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    Canadian Marring and living in Thailand (Troubled, Culture Differences)

    By Anonymous, Created on: 17/05/2004, Last updated on: 18/05/2007

    » Hello fello readers. I am a Canadian living in Thailand and was not expecting to meet and and get ingaged to a Thai women it just happened. But my problem is that like many times 9 out of 10 times my opinion does not matter or what I would like to do. And when we do plan to do something together,...

    • Anonymous commented : Respecting ones' culture and traditions is a two way experience for any rational, intelligent human. I know many Thais here in Australia that have nothing to do with our culture and traditions. These supposed citizens and residents live within their own closed communities and think in very much the same ways as they do in Thailand. They are here basically to work and make as much money as possible, especially 'cash money' which usually ends back in Thailand. Many view the Western culture as having no history, values or traditions, we are just a convient ATM once they aquire residency status. Thousands apply every year and yes many receive it! Many Thai women do'nt know that westerners also have their own marriage rites and traditions, with very few Thai actually acknowledging or might I say accepting that they actually do exsist!. In the west it is tradition for the wives' family to pay for much of the wedding. There is no sin sot as there is an unwritten law of care of duty on both entering the marriage. In many cases even here in Oz, Thai traditions and culture within their community supercede that of the westerners. This is not a generalisation as I spend quite a bit of time in the Thai community here in Oz and in many instances my opinion accounts for nothing, as it does'nt have a voice amongst ears that are already conditioned not to accept an aliens idea. Yes, I am still viewed as a falung even here. Very few Thai fully intergrate into Australian society. Their views of Westerners are totally misguided as they make assumptions on western culture without even experiencing it for themselves. Yet when it comes to taking advantage of the ability to make money, open businesses and of course own free hold title of property they surely know their rights. Thailands' marriage laws leave many e-pats in a continual state of anxiety as if they are not wealthy or are not fully employed in the limited areas of employment offered, they have no legal right to stay in the kingdom. Their children are'nt even recognised as citizens till they are 18 so they are basically stateless. This is a Buddhist country where fairness and equality are supposed tenets. Would Thais in Western countries accept this happening to them, I doubt it as they are fully aware of the differences and fairness of laws but as usual are able to turn a blind eye to injustice at home, while at the same time expect it from their newly aquired western homeland. I look forward to the day when a well organised group of western aliens takes to the streets of the capital and make known to their Thai masters, that equality is a universal right not one that is manipulated by an elite group who through their xenophobic propaganda keep the alien farung and his half cast children form being accepted as an equal..

    • 20 replies, 10,543 views

    Forum

    British Embassy in Bangkok

    By Anonymous, Created on: 05/10/2004, Last updated on: 25/02/2011

    » In March, my Thai partner wanted to visit me in London. Before granting a visa, the Embassy wanted a mountain of paperwork including proof of my income, whether or not I woned my own home and a whole lot of other things. At this stage, I have to say that we have many controversial issues in the UK...

    • Anonymous commented : That’s right Rich, everybody should have equal rights to travel. But the embassy people don’t see Thai people that way, especially the western countries embassies (ask anyone, US embassy visa people, who’re also Thai, are the most famous for treating Thai applicants like they’re asking for money or food) Of course I can understand why they set so many regulations and documents require. We have to accept the truth that there’re many cases Thai people tried to get into those countries, then stay and work illegally. What the embassy looking for is, not you’re a grad or not, the financial and employment documents i.e. bank account, letter of confirmation issued by the company you’re working for, things like that. All these coz they just want to see something to prove that you have enough to stay there and you’ll come back to stay here, not planning to run away in those countries. Sadly, but that’s how it is.

    • 64 replies, 66,876 views

    Forum

    Farang and their seemingly paradoxical ways

    By Mr. Surin Province, Created on: 17/10/2008, Last updated on: 17/04/2010

    » As a long-historied Farang resident myself, comfortable and understanding, I have to ask the age old question regarding Westerners that find it necessary to stay/live here while finding life so objectionable in many ways. Why is this so? I've experienced this throughout Asia {in particular the LOS}...

