Buriram Expats
Buriram Province - General Category => Riddles, puzzles and brain teasers, Music, ENTERTAINMENT!!! => Topic started by: Admin on May 31, 2011, 06:37:12 PM
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A story:
I was very surprised to talk with a farmer lately and he said he just made 9000 Baht from working 2 weeks in rubber farm (As a worker, not owner), This said of course without knowing how often he get this kind of income.....once a month? every 1.5 months? I'm not sure about the full details but it sounds like a good job for a farmer with no farm of his own...
sawadi
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Interesting , the Thais do earn less, but from been there , i think they are more happier, than pepole where i live , many here have cars , houses , etc , but they don't even know the neighbour two doors up, where as living in a village in Thailand , is entirely different , many help in the community to get things done , i was very surprised to attend a funeral , recently in Thailand , it really was a happy occasion at times and went on for 3. to 4 days , western , sad , all over in matter of hours, so i take my hat off to the Thais .
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i was very surprised to attend a funeral , recently in Thailand , it really was a happy occasion at times and went on for 3. to 4 days , western , sad , all over in matter of hours, so i take my hat off to the Thais .
Off topic, but I really wonder whether a funeral should be the happy occasion that the Thai's
make it with drinking and gambling over a 3/4 day period. Not much respect is shown to the deceased!
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i was very surprised to attend a funeral , recently in Thailand , it really was a happy occasion at times and went on for 3. to 4 days , western , sad , all over in matter of hours, so i take my hat off to the Thais .
Off topic, but I really wonder whether a funeral should be the happy occasion that the Thai's
make it with drinking and gambling over a 3/4 day period. Not much respect is shown to the deceased!
I thought rufusredtail post would get you going Nick wildman redman
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Just a passing comment Manu. You know me too well! Not going to get drawn in.
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This may be so chaps, once again i am only expression an opinion, of what happened to me , i went to a wedding , now theres something for you , had a great time , admittedly most drink , whisky is a problem , but NO RED WINE of any sort , but everybody happy , western happy as well , but Thais do it a little different .
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The Thai way for most things is different from the West. Initially it is a novelty, but after time you tend to see through it, and wonder why they do what they do.
But it is their country, their customs and culture, so we must accept if we are to stay here. I prefer to keep out of the way as much as possible.
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The Thai way for most things is different from the West. Initially it is a novelty, but after time you tend to see through it, and wonder why they do what they do.
But it is their country, their customs and culture, so we must accept if we are to stay here. I prefer to keep out of the way as much as possible.
I'm the same as Nick...at first you try and be part of the village community then after a few years you realise it doesn't matter how hard you try to fit in you will always be the farang in the village( after 7 years some of the locals now call me koon Alan thumbup ).Now I seldom go to funerals or weddings or ( as this is a thread about movies ) the movies they put on a year after a funeral that goes on all-night and keeps you awake steamingMad
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I'm the same as Nick...at first you try and be part of the village community then after a few years you realise it doesn't matter how hard you try to fit in you will always be the farang in the village( after 7 years some of the locals now call me koon Alan thumbup ).Now I seldom go to funerals or weddings or ( as this is a thread about movies ) the movies they put on a year after a funeral that goes on all-night and keeps you awake steamingMad
What's wrong with "being the farang", you are, aren't you? You have to adjust to their customs but do that without losing yourself and I don't see a problem in that. sawadi
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What's wrong with "being the farang", you are, aren't you? You have to adjust to their customs but do that without losing yourself and I don't see a problem in that. sawadi
Good post DB.
... and good to see Nick not getting drawn in :D
(red rag to a bull ! - don't for Buddha's sake get him started on sin sod).
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What's wrong with "being the farang", you are, aren't you? You have to adjust to their customs but do that without losing yourself and I don't see a problem in that. sawadi
True.
But the problem is too often you're seen as a 'farang' when you just want to be seen as a 'person'.
Although this goes both ways too. While I've had some frustrating experiences, I've also had Thais go miles out of their way to help me, simply because I'm foreign
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What's wrong with "being the farang", you are, aren't you? You have to adjust to their customs but do that without losing yourself and I don't see a problem in that. sawadi
True.
But the problem is too often you're seen as a 'farang' when you just want to be seen as a 'person'.
Although this goes both ways too. While I've had some frustrating experiences, I've also had Thais go miles out of their way to help me, simply because I'm foreign
Good point wolfman. sawadi
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What's wrong with "being the farang", you are, aren't you? You have to adjust to their customs but do that without losing yourself and I don't see a problem in that. sawadi
True.
But the problem is too often you're seen as a 'farang' when you just want to be seen as a 'person'.
Although this goes both ways too. While I've had some frustrating experiences, I've also had Thais go miles out of their way to help me, simply because I'm foreign
Good point wolfman. sawadi
smilenod
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I think Wolfman should come out of his dreamworld, nobody is seen as a person, or it is in work or bussiness everybody judges everybody by their looks. Even people that say they don't do so.
A black man is seen as a black man, a white man is seen as a white man. That's not racism, just plane realism. ( I think we should start a new topic, this has nothing to do about cinema tickets) sawadi
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I think Wolfman should come out of his dreamworld, nobody is seen as a person, or it is in work or bussiness everybody judges everybody by their looks. Even people that say they don't do so.
