Is it "wrong" to live in Pattaya and not be interested in Thai culture?

[brewsterbudgen]

Residency tests for many countries include being able to speak the language to a reasonable degree.

If Thailand were to implement that it might be a good idea, let the ' grunters ' live in their own countries.

Fair enough for tourists, that's understandable.......but residents should have some knowledge of the language.

I have witnessed many of these ' grunters '.......storming out of seven elevens and grunting at wait staff because

they do not have the ability to even ask for a glass of water........and they storm out in disgust...

Morons of the highest order.....

I believe to get residency in Thailand, passing a language test is already a requirement.

[Scotwight]

What do you mean exactly? that French people get hostile when foreigners try to communicate in French?

If that's what you mean, it's utter BS.

It was a question dude. Thanks for your opinion, but such was not the experience when I visited France. Perhaps they've changed since I was there in 1996.

The French don't like it when you try to speak French and the Thais don't like it when you (family) try and speak Thai. Although you are the only one this seems to happen to. Perhaps it's you because I've never met anyone who does not appreciate me or Filipinos trying to speak Thai. I asked a couple of Filipinos I work with if anyone has ever not appreciated them speaking Thai and they said no and added that people really liked them teaching Thai to their Filipino children.

You should read more slowly so you comprehend what your read... I DON'T attempt to speak Thai. It was never mentioned that I do.

This story bothered you so much you've been seeking out Filipinos to ask? LOL. Each situation is different mate but you don't understand Filipinos - they won't say anything about Thai people that could possibly offend, especially if they work here and have a good job. They'll just tell you what you want to hear, especially to a forceful bulldog like yourself who obviously has to be right and won't let go. LOL> you probably just put words in their mouths and they nodded.

I've listened to the new President of the Philippines and he is one of the most offensive people I have ever listened to. So much for your understand of the Philippine people.

10. Thai People encourage you to learn Thai

Whether you are “good with languages” or not, whether learning Thai is difficult or not (I don’t think so) the good thing is Thai people appreciate any effort you take in learning their language and will always take some time to help you learn new words or sentences. While they are very hesitant to teach you the bad words, you can always go to Thais even if you have never talked with them before and if they see you try to learn something everyone is going to help you.

http://www.thailandredcat.com/10-good-reasons-start-learning-thai/

The website above is 100% correct. I don't know what your friends problem was but she is not typical at all. Or maybe it's the places she goes in Pattaya. I like Pattaya but if I was looking for a place to find unfriendly Thai people Pattaya would be close to the top.

It is disingenuous to try and convince people that Thais won't help you learn the language. They will and gladly so. Don't believe me. Ask one of the experts on Thai Visa. I believe there are a number of Thai language experts/teachers who are moderators on Thai Visa.

I'll give you 10 to 1 they agree with me.

[Don Mega]

10. Thai People encourage you to learn Thai

And yet every Thai person I speak Thai to ask me to speak English so they can learn/practice.

Edited June 15, 2016 by Don Mega

[Scotwight]

10. Thai People encourage you to learn Thai

And yet every Thai person I speak Thai to ask me to speak English so they can learn/practice.

1. Coffee shop lady. 2. 60 year old barber. 3. Deli clerk. 4. Bakery clerk. 5. Toilet lady. 6. Lotus cashier. 7. Taxi driver. 8. 7/11 clerk. 9. Next door neighbor (teacher). 10. Naval officer. 11. IT technicions (3). 12. Sales call on land line. 13. Mobile repair service. 14. Sony rep. No one asked me to speak English.

Edited June 15, 2016 by Scotwight

[Don Mega]

10. Thai People encourage you to learn Thai

And yet every Thai person I speak Thai to ask me to speak English so they can learn/practice.

1. Coffee shop lady. 2. 60 year old barber. 3. Deli clerk. 4. Bakery clerk. 5. Toilet lady. 6. Lotus cashier. 7. Taxi driver. 8. 7/11 clerk. 9. Next door neighbor (teacher). 10. Naval officer. 11. IT technicions (3). 12. Sales call on land line. 13. Mobile repair service. 14. Sony rep. No one asked me to speak English.