    • mele.nani commented : Dear Ones, I want to pass in a way so I can leave my kidneys and pancreas to my son who is dying while he waits for a transplant. My work is done. My husband says he loves me but his actions are his actions. He says that Thai women want and need to serve men. it is their genetic inclination. I told him if poverty and exchange of money were not a factor, perhaps he would be right. I was sexually abused from the time I was a toddler, until I was over 12 years old. I was taught that this was my fate. I am not insensitive to the women in the sex industry. I have been abused too , by my older brothers who should have protected me. My heart is broken. i have no more to give. I have loved and given my best. i did not adopt this land. It adopted me. The earth suffers from overcrowding. It is time to make room for these babies that are born every day. It is time to give them a place in the world. To quote from John Mayer: "Fathers take care of your daughters." Do you want them to enter into the sex trade? Do you want them to marry a man who degrades them by using their love and then seeking the thrill of young girls who will be more than willing to take their money? These lessons start very young. Teach them skills and educate them so that they have choices other than brothels for employment. With fond aloha, Mele

    • 57 replies, 74,821 views

    Forum

    Stimulating the economy

    By kngdady, Created on: 24/03/2009, Last updated on: 22/12/2010

    » One way to make money for the country is to establish a gaming zone such as Phuket or in a resort area. I believe most countries have some form of gambling from hourse races to lotterys. The money brought in through gaming can help fund a varity of projects such as education, improving infastructure...

    • PettyTyrant commented : [quote="Papadragon":1ijqinfs]It's a brand new Thai company "Rent A Mob" (soon to be listed on the falling SET) formed to provide something to do for the unemployed people coming out of all other industries, the tourist industry in particular Wealthy individuals or groups of wealthy individuals or even Governments can hire mobs up to 100,000 strong and over Call them PAD or UDD or whatever you like The hours are pleasant and you get to spend a lot of time singing and dancing with your workmates (that's when you're not being shot at) Get to invade Government property, airports and burn a few buses The uniforms, food, transport and medical care is all free and you get THB500 a day to start with possibilities for promotion especially now as they've arrested the top people of the UDD Apply at your local recruitment office - no one refused = we are an equal opportunities company - no age limits - no formal qualifications required any male, female and anything in-between guaranteed employment Especially welcome are ladies with babies and small children (you get THB200 extra if you bring a small child to work) Why not try it it's better than breaking your back cutting cane, paddling round a field or cutting rubber trees for US$4 a day[/quote:1ijqinfs] Seems like a lot of countries have similar problems right now... not all of them emerging market countries either... FoX News is promoting this anti-Obama Tea Party thing... A fine example of a wealth foreigners (Rupert Murdock), manipulating plebes to do his bidding so he can avoid increased taxes and knock down legislation on increasing the inheritance tax...

    • 12 replies, 36,581 views

    Forum

    Land purchase through Thai spouse forbidden: Land Dept

    By Suttisan, Created on: 28/05/2009, Last updated on: 02/10/2016

    » -- Land purchase through Thai spouse forbidden: Land Dept The director general of the Land Department has reiterated that foreigners using Thai nominees to buy land anywhere in the country will have their land title deeds revoked if caught – even if the nominee in question is a lawfully wedded...

