thai tips

[painai2]

That's easy, when I go by a bank I just show my Thai friend the exchange rate and explain, in Thai, how bad it is for me exchanging dollars to baht--now and in the future.

[Curious]

Have been educating a few Tai Yai boys that "economy vely bad now"(sic) is the new "buffalo he dead"! If you hear that one in Chiang Mai when trying to get away with a cheap charlie tip you'll know where they got it from

I just think learning Thai to the level where I could talk about my job (banking) with Thais in Thai would be a waste of time, as the ones who could understand it would be educated in English anyway. And if I can't talk about my job in any serious way in a foreign language I don't see the point of learning more than a few phrase book words. Does Aunty talk about her research in nuclear physics in Thai?

[Hmmm]

I would be interested in knowing how many of the Thai speakers on this Forum have discussed the global financial crisis and its implications for Thailand, in Thai, with their boyfriends.

I'm not a Thai speaker, but fortunately the bf has an English degree and so understands a little more than basic English, more or less. :-) However, like many Thais he doesn't read, avoids newspapers and TV news, and has no interest in politics or world affairs (other than thinking that the PAD should all be shot). I found out recently that he had never heard of the last Asian economic crisis, although he would have been in the final years of high school at the time.

He works in the import-export business, which of course is severely affected by the current crisis. Fortunately his bosses sat their staff down and explained to them that times would be tough, but the company was in good shape to survive.

That and a long talk I had with him about what it could mean (ie he could lose his job) seems to have sunk in. He's cut back his spending and is getting his debts under control. This is the first time he's demonstrated even the slightest sign of any financial responsibility.

[TrongpaiExpat]

like many Thais he doesn't read, avoids newspapers and TV news,

This is not my experience of the average Thai. Thailand has one of the highest newspaper readerships in the world, and there are thousands of daily/weekly/monthly print publications of all types. Even the so-called uneducated Thais often read newspapers and watch TV news.

I agree with the fat one. Thais are often hesitant to express strong opinions and if an opinion is offered it's to someone trusted and close, not to an acquaintance met on holiday from a foreign country and certainly not someone that you just offed from a bar for sex.

[zinzone]

A friend, newly arrived in Thailand, asked me for some tips on carving out a long and happy life here.
I put together the following; (additions welcome)

Learn Thai.
Practice Safe sex.
Be wary of foreigners esp. re. property deals.
When taking off boys/girls err on the older side. There are plenty of sexy 20 year olds.
Don't do drugs or mix with druggies.
Get to know a high ranking policeman or someone who knows one.
Do some business with a lawyer and get to know him/her.
Get registered with a hospital.
Shut up about Thai politics and religion esp. within earshot of Thais.
If you're rich don't flaunt the fact.
Don't be a fool with your money.
Don't be too mean.
Expect the unexpected.
Expect to be misunderstood very often.
Don't work, this is an idler's paradise.

To be really safe stay in your room, like me.

Take issue with the 6th point as if you get friendly with police here, will not be long before they are knocking on your door soliciting a "loan" etc!

[TrongpaiExpat]

All good advise but while your pondering all this wisdom look down and step carefully, the pavement is not even, wobbles and can even cave in. While your looking down don't forget to look up, awning, signs and high voltage cables are often at mid forehead height . Then finally as your alternatively looking down and up watch out for motorbikes that drive on the sidewalk, come flying out of blind sub sois, walkways or any opening and going in the wrong direction.

[Hmmm]

like many Thais he doesn't read, avoids newspapers and TV news,

This is not my experience of the average Thai. Thailand has one of the highest newspaper readerships in the world, and there are thousands of daily/weekly/monthly print publications of all types. Even the so-called uneducated Thais often read newspapers and watch TV news.

OK, so my bf and his friends must be the only Thais who don't read. But did I mention that they do spend most of their days naked (sorry Dodger, I couldn't resist) ? :-)

If Thais do read, they certainly aren't doing it on the skytrain, underground, and buses I travel on ... like people in many parts of the world do. All those newspapers must be home-delivered.

[Smiles]

" ... while your pondering all this wisdom look down and step carefully, the pavement is not even, wobbles and can even cave in. While your looking down don't forget to look up, awning, signs and high voltage cables are often at mid forehead height . Then finally as your alternatively looking down and up watch out for motorbikes that drive on the sidewalk, come flying out of blind sub sois, walkways or any opening and going in the wrong direction ... "

Just a few more reasons why I love living in Thailand.

" ... Thais are often hesitant to express strong opinions and if an opinion is offered it's to someone trusted and close, not to an acquaintance met on holiday from a foreign country and certainly not someone that you just offed from a bar for sex ... "

Couldn't agree more Trongpai. My guy has no compunction whatsoever about discussing anything and everything regarding Thai politics ("overall: useless and embarassing!"), the Thai Army and Police ("overall: corrupt 100%") ... and that includes the Monarchy.

But sitting with other friends, under a beach umbrella, in a bar, in a restaurant? Forget it.

Cheers ...

[x in pattaya]

If Thais do read, they certainly aren't doing it on the skytrain, underground, and buses I travel on ... like people in many parts of the world do. All those newspapers must be home-delivered.

I live across the street from a news dealer who does a roaring business. I assume most newspapers are shared amongst many people, so circulation rates understate how many newspapers are read.

Mass-circulation dailies


Thai Rath - Claiming a circulation of approximately 1 million,this is Thailand's most influential newspaper.

Daily News - Circulation was claimed to be as high as 900,000 for 2005 .

Khao Sod - The third circulation among Thai newspapers behind Thai Rath and Daily News.

Kom Chad Luek - Claimed a circulation of approximately 850,000[4] in 2005.

Quality dailies
Matichon - Claims circulation of approximately 600,000 [4].

Thai Post - Estimated circulation in 2000 was estimated to average approximately 30,000. [7]

Naew Na - Estimated daily circulation was claimed to average 300,000 in 2002.[8] Editorial line is progressive.

Business dailies
Krungthep Turakij - Circulation is in the 80,000-100,000 range.

Post Today - Has circulation of approximately 100,000. Owned by Post Publishing Pcl, publishers of the Bangkok Post.

Phoojadkarn Daily - Circulation is around 100,000.

The online edition of the paper is Thailand's most popular news website.