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Posted
geriatrickid, on 2010-09-04 21:16:33, said:
I am not attempting sarcasm when I write that the thread should be subtitled "Origins of a Drug Mule". No plan, gambling, no large pool of capital to draw upon, no friends, no support network and encouragement from people that will not have to deal with the ensuing mess. I'm sorry, but the world is a much different place from when some of you guys embarked on your Huck Finn adventure. The world is less compassionate, far more likely to apply harsh treatment and one's government is much less likely to assist then was the case 25 years ago.
The best advice always given is unchanged; visit first for an extended stay of 1-3 months and then decide if Thailand is for you, ALWAYS have an escape route planned and that means having a return ticket and emergency funds in a safe place. Thailand is not the place to be if one is of limited financial means. Think of it this way; on your budget, unless you are prepared to eat roadkill and squat to crap in the stinkiest of holes with no tp with only your hand to wipe, you will freak. You will sleep in place with bugs that crawl over you when you sleep. The rooms will have black mold, you will stay n the areas where the air is bad and the peoplem just as choking. There is no xbox, ps3 or wii. And worst of all you can not drink the tap water. Think about it; 35C + 90% humidity and all you can do is purchase bottled water.
The best advice always given is unchanged; visit first for an extended stay of 1-3 months and then decide if Thailand is for you, ALWAYS have an escape route planned and that means having a return ticket and emergency funds in a safe place. Thailand is not the place to be if one is of limited financial means. Think of it this way; on your budget, unless you are prepared to eat roadkill and squat to crap in the stinkiest of holes with no tp with only your hand to wipe, you will freak. You will sleep in place with bugs that crawl over you when you sleep. The rooms will have black mold, you will stay n the areas where the air is bad and the peoplem just as choking. There is no xbox, ps3 or wii. And worst of all you can not drink the tap water. Think about it; 35C + 90% humidity and all you can do is purchase bottled water.
Good post, geriatrickid. None of us are saying it can't be done, but we are trying to offer good advice to PREVENT problems from happening BEFORE they occur. There are MANY worst case scenarios that can occur from one simple mistake. Not knowing the language when you get into trouble ascerbates the problem immensely. Finding a reliable internet site where you can use your own laptop outside of main cities can be a problem. Laptops are easily stolen if unattended or kept in back packer hostels. I won't even bring my laptop or expensive cameras to the Philippines. But then I don't stay in 4 star hotels either.
LIght, cheap backpacks, used for day trips, are easily purchased anywhere in Thailand, but finding a good quality pack with a heavy duty harness are difficult to find. I've yet to see one anywhere, and I'm always looking. Same goes for good quality sandals, and especially ones with closed in toes (like Keens).
As another poster mentioned, fanny packs are easily stolen. They are okay for day hikes when walking in the forest, but that's about it.
Good walking boots are more expensive in Thailand than in the USA. Same goes for good quality running shoes.
Forget the expensive sunglasses. They are easily lost or broken on an extensive trip. You can pick up cheap sunglasses anywhere for about 100 baht ($3). You will lose a few and break a few, but it's no great loss.
You will wear shorts more often than anything else, but pick ones with multi pockets for separating the Thai bahts. Keep your wallet with big notes in a secure pocket with a velcro lid. Have at least one pair of fast drying (modern fabric) long pants. They are are usefull to prevent bug bites and scratches. Any cut WILL get infected. Forget the jeans. You will need at least 2 pairs of short sleave shirts and one long sleave shirt. I never bother with underwear, but it is supposed to be the law to wear undies in Thailand. Short socks are also a good idea when your feet get sore. And, they WILL get sore in the heat until they toughen up.
Bring a camera, but not an expensive one if you are traveling with back packer groups and staying in hostels. Cameras are easily stolen.
Stay off motorcycles if at all possible. They are the surest way of having an accident in Asia. With limited resources it's best to lessen the risks. I don't know ANYONE who rides motorcycles who HASN'T had an accident. I ride them all the time and I have had my share of accidents, but fortunately, nothing really serious.
Stay out of all card games, no matter HOW good a poker player you might think you are. Filippino card sharks are very common in Thailand and I can guarantee you won't see them cheating. If something looks too good to be true then it ISN'T true.
A short, initial visit of from 2 to 6 months will give a better idea of how the country operates. Accept the fact that you WILL fall in love. It's hard not to. Just understand that there WILL be complications when you go down that road. The stories abound on thaivisa about that subject and they keep all of us regulars fascinated.