1. Coffee shop lady - Coffee shop I frequent they all speak English.

2. 60 year old barber - The wife/maid/house cleaner cuts my hair, she speaks English.

3. Deli clerk - At foodland deli, they speak english.

4. Bakery clerk - At Continetal bakery, they speak English.

5. Toilet lady - Never heard of such a beast, does she wipe your bottom ?

6. Lotus cashier - Not been in lotus in the past 10 years.

7. Taxi driver - I drive myelf, I speak English.

8. 7/11 clerk - All the one's near me (about 300 of them in a 5km radius), they speak English.

9. Next door neighbor (teacher) - Both my Neighbours are expats, they speak English.

10. Naval officer - In my line of work, I meet a few of them often, They speak English.

11. IT technicions (3) - Yep got them at work, They speak English.

12. Sales call on land line - Yep get them, someone flogging wealth advice or some such crap, They speak English (but I suspect their heads are wobbling though).

13. Mobile repair service - Been a few years since I have had a phone repaired but at Nokia Care, They spoke English.

14. Sony rep - I would prefer to be infected with HIV than own a Sony.

[Scotwight]

10. Thai People encourage you to learn Thai

And yet every Thai person I speak Thai to ask me to speak English so they can learn/practice.

1. Coffee shop lady. 2. 60 year old barber. 3. Deli clerk. 4. Bakery clerk. 5. Toilet lady. 6. Lotus cashier. 7. Taxi driver. 8. 7/11 clerk. 9. Next door neighbor (teacher). 10. Naval officer. 11. IT technicions (3). 12. Sales call on land line. 13. Mobile repair service. 14. Sony rep. No one asked me to speak English.

1. Coffee shop lady - Coffee shop I frequent they all speak English.

2. 60 year old barber - The wife/maid/house cleaner cuts my hair, she speaks English.

3. Deli clerk - At foodland deli, they speak english.

4. Bakery clerk - At Continetal bakery, they speak English.

5. Toilet lady - Never heard of such a beast, does she wipe your bottom ?

6. Lotus cashier - Not been in lotus in the past 10 years.

7. Taxi driver - I drive myelf, I speak English.

8. 7/11 clerk - All the one's near me (about 300 of them in a 5km radius), they speak English.

9. Next door neighbor (teacher) - Both my Neighbours are expats, they speak English.

10. Naval officer - In my line of work, I meet a few of them often, They speak English.

11. IT technicions (3) - Yep got them at work, They speak English.

12. Sales call on land line - Yep get them, someone flogging wealth advice or some such crap, They speak English (but I suspect their heads are wobbling though).

13. Mobile repair service - Been a few years since I have had a phone repaired but at Nokia Care, They spoke English.

14. Sony rep - I would prefer to be infected with HIV than own a Sony.

You live in a bubble in a tourist area. I know. You don't have to speak Thai. I think at some point in time I expressed that very thought. You are the same as a tourist. You know as much about Thailand as a tourist. If you are content with that cool.

But it's not something I'd brag about.

[Don Mega]

And yet every Thai person I speak Thai to ask me to speak English so they can learn/practice.

1. Coffee shop lady. 2. 60 year old barber. 3. Deli clerk. 4. Bakery clerk. 5. Toilet lady. 6. Lotus cashier. 7. Taxi driver. 8. 7/11 clerk. 9. Next door neighbor (teacher). 10. Naval officer. 11. IT technicions (3). 12. Sales call on land line. 13. Mobile repair service. 14. Sony rep. No one asked me to speak English.

1. Coffee shop lady - Coffee shop I frequent they all speak English.

2. 60 year old barber - The wife/maid/house cleaner cuts my hair, she speaks English.

3. Deli clerk - At foodland deli, they speak english.

4. Bakery clerk - At Continetal bakery, they speak English.

5. Toilet lady - Never heard of such a beast, does she wipe your bottom ?

6. Lotus cashier - Not been in lotus in the past 10 years.

7. Taxi driver - I drive myelf, I speak English.

8. 7/11 clerk - All the one's near me (about 300 of them in a 5km radius), they speak English.

9. Next door neighbor (teacher) - Both my Neighbours are expats, they speak English.

10. Naval officer - In my line of work, I meet a few of them often, They speak English.

11. IT technicions (3) - Yep got them at work, They speak English.

12. Sales call on land line - Yep get them, someone flogging wealth advice or some such crap, They speak English (but I suspect their heads are wobbling though).

