Moving to Thailand, any help appreciated!

[synthia]

Chiang Mai is very, very different from Phuket. What you write about Phuket makes me want to give it a try.

I think the more money you have invested in Thailand and the longer you have been there, the less likely you are to have visa problems.

And the men fall for the hookers, and get taken for a lot of money, in a neverending stream. Otherwise, there wouldn't be so many of them.

[Ted88888]

Originally Posted by synthia

And the men fall for the hookers, and get taken for a lot of money, in a neverending stream. Otherwise, there wouldn't be so many of them.

I think (I hope), at least on Phuket, that this notion has just about run its course. Of course there are always a few fools around - doesn't matter what country you are in.

But, some perspective needs to be applied. I guess if people hang out in the bar areas - that's what they see. If you don't, you can see a whole different dynamic going on. And, I guess, that is what I am trying to point out. Though I quite realize I am not going to change anyone's opinion - I just hope to give some balance to the choir.

I didn't come here for women or booze or bars. And, there is a growing number of people here very much like me. Perhaps a new idea, but not really.

Hello! Over here! Step away from the bar and look around . . .

Yes, we are here!

[skycop51]

I am no expert, but can help. wskycop51@aol.com is my address. Been married Thai for over 35 years gone through it all with family etc. I have also lived there during the war, and been back 2002. I am on my way back for 4/6 months. Going to split what time there from now on. I am sick dr. said have some fun...

William

[synthia]

I'm not sure what you are trying to say. Do you think the bar girl thing is fading away? Or do you think it is easy to avoid if you get away from the heavily touristed areas?

[Ted88888]

Originally Posted by synthia

I'm not sure what you are trying to say. Do you think the bar girl thing is fading away? Or do you think it is easy to avoid if you get away from the heavily touristed areas?

Both. At least down here on Phuket.

[oddball]

Originally Posted by Ted88888

Both. At least down here on Phuket.

I do not think either will just go away,just move locations as has always happened,Thailand is what it is . Colin

[synthia]

My impression is that it is much, much worse than when I first visited Thailand in 1989. Then, Bangkok and Pattaya were the places where most of the sex tourism happened, and there was little if any to be seen in Chiang Mai or other towns. I'm not saying it wasn't there, just that it wasn't out there screaming in your face. And I'm talking about the same part of town in Chiang Mai, inside the moat, the tourist area. Men who wanted a companion while traveling usually hired someone from one of those two places and took them with them.

[oddball]

Originally Posted by synthia

My impression is that it is much, much worse than when I first visited Thailand in 1989. Then, Bangkok and Pattaya were the places where most of the sex tourism happened, and there was little if any to be seen in Chiang Mai or other towns. I'm not saying it wasn't there, just that it wasn't out there screaming in your face. And I'm talking about the same part of town in Chiang Mai, inside the moat, the tourist area. Men who wanted a companion while traveling usually hired someone from one of those two places and took them with them.

The impression i received during many years touring Thailand , is that the sex trade has become a vital part of income generated to allow literaly thousands of poor Thais to live a half decent life style . In saying that , one must appreciate that there is more to this than the 'Front line working lady ' , with so many more Thai husbands abandoning the family for which they should be morally responsible for , no welfare , no assistance or even appreciation that the problem exists by the government . Females are expected to fullfill the needs of immediate family , often with no skills or even education necessary to do this , not to mention lack of job availability or even a good work ethic .
Working 10 or 12 hours a day at menial tasks affords a correponding pay structure , menial , so please let us look at this from the females point of view shall we ? Due to cultural family teachings and buddhist upbringing , prolific sex is an absolute NO-NO , what lies between the knees and navel is considered dirty , so what is left for this poor female to do when she is often sent to the city to 'Provide for the family '? Work is not easy to find for various preceeding comments , but a solution is found through conversation , you can work long hours for peanuts or just lie on your back and produce the income neccessary for your families good living standard with little effort . The man who flits from lady to lady is called a 'Butter-fly ' the lady that does the same is , however called 'A working lady 'because that is what she is in her and her families mind . I personally am not in total agreement with this arrangement , but prey tell me what alternatives do they have ?
Should you happen to be anti this , that or the other , turn a blind eye to what goes on , or finance and institute an alternative , that will give you a ligitimate reason to belittle these poor unfortunate human individuals , good luck and god speed your efforts . Colin

[Steve Reynolds]

Thanks for the advice folks. I'm flying to Bangkok tomorrow for six weeks R & R Nothing planned so if anyone wants to recommend something, feel free.

BTW, how much money will I need for this trip ? Not a big eater or drinker and I'm definitely not after the other

Just want to see as much of the whole region as is humanly possible

[Ted88888]

Originally Posted by Steve Reynolds

. . . if anyone wants to recommend something, feel free.
. . . Not a big eater or drinker and I'm definitely not after the other

Just visiting a place it is pretty hard to get a real perspective of what it might be like to live there. You might be able to get close to it if you park yourself somewhere for a few months.

However, IF you wish to see what the non-bar-booze-hooker scene is like - read the local newspapers, partake of local activities and community groups.

One reason so many people's perspective is slanted towards the bar and hooker scene is that they spent their time in that scene - rather than a very much vibrant expatriate and Thai lifestyle away from that scene. But - it possibly is not as easily accessible and maybe, to the visitors' eye, not quite as visible.

But - it is here and quite possible to spend a very positive and socially responsible life here, without crossing into that scene at all. I do, yes, have some friends with Thai wives - and their wives are not and never were hookers or bar girls. Most were and are professionals with good college/university educations.

From great book discussion groups to 125 voice choirs - there are lots of things to do here that are not apparent to the typical barstool commentator.

However, I'm not sure how you break into such social circles without actually living here for a while. I do hope you hear what I am saying though.

Life in ANY country can be and is what you make it.