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    Domestic / cross cultural issues - Thai / Foreigner concerns

    missing mail

    By Rocks, Created on: 03/09/2014, Last updated on: 12/06/2016

    » Does anyone else have a similar problem to me? I frequently expect receipt of mail from UK, USA and Australia and it is a regular occurrence for the mail to go missing and never be delivered. I have tracked most items down to their departure from the consignor country so I can only assume they are...

    • thegabster commented : For parcels in either direction to UK, USA & Australia, I find DHL to be excellent, sure you pay a premium but you don't lose the product.

    • kraxlhuber commented : [quote="Rocks":my1f36id]Does anyone else have a similar problem to me? I frequently expect receipt of mail from UK, USA and Australia and it is a regular occurrence for the mail to go missing and never be delivered. I have tracked most items down to their departure from the consignor country so I can only assume they are missing once they arrive in Thailand.[/quote:my1f36id] Thai " Snail Mail" with a push from the Turtle, happens to me regulary, lucky most mail I request to be sendt by EMS or FedeX-et ( very expensive) faster as the mail travels first class!! (on land at least)

    • 9 replies, 19,715 views

    Domestic / cross cultural issues - Thai / Foreigner concerns

    The Ever-Present Tortured Expat and the Paradox

    By surinfarm, Created on: 27/05/2011, Last updated on: 11/06/2011

    » Perhaps someone might enlighten me as to the conditions of contradictory that persist amongst the resident {long-time or short-timers} Westerners in Thailand..... Angst, frustration, and mild hostility seems to be a common thread within a broader and growing extension within the Farang resident community....

    • chazthai commented : I too sense a growing frustration on the part of farangs toward many things Thai, but I think a large part of it is frustration over the way things are done over here. Thailand wants to be so "modern", so "Western", but they just can't seem to get it right and consistently come up short. Take the current kerfuffle over the EZ-Pass system, for example. The complaints that it just doesn't work are completely logical and justified, and the solutions are apparent to anyone who has experienced the system in the US, for example. I wrote on this just a few days ago. But is it going to get fixed?...Not very d...n likely! There are many, many other issues which could be cited. I think the solution is drastic but not easy to accomplish: either Thailand must do its best to fully and correctly emulate Western ways and systems, or it must return to a third-world, insular "Thainess" and withdraw to whence it came - and that is hardly likely to happen. In many ways it is easier for a foreigner to live in a totally non-Western society as a complete outsider than it is to cope with a partially Westernized culture which offers only frustration when it falls short and fails to deliver. Take my internet service from TOT, for example: It fails dozens of times a day because this is the rainy season and the underground lines get wet! Really, folks...who needs to put up with this in the 21st century? I know that my comments will draw ire and criticism from many readers, but that is the purpose of this forum, and it is welcome.

    • drake commented : [quote="chazthai":347j46x5]Take the current kerfuffle over the EZ-Pass system, for example. The complaints that it just doesn't work are completely logical and justified, and the solutions are apparent to anyone who has experienced the system in the US, for example. I wrote on this just a few days ago. But is it going to get fixed?...Not very d...n likely! [/quote:347j46x5] Yeah, that. Here it seems more about the ease of paying the toll rather than consideration for the traffic congestion. Someone went out and bought this gated system from Kapsch Group instead of a different toll tag system that allow the cars to zip through at highway speed and we are stuck with it for now. The funked up lane assignment system which places the ezPass gate at random slot at each of the toll station but (almost) always between paid gates, well, that could only have been dredged up from the eleventh cesspool of chinese fire drill inferno by committees of Thai bureaucrats. But I digressed. Re. the original question "The paradox. Why...?? Why, if they are not happy and comfortable in there chosen country of residence, do they insist to be living in said culture of choice? Wouldn't it be pertinent to one's existence to exist in an atmosphere that you might be comfortable and "at home" in?" This question was actually once raised in another thread It's usually a mix of several factors. - aren't comfortable with themselves, won't be comfortable anywhere. - can't go home, for whatever reason. - didn't fit in at their old home either. - inability to adapt or be assimilated in to the new environment - superiority/god/missionary complex - they like some of the things in their new home but also want the 'good' things they had whence they came - just plain clueless and being the jerks that they are. - can't admit that they are wrong or didn't know any better. - would have been beaten senseless whence they came for same attitude. - taller than most people here but the shortest guy back home. - delusional, thinks they are going to change the Thais....

