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Originally Posted by Farang
Let's remember where he lives, I agree it's not fair to generalize an entire population. But as a current resident of the southern provinces I have to agree a bit in that most Thai's here (large tourist destination) simply do not like farang.
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My experience is that *some* don't particularly like the attitude of a certain sort of farang. Not the same thing at all. And quite understandable too, from what I've witnessed of the behaviour of a sizeable proportion of Western visitors.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Farang
I'm certain by what you write you are the most popular fellow in all of Thailand, but come on friend, let's take note from some of the expats that spend day and day out living here. Or people like myself who live here, it's not peaches and cream as you make it out to be.
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Hold on there... I'm one of these expats, don't forget!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Farang
I don't know you, but it seems to me (and pardon my assumption) that you come to Thailand and have a some what sheltered environment which obviously gives way to your bias of how things are in this country.
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Well as you say - you certainly don't know me! Unlike many I live virtually entirely in the company of a broad cross section of Thais, mostly pretty poor. I am married to a Thai, have a Thai child. I live in a relatively poor area of Chiang Mai, with precisely the kind of neighbours one might think would resent the average farang, going from previous descriptions. So "Farang", how do you think it can be that I've avoided any difficulties?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Farang
Just pick up the news paper now and then and you'll see violent explosions over a few baht. Let's not forget the young Canadian couple who travelled to Chang Rai a year or two ago. A police officer was signalling them and asked for a bribe, their naive approach had the young man get his brains blown away and the girl pistol whipped for simply arguing with the official police man. Special case, I think not, happens everyday.
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Anyone can produce anecdotal accounts that prove nothing, for any country in the world. Bribery, corruption, cronyism, are big problems in this country, I certainly wouldn't suggest otherwise. But I can come up with horror stories for any nation - and they are of course meaningless, proving nothing on a national/cultural scale. Less of the patronising attitude too - I "pick up as many newspapers" as the next man.
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Originally Posted by Farang
Best thing would be to tell me to get out if I'm not content, not so easy as I'm on contract and married now. But believe me Frogblogger once I reach the point I will not shed a tear when it's time to leave.
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Shame you haven't come to appreciate all that is beautiful about the country and its people. Your loss!
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Originally Posted by Farang
I'm certain i will come back for holiday as my wife is from the southern provinces, but like you I'll be in la la land and spend endless days exploring and waking up when ever the first brew of joe is made up for me.
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One thing you should have cottoned on to by now. I'm no mug. The main reason I've not had a problem in Thailand or anywhere else come to that is that generally speaking, I can see it coming. Those that have problems are usually the naive sort who are unable to adapt to different ways, and blunder around making mistake after mistake.
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Originally Posted by Farang
The point to my endless jabbering is please measure out the experience of different circumstances. This forum is to discuss everyone's experiences, so I think with all due respect read and perhaps learn another side to this wonderful place.
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If you haven't understood that the only way someone like me can avoid the problems you refer to, is by being more aware of them than most, more adept at dealing with them, and in most cases pre-empting their becoming a problem in the first place, then I am beginning to understand why you are having such a hard time in Thailand!