A black man is seen as a black man, a white man is seen as a white man. That's not racism, just plane realism. ( I think we should start a new topic, this has nothing to do about cinema tickets) sawadi
Done. love5
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Nice one admin, i was thinking how to bring it up as a post , many of you say that you dont fit in , explain , why, you dont feel right or you stand out , you feel uncomfortable , what is it , some say they dont attend funerals , weddings anymore, keep to themselves , be intersted to know if its not to personal , your experiences would help , i myself have felt out of place a few times , i dont speak Thai,only a few words , so come on chaps , lets get to the REAL reason why you feel out of place
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The one main thing I have learnt over the 25 years I have been in Thailand is that Thai's in general do not like farangs. They put up with us and of course like our money. But we can rarely "gel" with them. Even speaking the language does not seem to help too much
When it comes to weddings and funerals, I suppose we find it difficult to accept their way of doing things. it is so different to what we are used to in the west. Funerals where they seem happy, drink, gamble and sometimes have live music with dancing girls. Weddings where the reception is held whilst the bride and groom are doing the marriage thing, only to find most of the "guests" have gone when they emerge (and all the bottles of whisky have gone too!). These things niggle me -and others too - so much that we prefer to avoid these events. There are many other events too -all tied up with the wat and the monks, many farangs seeing this as nothing more than making the Thais part with the money they mainly don't have.
But Thailand in general makes up for all these things. The weather, the beer, the girls, cost of living, and -did I mention - the girls?
My wife does her thing with the wat and monks along with all the villagers, but she respects my views as I do hers, and she is quite happy for me not to attend. Had a friend who was stabbed because he refused to go to the wat with his wife (now ex). Be open with your wife/partner, let her do her thing and you do yours and everything can be good.
There is also a tendency to see that massive improvements could be made to the way Thais do things. But they don't welcome our advice, and I have learnt over time to just let them get on with it. It's their problem and does not directly concern the farang.
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Well spoken Nick, enjoy the nice things and just accept the rest and if the wife accepts your differences it will make life only easier, probably for the both of you. thumbup
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Top post Nick,can't disagree with anything. bravo1
My marriage it not a conventional one,we have had problems but always seem to come though.My wife doesn't have the Watt but she has gambling ( which is no secret) .She off working now to earn enough money to come back a gamble some more. I am given a free range to do as I like under the condition no girls stay in our house.
It makes me laugh when I hear how these guys first come to the villages and the small town and say how nice the people are,but the fact is the average Thais don't like us farang and given the choice most Thai girls would marry a Thai man with money than a western any day of the week.As I said in another thread ,most marriages are sham compared to a western marriage but for many guys it suits there lifestyle.I lived in Thailand for 3 single years before I married and as I was under 50 I got married because it made staying in Thailand easier for me,I was never loved up like some of the guys are( though I do like and care about my wife ) and could have split with my wife many times ( always over her gambling ) but I say "better the devil you know than the devil you don't".The good things seem to out weigh the bad things for me :biggrin:
I don't feel out of place in our village but what does piss me off is when I'm in the local shops and they start talking about you as if your not there or in the third person.I don't mind being call a farang if people don't know me but I find it rude if locals call me farang when I know them and I know they know my name.I tried to explain to some of the locals that I don't call them Asians all the time so why do they call me farang" they said "its because you are a farang " :blink:
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Top post Nick,can't disagree with anything. bravo1
My marriage it not a conventional one,we have had problems but always seem to come though.My wife doesn't have the Watt but she has gambling ( which is no secret) .She off working now to earn enough money to come back a gamble some more. I am given a free range to do as I like under the condition no girls stay in our house.
It makes me laugh when I hear how these guys first come to the villages and the small town and say how nice the people are,but the fact is the average Thais don't like us farang and given the choice most Thai girls would marry a Thai man with money than a western any day of the week.As I said in another thread ,most marriages are sham compared to a western marriage but for many guys it suits there lifestyle.I lived in Thailand for 3 single years before I married and as I was under 50 I got married because it made staying in Thailand easier for me,I was never loved up like some of the guys are( though I do like and care about my wife ) and could have split with my wife many times ( always over her gambling ) but I say "better the devil you know than the devil you don't".The good things seem to out weigh the bad things for me :biggrin:
I don't feel out of place in our village but what does piss me off is when I'm in the local shops and they start talking about you as if your not there or in the third person.I don't mind being call a farang if people don't know me but I find it rude if locals call me farang when I know them and I know they know my name.I tried to explain to some of the locals that I don't call them Asians all the time so why do they call me farang" they said "its because you are a farang " :blink:
Wow, that's a sick relationship IMHO, but if you are happy this way just ignore my comment, ignore it anyway.
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Wow, that's a sick relationship IMHO, but if you are happy this way just ignore my comment, ignore it anyway.