    • surinfarm commented : [quote="drake":3r635hia][quote="chazthai":3r635hia]Take the current kerfuffle over the EZ-Pass system, for example. The complaints that it just doesn't work are completely logical and justified, and the solutions are apparent to anyone who has experienced the system in the US, for example. I wrote on this just a few days ago. But is it going to get fixed?...Not very d...n likely! [/quote:3r635hia] Yeah, that. Here it seems more about the ease of paying the toll rather than consideration for the traffic congestion. Someone went out and bought this gated system from Kapsch Group instead of a different toll tag system that allow the cars to zip through at highway speed and we are stuck with it for now. The funked up lane assignment system which places the ezPass gate at random slot at each of the toll station but (almost) always between paid gates, well, that could only have been dredged up from the eleventh cesspool of chinese fire drill inferno by committees of Thai bureaucrats. But I digressed. Re. the original question "The paradox. Why...?? Why, if they are not happy and comfortable in there chosen country of residence, do they insist to be living in said culture of choice? Wouldn't it be pertinent to one's existence to exist in an atmosphere that you might be comfortable and "at home" in?" This question was actually once raised in another thread It's usually a mix of several factors. - aren't comfortable with themselves, won't be comfortable anywhere. - can't go home, for whatever reason. - didn't fit in at their old home either. - inability to adapt or be assimilated in to the new environment - superiority/god/missionary complex - they like some of the things in their new home but also want the 'good' things they had whence they came - just plain clueless and being the jerks that they are. - can't admit that they are wrong or didn't know any better. - would have been beaten senseless whence they came for same attitude. - taller than most people here but the shortest guy back home. - delusional, thinks they are going to change the Thais....[/quote:3r635hia] All these above apply. Yet, I'm quite amused as to the poster above you that suggest Thais yearn to be "Western". Mostly from the deep-end.

    • 6 replies, 17,968 views

    Domestic / cross cultural issues - Thai / Foreigner concerns

    Postal Service

    By mastervix, Created on: 20/02/2011, Last updated on: 28/12/2014

    » I am having difficulty getting mail delivered from the USA-Thailand, nothing is arriving at it's intended destination. Is this a normal thing in Thailand for foreign mail to be stolen? I have read on here that the main airport in Bangkok is a hotspot of corruption and theft of luggage, is this true...

    • chazthai commented : I too have had problems with mail delivery - regular mail not arriving or being VERY slow, and a package sent from the US which never made it to my residence here. The mail delivery system seems to be very casual - the delivery men apparently are outside contractors and not direct employees of the post office, and they have no guidelines under which to operate. I have had mail which didn't quite fit the slot placed on top of my wall, in the rain, so that it was so thoroughly soaked it was unopenable. Also, utility bills and advertising handouts are placed in the mailbox, which is illegal in the US unless they have postage. I would suggest that All mail be sent "registered" - the cost is small - and be certain that your home address is correct and complete in every detail. FedEx from the US seems to work quickly and safely, and the delivery man rings the bell and is friendly - but it's ridiculously expensive! This is just another example of the "joys" of living in Thailand!

    • drake commented : [quote="mastervix":1ukmtzxe]by drake on Mon 21 Feb 2011 6:50 pm You might want to have a talk first with the mail man then the local post office. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ We have already gone that route and he has denied all culpability, if i cannot get mail outside of the capitol, I'm sunk as far as trying to do investment in Thailand. Yes computers/internet/etc are the way to go, but some things have to be hard copied deliveried. I can''t jump on a plane everytime.......so frustrated[/quote:1ukmtzxe] As far as sending things hard copy, try Flat Rate International Priority, it's about $14 for documents & VHS box. If it's business, all your mailing costs can be filed as business expense in the US anyway - unless you aren't intending to keep this venture of yours off the book...

    • mastervix commented : Thankyou all for your input on this matter, all points are well taken and i will adjust accordingly. I see a dogged correlation between lack of government investment in Thai education and a lack of government concern/culpability at play. Here in the U.S. we bend over backwards to gain foriegn investments, but basics needs such as simple quality mail service is a no-brainer. Reminds me of the line from the movie Lawrence of Arabia, as long as little minds rule, then shall always result in a little people. I read somewhere else on here about the government investing in it's people thru education to eventually bring Thailand up to par with countries such as S.Korea & Taiwan, i would encourage & embrace this idea.