13. Mobile repair service - Been a few years since I have had a phone repaired but at Nokia Care, They spoke English.

14. Sony rep - I would prefer to be infected with HIV than own a Sony.

You live in a bubble in a tourist area. I know. You don't have to speak Thai. I think at some point in time I expressed that very thought. You are the same as a tourist. You know as much about Thailand as a tourist. If you are content with that cool.

But it's not something I'd brag about.

Well yes, per the subject title I do live in Pattaya and my replies are indicative of this.

Am curious as to how you know Iam the same as a tourist and only know as much about Thailand as a Tourist. Care to explain ?

[BaldPlumber]

I'm pretty good talking to bar girls in thai.

Admittedly, it's mostly about their body parts and what I'd like to do with them / to them.

I think they appreciate the effort I make.

[Scotwight]

Well yes, per the subject title I do live in Pattaya and my replies are indicative of this.

Am curious as to how you know Iam the same as a tourist and only know as much about Thailand as a Tourist. Care to explain ?

You don't speak Thai and you live in Pattaya and can't travel on your own. You are dependent on people who speak your language and insulate you from Thailand.

Yes, you will always be the “Farang” and when you first meet a Thai person they will never expect you to learn Thai. But then as soon as you start a basic conversation in Thai they will look at you on a completely different perspective, show respect and make you compliments. If you don’t learn Thai you will always feel somewhat isolated even if you live here for years and years.

Whether you are “good with languages” or not, whether learning Thai is difficult or not (I don’t think so) the good thing is Thai people appreciate any effort you take in learning their language and will always take some time to help you learn new words or sentences. While they are very hesitant to teach you the bad words, you can always go to Thais even if you have never talked with them before and if they see you try to learn something everyone is going to help you.

http://www.thailandredcat.com/10-good-reasons-start-learning-thai/

I've already told you 10 times and others have posted and told you the same thing over and over. Why celebrate ignorance?

Try google. Why no one likes ethnocentric people.

[Don Mega]

Well yes, per the subject title I do live in Pattaya and my replies are indicative of this.

Am curious as to how you know Iam the same as a tourist and only know as much about Thailand as a Tourist. Care to explain ?

You don't speak Thai and you live in Pattaya and can't travel on your own. You are dependent on people who speak your language and insulate you from Thailand.

Yes, you will always be the Farang and when you first meet a Thai person they will never expect you to learn Thai. But then as soon as you start a basic conversation in Thai they will look at you on a completely different perspective, show respect and make you compliments. If you dont learn Thai you will always feel somewhat isolated even if you live here for years and years.[/size]

Whether you are good with languages or not, whether learning Thai is difficult or not (I dont think so) the good thing is Thai people appreciate any effort you take in learning their language and will always take some time to help you learn new words or sentences. While they are very hesitant to teach you the [/size]bad words, you can always go to Thais even if you have never talked with them before and if they see you try to learn something everyone is going to help you.[/size]

http://www.thailandredcat.com/10-good-reasons-start-learning-thai/

I've already told you 10 times and others have posted and told you the same thing over and over. Why celebrate ignorance?

Try google. Why no one likes ethnocentric people.

Lets address most of that waffle later, for now lets look at the ignorance bit.

The ignorant one here appears to be you, I have mentioned a few times I can speak Thai on a conversational level.

Now lets look at the rest of your post..... Ohhhh no need, It is all based on your ignorance and belief I cannot speak Thai.

[Peterw42]

If its ok to live here in the bubble, can i ask "why" live here at all. We have established its not for the culture. It cant be cheaper than home if you live on western food. Pay for english tv channels etc. You can find a hot western country.

Seriously, why live here ?

[Don Mega]

If its ok to live here in the bubble, can i ask "why" live here at all. We have established its not for the culture. It cant be cheaper than home if you live on western food. Pay for english tv channels etc. You can find a hot western country.

Seriously, why live here ?

Work.

I would prefer to live in SriRacha but the Japanese expats have pushed the house rental prices through the roof and unfortunately my "accommodation" allowance won't pay for anything decent there.