I will and if you know I would so why did you make it the first place screwy
There are al sorts of relationships and this one suits me and her now,If I had a problem with it i would have stayed silent. I seen guys come to Thailand ,build a big house and lose the lot.When me and my wife are together we have fun and are happy,she likes gambling and as I wont pay for it she goes working to fund her addicting.It takes al sorts to make the world go round and I hope one day she will stop but until then needs must. :)
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Oke, but in a normal relationship you would help her to quit, an addiction, any addiction, destroys people, if not, it's a hobby. I guess you just like your side of the agreement.
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Oke, but in a normal relationship you would help her to quit, an addiction, any addiction, destroys people, if not, it's a hobby. I guess you just like your side of the agreement.
PM sent as we are getting off topic sawadi
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Hmmm, this is a very interesting topic and this is my view on things.
Thai culture is Thai culture and Western culture is Western culture and never the two will meet. :o
Pretty obvious yeah ?
But what counts is not that they are different, but that one learns to accept and live with the difference. Not just the Farang, but the Thai partner too.
Here are some examples from both mine and wife’s point of view regarding the differences in culture that we have observed, this post is getting a bit long so if you start getting bored with my drivel just skip to the next one.
All of my wife’s family calls me “Farang” (even to my face) except for two people, her son (12 years old) and her 4 year old niece. Why ? Well I can deduce from this that the young ones see me as Mike and not a “Farang” as this is how they have been raised and have not been conditioned by the Thai culture in this respect.
We live in Europe (France) and when we go to friends for dinner or out to a restaurant she accepts the fact that she has to cut her food with a knife. The first time this happened (basically she could not use the knife properly) I had to explain to our friends that in Thailand it is not normal to eat with a knife and fork, but with a spoon and fork.
She was horrified when she saw me doing that kissing thing the French do to the wife of a mate. Could you imagine me doing that to all of her Friends in Thailand? – I could but I guess I would get into trouble if I did that in Thailand.
My wife works, she cannot get over the fact that people only work 35 hours a week, have 5 weeks holiday, plus bank holidays and 3 weeks sick leave paid etc etc etc …… Obviously she accepts the difference but questions why do people not work more (when they can) ?
My first Thai wedding (well not mine but a friend of my wife’s) started at daybreak and finished sometime into the next year - or that’s what it seemed like. Anyway drinking Whiskey at 7.00am is not really my cup of tea, but what the hell, I went with the flow – pun intended. :D
We went to my daughters for Christmas last year. All the time leading up to Christmas morning my wife was saying, “Why can’t we open our presents now”. “Because it’s not done like that” I say. “Strange” she says.
Both sides need to accept the cultural differences for any chance of the relationship to work.
Finally a bit about our relationship, after reading several comments over several boards about Farang-Thai marriages (or partnerships) I feel now is the appropriate time to "come out" as they say.
It’s bloody great, from my perspective, and also (and I really believe this (I guess some of you will think mug, but I don’t give a monkeys what anyone else thinks – I could be pushed into explain why I don’t give a monkeys, but it should be pretty obvious)) I believe is it bloody great from my wife’s point of view.
We never argue, we never disagree, if I want to do something, that’s great and vice-versa. As I said before she works, saves her money (spends mine – joke) so she can build a house (for us) in Thailand for when we (eventually) come to live there full time.
OK – we cannot have deep discussions about the political situation in Outer Mongolia or the price of gherkins in France or any other stuff that you (well me at least) wouldn’t want to talk about to a Western wife either.
But we do talk about and discuss the really important things that affect the both of us for now and in the long term (like when we take our holiday, what kind of bathroom we want in our new house).
Cheers
Mike
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Wow, that's a sick relationship IMHO, but if you are happy this way just ignore my comment, ignore it anyway.
I think that a bit harsh saying that to a member. We all have different needs and others should not criticize should they, Alan.
Whilst I admire your honesty,Alan, I think its best not to pubicise that your good wife undertakes actions that are illegal in Thai culture. Afterall, it would not be
sensible to discuss who takes what drugs/fiddles with kids for instance (i use those as an examples only, with no implications to the poster)
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A very good post from newbie Mike. I can see many similarities there with my wife, particularly with regard to presents. I had to laugh regarding the knife, and spoon/fork food eating. You were lucky she did not want to eat with her fingers as so many do in the village!
Manupete suggests the girls would always prefer a rich Thai to a farang. I am not sure that is true -certainly not in my case and many that I have heard of. My wife was adamant that she never wanted a Thai man and can relate many horror stories of local girls with Thai boyfriends and husbands. That's not to say we farang are perfect -no way - but by and large we are better. Relationships don't always work, but I don't know of any farang that has just run away leaving the wife and kids destitute.
For anyone entering into a new relationship with a Thai girl, I always suggest they "set out their stall" at the beginning, before anything serious develops. I did - on day 1, without any thoughts of anything developing. I merely indicated that if I should one day remarry (I did have a previous Thai wife -disaster!), I would not have a village wedding party, no monks, no dowry, and that I would not be an ATM to all her family. My responsibilities would lay with her and our family. The relationship did develop, we have been together nearly 13 years, and she never forgot my initial terms. She has a smallish monthly allowance, and that is hers to do with as she pleases. (Think her bank account is bigger than mine!)
