8 minutes ago, cnx101 said:

Just about sums it up

And some could say, better to be an idiot 90% of the time and happily getting on with a semi-meaningful life..

..As opposed to knowing everything and being a cynical jaded old farang whos been fleeced and have nothing to do but drink beer and complain about Thais  and troll TV

5 hours ago, mfd101 said:

Yes, if you apply 'Western' concepts of work and productivity here, you would probably end up with around 95% of the population either unemployed or underemployed. But when you see how people in the villages live, and how - more or less miraculously - they survive (scavenging, digging assorted bugs out of the khlong or the lake, fishing, stealing, borrowing, an occasional odd job, mutual assistance ... ), then Western concepts seem mostly irrelevant.

Makes me appreciate being based in Bangkok big time!  Here they eat in malls and park their Lamborghini's in the parking lot at the malls entry door. 

West Michigan, U.S. most miserable, boring. Full of totally clueless, uncaring, unconcerned druggies, boozers.

Least miserable. Then why is it that many Thais are in fear to openly give their opinion about military rule and Article 44?

There is more to life than discussing politics.

16 hours ago, Retiredandhappyhere said:

Regarding all these wonderful people, do you think you could let me have a few names?  I'm desperate!  

Most of the people I know who form a rich part of my life have become rich at my expense,     

Not sure how serious you're being, but I detect at least part truth in your comments, which is a shame. I am sorry too - that you appear to have not found happiness out East. I chose well, my wife's family are not rich, and are not becoming rich (or seeking to) off my back either - they almost all work very hard for the usual rates, and all come home with a smile on their faces. What's not to admire?

 

I just noticed your username - how ironic!

Most of the cynicism here is likely from people who don't really mix in Thai circles or even know any 'real' Thais outside of bar life... an industry that tends to draw in the dregs of society and many bad mannered aholes. I have both lived around and socialised with middle class Thais - genuine people with businesses and houses - and sat and chatted with rubber farmers and have indeed found them to be the happiest people to be around. The employment and inflationary figures seem suspect - the monks issue and prices of some things have gone up 50% or more in recent years. But I would generally sooner have Thais around me than my own to be honest.

Of course.  This is the land of "mai pen rai".  Most of the population live on cloud nine.

G'day Somchai, how are you?

I'm proud to say I'm not miserable.