Post: #201

Interesting article as it goes much deeper then the usual stuff.

1) Honesty-Integrity:

He writes a lot about friendship and I do agree that friendships are not as tight as in western culture. From outside they look really great, but this might change once the living situations of one the friends changes.
This sums it up pretty well:
I came across one scholarly work which argued that Thais don’t really have friends in the same sense as Westerners, as Thai friendships are more like foreign relations among countries.
But nothing to culture specific. Most people have many loose-friends in their circle and just a few guys whom they can trust their lives. Thais often call these friends their sister or brother.

I dont agree when he writes that Thais are just exploiting their friends and giving nothing back. I have not met a single Thai outside of the red light district who would take a gift or help without giving something meaningful back.

Thais are particularly good at using their skills to mislead or deceive others, especially us farang; and often times we are either too ignorant, too blind, too stupid to see what is happening, or just simply in denial. I think one of the major concerns any Westerner should have when marrying a Thai is to determine why she is marrying you, love, economic gain, no other options, etc.

This might be a big factor for the bad reputation of Thai people as most of the Thai-Farang-relationship are often based on economic gain and no other options. Of course this is a guarantee for a lot of bullshit to follow, but I guess this would be the same everywhere in the same. It is easy to avoid if you make sure that those two points cannot be valid factors for the relationship.

Knowing the language well does have advantages, but today it also has some big disadvantages, which in the past 10 years (since the Asian Economic Crisis) has meant that more foreigners are coming to Thailand who are sufficiently stupid (ignorant-to be nice) and rich to attract almost any attractive woman seeking the upward mobility of having a rich farang boyfriend.
I think this is quiet outdated as Thailand, especially Bangkok, is no longer a third world country. Most of the hottest girls either come from a family with enough money or can easily score good paying jobs due to their good looks, which is still far more important on the job market then in western countries. As money is not matter they prefer a cool thai speaking dude over any rich douchebag.

Increasingly Thai women don’t want you to know Thai, because they want to be able to mislead you and because they want to be able to talk about things with their ‘friends’ that would not put them in a favorable light in your eyes. Maybe this is why you hear Thai women say that Thai men are no good. Why? Because Thai men can see through the deceit?

This might be true if dealing with hookers, but otherwise it is non-sense.

2) Intellectual Curiosity, Style v. Substance

True, it is very hard to find intellectual and curios people. Now, where many people have the financial opportunities to develop interests and hobbies which would lead to smarter people, they are fucking up their brains with their smartphones. It is very hard to find interesting people in Thailand. But well, isnt it the same all over the world and a reason that stuff like this needs to be discussed on a small online forum? Southamerica is an exception and Thailand, well Asia in general, worse than most places. But that being said you can still meet interesting and smart people. While living here I get the feeling that the whole world must be covered with Thai people, as so many people are going abroad or have been abroad. These people have much more intellectual curiostiy.

I am reminded of a dear European friend who was as well read as anyone I’ve ever known. He could read and write 4 European languages, in addition to English (which was not his native tongue), and he had read a far greater volume of classic English literature than I will likely ever read. He had traveled the world and had lived in Thailand for many years, yet the only Thai he had learned was sufficient to order a meal, get the check, find a restroom, and give directions to a cabby. When I asked him why he didn’t learn more Thai he said that it would only increase his frustration with the country, as he never found a Thai whom he would really want to or could have substantive conversations with, in Thai; the Thais, he said, “had almost no interest or perhaps ability for in-depth discussion or capability to analyze an issue, they are too interested in the superfluous”. While I thought this might be a bit of an overgeneralization, he did have a point. Any Thai that my friend would want to get to know would probably speak better English than him and he would never be able to learn Thai as well as a Thai intellectual would know English, so there was no real reason for him to learn Thai, as anyone with whom he would want to converse would soon, be able to converse with him most effectively in English.

I share this experience. This makes it really hard to learn the language.

On the other side I am still curious about the other side, this what we call stupid. I like this quote:

I love taking things apart and putting them together, my upbringing instilled a curiosity about the world, his did not. As a result, I would just as soon fix something myself as pay someone else to do it, not because I don’t want to pay the money, but because I really want to know how things that are integral to my life function. I can’t imagine going through life uninterested in the world around me and I am surprised by the lack of interest the Thai have in understanding the world around them.

