It is sad that foreigners living in Thailand are only allowed to spend money here and are legally not allowed to own much of anything.
I feel like i am almost always having to protect myself from being scammed or ripped off here in Thailand, it's crazy.
Thailand has got more fruits, nuts, liberals and misfits than California.
The average thais ability to speak english and their understanding of the english language is extremely poor, it seems to me like thais think it is a loss of face or something to speak english when they are out in public, very strange.
Thailand is a very weird, frustrating and confusing country to live in.
I'm not so sure there is much that Cannot be owned by foriegners.
Can only think of physical land and guns (maybe they can, with correct licence, not sure), everything else can legally own. What else can foriegners NOT own? Even land, you can be a partial owner, and in some instalces can own land 100%.
With regard to English, I am sure the skill levels vary considerably depending in the circles you move in, I live mostly in Bangkok, in my work I meet many many Thias every day, all who can speak read and write English to a very commendable level. Many of them are also proficient in Japanese too (reading and writing), and some in other Languages. I'm quite envious of the language skills of a large number of the Thais I meet.
I also find that the Thais I meet, really like to use their English at every opportunity, and are very proud to do so.
I work for an Italian Company, how many 'everyday' Italians can speak English well? Not so many from my experience. Probably true of many countries considered more advanced than Thailand.
You say the average Thai's ability to speak English is extremely poor while you live in Thailand, that is quite arrogant.
Do you speak Thai?
I speak a little, enough to go out on my own and have no troubles. I have Thai in-laws and I make an effort to communicate with them, and they return that courtesy. When I speak to a Thai I will always try to speak in Thai, not to show off but to learn. Doing this for 4 years now I have never had bad remark or a dirty look, I always get a big smile and a big "Geng Na", which is supportive, and helps build my confidence to learn.
One example that I would like to share, I was in a large group of Thai males no less than 20, many police, one of which I would call a friend, always tries to talk in English to me and I return in Thai, in front of a large group there was no hostility or 'deathly silence' instead he turned around and said to his friends how much better my Thai was than his English.
I think it really depends on the circles you associate with.
I am not trying to upset anyone just throw some water on the fire.
Have never really had a problem speaking English or Thai with the nationals here. One rule I always go by though is if a Thai speaks English to me I will reply in English only as if you reply in Thai it can come across as, well, pretty rude really.
If I was to speak thai to a thai national and he/she was to reply to me in English I would be under the impression that this person is letting me know that my spoken Thai is inferior to their spoken English.
Name Taken wrote:It is sad .......
Thailand is a very weird, frustrating and confusing country to live in.
I think it's sad that Westerners who had the good fortune of a decent education fail to research the country they choose to move to, and then spend the rest of their days bitching about it.
Name taken
When you move to or visit a foriegn country no matter where, the laws of that country apply to you, you should also respect their culture. As to language why should they speak English they live in Thailand, it is up to you to learn the basic language, I know it is not easy.
If I was Thai and saw what you had written I would be deeply offended, but I am not I just regard you as a very bad example of western culture.
Obviously you are not suited to living or visiting Thailand.
Woke up this morning breathing that's a good start to the day.
lindosfan1 wrote:
When you move to or visit a foriegn country no matter where, the laws of that country apply to you, you should also respect their culture. As to language why should they speak English . . . . . .
except that is, if you move to, or visit the uk
Remember, no one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
I don't see language as an issue in Thailand. As already pointed out Thai people are usually keen to learn and practice their English skills. The respectful thing to do is help them when they ask for help - and learn some Thai in return.
Always feeling ripped off and scammed? Learn some Thai. Barter in Thai - even if it's just learning the numbers to start with - and see the difference it makes.