Edited June 15, 2016 by Don Mega

[Scotwight]

what would one benefit from learning to speak, read and write ?

Since you speak Thai why ask me and why argue that there is no benefit to speaking Thai? Were you forced to learn how to speak Thai or do you often do things that don't benefit you?

I would submit that since you speak and that is not easy (you wrote, "I have mentioned a few times I can speak Thai") that you saw a benefit to learning to speak Thai and did so.

Why are you writing all these posts telling people that you don't need to speak Thai when you do?

[Don Mega]

what would one benefit from learning to speak, read and write ?

Since you speak Thai why ask me and why argue that there is no benefit to speaking Thai? Were you forced to learn how to speak Thai or do you often do things that don't benefit you?

I would submit that since you speak and that is not easy (you wrote, "I have mentioned a few times I can speak Thai") that you saw a benefit to learning to speak Thai and did so.

Why are you writing all these posts telling people that you don't need to speak Thai when you do?

You made a general claim. I made a general reply.

I saw no benefit to learning Thai btw but working with Thai's for more than 10 years I sorta picked up a bit of the lingo during that time.

[Rimmer]

This topic is becoming a two person fight about learning to speak Thai language, the topic is about:

Is it "wrong" to live in Pattaya and not be interested in Thai culture?

[Naam]

If its ok to live here in the bubble, can i ask "why" live here at all. We have established its not for the culture. It cant be cheaper than home if you live on western food. Pay for english tv channels etc. You can find a hot western country.

Seriously, why live here ?

your ignorance has obviously no boundaries my good man

-we (wife, me and our dogs) don't live in a bubble, we live in our home located in a small gated community populated nearly exclusively by Farangs with Thai partners. to the best of my knowledge we are presently the only non-Thai couple.

-it is correct that we did not select to live in Thailand for its culture, its sh*tty climate or its 3rd world infrastrucure.

-instead of living in our home country Germany we selected Thailand to avoid 46.4% income tax on our worldwide income plus an additional 19% value added tax levied on all our expenses.

do i have to explain why living in Thailand is cheaper for us or are the two tax percentages mentioned self-explanatory?

let me know whether you understood the tax implications. if not i will explain and list at least another dozen valid reasons "why Thailand and not Germany".

[Scotwight]

If its ok to live here in the bubble, can i ask "why" live here at all. We have established its not for the culture. It cant be cheaper than home if you live on western food. Pay for english tv channels etc. You can find a hot western country.

Seriously, why live here ?

Naam is dodging taxes. Don is working in a bubble. I took a geographical cure and got away from a culture I didn't like and exercise my hobby.

I don't think it's wrong not to be interested in Thai culture - I think it is ignorant. Not taking advantage of the opportunity to learn about a people with a rich and diverse heritage is like moving to Orlando and not liking the mouse.

Why would you go to college if you didn't want a degree? Why go to a restaurant if you weren't hungry? Why go to Thailand if you don't like Thai people?

[topt]

If its ok to live here in the bubble, can i ask "why" live here at all. We have established its not for the culture. It cant be cheaper than home if you live on western food. Pay for english tv channels etc. You can find a hot western country.

Seriously, why live here ?

Naam is dodging taxes. Don is working in a bubble. I took a geographical cure and got away from a culture I didn't like and exercise my hobby.

I don't think it's wrong not to be interested in Thai culture - I think it is ignorant. Not taking advantage of the opportunity to learn about a people with a rich and diverse heritage is like moving to Orlando and not liking the mouse.

Why would you go to college if you didn't want a degree? Why go to a restaurant if you weren't hungry? Why go to Thailand if you don't like Thai people?

"Why would you go to college if you didn't want a degree?" - a lot of people used to do it because they thought that was what they had to do - and many dropped out........

"Why go to a restaurant if you weren't hungry?" - to meet friends and socialise perhaps..............

"Why go to Thailand if you don't like Thai people? " - has anybody actually said that? I apologise for not reading the preceding 10 pages or so but based on your posts currently on the closing Pattaya businesses thread can only think your almost trolling for an argument with that statement

[Naam]

If its ok to live here in the bubble, can i ask "why" live here at all. We have established its not for the culture. It cant be cheaper than home if you live on western food. Pay for english tv channels etc. You can find a hot western country.