    • Bradda commented : [quote="Chaem":1xhh54qs]" It is an insult to (say US citizen) that a Thai can build a house for his family in California but a Californian may never own the smallest hut in (let's say) Udonthani. -[/quote:1xhh54qs] Yes, It is an insult. The real issue is that it takes away the feeling of security. It makes me think twice about any investments in Thailand. As it happens, I have placed the titles of our land in my children's names. Still, security for foreigners living in Thailand is always questionable. The instability of the political realm and the periodic "anti-foreigner" Nationalism, while always present, over the years most of us who live in Thailand learn to not get to excited over "words". Action is a far different story here in Thailand. Rare and not often following up on the Anti-Foreigner crazy talk. In a Utopian world, I wish I could have the same rights and privileges in Thailand, as Thai people enjoy in the USA(ie; Land ownership,employment,citizenship, etc...). In the long run, I think Thailand would be better for it. Small thinking localism, provincialism, xenophobic Nationalism, and Cultural Purity type philosophies are weak and out of place in a progressive,forward moving society. The world would be a more peaceful and brighter place without it.

    • 186 replies, 1,555,754 views

  • News & article

    A thousand words ... and pounds

    Muse, Samila Suttisiltum, Published on 20/02/2010

    » 'The Guardian's recently published an article on Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) pursuing more than half of the football clubs in the Premier League "over tax due on image rights payments totalling 60m"

  • VDOs search for " employment rights "

  • News & article

    What a shame

    Database, Published on 18/08/2010

    » Oracle, which recently bought Sun Microsystems - and thus the rights to Java - sued Google for using and misusing Java in the Android operating system and the world's new, most-popular smart phones; Google broke seven different patents, and Larry Ellison's Oracle has demanded a jury trial; Google briefly noted what a shame it is that "Oracle has chosen to attack both Google and the open-source Java community with this baseless lawsuit," and a bunch of lawyers are going to get new Mercedes before this one is finally settled with a huge exchange of money.

  • News & article

    Armed paramilitary takeover of Bangkok's international airport parking last week

    Jon Fernquest, Published on 08/10/2010

    » The details behind last week's takeover of the parking lots of Bangkok's international airport remain shrouded in mystery.

    • Forum

    Choosing cheap Chinese Products over Thai jobs

    By needchange, Created on: 17/10/2010, Last updated on: 24/11/2015

    » Everyone knows the story of what has been happening in the US in terms of the trade deficit with China. If you go to Walmart, almost every product sold there comes from China. Walmart is America's biggest retailer if I'm correct. The trend is the same at many other retailers around the country. So...

    • drake commented : [quote="Voice":1vwk1lbc]Hello needchange! I do agree with you there about Thailand should encouraging our Thai companies to be more productive which could help our country in this economic crisis. [/quote:1vwk1lbc] Say, Voice. There isn't really an "economic crisis" in Thailand right now. SET has gone through the roof this year and the exchange rate is at the best it's been in over a decade. The state of general prosperity, that is something else completely different. [quote:1vwk1lbc]As Thailand still has cheap labour our good could be compatible with China or we could go for quality good items like electronic gadget as such.[/quote:1vwk1lbc] Industrial advances or economic prosperity and employment does not have a direct relationship these days as robots can do a large number of jobs better and cheaper than man. 'Cheap labor' alone just don't cut it anymore. Look at India and Mexico and ask yourself why aren't they ahead of China ? [quote:1vwk1lbc]The government should invest more in it people rather prodding in single area of agriculture. Even in the area we still cannot beat China for the best price for we can make.[/quote:1vwk1lbc] If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail. The [i:1vwk1lbc]leadership[/i:1vwk1lbc] for this country, and I'm being overly generous with that word, are without a clue. They are stuck in a box, a very small box. They shuns new ideas and concepts. Most of them can't think of anything beyond their own gains. Sacrifice and service, that is just hollow propaganda for someone else. Yes, the country should invest in the people and their education but there are several other major obstacles. The fanciful social & environmental responsibility directive is one. I mean, who in the right mind would want to deal with the new worker's rights and environmental redtapes on top of the corruptions and the Manana attitude when they can go to China, or VietNam, or Podunk and won't have to deal with most of that ? Then, on the physical side, the country has anemic shipping infrastructure and inadequate supply of electrical energy. Without electricity there is no industry. Look like VietNam got that msg loud and clear and is seriously doing something about it by committing to a Nuke. Thai govt., well, they are still tooling about on that subject as if they've got all the time in the world. They might get around to decide to [i:1vwk1lbc]talk[/i:1vwk1lbc] about this sometime after hell froze over and all the foreign Green Nut NGOs or (foreign) special interest lobby had stop meddling, and all the officials agree on their piece of the pie. I mean, they've only been talking about digging a canal across the Kra Isthmus (คอคอดกระ) since the day of King Narai and nothing has been done so far beyond kicking the tires and a lot more talk. There's always t[i:1vwk1lbc]he next life[/i:1vwk1lbc] to get around to do it, right ?