    • 6 replies, 18,171 views

    Domestic / cross cultural issues - Thai / Foreigner concerns

    All the new electronics!

    By MTT, Created on: 21/10/2010, Last updated on: 02/11/2010

    » With so many new telephones and computers coming on the market, just wondering if anyone is interested in using this thread as a clearing house for questions/information about all of the stuff available. Talk about things you don't like with a new model you just bought. Tell us the prices so we...

    • MTT commented : So, anybody have any information about product features? I am particularly interested in the Galaxy S phone and the new Galaxy Pad versus the Apple products. Additionally I need to know whether to go with the Android system or wait for the Windows version. Any info would be helpful. -------------------------------------------------- As a side note for the service in Thailand topic: After you have opened your account with iTunes, and if you cannot get help with your Apple product for whatever reason (I assume the phone companies selling the phones can provide a lot of help, I have no trouble getting service from the True stores where my Internet/GPRS service is from and from AIS who has my telephone number. I bought my phone second-hand at a small retail shop in Panthip on Ngam Wong Wan Road). (I have no desire to own a MacBook at triple the price. My Acer PC and my eeePC will have to do.) When I had trouble opening my iTunes account for my iPad which I bought at some shop named iStudio or something like that, the Apple Shop in Central Chaeng-Wattana gave me the following number for the Apple Hotline 001-800-0441-2904. This is a US number but it was answered in Singapore. They asked me to write to them at http://www.apple.com/asia/support/itunes - select email and tell them the problem. An answer arrived in less than 24 hours and the problem was solved in about two days. After I got all this done, I heard they then released the iPAD in Japan. Surprised me, too, since I already had one up and running. I then realized that the Apple Store here probably did not have any iPADS for sale yet because Apple had not 'released' them (ergo the term [i:29dwvm45]jailbreak[/i:29dwvm45]), but they had no problem getting me help for the one I bought at another store. I think the service is reasonable and quite possible to obtain from a variety of sources. I am not unfamiliar with service in Thailand. If you are using a stall (or any) shop, the trick is to use one which has a guy actually making repairs at a table in the corner. The ones which only have used phones surrounded by phone cases and other goods can't help you much. The final trick is to go back a second time if you must and take a friend who can speak Thai and knows about electronics and technical stuff. After they have finished with the obligatory small talk like 'making toast' and where the farang is from and where he works, they will either give you an answer or tell you where you can get an answer if they know. If they don't, just tell them that you do not need to buy a phone case today when you are asked and everybody is happy. Then go to another shop - do not go to the shop next to the one you were just at because that will be her sister's shop and she doesn't know any additional information.

    • 9 replies, 20,013 views

    Domestic / cross cultural issues - Thai / Foreigner concerns

    Thai alcoholic beverage laws

    By chazthai, Created on: 23/08/2010, Last updated on: 04/11/2010

    » Can someone tell me the rationale for the restriction of liquor sales to 11AM-2PM and after 5 PM? I can understand the reason perhaps on election days (to prevent vote buying with a free beer), but to deal with this every other day of the year seems unreasonably restrictive and archaic.

    • chazthai commented : Ohm: This confuses you??? What shopkeeper in his right mind would sell alcohol to a child? Aren't there already laws to prohibit that? If there is any question, doesn't everyone carry an ID card with his birthdate on it? If this happened in the USA, the seller would be hauled off before the judge!

    • 11 replies, 27,928 views

    Domestic / cross cultural issues - Thai / Foreigner concerns

    America bashing at Esplanade Mall

    By gohmer, Created on: 09/05/2010, Last updated on: 11/06/2011

    » I putting this post up because it is related to international relationships with American citizens living and visiting Thailand. It illustrated to me that little is known about America by most people in Thailand, in fact, I think that few in the world truly understand what America is about and how...