Thais and farangs will never really understand each other. Just meet halfway, give and take, don't criticise and you have the foundation for something good.
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She has a smallish monthly allowance, and that is hers to do with as she pleases. (Think her bank account is bigger than mine!)
Could this be because she doesn't go to Pattaya or drink Jamesons ?? party5
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She has a smallish monthly allowance, and that is hers to do with as she pleases. (Think her bank account is bigger than mine!)
Could this be because she doesn't go to Pattaya or drink Jamesons ?? party5
Or hang around with you! LOL!
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Thais and farangs will never really understand each other. Just meet halfway, give and take, don't criticise and you have the foundation for something good.
These 25 words sum up everything about how to succeed in Thailand.
(You could also substitute Thai and Farang for Men and Women)
A wise old friend once told me that relationships would be far more successful if men lived with men and went out and met women for sex.
He had a point.
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She has a smallish monthly allowance, and that is hers to do with as she pleases. (Think her bank account is bigger than mine!)
Could this be because she doesn't go to Pattaya or drink Jamesons ?? party5
Or hang around with you! LOL!
Now you're talking bollocks David !! swordfight :biggrin:
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Well it is 5am Ray!
what do you expect?
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5am, 6am does not make much difference.
CoCo constantly leads me astray, where my money disappears.
Pattaya, Surin Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Mucky Street -to name a few!
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I have always considered myself to be a follower, rather than a leader.
Pattaya is no different :-X
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So Nick leads you astray then?
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I have to watch CoCo. He has a tendency to stroll off alone on Jomtien beach at night. Dangerous! 2guys
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I have always considered myself to be a follower, rather than a leader.
Pattaya is no different :-X
No different indeed CoCo.
Problem is it's who you follow, especially in Jomtien. :D :D :D
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Wow, that's a sick relationship IMHO, but if you are happy this way just ignore my comment, ignore it anyway.
I think that a bit harsh saying that to a member. We all have different needs and others should not criticize should they, Alan.
Whilst I admire your honesty,Alan, I think its best not to pubicise that your good wife undertakes actions that are illegal in Thai culture. Afterall, it would not be
sensible to discuss who takes what drugs/fiddles with kids for instance (i use those as an examples only, with no implications to the poster)
You have admitted on many occasions that your wife gambles on so I guess you can understand my plight more than others. It would be quite easy for me to post on forums how wonderful life here is in Thailand ,what a great family I have but as other members know that isn't always the case.For me the good out weighs the bad so I stay .If all members would be honest why they have married Thai women maybe that's a start.Some seem to make out we( westerners) are so good and Thai man are so bad that Thai women should be grateful they have a farang to take care.The way some guys out here treat they wives is outrageous and would never be tolerated in the west and maybe that is why they are here.As Nick said "Thais and farangs will never really understand each other" ,so why do we marry these girls ??? Answers on a postcard please :laugh:
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It has been quite good read so far. As I may have mentioned earlier, my wife lives in Prakhonchai and is a teacher. I never felt outside the Thai circle. We have a few close friends most of whom are teachers and we all go out like we do here in Aus. My wife keeps herself away from her mother's circle. Her mother has her own income and goes to most of the weddings. So, there are 2 different social circles in the house but both live happily together without disturbing each other and I get best of both of them. I am pampered by old women and humoured/flirted by younger ones. I was always felt like a part of group and was never felt alienated.
A few things I find different are:
1. Laziness - As I have noticed most of Thai people like to do hard work only if there is a dire need. For example. When my wife was here in Melbourne, we would walk everywhere and she never complained. But, she would never walk in Thailand. I told her to walk from home to school which is around 1.5 km, but everyone started asking her and tried to giver her lift as soon as she reached 50 meters. Similarly, she bought some exercise machine that is just sitting there.
2. Interference in others' lives - People love to gossip and anyone's business is everyone business. This could be good sometimes, but comes to bite back in most of the cases.
3. Restrictions on women - Single woman can not go out of house alone in odd hours. I have seen men sitting outside there houses almost on the footpath and will give a look even when the woman is with you. My wife was quite taken aback when she saw girls walking alone in streets late at night in Melbourne.
4. Restrictions due to farang husband - You have to upkeep your face value. For example - The school asked wife to go to Bangkok for a conference and pay for her accommodation etc which will be reimbursed later whereas other teachers were paid for this. Only reason she was told was that she has a farang husband and can afford to pay for it in advance. Similarly, you are expected to show some sort of extravagance as you have farang husband.
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Any problems such as those outlined by aprasher need to be nipped in the bud.
My wife and I were only talking this morning about the farangs perceived wealth. Of course I have more money than my village neighbours who are either farmers or work on building sites (in between return trips home for weddings, funerals etc!). But we come to Thailand intent on living similar lifestyles to that which we enjoyed -or tried to enjoy -in our home countries. Nice homes, occasional meals out in restaurants, holidays etc. Once this is provided for + decent food at home and care and schooling for our kids, and healthcare insurance for the family, what income we have is gone. We could live on just a few thousand baht a month like the Thais, but why should we, and if we were to be aware of that in advance of our coming to thailand, we probably would never have come.