    • drake commented : This can be a really lengthy subject, I'll try to be brief. The problem, as I see it, isn't necessarily [i:1ll1uy08]cheap Chinese goods[/i:1ll1uy08] or what the Chinese are doing in general but rather what Thailand [i:1ll1uy08]isn't[/i:1ll1uy08] doing to be more competitive in the global market. The Cultural Revolution set China back a good 50 years in term of industrial practices and productivity. Since the mid 80s, and more so in the past decade, China had been doing everything it can to modernize it's infrastructure and industries - and hence employment capacity and general prosperity of today. Here, it is the governmental policies and practices on the industrial sector, or lack thereof, which kept the manufacturing sector from being modern and competitive enough to stay in business on one hand and the redtapes that went on the book to help killed the mom and pop shops that is the root of the problem - corruptions and apathy aside. I will lay this one on the poor leadership in the govt. for their lack of vision and efforts to help the country to be more competitive in the modern global market along with everyone in the govt. who had bought in to the anti-progress doctrine and perversed moral neuroses of the Western [i:1ll1uy08]Progressives Movement[/i:1ll1uy08]. I know that having a Coup every other third Thursday of the even months always monkeywrenched the long term roadmap but for the past 40+ years I've watched one administration after another continuing to push the Arts/Crafts/Agricultural Cottage Industry and not really doing much as an overall policy to try to pull the country toward the future. I've seen continuing emphasis on promoting heavy industry, the legacy of the industrial age, but very little in the Tech and Semicon sector - the engine of this 21st century digital era. The last major semicon player, Texas Instruments, left Thailand 20 years ago and since then there hasn't been much going on here that I know of. Why is that ? As I was told, it's because "not too many people in Thailand understand the semiconductor industry" ! <edit 08/11/10> Seems NECTEC finally updated their website recently. I found a link out to TMEC (Thai MicroElectronics Center), which has been around for 3-4 years. They are operating a 'research' .5 micron 6" wafer fab with some commercial service and are promoting Semicon R/D. Look like somebody is doing something after all. </edit> As Carlos Slim recently said "[i:1ll1uy08]The only way to fight poverty is with employment[/i:1ll1uy08]". I think we can all agree that the Arts/Crafts/Agricultural Cottage Industry (CP excluded) isn't going to keep much of the population fed or bring prosperity to the country overall. The real goal, as I can see it, must be to stop focousing on these cottage and legacy industries and catch up with the tech industries - where the money is right now. However, With the recent 'list of harmful substances' and other environment/social responsibility regs on the book or coming on the book it is hard to see any new investments coming in to the country. I mean, who want to deal with all THAT on top of the corruptions and the[i:1ll1uy08] Manana[/i:1ll1uy08] attitude when they can go to China, or VietNam, or Podunk and won't have to deal with all the environmental redtapes ? Just consider one simple issue of power generation. The country won't/can't build new power plant of any sort because the Delusional Green Loons insists that any sort of power plant at all is bad for the environment one way or another and they won't have any of it. Instead of just pushing the irrational people aside and build something, the govt. entertains the neurotic few and do nothing. With no electricity it means no modern industry. No industry means no job and a continuing requirement to import goods from some other country that believe in prosperity first and environmental idealism much later.

    • 48 replies, 211,938 views

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