    • faranginkorat commented : juggernaut: How many people have had their American citizenship stripped for perceived anti-American sentiment??? I don't even think we have a process for doing that. The T-shirt is in bad taste, very bad taste. That is why a Thai analagy would get somebody put in jail, probably for a very long time. It is also worth noting that there are limits on free speech in America, they just do not include flag desecration. For example, KKK leaders have gone to jail for "inciting" others to commit crimes. They did not have free speech. I would like some feed-back on the following hypothesis: Unrestricted democracies fail when the majority of voters are too uneducated or selfish to vote for the common good. If Americans had to be high-school graduates, fluent in English, have no criminal history, and not been on the government dole in the last 5 years to vote, do you think Obama would be president??? I suggest that Thailand's current problems are very simlar. America's is due to the deterioration of our society, Thailand's is because Thaksin recruited the lower classes, many of whom can not even speak Thai or find Thailand on a globe. This is not an original thought of mine. A Frenchman named Alexis de'Toqueville visited America after our revolution and before his and wrote the same thing. (I read the book over 40 years ago, so please excuse me if I did not spell his name correctly or quote him exactly.) In those days, a person had to be white, male and own land (the equivalent of having a good job today) in order to vote. I am not sure those are the appropriate criterion to use today, but it is quite clear that not everybody should be allowed to vote.

    • faranginkorat commented : juggernaut: How many people have had their American citizenship stripped for perceived anti-American sentiment??? I don't even think we have a process for doing that. The T-shirt is in bad taste, very bad taste. That is why a Thai analagy would get somebody put in jail, probably for a very long time. It is also worth noting that there are limits on free speech in America, they just do not include flag desecration. For example, KKK leaders have gone to jail for "inciting" others to commit crimes. They did not have free speech. I would like some feed-back on the following hypothesis: Unrestricted democracies fail when the majority of voters are too uneducated or selfish to vote for the common good. If Americans had to be high-school graduates, fluent in English, have no criminal history, and not been on the government dole in the last 5 years to vote, do you think Obama would be president??? I suggest that Thailand's current problems are very simlar. America's is due to the deterioration of our society, Thailand's is because Thaksin recruited the lower classes, many of whom can not even speak Thai or find Thailand on a globe. This is not an original thought of mine. A Frenchman named Alexis de'Toqueville visited America after our revolution and before his and wrote the same thing. (I read the book over 40 years ago, so please excuse me if I did not spell his name correctly or quote him exactly.) In those days, a person had to be white, male and own land (the equivalent of having a good job today) in order to vote. I am not sure those are the appropriate criterion to use today, but it is quite clear that not everybody should be allowed to vote.

    • dutchboy commented : To Mr Gohmer, and all others that have a problem with a T-shirt. Please stop shopping!!!!! Before we know it you find another "offensive" t-shirt or other item. Maybe in the furniture shop next to the T-shirt shop you see a lamp in the shape of a Marihuana Plant. Oops, Marihuna is illegal in the free-thinking USA, so this should not be sold. Better protest against this. Get a life, talk about important things on this Forum and not 16 endless pages of how good/bad the USA is, just because you don't like a T-shirt.

    • 119 replies, 154,424 views

    Domestic / cross cultural issues - Thai / Foreigner concerns

    Are there any good marriages out there?

    By terry, Created on: 20/04/2010, Last updated on: 25/09/2011

    » The reason I started this post was to hear good stories of couples getting together. All of the bad things I have heard in Thailand I have seen here in the USA. I treat my wife very well but still now and then she goes over board on spending. As a family we go to to the Wat once a week. Maybe that...

