luckyluke

phuturatica, on Yesterday, 01:33 , said:

I disagree, if you have no interest or are bored with topics stay out of the thread, not too difficult is it?

Then when people search they will not have to sift through the moaning dross on the threads like "oh no not another sin sod thread"

The action of ignoring the thread also allows new members to have a little input......

Likewise with the overcharging, it doesn't bother me, I have my own way of avoiding it on most occasions, so I just tend to refrain from comment, but I may read the thread and make a mental note of the method utilised, again new members have current up to date experience information

I can understand the OP......why can people not just let the thread go?.........any ideas?.....and why should you leave Thailand just because you started a thread showing a little displeasure at blatant over charging....a bit harsh don't you think?

tropo, on 2012-05-13 19:08:55, said:

You're being overly simplistic. Some people live cheap/poor here so they won't have to work anymore. For people with unsatisfying work (or no work) back home that's a definite upgrade. Different people, different motivations, different choices. Here or anywhere. I suggest a tolerance pill.

geriatrickid, on 2012-05-07 19:36:21, said:

And I disagree with your comments. Sarkozy & backbone are oxymorons. He went along with Merkel without contributing anything. Jacques Chirac had backbone - no involvement in Iraq.

Sarkozy's attitude to the middle east was disastrous. He went along with just about everything the US hypocrites opined. His dealing with the Muslim minority in France was another disaster - no headscarves in public is absolutely inane. In short, Sarkozy is a buffoon.

I hope Hollande goes back to the independent foreign policy that real French leaders have mostly followed & gained world-wide respect outside the Anglo-fied bloc.

doppa, on 2012-04-27 12:01:27, said:

You are right. I was certainly wrong to call you a moron, never mind that the evidence to support such a slur was overwhelming. I apologise for saying that.

As for the rest of the post, I stand by it.

pj

Being Russian myself, I had to respond to this post. It is clear that the relative insulation of Russians from the global financial crisis as well as the revolution in Egypt (one of Russia's former, fav vacation spots) has led to an unprecedented exodus of Russian migrants and short-term/long-term vacationers.

Overall, I see it as a good thing. Primarily because it boosts the municipal economy, resulting in more money for public improvements, and puts Baht into the pockets of local business owners (both Thai and Farang.)

The main negative would be increase in property prices and other goods/services due to sudden spikes in demand.

As far as the negative experiences folks have shared with "busloads of Russians," i agree wholeheartedly. Russian societal norms allow for much more rudeness to strangers and outwards displays of animosity and aggression than do most Western societies. Conversely, Russians tend to be more loyal and forthcoming to people in their inner circles than is typical of the average Westerner.

As with everything, there are pros and cons, but I think everyone agrees we must be realistic: The Russians are here to stay. And if we're going to be realistic, we might as well be optimistic. Every polity which experiences an influx of foreigners, tends to react negatively at first. But with time, the new-comers adapt to the local norms, and the locals realize some gain from the newcomers. Already, I notice that Russians who live in Thailand are FAR friendlier and engaging than the average Russian I meet on the streets of St. Petersburg (where I am from). Similarly, I hope that Thais and Farang alike will be able to tap into the rich history and culture of a people who have repeatedly pushed the envelope in literature, poetry, theater, mathematics, physics, and chemistry.

That pasty, fat, short-haired Russian wearing a "Chang Beer" T-shirt, screaming a drunken, Russian folk song on the Song Tao, could easily be a nuclear physicist (or have some other form of higher education.) He just chooses to express himself in a way that's different from more reserved, Westerners and Thais around him.

Keep in mind, that Russians were not even ABLE TO EASILY TRAVEL until 1991, and most of them couldn't even think of affording it until a decade ago, when Russia was flush with their oil windfall. In that sense, Russian society is a fascinating mix of the old and new. I encourage the next person who is annoyed by a guild of vodka-soaked Cossacks to learn a few words in Russian and attempt to penetrate their circle. You may be surprised at how loyal and warm they may be after they have accepted you.

Markland, on 2012-05-05 14:43:11, said:

if she looks stunning then it is highly likely the Russians made nice comments. why would they say something derogatory when they see a stunning looking girl?

^^ I have to commend Kirill on a very good post.  I lived in Russia for 5 years (just at the time of the fall of the USSR), used to speak Russian near fluently, had stunning Russian gf, etc...  I still do not like the very crude manners exhibited by Russians, but it's really true, if you speak to them a bit in Russian, they are your new best friends.  And, socially, Russian are a lot of fun once you break through that gruff, austere exterior.  

Now, I know, not every expat in Thailand can do that, nor will ever do that.  And so, how do you co-exist with this 'alien' force in Pattaya, and more and more, in Phuket as well?  I'm not sure, because there really is no way to change them to be more socially acceptable to western sensibilities, at least not in the short term.  English is difficult for them, and their manners were shaped by generations under an isolated socialist system.  Although, I have met several new generation Russians abroad who are cultured, mannered, etc., in the western sense....  

I have a feeling this will be a problem in Pattaya for some time to come, as I don't think the western expats feel they should make an effort to understand Russians, (nor should they I suppose).  Having said that, if it becomes intolerable, I'm not sure where the expats would go as an alternative for the Pattaya lifestyle.

I guess you're stuck with it guys...

TAWP, on 2012-05-05 11:58:09, said:

Only after you tell them that they are not allowed to have them there and they start screaming and kicking over bins.

He shot a young man dead. Yes, I seriously believe Zimmerman is capable of manslaughter!

DiamondKing, on 2012-05-03 22:44:36, said:

No, what is clear if you have half a brain is that he is an anti-Nazi. He is criticising what he sees as the dictatorial behaviour -- or Nazi-like behaviour -- of the speaker. It is mockery. Got it now?

You are a very sad person; I truly feel sorry for you.

Perhaps you should see a therapist; there are a number of them here both Thai and Western.

Look into it.

luckyluke, on 2012-04-19 16:55:08, said:

It would be impolite to explicitly reject, of course. Most people will welcome an obvious soft rejection lie, such as I've been very busy lately, maybe we'll run into each other again at the bar! In a weird way rejection of an offer of friendship could be seen as more personal than a sexual rejection. A sexual rejection is just saying, you don't do it for me, a rejection of offered friendship could be more stinging.

Naam, on 2012-04-13 15:57:00, said:

but snickering dogs are well worthy of your "valuable"  time ?

I'm still expecting Mr. Behan to come on the site and state he's  been given a large settlement and that  we can all now carry balloons on board the BTS because of his pressing our rights for balloons on public transport.

p_brownstone, on 2012-04-16 19:35:39, said:

That doesn't say no animals - it is specifically stating no small dogs. Just look at the picture. It is clearly one of those miniature dogs. If any guard every stops me bringing my pitbull onboard while I smoke a cigar (sign only says no cigarettes) then I am going to go ballistic on them and expect all my fellow expats to stick up for me because there is also no sign about not going ballistic on security at the BTS.

Edit: but now that I think about it, I haven't seen a sign that says a guard can't assault me either.