Thai. And she hasn’t sold the house from under me yet, I still have my car, and the kids still call me Dad.

9. Language

The level of English spoken in Thailand is one of the lowest in SE Asia. Even though Thai students study English from the time they are in the first grade all the way up through college, most will never have made a complete English sentence in their lives. Except for the truly educated, a few Bangkokians, those who cater to the Expat crowd, and some upcountry tour guides, you won’t find many English speakers.

So all you have to do is learn Thai, right? Thai isn’t the hardest language in the world to learn but it sure ain’t easy. The Thai alphabet has 44 consonants and 32 vowels, and about half of the alphabet is unpronounceable for us westerners. And because the Lords of Language didn’t want to make it too easy on us they added 5 tones. So you not only have to say tongue twisting sounds, you have to basically sing them too. And if you get the pronunciation or tone just a little bit wrong, no one will understand you.

10. Safety

One needs to protect yourself no matter where you live in the world. There are some special cases while living in Thailand though. First there is your health, then your personal safety, then there is protecting your assets.

Your health: Thailand has some endemic health problems that you should be aware of. Gastro-intestinal troubles are widespread and although much of the water is now treated you can still get some nice bugs if you are not careful. Here is a list of some nasties that many Expats are faced with. Diarrhea, dysentery, dengue fever, malaria, encephalitis, critter bites, various and sundry fungi, bacterial infections, and lots and lots of parasites are waiting to visit you. We are luckily that there are really good hospitals here that are well experienced in diagnosing and treating most of the stuff you can catch here.

Personal safety: Thailand is a fairly safe place to live but in some of the tourist areas there are people who prey on the unwary. Although not as bad as places like Rome, there are some pretty good pickpockets and purse snatch artists here. And if you want to avoid the occasional street violence then it is best not to be walking around drunk in the AM when most of these occur. You might want to avoid any bar fights too. A lot of violence is perpetrated by one Expat on another.

But the biggest threat to your safety is the roads in Thailand. As a pedestrian, no one will stop for you to let you cross the road. And if you try someone might just run you down. Pedestrians have no right of way here.

Riding a motorcycle can be really dangerous but the danger can be mitigated by wearing a helmet and driving very slowly. Almost all the accidents I hear about are caused by the motorcycle rider himself, going too fast, driving drunk, in the AM, and without a helmet. Once I even saw a tourist driving helmetless and shoeless. Emergency room: we have another visitor.

You want to be safe on the roads here, always look six ways before entering traffic, always let the other guy go first, drive really slowly and carefully, never drink and drive, but figure that everyone else has ignored the above suggestions.

Protecting your assets: Just like anywhere, there are scam artist just waiting for you to give them your money. These scam artists sometimes come in the guise of the younger woman who is “in love” with you, a trusted business partner, your honest looking landlord, the jovial Tuk Tuk driver, or the friendly Jet Ski rental guy. Most scammers work on the premise that you are greedy or just plain stupid. You may be silly enough to believe that the nubile young thing really loves you for your good looks and personality, or that putting all your business assets into a partner’s name to get a big return on your investment is a good idea, or that your landlord would never sue you for damage to his property that you never made, or that funny Tuk Tuk driver would never overcharge you, or that even though you have heard that all jet ski rental guys will try to rip you off by claiming thousands of dollars in damage to their property, that this one time it will be different.

I don’t think that Thais are any more dishonest than anyone else in the world. But to be sure (and this goes for all aspects of safety) you might want to follow the same instructions that the referee tells the boxers before a boxing match, “Protect yourself at all times.”

But you know what? After not too long, if your incentive to live here is high enough, you’ll be able to negotiate the convoluted visa system, acclimatize to the weather, learn to love the diverse Nature here, find a wonderful place to live, learn to ignore local politics, find enough money to live on, adapt to and learn to love the culture, find suitable companions, learn to get by in the language, and keep safe. The challenge of adapting won’t be easy. It definitely won’t be boring though. Hundreds of thousands (and the number is growing daily) of transplanted Expats are already doing it. I have, although I still have trouble getting used to those giant flying roaches.

[thaiduncankk]

I have a better life in Europe than I would hate in Thailand

Well stay there, and go to europevisa.com

[Bangkokazy]

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