Seriously, why live here ?

Naam is dodging taxes. Don is working in a bubble. I took a geographical cure and got away from a culture I didn't like and exercise my hobby.

I don't think it's wrong not to be interested in Thai culture - I think it is ignorant. Not taking advantage of the opportunity to learn about a people with a rich and diverse heritage is like moving to Orlando and not liking the mouse.

Why would you go to college if you didn't want a degree? Why go to a restaurant if you weren't hungry? Why go to Thailand if you don't like Thai people?

this thread is full with assumptions, either drawn out of thin air or by nose poking and analysing the result.

ignorant as well as arrogant is judging the unknown priorities of people one has never met.

malicious is to insinuate that somebody who is not interested in Thai culture does not like Thai people.

personally, based on my experience of countless holidays spent in Thailand and last not least after living here for nearly 12 years, i respect whoever Thai people i met more than the majority of the Farang low lives hanging around in Thailand.

take that from somebody who is the self-appointed "grand-godfather" of an infant Thai girl and an infant Thai boy.

[Jingthing]

So let me check.

Some people DO think it IS "wrong"

to live in Pattaya and not be interested in Thai culture ...

[Scotwight]

Naam is dodging taxes. Don is working in a bubble. I took a geographical cure and got away from a culture I didn't like and exercise my hobby.

I don't think it's wrong not to be interested in Thai culture - I think it is ignorant. Not taking advantage of the opportunity to learn about a people with a rich and diverse heritage is like moving to Orlando and not liking the mouse.

Why would you go to college if you didn't want a degree? Why go to a restaurant if you weren't hungry? Why go to Thailand if you don't like Thai people?

this thread is full with assumptions, either drawn out of thin air or by nose poking and analysing the result.

ignorant as well as arrogant is judging the unknown priorities of people one has never met.

malicious is to insinuate that somebody who is not interested in Thai culture does not like Thai people.

personally, based on my experience of countless holidays spent in Thailand and last not least after living here for nearly 12 years, i respect whoever Thai people i met more than the majority of the Farang low lives hanging around in Thailand.

take that from somebody who is the self-appointed "grand-godfather" of an infant Thai girl and an infant Thai boy.

We who live in Thailand are presented with an opportunity to learn about and participate in the Thai culture. Not to do so is not to take advantage of an opportunity that few Westerners get. I didn't say it was wrong. It said it was ignorant.

If I sent my child to school and she didn't go to classes it would also be ignorant. I know because I did and she didn't and I stopped paying the tuition.

What are the indications that you are not interested in Thai culture? I'd list them but since I'm drawing some fire here I'll let anyone else list them.

Edited June 15, 2016 by Scotwight

[tropo]

If its ok to live here in the bubble, can i ask "why" live here at all. We have established its not for the culture. It cant be cheaper than home if you live on western food. Pay for english tv channels etc. You can find a hot western country.

Seriously, why live here ?

Naam is dodging taxes. Don is working in a bubble. I took a geographical cure and got away from a culture I didn't like and exercise my hobby.

I don't think it's wrong not to be interested in Thai culture - I think it is ignorant. Not taking advantage of the opportunity to learn about a people with a rich and diverse heritage is like moving to Orlando and not liking the mouse.

Why would you go to college if you didn't want a degree? Why go to a restaurant if you weren't hungry? Why go to Thailand if you don't like Thai people?

LOL. Some people came to Thailand thinking they were going to enjoy the culture and Thai people - then changed their minds after discovering the true nature of the beast... but there were enough other advantages to keep them here - such as skipping taxes. The best laid plans of mice and men...

Others are procrastinating about exiting, but had invested a fair bit and need more time to sort things out...

Others are exiting. I met a guy today who has lived here for 30 years - speaks fluent Thai. He's thinking about getting out - the place is not like it used to be. It's becoming more hostile toward foreigners.

Yet others married and made families, so don't have the luxury of just packing up and leaving... Some of these will pretend they really like the place and live in denial.

Some on their way out will have spent (wasted) a lot of time studying a language they will likely never use again...

There's all sorts of people in this world mate - "horses for courses". No doubt you'll die in Thailand.