    • rickinfla commented : [quote="terry":31j9hawr]The reason I started this post was to hear good stories of couples getting together. All of the bad things I have heard in Thailand I have seen here in the USA. I treat my wife very well but still now and then she goes over board on spending. As a family we go to to the Wat once a week. Maybe that is the reason for a strong marriage.[/quote:31j9hawr] Hello everyone I am Rick I lived in Florida, I'm 38 my wife is 34. I feel I have a good Marriage with my wife, we just had our 1 year anniversary, we have not had too many fights mostly bickering about her driving. I think our situation is a little different from other men who have married Thai ladies, I have 2 friends here in Florida, one married an Au pair the other I think met similar to the way my wife and I met which was through the net. I was introduced to Ning from a friend who was friends with her online. My wife and I started chatting in2004 around the time of the Tsunami. We continued our courtship online until I saved up 2 years and went to Thailand Sept 2006 the day after the coup. I had planed to Stay but with all the visa rules and family problems I came home and did a K1 visa. I recommend K3 to any one considering to do the K1. I lived in Chonburi near Bang Sean University for 5 months and dated my wife, met her parents went to Maha Sarakham stayed with the family for a week, took a bath out side,ate things I would not normally eat . Now my wife has been in US for one year, she has a job we are saving to go do our Thai wedding. I did build a new house for her family with an inside bathroom and sit down toilet. I do send money home every month until we go do the wedding. All these things I did not really want to do but I understand the custom, I speak some Thai, I taught myself to count to 1000 and say greetings and good byes before I went to Thailand. I have tried to be open minded through this deal, I can see where people think how these women are money hungry but I did not want to leave her mom and dad living in a shack with no income because I married the daughter who was an assistant accounting manager for a Japanese company. I lived poor but never that poor. I think it helps to try to know the culture, to try and understand the customs, and be open minded. My wife and I are taking care of my mother who has diabetes, my niece who has had 2 heart transplants and I can not drive because I had a stroke at 23 and lost some of my peripheral vision. My wife is kind giving I do not have any question about her love for me nor do I have a worry of her cheating. I think immigration has given us so many hoops to jump through she would not want to do it again. I took the time to get to know my wife and know her values, I wanted a good woman and I found one. I was introduced to a Nurse at the same time but all she wanted to do was come to the US and work as a Nurse so she could make money. Ning only wanted to know about me and my family. I dated a Filipina a year before my wife and she ran me in 12 thousand dollars of debt, and cheated on me with her boss while I baby sat her kids. I did not take the time to know her like I did with my wife. This is my good story so far.

    • charleskirk commented : My wife and I have been married for 34 years and look forward to the rest of our lives together. Our marriage has been wonderful and we have experienced the same trials and triumphs of any marriage. We are both christian now and enjoy working together in ministry as well as continuing to care for our children and grandchildren. I would not change any part of our life together and love my wife very much as she also loves me and has proven so many times during our marriage. We have two sons and several grandchildren with another on the way which we are looking forward to. I couldn't imagine life without my precious Song and hope to continue together for many years to come. The only problem we have is with the governments of the US and Thailand. The US is a hassle because we have to pay dearly to maintain her green card as she never applied for US citizenship and Thailand will not recognize our marriage legally even though she is now legally registered with my last name. It's all about paperwork issues and even the embassy people at Bangkok are sympathetic to our issue but can't do anything to help because of the immigration rules established after the 911 attack in the US. I would advise to make sure all your Thai paperwork is in order to save the hassles of not having a properly documented marriage in Thailand. Other than that give your love and be faithful and your Thai wife will be as great as a wife can be.

    • Vianco commented : Ok, I've read all the posts and looks like there are a lot of men out there! I am a 29 year old Thai woman who is married to a 31 year old Black American man. We've been married for 5 tough but happy years. I met my husband on the internet because I felt like meeting men face to face was difficult for me. Anyhow, I hear all of you. The culture and expectations of Thai traditional parents may seem very imposing to someone from the US. My parents too expected these things, the money, the wedding, the endless finances! I chose to separate myself from these demands that my parents had. I am a successful business woman on my own before meeting my husband who is in the Armed Forces. The second my parents heard I had married they were furious. Then when they found out it was a black man, LMAO, they didn't know what to do with themselves. But I am happy, my husband is happy (least I think ) and our kids are happy. It is not the "nature" of a Thai person to lie. Over the years I've observed and Americans (most) do not understand that when you marry someone from a poor country you need to understand that we/that individual has a mind set of SURVIVING. If they have been taught to lie, cheat and steal to survive all their lives these traights are not going to go away right away or ever for that matter. Sometimes the underlying reason may be that your spouse does not trust you or has an alternate agenda than you that you may not know of. Trust me this is most common. My sister is planning everyday for her husband's death and getting full access to his funds. And being around her and SEVERAL other Thai women the consenses is the same. Then there are those, no matter your culture, are pathalogical liars. I think Potluck just needs to divorce his wife. You are doing that child more harm than good. If you were really that doped up when you first met her you could have gotten the marriage anulled. Trust me, you could have. You chose not to and want to live ur life as a victim. Since that's your choice, stop complaining. I am open to questions and relationship advice!