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Nick. You are spot on with your comments about people who live there. Same goes for people who live in farang land and wife in Thailand. The cost of life is more in Aus plus mortgage and on top of that I have to pay for 3-4 trips to Thailand each year and at least 2 trips for wife to come here.
Fortunately, wife or her mother never asked for any money and is happy to live in her measly income and we will have a baby soon too.
But, you are right about the perception of Thai people about farang and I believe they are happy with their illusions.
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Well i am amazed at the replies prakhon chai nick , manupete, and especially mike, each time i learn something about the Thais, it seems that most have a very good relationship with there wives,happy, if i could have one thing in life it would be happiness, interesting comment that may be Thai woman would prefer a Thai man if he had money, i am not sure about this , from taking to many girls in Thailand , often you hear that husband a butterfly , gone off with a younger lady, happens a lot , not to say that in western this does not happen , it does , but seems to happen much more in Thai relationships.
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A good point, Yes. Thai women would love to have a Thai man if he was faithful. And, in many cases it happens too. Do you think all Thai men cheat? But, you have to also understand that it is hard to stay faithful when there are so many beautiful "available" women. These women don't care if you already have a wife. Most of uneducated men prefer to find another young thing when the responsibility of baby falls on them. In case of educated men, there are always girl friends eager to please. In case of wealthy ones, there are mia noi.
Apart from this, another thing is that Thai men prefer to be the rulers/pampered pooches in the house. They want women to do everything for them just by lifting their finger. That is why you would see girls in the habit of giving you tissues, wiping your sweat when you are eating and feeding you.
Thai women are brought up to be very feminine. When these women see farang men helping out at home and being romantic with their wives and treating them like human beings, they feel gravitated towards them. And of course, there is money factor too.
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You are probably right, i lived in England for 5 years , and they treat there wimmen with a lot of respect, in Australia can be different , i was married for 20wonderfull years, to a country girl , only to have her die right beside me in bed , really shook me , i didn't want to go out , date anyone, at all , then my mate asked me to go to Thailand with his family , so i took him up on the offer, took my son , whilst in a part of Thailand i meet a lady, took her out to dinner a few times , and one thing lead to another , now been back to Thailand 16 times in 5 years , want to get married but it puts me off hearing all what goes on , between farang and Thai , my girl has been here Australia , for 3 months and coming again soon for 6, i treat her well , as i did my first wife , it bothers me some extent how keen they are about money, i suppose its in there culture, they have been bought up to account for every baht, not to spend , but underneath it all you find this caring nature which i have not experienced before, so what to do , its a mystery :-\
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Well. Its great that your girl knows the value of money, not only her's, but your's too.
What you hear are mostly stories of bar girls who want to make money. And, in most of the cases it's not their fault too. They are in the game to make money so that can support their family and/or save enough for their retirement. This is Thailand and there is no social security. If you don't have money, then you are worse than soi dog. These girls are victim of the system and they try to survive the best way they can.
In summary, you need to be careful and take same precautions that you would take in any other relationship. Get a pre-nup, make sure your woman does right thing by you. Keep her tight, but with respect. You are more experienced and know more than me.
Chok dee khrap.
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A good point, Yes. Thai women would love to have a Thai man if he was faithful. And, in many cases it happens too. Do you think all Thai men cheat? But, you have to also understand that it is hard to stay faithful when there are so many beautiful "available" women. These women don't care if you already have a wife. Most of uneducated men prefer to find another young thing when the responsibility of baby falls on them. In case of educated men, there are always girl friends eager to please. In case of wealthy ones, there are mia noi.
Apart from this, another thing is that Thai men prefer to be the rulers/pampered pooches in the house. They want women to do everything for them just by lifting their finger. That is why you would see girls in the habit of giving you tissues, wiping your sweat when you are eating and feeding you.
Thai women are brought up to be very feminine. When these women see farang men helping out at home and being romantic with their wives and treating them like human beings, they feel gravitated towards them. And of course, there is money factor too.
Spot on.
13 years ago I had a little chat with a teacher at the school where I was teaching. I was only 28 years old and I was single.
This teacher, an elder woman, told me to take my time if I were to get a Gf. She told me that I would have many women to choose from. I asked why and she told me.
Money was never mentioned. She told me that Thai women were generally put down by their husbands. Only washing, cleaning etc etc.
She said that Thai men don't show any affection.
Then came the subject of manners. Thai ladies like the idea of having doors held open for them. For the man to carry the shopping to the car at the supermarket. The whole "ladies first" attitude.
It was also mentioned that it was less likely for a western man to take on a mistress.
I obviously listened. I have now been with my wife for 11 years.
And before anyone asks....Yes. Of course we argue and shout every now and then. Keeps me on my toes. And the "sorry" bit can be quite nice too.
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Money was never mentioned. She told me that Thai women were generally put down by their husbands. Only washing, cleaning etc etc.
She said that Thai men don't show any affection. BY STARMAN
Why is this so , are Thais bought up this way , taught to think like this , why does a man who is married put his wife down, to others, really is hard to believe they dont show affection , i know from my gf , they do not like to kiss in public or around the family , even holding there hand in public , i think Thai men in general think they are above the female and not equal , it takes two to tango as they say, be interesting to know thoughts on the Thai man in general.