Edited June 15, 2016 by tropo

[Scotwight]

If its ok to live here in the bubble, can i ask "why" live here at all. We have established its not for the culture. It cant be cheaper than home if you live on western food. Pay for english tv channels etc. You can find a hot western country.

Seriously, why live here ?

Naam is dodging taxes. Don is working in a bubble. I took a geographical cure and got away from a culture I didn't like and exercise my hobby.

I don't think it's wrong not to be interested in Thai culture - I think it is ignorant. Not taking advantage of the opportunity to learn about a people with a rich and diverse heritage is like moving to Orlando and not liking the mouse.

Why would you go to college if you didn't want a degree? Why go to a restaurant if you weren't hungry? Why go to Thailand if you don't like Thai people?

LOL. Some people came to Thailand thinking they were going to enjoy the culture and Thai people - then changed their minds after discovering the true nature of the beast... but there were enough other advantages to keep them here - such as skipping taxes. The best laid plans of mice and men...

Others are procrastinating about exiting, but had invested a fair bit and need more time to sort things out...

Other's are exiting. I met a guy today who has lived here for 30 years - speaks fluent Thai. He's thinking about getting out - the place is not like it used to be. It's becoming more hostile toward foreigners.

Yet others married and made families, so don't have the luxury of just packing up and leaving... Some of these will pretend they really like the place and live in denial.

Some on their way out will have spent (wasted) a lot of time studying a language they will likely never use again...

There's all sorts of people in this world mate - "horses for courses".

So? Who cares. My point was living here and not learning about the Thai culture is missing a big opportunity. Many people don't go to college that have the chance. Same thing. Missing a big opportunity. Up to you. You can learn new things or stay in a security bubble and stay the same. I've heard the same leaving stuff for 10 years.

I've discovered the true nature of the Thai culture and decided to spend the rest of my life here because it is better than the culture I left. I'm happy here and you are not. What is the solution?

[tropo]

If its ok to live here in the bubble, can i ask "why" live here at all. We have established its not for the culture. It cant be cheaper than home if you live on western food. Pay for english tv channels etc. You can find a hot western country.

Seriously, why live here ?

Naam is dodging taxes. Don is working in a bubble. I took a geographical cure and got away from a culture I didn't like and exercise my hobby.

I don't think it's wrong not to be interested in Thai culture - I think it is ignorant. Not taking advantage of the opportunity to learn about a people with a rich and diverse heritage is like moving to Orlando and not liking the mouse.

Why would you go to college if you didn't want a degree? Why go to a restaurant if you weren't hungry? Why go to Thailand if you don't like Thai people?

LOL. Some people came to Thailand thinking they were going to enjoy the culture and Thai people - then changed their minds after discovering the true nature of the beast... but there were enough other advantages to keep them here - such as skipping taxes. The best laid plans of mice and men...

Others are procrastinating about exiting, but had invested a fair bit and need more time to sort things out...

Other's are exiting. I met a guy today who has lived here for 30 years - speaks fluent Thai. He's thinking about getting out - the place is not like it used to be. It's becoming more hostile toward foreigners.

Yet others married and made families, so don't have the luxury of just packing up and leaving... Some of these will pretend they really like the place and live in denial.

Some on their way out will have spent (wasted) a lot of time studying a language they will likely never use again...

There's all sorts of people in this world mate - "horses for courses".

So? Who cares. My point was living here and not learning about the Thai culture is missing a big opportunity. Many people don't go to college that have the chance. Same thing. Missing a big opportunity. Up to you. You can learn new things or stay in a security bubble and stay the same. I've heard the same leaving stuff for 10 years.

I've discovered the true nature of the Thai culture and decided to spend the rest of my life here because it is better than the culture I left. I'm happy here and you are not. What is the solution?

Sure, bury your head deep in the sand and pretend you're happy. Your never ending debates here until after midnight everyday lead one to suspect you're not as happy as you think you are. It's like you're trying to convince the world your happy and successful. Sorry mate, I don't buy it.

[Don Mega]

My point was living here and not learning about the Thai culture is missing a big opportunity.

What is this big opportunity Iam missing ?

