Hi expat community

[MrPlum]

I have responded to one of these questionnaires before and was very careful not to reveal anything that might identify me. Beyond that, can't see the problem.

[Siani]

I agree with Richards views.
I also think that in this life we have to (unfortunately) guard ourselves from certain things, scams, rip-off's etc.
I am not saying at all that Thomas and his pals are like this at all, in fact I think they are probably ok.
With the internet, call centres etc we lay ourselves "wide open" to fraudsters.
Just a small example is all the PayPal scams, fraudulent internet sites who claim to be trustworthy ones, Mail order, I could go on. I came home a few years ago to find my late mother on the phone to "the bank" so she said. I was luckily there just in time before she gave out her PIN number which she has written in BIG numbers in her diary!
If giving out information to anyone, only give out info that you feel are safe with.
I must say Thomas seems to be very well educated and writes English extremely well. I am presuming he is Austrian? Good luck with your masters Thomas. How lucky for you to do your study in Hua Hin ...it could have been somewhere like say Merthyr Tydfil in Wales. There are a few retired people there too

[pharvey]

How lucky for you to do your study in Hua Hin ...it could have been somewhere like say Merthyr Tydfil in Wales. There are a few retired people there too

OI!! What's wrong with Merthyr??

[Thomas1]

Hehe, thanks Siani! You are absolutely right about the scams going on.

We are actually two friends working together. In case of the forum it was most of the time me, Alex, writing. I'm from Germany, Thomas is from Austria, yet his english isn't much worse than mine.

[pharvey]

Have got to say, I agree with both sides of the views here. I'm certainly sympathetic to BB's views and you also need to appreciate the fact that he has made these as a poster rather than a moderator. ALL are entitled to their views and should be respected as such. I have certainly not been "p****d off" by BB's comments nanyang and with all due respect, why should he not be "more involved" as you say? IMHO the same applies to all - if you don't like it, don't respond, don't read, or simply leave.

I don't think Thomas has done himself any favours with "doubters" such as BB, in the fact that he has not (despite a few enquiries) really given any details on what information is required, what for, will it be passed onto third parties etc. What would be the problem in giving these details on an open forum (from Thomas' side I mean).

I also agree with other comments in that we unfortunately now live in a world where any and all personal information can be gained and used to access bank accounts, businesses, emails... you name it. So...... unfortunately, people are very untrusting (and some very gullible).

Personally, I wouldn't have a problem having a discussion with Thomas, but would obviously need a few more details of exactly what the score is....... NOT a problem for me however as I'm still living in bl**dy China!!

[Thomas1]

The only Problem about for example posting the questions here before is that this would contradict with our approach of using qualitative interviews for our research.

Another approach could be, of course, just making a poll (or survey) online, but that wouldn't allow us to have the same possibilities (for example asking spontaneous questions).

[nanyang]

I have certainly not been "p****d off" by BB's comments nanyang and with all due respect, why should he not be "more involved" as you say? IMHO the same applies to all - if you don't like it, don't respond, don't read, or simply leave.

The point I was trying to make has, obviously, been lost on you.
Kindly re-read my post and respond accordingly,should you so wish, to the spirit of my post.

[pharvey]

The only Problem about for example posting the questions here before is that this would contradict with our approach of using qualitative interviews for our research.

Another approach could be, of course, just making a poll (or survey) online, but that wouldn't allow us to have the same possibilities (for example asking spontaneous questions).

I would say it's not so much about the questions Thomas, but more to the fact of what information you are trying to gain, what is it going to be used for and most importantly - are you asking any personal information?

Of course I'm not saying to ask or list questions on an open forum, but I'm sure there are a few more than me that would be interested in exactly what kind of information you are after.

As I understand it, you and your colleague are doing a thesis/your finals in geography and HH is part of that. Perhaps without having to give or list questions, you could give further details on the thesis? Maybe you are missing an opportunity with expats as you are not giving specific details?

[dtaai-maai]

Hi everybody ,

Me and my colleague Alex, both geography students of the University of Vienna, are currently staying in Hua Hin working on a research project on the topic of farang life in thailand, their lifestyle, their problems, staying conditions, housing options etc.

We would be very grateful if some of you guys could spare some time for either personal encounters or e-mail respectively pm-contact, answering a few questions regarding the above topic.

Kind regards,
Thomas and Alex

P.S.: If you'are interested and have some time for us, do not hesitate to e-mail me to thomaskubelka(at)gmx(dot)at, thanks

EDIT: I clicked 'submit' instead of 'preview' - just as well, as I've had a boozy day and was about to offend a few people...

Having had a moment to reflect, I'll leave my opinions out of it and just copy the original (apparently hugely offensive, controversial and intrusive) post.

[richard]

A clever post DTM

[dtaai-maai]

Never mind

[nanyang]

A clever post DTM

Accurate, also - the thought police are ...............

[dtaai-maai]

^^ Not at all my concern, nanyang. BB has been perfectly entitled to say what he has without being abused. Others are equally entitled to disagree with him without being accused of bullying.

[bonnielass]

Thomas and Alex,

When Kate started her research project last August she had been invited (not sure by whom) to attend JWs quiz night to meet a few of the expats. She was on my team that evening and chatted to a few of us about whether we'd be willing to participate in her endeavours. In that situation where she was able to meet people face to face, many people agreed.

Not sure how long you are in town, but perhaps taking this approach would be more acceptable.

Good Luck guys.

BL

[Siani]

pharvey wrote:
OI!! What's wrong with Merthyr?? [/quote]

Nothing wrong with Merthyr Pharvey Being Welsh myself, I think it is probably the idylic place to retire or have a holiday I think they have 5 days of sunshine a year and the bonus is loads of takeaways, chips, curry, chinese...you name it I intend to have a mini break there sometime
pharvey wrote:
Personally, I wouldn't have a problem having a discussion with Thomas, but would obviously need a few more details of exactly what the score is....... NOT a problem for me however as I'm still living in bl**dy China!! [/quote]

It could be worse, you could be living in Merthyr