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What I see:
- In a village, women work while the men drink. Most local businesses are run by women.
- Status matters. You get points (status) for what your spouse does. Have a Farang, you get status. Have money, you get status.
- When a Thai asks to borrow money, it really means give it to them and do not expect to be paid back.
- All Farangs are rich, so all spouses of Farang are rich.
- When you borrow a car, you are under no obligation to put gas in it.
- If you have some money, you should share with all in villiage that might ask to "borrow".
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Yes i have heard this before , you know if someone ask me here in Australia to borrow money , FORGET IT , would have to be a very good friend for me to do this , i know my gf has learnt money to friends she knows , and received it back , i was asked to loan 10.000 thb to a friend of hers and to paid back in 6 months time , it just goes against the grain with a westerner to do this , and yes i have noticed in the village , nearly all Thai women in shops , but really whyyyyyyyyyyyyyy is it status , if i owned a shop here , no one would give a dam , where is it status in Thailand , because most are poor , is that it
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My spouse's aunt married a Farang, she was the main woman in the village. Then I helped my GF and things changed. Now there are family problems, Grandfather arguing with daughter, all because Grand daughter now has best business and BF. Not to mention everyone asking to borrow money, even grandfather.
Just have to teach Thai wife that loan is paid back, with interest.
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I have meet the head man in the village on numerous occasions , and didn't know of his position until told by someone, most in the village know about me , word of mouth , and meet many who i now know by site , at funeral, wedding , song kran, only been asked once for money and through my gf , no one else has ever approached , may be because they speak no English , but getting back to the status question , from me been a farang , i would not know as you say that points (status) from my gf having 2 jobs , or having a car , makes her go up the ladder as they say , might have to read up on this aspect of status , reading material ?
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My spouse's aunt married a Farang, she was the main woman in the village. Then I helped my GF and things changed. Now there are family problems, Grandfather arguing with daughter, all because Grand daughter now has best business and BF. Not to mention everyone asking to borrow money, even grandfather.
Just have to teach Thai wife that loan is paid back, with interest.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY URLEFT and I hope your wife can succeed.
I find that taking gold as security seems to help with repayments!
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I have 'lent' money to people on the village in the past. We don't live in Thailand full-time so mostly these 'cousins' approach through my wife's mother. But in each case she gets them to hand over the chanute for their land until it is paid back. Sometimes when they can't pay the money back, we get paid back in rice (usually rice from the same land). Her father then sells the rice in town when he has too much stored up.
I know some of the village talk about my wife's mother behind her back saying that she doesn't take enough care of her family (with my money), but I have to say i think shes brilliant. If it was left up to my Father-in-law, who is a soft touch for 'sick buffalo' sob story after a few whiskeys, then I would be broke. I got my Father-in-law a car, but my Mother-in-law keeps the keys. His brothers (my wife's uncles) constantly ask for a lend of the car to go somewhere, it's my mother-in-law that says no. So this is one farang that really appreciates his Thai Mother-in-law. love5
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Seems to be a real problem in Thailand borrowing money, in the west different, is it that they dont manage what money they have properly , must be many reasons, i for one have never borrowed money from friends, family , only from the bank under contract, i just would not ask friends, i would feel guilty doing this and the shame of it , knowing that you cannot support yourself, i understand some just dont have a choice , but many Thais from what i understand , dont go to a bank to borrow money, why is this.
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Seems to be a real problem in Thailand borrowing money, in the west different, is it that they dont manage what money they have properly , must be many reasons, i for one have never borrowed money from friends, family , only from the bank under contract, i just would not ask friends, i would feel guilty doing this and the shame of it , knowing that you cannot support yourself, i understand some just dont have a choice , but many Thais from what i understand , dont go to a bank to borrow money, why is this.
It is called a 'Fool's Errand'.
They don't because:-
(a) They are not creditworthy.
(b) The bank won't lend to them.
(c) They fear authority.
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Seems to be a real problem in Thailand borrowing money, in the west different, is it that they dont manage what money they have properly , must be many reasons, i for one have never borrowed money from friends, family , only from the bank under contract, i just would not ask friends, i would feel guilty doing this and the shame of it , knowing that you cannot support yourself, i understand some just dont have a choice , but many Thais from what i understand , dont go to a bank to borrow money, why is this.
It is called a 'Fool's Errand'.
They don't because:-
(a) They are not creditworthy.
(b) The bank won't lend to them.
(c) They fear authority.
Well they must borrow somewhere , there cannot be that many people around to borrow money off , why is it they fear authority , reason ?. many Thais have a business , you cannot tell me they dont need money to start a business , be interested to know your thoughts
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Nearly everyone in my village borrows money -either to repay a gambling debt, to buy the "lucky number" they dreamt of in the lottery, pay for kids schooling, or for rice growing expenses. Nobody it seems has any sort of business. The loans are provided in the main by village sharks, who charge 5-10% interest a month. Those borrowing (mainly women) generally repay the interest once they have received money either their mans monthly wage or from their daughters horizontal dancing fees. Often the debt takes years to repay since most sharks require the loan to be paid back one time in full, rather than in installments.