    • 26 replies, 71,963 views

    Domestic / cross cultural issues - Thai / Foreigner concerns

    Maid in Bangkok

    By SiamBob, Created on: 05/04/2010, Last updated on: 13/08/2015

    » I recently purchased a condo here in Bangkok. I’m trying to be a good and considerate neighbor and resident, but without knowing I apparently violated one of the Thai cultural taboos. Sometimes while waiting for the elevator or walking around the building I speak to the neighbors and the condo...

    • ramdom commented : I think anything goes in Thailand, if you do it politely with a smile. I'm as quick to anger as anyone but in life (before I even ever went to Thailand) I learnt it is best to show anger later than earlier. Face is very important to most people in the world and if you dispute something with a Thai with a smile that is nonconfrontational, you'll get your way. It's a good art and makes me feel good when I can do it (when my wife, who is Thai, loses her temper and causes people to withdraw --- she's well suited for the US .

    • 28 replies, 98,509 views

    Domestic / cross cultural issues - Thai / Foreigner concerns

    foreigners have got no rights?

    By majoy, Created on: 24/03/2010, Last updated on: 12/04/2010

    » We moved to this new house six months ago and everything is fine except for the noisy dogs next door. I spoke to the owner and asked if they could make their dogs quiet and she said it's not their dogs fault but the dog opposite who always stand outside their gate and make their dogs bark...how ridiculous!...

    • llegion commented : I lived in Thailand for 16 years. I had same kind of problems, well maybe not with dogs, but with people having parties until very late hours. First, it's true you should inspect very well the area before moving in. Second, if you like peaceful living, then you might have to take it "Thai way", But I don't really care about "Thai culture", there is no such thing anymore, just look at what they're doing with their political issues, they are all but peaceful. Police likes to mention "Thai culture" as a way of avoiding a problem. I personally care more about not to be a victim, so I often sued these people, including police, using competent authorities, usually I had justice 90% of the times but with some cost. If you have money and will enough to go thru with it, I can guarantee that it will not be you "not to be happy anymore" but them. It will not be easy or pretty, and you have to document everything, maybe even install security cameras to gather evidence. There are several laws that protect you against noise. Police usually don't want to enforce them, especially in rural areas, but you easily bypass local police and file a complaint to headquarter in Bangkok. Is it worthy? Well, I wouldn't suggest it to anyone, if you are particularly strong and you can afford a good lawyer fee, if you have time to spend in courts, authorities offices and so on, then do it; but make sure you have FULL support of your family first. It's not any different than a country like USA, where you must be wealthy and motivated to have justice done. And is not against foreigners only, even tho usually Thai police assist a foreigner less in these matters. Near my office there were so many quarrels between Thai: about noise, dogs, cats, etc... sometime ending up in shooting or other acts of violence. But I also want to say: it's not really possible to order a dog to stay quiet. It's in the nature of dogs to bark to each other and to unknown people. So in this case, try to understand that might be not easy to control an animal. Now that doesn't justify a tiny bit the bully attitude of the dogs' owner. But I can't suggest what is the right choice, especially if you are in a rural area, in a village or a close community, they can make your life very hard, as a matter of facts, of all foreigner friends I know living in Thailand, just a couple of them, plus myself, had the guts to fight back (and win). Yeah i used the word "fight" because that's what you will end up doing. Whatever you decide to do, I wish you good luck! And ignore all the "stories" about Thai culture...

    • Gavelind commented : Hi, I understand your problem and I think it is sad and wrong for you to come with such a remark. Your case is not about race or nationality, it is about having a bad-mannered neighbor, not a Thai, or a Chinese or a Kenyan, a person who has barking dogs next to your door. That is the problem. Well, if you don't like the neighborhood, the only thing left for you to do is to move out. I went through the same ordeal in Canada, mind you, between Canadians, coming from the same city, sharing the same language, the same laws, the same faith, the same color: their dogs made us crazy, there was nothing we could do. Calling the police a couple of times because the dogs were lose and frightened little kids playing in the street, a few tickets, took them to court... to no avail. Peace came back to us after we moved out. That's all and that's it. You are very lucky to live in Thailand where foreigners and above all women have some sorts of rights anyway. What would you do in Saudi Arabia or Turkey where women are sold on the open market and are worth less than a camel? Wake up! Why live in another country and want to impose your values on them? See where the US has gone and see how far that took them! Hundreds of thousands have died, cities are in ruins... what for? Stay home, believe me, let the others live the way they are used to. You will never change them and will only be an outcast, an outsider, miserable and frustrated. At home, you are not a foreigner, and you have rights. It is much safer too, as now that you have enemies, they will retaliate.