But sometimes I wonder if this is really the smartest thing to do. For us, people who do not do this, might look stupid, but at the end of the day it is them, who have the peace of mind. There must be a reason why Thai, or buddhist nations in general where mind-clearing excercises as meditation are still widely spread, seem much happier then people on the other side of the world.

Interestingly, my friend’s lack of Thai language skills did not seem to hinder his ability to find girlfriends, as at one point I was rather envious of him because his girlfriend was one of the brightest Thai women that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting; I would have loved to have her as my girlfriend. Unfortunately, however, even though my friend was a gifted intellectual, he still made stupid mistakes on occasion, such as when he cheated on this girlfriend and she dumped him. Som nam naa [serves him right!].

Now I really ask myself if he "never married a thai" because they are dishonest, lazy and stupid, or because his understanding of life and women did stop him from meeting the good girls... Still, pretty interesting article and I might read on later.

I am also very curious to hear more opinion about this. From my experience the community is still far away from properly understanding Thai cultures and relationships.

Post: #202

(03-29-2014 07:45 PM)skyhighwaterlow Wrote:  sorry - double entry - please DELETE - I don't have permissions to delete my own post

if youre from germany and youve never been to SEA before... then youre in for a real treat my friend.

Post: #203

Why i wouldn't marry a Thai girl, their hobbies consist of: Using their smart phone while Dining out, Using their smart phone while at the club, Using their smart phone while on the BTS, playing cookie run on their smart phone, taking selfies on their smart phone. I am literally bored of them with in 1 hour, let alone 1 lifetime.

Well actually i found a really nice girl in Phuket, from Isan, so nice she was still a virgin at 20. Very cute, funny, smart, good English. Did pretty much everything but put it in, only spent two days with her which i'm regretting, but i really hated Patong. Got 200 girls on Line, TF profile absoultly smashed with visitors but i still can't get a date :/ Driving me nuts. Nightclubs just aren't my thing, i approached 2 girls in 3 hours on 5 beers, can only seem to approach if they are alone, guess what, everyone is in groups at RCA. I must be the only guy who doesn't like Thailand, think i'm only happy when i had my dick in something. Still i will probably go out tonight, not much else to do.

Post: #204

Sure she was a virgin .

Post: #205

(04-02-2014 08:39 AM)Kdog Wrote:  Sure she was a virgin .

Many 20 years old Asian girls are still virgins.

Post: #206

Guys, I was planning on going to Philippines and obviously got insane response on dating sites(cupid,blossoms) am pretty decent looking, tall guy in my 20s - and from reading reports I got pretty good idea what to expect there ... How much less "free" pussy will I get in Thailand ? I know I am posting in BKK thread but I am also wondering about Chiang Mai.

Just looking for some general opinions on comparison between the two countries in terms of easiness.

Cheers

Post: #207

From what I have gathered in my readings Phils slays in the women dept due to less exposure to foreigners, english ability and general passion/sweetness of the lasses. Thailand also is good but more difficult due to language barrier and some cultural differences. Both WAY superior to anywhere in the Western world

Post: #208

(04-02-2014 07:45 AM)nick_ Wrote:  Got 200 girls on Line, TF profile absoultly smashed with visitors but i still can't get a date :/ Driving me nuts.

The 200 girls on line are probably the reason why you cannot get a date. Girls here are used to deal with men who are juggling a few chicks at the same time and for many of them this is the reason why they try to date farangs, as they have a better reputation.

If you are chatting with too many girls at the same time they will sense this.

It is much better to choose the hottest 3-4 girls, have some deeper conversations and chat several times through the days with them. If possible then even webcam with them as this is a good way to build more attraction. A "good morning" and "good night" goes a long way here.

You will see that they will suddenly find the time to meet you.

Post: #209

Just say "want to meet" and set the date, cut out the "how are you today?" nice guy talk.

Post: #210

(04-04-2014 05:07 AM)Kangaroo Wrote:  Just say "want to meet" and set the date, cut out the "how are you today?" nice guy talk.

I've tried this several times just because I'm tired of chatting but the only girls who agrees to meet up quick are usually not the best. You should have some good rapport with her before you can ask her IMO and with this I'm talking Bangkok girls. In Manila it was easier to get dates quick just because there is not that many foreigners there and they take their chances.