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Nearly everyone in my village borrows money -either to repay a gambling debt, to buy the "lucky number" they dreamt of in the lottery, pay for kids schooling, or for rice growing expenses. Nobody it seems has any sort of business. The loans are provided in the main by village sharks, who charge 5-10% interest a month. Those borrowing (mainly women) generally repay the interest once they have received money either their mans monthly wage or from their daughters horizontal dancing fees. Often the debt takes years to repay since most sharks require the loan to be paid back one time in full, rather than in installments.
There is a Chinese guy in Prakhonchai who has over 450 chanotes. These have been acquired over the years from villagers defaulting on loans.
The cynics might suggest that the educationally superior Chinese have taken advantage of the somewhat gullible Thais.
If anyone has any personal knowledge of a Buriram Thai walking into a local bank and getting a conventional personal loan (as we know it), I would be interested (and surprised).
Fear of authority ? Not sure, my personal view would be lack of trust and expectation of corruption.
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OK excepted , but what are the banks there for, i think there is one in ban kraut, and probably a few in where ever you live, really what your saying is they dont have credit cards , they dont go to the bank to borrow money, they borrow off loan sharks , what a way to live, 5 to 10% is more than a loan charges at the bank here , 7.60% now i think , well how does one go if say they are buying a car , do you get a Hugh discount if you are paying cash money , HOW do you all buy things as milk, cigs , food , petrol , do you all pay cash , or do you use a card , be interested to know, and by the way its bloody cold here 11 Celsius and the fire going , and 30 c , you must be able to fry eggs at that temperature. snow1
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There is a huge difference between living in Bangkok and the countryside.
Cash is used for most everything, although in the supermarkets, debit cards are frequently used. Credit cards are rarely used, and even for things that we use credit cards for in the west (and presumably Aus/NZ), like petrol, cards are rarely used as there is normally a 3% surcharge.
Cars and motorbikes are generally bought on dealer arranged finance, rather than bank loans. There is much competition though between different makes, and some good deals are possible. Ford are currently offering 0% finance for 4 years. Discounts for cash are rare - you are more likely to get some extras thrown in if you buy on finance as the dealer receives a kickback from the finance house.
The interest rates I quoted for loans was PER MONTH, and not annual!
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Really makes you wonder how the banks survive , i did ask my gf , What interest do the banks give you,for your money in there bank , not much at all, not worth doing, i do everything on a card , petrol ,food buying air tickets to Thailand the lot , bec i get points for every dollar spent , and as long as you pay the card off in full , no interest , plus you get 55 days to pay off, really has become a cashless society here , even when i work i get paid online , funds are instant , you can spend on that day , where as a chq you have to wait 3 to 4 days to clear, the Thai system is a little crazy , in ways , some charge here for credit cards , 1 to 3% in small shops , big supermarkets , petrol stations , never do, do you ever see a chq written to pay for anything ?
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Really makes you wonder how the banks survive ,
By not getting involved in dodgy loans (and junk bonds and other derivatives!).
They had their financial crisis in 1997 and now seem to tread cautiously.
They do very well providing basic banking services and, of course, in Bangkok, Pattaya etc they do lend to creditworthy customers - I know a couple of Brits in Pattaya who have borrowed money to expand their businesses.
Remember also that the banking network is as sophisticated as any I have seen. Apart from the usual online services of paying third parties, mobile top ups and regular payments - you can also do this through the ATMs. There isn't widespread use of direct debits and the missus has to pay the monthly car loan payment over the bank counter.
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We have B PAY here where as you can set it up online to pay anyone that has a bpay number , usually water rates , electricity, rates on land , gas ,mobile phone etc , do they have such in Thailand , may be if its not to personal , how do you all pay bills , go to ,the post office , bank , online , pay cash ?
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I cannot speak for anyone else, but my utility bills are paid via direct debit, and any other bills - internet, insurance etc are paid online. Setting up direct debits is a complicated procedure, and usually takes 3 months to become active.
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What I see:
- In a village, women work while the men drink. Most local businesses are run by women.
Thailand's always bent a matriarchal manner
- Status matters. You get points (status) for what your spouse does. Have a Farang, you get status. Have money, you get status.
Some are
- When a Thai asks to borrow money, it really means give it to them and do not expect to be paid back.
It's a gift
- All Farangs are rich, so all spouses of Farang are rich.
Of course
- When you borrow a car, you are under no obligation to put gas in it.
cheap koonts
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What does "cheap koonts" mean and when I tried to cut and paste it, it printed this.....194.46.225.95
confused or what?
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What does "cheap koonts" mean and when I tried to cut and paste it, it printed this.....194.46.225.95
confused or what?
Sorry Dave the Dude. I was attempting to be clever and post within a post. Haven't figured out how to do this yet. Forgive me I'm a newbie. bike037
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No problem mate, I like to snoop a little for a laugh!
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Top post Nick,can't disagree with anything. bravo1
My marriage it not a conventional one,we have had problems but always seem to come though.My wife doesn't have the Watt but she has gambling ( which is no secret) .She off working now to earn enough money to come back a gamble some more. I am given a free range to do as I like under the condition no girls stay in our house.
