What single thing do you like most about Thailand?

King Silk · #1 (**permalink**) 27th March 2009, 04:12 PM

For me, it's the lovely warm climate here in Pattaya. Couldn't bare to go back to the grey skies of the UK.......

oddball · #2 (**permalink**) 29th March 2009, 02:34 PM

For me it became the ease at which one could leave for a more hospitable country that actually welcomed you for more than your money , think otherwise ? Time waits for no man , it passes you by , with your posts I have read to date , you are not the same enthralled man as when you arrived , take some of your own advice and RUN , why suffer the inequity of not being wanted other than for your money ?

Bulgakov · #3 (**permalink**) 30th March 2009, 03:20 AM

If you don't like Thailand, then which country do you suggest as a replacement?

If I am not wrong, this group is for expat living in Thailand or those planning or wishing to live in Thailand. If you live in Thailand, why are you staying there if you don't like it? If you are not living in Thailand and do not wish to do so, why do you bother with this group?

I am new to this group and I have been surprised by so many negative comments about Thailand. It seems as if some expats have been forced to live in Thailand. It does not make much sense. I have been following another group of expats for a while, it is a group expats living in The Phillipines and they seem more happy with their choice. Maybe those who don't like Thailand should try The Phillipines.

Bulgakov

Quote:

Originally Posted by oddball

For me it became the ease at which one could leave for a more hospitable country that actually welcomed you for more than your money , think otherwise ? Time waits for no man , it passes you by , with your posts I have read to date , you are not the same enthralled man as when you arrived , take some of your own advice and RUN , why suffer the inequity of not being wanted other than for your money ?

King Silk · #4 (**permalink**) 30th March 2009, 02:55 PM

Get real Bulgy Boy. The Brits are the Worlds greatest Moaners!
We love a good old grumble don't ya know?
And immigrants almost always complain about the Country they have emigrated to.
The World is changing....but why must it be changing for the worse?
Thailand certainly is imo. But it's not the time to be moving elsewhere........

Serendipity2 · #5 (**permalink**) 31st March 2009, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bulgakov

If you don't like Thailand, then which country do you suggest as a replacement?

If I am not wrong, this group is for expat living in Thailand or those planning or wishing to live in Thailand. If you live in Thailand, why are you staying there if you don't like it? If you are not living in Thailand and do not wish to do so, why do you bother with this group?

I am new to this group and I have been surprised by so many negative comments about Thailand. It seems as if some expats have been forced to live in Thailand. It does not make much sense. I have been following another group of expats for a while, it is a group expats living in The Phillipines and they seem more happy with their choice. Maybe those who don't like Thailand should try The Phillipines.

Bulgakov

Bulgakov,

I've spent considerable time in both Thailand and the Philippines. Expats are definitely second class citizens and are wanted principally for their loot. In both Thailand and the Philippines you may not own one square inch of land legally. You CAN buy a condominium since, as an owner, you don't own land. If you marry a local you may think you own the land but that's an illusion. The minute you're no longer married she gets the land. Better to rent or to lease. You CAN own the improvements on the land and lease the dirt however. Many a way to skin a cat!

Over the years both countries have become less and less inviting to farangs. My first trip to Thailand was in early 1978 and I flew to Chiang Mai in a two engined prop aircraft - either a DC3 or DC4. My next trip was on a brand spanking new Boeing 737. Within a few years it was wide bodied 747's and DC-10's landing in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai use to be paradise of Earth but like all wonderful destinations it has been "discovered".

Still both countries DO offer a lot but as an expat your value to them is your money - never be fooled that its otherwise. The mitigating factor is the great food [and the lovely ladies] but don't fool yourself, you have few rights and those can be taken away in a millisecond if you transgress.

Serendipity2

King Silk · #6 (**permalink**) 31st March 2009, 07:43 AM

Listen to S2 you lot. He is a wise old owl.......

#7 (**permalink**) 31st March 2009, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Serendipity2

Bulgakov,

I've spent considerable time in both Thailand and the Philippines. Expats are definitely second class citizens and are wanted principally for their loot. In both Thailand and the Philippines you may not own one square inch of land legally. You CAN buy a condominium since, as an owner, you don't own land. If you marry a local you may think you own the land but that's an illusion. The minute you're no longer married she gets the land. Better to rent or to lease. You CAN own the improvements on the land and lease the dirt however. Many a way to skin a cat!

Over the years both countries have become less and less inviting to farangs. My first trip to Thailand was in early 1978 and I flew to Chiang Mai in a two engined prop aircraft - either a DC3 or DC4. My next trip was on a brand spanking new Boeing 737. Within a few years it was wide bodied 747's and DC-10's landing in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai use to be paradise of Earth but like all wonderful destinations it has been "discovered".

Still both countries DO offer a lot but as an expat your value to them is your money - never be fooled that its otherwise. The mitigating factor is the great food [and the lovely ladies] but don't fool yourself, you have few rights and those can be taken away in a millisecond if you transgress.

Serendipity2

Yep, but there's a key distinction between Thai protectionism and Thai culture and people, the former reflects a certain disdain for the farang way of life, and it isn't exactly misplaced in my opinion. The latter is/are welcoming, and not entirely for our 'loot' - you have to be a student of Buddhist cultures and peoples to realise why.

Serendipity2 · #8 (**permalink**) 31st March 2009, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King Silk

Listen to S2 you lot. He is a wise old owl.......

Old, yes! [A regrettable necessity I might add] Wise? Maybe. Sometimes!

Serendipity2 · #9 (**permalink**) 31st March 2009, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frogblogger

Yep, but there's a key distinction between Thai protectionism and Thai culture and people, the former reflects a certain disdain for the farang way of life, and it isn't exactly misplaced in my opinion. The latter is/are welcoming, and not entirely for our 'loot' - you have to be a student of Buddhist cultures and peoples to realise why.

frogblogger,

You're right of course when it comes to the Thai population. I was more describing the government's attitude to most foreigners. Especially the loud, drunk and obnoxious foreigners who come to Thailand and act like they own the place.

Most of the Thai people are lovely and even they are wary of their own government - like we here in the US are. Well, at least the smart ones! We should always remember that we are guests in their country and to watch our P's and Q's. And our six as well!

Serendipity2

King Silk · #10 (**permalink**) 2nd April 2009, 02:02 PM

Thais are proud of the fact that they were never ruled by a foreign power. Unlike their neighbours. So it is understandable that they don't like being 'invaded' by us Farangs now.
But they need our Cash so they HAVE to accept us..........reluctantly.
On the other hand WHO likes immigrants. They are hated in the UK are they not?