[Naam]

Naam is dodging taxes. Don is working in a bubble. I took a geographical cure and got away from a culture I didn't like and exercise my hobby.

I don't think it's wrong not to be interested in Thai culture - I think it is ignorant. Not taking advantage of the opportunity to learn about a people with a rich and diverse heritage is like moving to Orlando and not liking the mouse.

Why would you go to college if you didn't want a degree? Why go to a restaurant if you weren't hungry? Why go to Thailand if you don't like Thai people?

this thread is full with assumptions, either drawn out of thin air or by nose poking and analysing the result.

ignorant as well as arrogant is judging the unknown priorities of people one has never met.

malicious is to insinuate that somebody who is not interested in Thai culture does not like Thai people.

personally, based on my experience of countless holidays spent in Thailand and last not least after living here for nearly 12 years, i respect whoever Thai people i met more than the majority of the Farang low lives hanging around in Thailand.

take that from somebody who is the self-appointed "grand-godfather" of an infant Thai girl and an infant Thai boy.

We who live in Thailand are presented with an opportunity to learn about and participate in the Thai culture. Not to do so is not to take advantage of an opportunity that few Westerners get. I didn't say it was wrong. It said it was ignorant.

If I sent my child to school and she didn't go to classes it would also be ignorant. I know because I did and she didn't and I stopped paying the tuition.

What are the indications that you are not interested in Thai culture? I'd list them but since I'm drawing some fire here I'll let anyone else list them.

my answer to your question is quite simple. i am busy following other interests and have no time for an indepth study of Thai culture. the facts that my wife is not Thai and that i lead a rather reclusive lifestyle with hardly any contacts with Thais (except my assistant) add to my lack of interest.

[Scotwight]

My point was living here and not learning about the Thai culture is missing a big opportunity.

What is this big opportunity Iam missing ?

You have a Thai wife and speak Thai. You are not the kind of person I was referring to.

[Don Mega]

My point was living here and not learning about the Thai culture is missing a big opportunity.

What is this big opportunity Iam missing ?

You have a Thai wife and speak Thai. You are not the kind of person I was referring to.

Humour me then.

You keep harping on about all these missed opportunities but give little to no additional details what they are...... for those that dont speak Thai or have a Thai wife.

[Scotwight]

LOL. Some people came to Thailand thinking they were going to enjoy the culture and Thai people - then changed their minds after discovering the true nature of the beast... but there were enough other advantages to keep them here - such as skipping taxes. The best laid plans of mice and men...

Others are procrastinating about exiting, but had invested a fair bit and need more time to sort things out...

Other's are exiting. I met a guy today who has lived here for 30 years - speaks fluent Thai. He's thinking about getting out - the place is not like it used to be. It's becoming more hostile toward foreigners.

Yet others married and made families, so don't have the luxury of just packing up and leaving... Some of these will pretend they really like the place and live in denial.

Some on their way out will have spent (wasted) a lot of time studying a language they will likely never use again...

There's all sorts of people in this world mate - "horses for courses".

So? Who cares. My point was living here and not learning about the Thai culture is missing a big opportunity. Many people don't go to college that have the chance. Same thing. Missing a big opportunity. Up to you. You can learn new things or stay in a security bubble and stay the same. I've heard the same leaving stuff for 10 years.

I've discovered the true nature of the Thai culture and decided to spend the rest of my life here because it is better than the culture I left. I'm happy here and you are not. What is the solution?

Sure, bury your head deep in the sand and pretend you're happy. Your never ending debates here until after midnight everyday lead one to suspect you're not as happy as you think you are. It's like you're trying to convince the world your happy and successful. Sorry mate, I don't buy it.

You post negative information like the above about Thailand on a daily basis trying to convince people about the bad aspects of Thailand and I don't. I and my friends are involved with Thailand and helping Thai people on a daily basis. I don't think you are.

I have a Thai wife and family and you don't.

Check my posting times and you will see you are in error.

You tried to start a rumor that Thai people won't help anyone learn Thai. Someone has to counter your misinformation since the powers that be have not seen fit to do so.

Why don't you go someplace where you are happy and involved with the culture and people?

[Hal65]

I am generally happy here but when outside the local bubble, things can go south quick.

I do think it is worth it to learn the language at a minimum.