    • Bone Head commented : Majoy, What are you saying? Did you even think for a minute before getting into all this trouble with the neighbors, police etc. and then deciding to post it. This isn't about you being a foreigner. It is about common sense. I have seen, read and heard many similar instances with neighbors in America, UK, Europe etc. And hey being foreign doesn't mean you have descended from heaven...Remember you are (like me) a guest here. We are all guests here and we must respect that. They never requested and pleaded you to come here and take a house. Did they? You came here looking for it. and do visa runs like a rat every 3 months because you like it better here than you 'foreign' land. And now you moan like a spoilt child whose candy has been snatched away? It is about being a sensible person and making relationships come what may. You will NEVER have perfect neighbors any where in the world. BUT you have to learn to adjust where ever you are... If you have a real problem quietly move away to a new location. OR if you are brave enough, get a pet tiger. And learn to be kind to yourself and others. Else, this is a guarantee: Where ever you go...you will have trouble. Good luck

    • 47 replies, 107,464 views

    Domestic / cross cultural issues - Thai / Foreigner concerns

    Home Sweet Home - Thailand vs Malaysia?

    By GerBo, Created on: 08/08/2009, Last updated on: 28/04/2010

    » I live now exactly 2 years in Thailand with my Thai spouse and see the following things in this 'Land of Smile' to foreigners. I see it sometimes more as discrimination of foreigners in this country. 1. VISA-paper work to overreacting and very unfriendly; 2. Very tough to open a initial savingsaccount...

    • moto commented : [quote="Eric":1lmgadms]It's not easy to find one Shangrila. Malaysian live in fear of crime and the police. That's the sad fact of life in Malaysia. Crime is a big concern and is rising. Petty crimes like snatch, carnapping,theft are serious concerns even among its citizens.:[/quote:1lmgadms] Malaysian live in fear of crime and the police? LOL... you've never lived in the United States, have you?

    • EODGhost commented : [quote="moto":ridhtvv3][quote="Eric":ridhtvv3]It's not easy to find one Shangrila. Malaysian live in fear of crime and the police. That's the sad fact of life in Malaysia. Crime is a big concern and is rising. Petty crimes like snatch, carnapping,theft are serious concerns even among its citizens.:[/quote:ridhtvv3] Malaysian live in fear of crime and the police? LOL... you've never lived in the United States, have you? [/quote:ridhtvv3] Apparently neither have you. I don't ever remember "living in fear of crime and the Police" in the States. I don't walk around with rose-colored glasses mind you, but I never remember constantly looking over my shoulder.

    • davido commented : [quote="EODGhost":20eetz5s][quote="moto":20eetz5s][quote="Eric":20eetz5s]It's not easy to find one Shangrila. Malaysian live in fear of crime and the police. That's the sad fact of life in Malaysia. Crime is a big concern and is rising. Petty crimes like snatch, carnapping,theft are serious concerns even among its citizens.:[/quote:20eetz5s] Malaysian live in fear of crime and the police? LOL... you've never lived in the United States, have you? [/quote:20eetz5s] Apparently neither have you. I don't ever remember "living in fear of crime and the Police" in the States. I don't walk around with rose-colored glasses mind you, but I never remember constantly looking over my shoulder.[/quote:20eetz5s] Why are you in fear of the Malaysian police? lol... I'm a Malaysian middle class chinese, and they've never bothered me... And neither am I in fear of crime, and in fact not even been robbed/mugged since I was in high school. I think you might have had a bad experience and just branded the country negatively. While its true there's discrimination between the Bumis and non-bumis. And there's a lot of crap going on especially if you're a muslim. But those are local matters and if you're a foreigner, as long as you don't break the law, you are free from harassment.

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