I seem to have caused a stir on one of the local forums about this post or the two main people posting about it have . :biggrin:
Just to let members here know I haven't sent my wife off whoring to make money as be suggested.After a few years of being married I found out my wife like a game of cards or dice.Over the years I have twice bailed her out ,once for 30k and another about 8 months ago for 25k.I told her if she got in trouble again she would have to go and get a job to pay off her debt as I wouldn't do it a third time..... nono
My wife is not a lady to tell me what to do and I her but although I try to advise her not to gamble she has a mind of her own,( how many wife's tell their husbands not to drink,do they listen whistle) its her choice to go working and if I had my way I would pay her smallish debt off and have her home with me.Maybe her going to earn her own money instead of me bailing her out will help with the cure for her card playing .She is working in her friends shop as her English is good is is selling handbags not is some bar selling her body as been suggested and is staying with her sister.How crazy would it be for a westerner to send his wife out working as a prostitute as been said ,I just can see this happening.I've seen Thai Families turn a blind eye or keep quiet but a westerner to do it would need the morals of a ally cat ,especially a wife :wacko:
I know of other westerners out here that have wives with a liking for a game of card or dice.Their wives must get their money from somewhere but I have put my foot down and said "No more" and its her choice,stop or earn her own money.
As I don't post on that forum ( and never will again ) I will put the good members on here minds at rest,what has been said has been said for a reason ,all we all know why ::)
Please don't post a list of things I should do to stop her from her addiction,we have talked and talked and tried may things ,lets hope her earning her own money will help her realise there's more to life than gambling.I'm sure I'm not the only one on this forum with a wife with a gambling problem and I am more than happy to talk by private PM than on open forum on ways of helping our partners as not all people can be as open as me !!!
sawadi
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Hello manupete, interesting what you say , is gambling a problem in Thailand, as such , from my end Australia it is in many ways , i have never really noticed in Thailand, poker machines in clubs , may be i am blind , i think you have done the right thing with the debt of your wife , it is probably the only way , when one spends there own money , may be it will be less , any way good luck
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Gambling is illegal in Thailand. But, people find their ways. In almost sedate country lifestyle, people gamble a bit to add excitement and to make a bit extra dough which then becomes habit could lead to addiction.
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Some years ago I was visiting a workers' camp at Naresuan University, Pitsanulok. Suddenly we saw in front of us a body covered in blood ('blood-boltered' came to mind). We passed by, but when we came back, there was a pool of blood there. We were told that the workers had been given a day off, which they used gambling, and the death was the result of a quarrel over gambling.
Gambling in one form or other, is almost universal in Thailand... the illegal daily lottery, cards,.... you name it, they have it.
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So have ever seen poker machines in Thailand , also , i have played backgammon in many countries , have you ever come across this , so if i was to play a game of gammon with a friend in the open this would be classed as illegal, yes / no
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So have ever seen poker machines in Thailand , also , i have played backgammon in many countries , have you ever come across this , so if i was to play a game of gammon with a friend in the open this would be classed as illegal, yes / no
No, they go across to Cambodia or Laos for casinos/machines. Yes, theoretically a game of backgammon in public would be breaking the law. So long as there wasn't any money on show, the police would probably just come and watch!
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Gambling in Thailand
Thailand has very strict gambling laws. While it is legal for Thai players to place wagers on horse racing and on the limited national lottery, all other forms of gambling are illegal. This includes casinos, poker, bingo, and sports betting. In spite of the ban, gambling is big business and there is a huge underground gambling industry in Thailand. One estimate suggests as much as 70% of the adult population gambles regularly even though it is illegal.
The primary form of legal gambling in Thailand is the national lottery. It was started in 2003, mostly because a large underground lottery system was already operating and the government felt the best way to drive it out was to create an officially sanctioned lottery system. But even the legal lottery is not immune from illegal activities - in 2006 the prime minister and other government officials were accused of skimming more than $1 billion from state lottery revenues.
Online Gambling in Thailand
Online gambling in Thailand is also forbidden. The Thai government does not provide licenses that would allow internet gambling websites to be hosted in Thailand. In fact, they have never even considered allowing for online gambling in Thailand since land-based gambling is mostly forbidden.
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Copy and pasted from the link below
http://gamingzion.com/thailand (http://gamingzion.com/thailand)
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Working without the correct visa is also a big problem in Thailand.
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Working without the correct visa is also a big problem in Thailand.
Not a problem... just a stupid thing to do. If you expect any country to allow you to live in it, you have to abide by its rules.
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Gambling in Thailand
The primary form of legal gambling in Thailand is the national lottery. It was started in 2003, mostly because a large underground lottery system was already operating and the government felt the best way to drive it out was to create an officially sanctioned lottery system.
I think Mr Bumkin that you will find the Thai lottery of the 1st and 16th of the month started well before 2003.
I arrived permanently in LOS in September 1986, and had my first and only win on the lottery on November 1st 1986. Not really surprising that I have never won again - I have never bought another ticket!