(04-03-2014 01:45 PM)bigboyz Wrote:  Guys, I was planning on going to Philippines and obviously got insane response on dating sites(cupid,blossoms) am pretty decent looking, tall guy in my 20s - and from reading reports I got pretty good idea what to expect there ... How much less "free" pussy will I get in Thailand ? I know I am posting in BKK thread but I am also wondering about Chiang Mai.

Just looking for some general opinions on comparison between the two countries in terms of easiness.

Cheers

IMO is Manila easier for online while you have a bigger chance of picking something up if you go clubbing in Bangkok. You'll also get better quality in Manila too. But I like to be around Thai girls more. Bangkok gives you a better life quality while Manila gives you more exotic factor.

Post: #211

Oh gosh - just an update from the front here.
I arrived in BKK on Saturday 0:30am - met a german guy and we ended up on KSR in a trashy hotel.
Saturday was nice with his folks (all backpackers), and I welcomed the atmosphere on my first 2 days.

Sunday I switched to Nasa Vegas, as it looked to be the best value of all. I loke the place (contrary to all the negative reviews it got). My big problem #1 - I need a gym, nasa vegas has a reallly nice one.
Untoftunalty Nasa Vegas seemed to be too far out, so I failed in understanding the BKK layout and booked MeStyle up as Huai Khwang Station - big mistake.
I will check out tomorrow and see if I can make Nasa Vegas work or I switch to Imm Fusion On Nut - the only 2 options within my budget that have Gyms.

The second problem - I don't trink - at all. I am on Water and Tea - in Germany no big deal in Clubs, there are multiple Dancefloors in Clubs and people walking between them, dancing on them, having fun ... in Thai clubs that seems to be not the case - I can't join "Bottle Partys" as I absolutely don't trink.

I had 1 makeout so far - but then the language barrier kicked in, I couldn't pull - but my hotel would have been 30 min. taxi ride anyways.

I would love to get any Idea how you open up Girls/Groups in Clubs like Route66 and advice for non-drinkers

And in the Malls - I dunno - I will try tomorrow excessive daygame ...

I am dissappointed - more of myself than BKK I keep you posted

Post: #212

Not drinking would make Route66 hard to get into, but if your in a good mood and look good then just get there at 12 and be friendly. Otherwise focus on online game.

Post: #213

I sometimes dont drink at route. Just get a whiskey glass with water and cheers them, do it around 1am, when they are drunk. smile and be warm. Don't really need to run any kind of lines, just look fun.

Nasa vegas is way to far out from anything, get yourself on sukhumvit

Post: #214

You don't need to be on Sukhumvit, but being near the airport is definitely too far. I would shoot for the Imm Fusion hotel though, it's decent.

Post: #215

Depending on what you need the gym for, you can skip it all together and just get a satisfactory workout in Benjasiri park right next to Emporium Mall in Phrom Phong.

I go there sometimes after 18, when it is cooler and then alternate one lap running, then walk the next but get in dips at the bars (on the right of the park) and bicep pullups and chinups on the other side of the park. Do 10 laps like that and you have a pretty good work out with about 4km run and 4km walk + 5 sets or more of dips, pullups and chinups.

Post: #216

(04-08-2014 10:07 AM)berserk Wrote:  Depending on what you need the gym for, you can skip it all together and just get a satisfactory workout in Benjasiri park right next to Emporium Mall in Phrom Phong.

I go there sometimes after 18, when it is cooler and then alternate one lap running, then walk the next but get in dips at the bars (on the right of the park) and bicep pullups and chinups on the other side of the park. Do 10 laps like that and you have a pretty good work out with about 4km run and 4km walk + 5 sets or more of dips, pullups and chinups.

Thanks for this. I was looking for a park to workout in.

Heard lumpini park has a good outdoor gym type setup, but that protestors are still there so didn't bother to check it out.

Post: #217

(04-08-2014 02:09 PM)Ping Wrote:  

(04-08-2014 10:07 AM)berserk Wrote:  Depending on what you need the gym for, you can skip it all together and just get a satisfactory workout in Benjasiri park right next to Emporium Mall in Phrom Phong.

I go there sometimes after 18, when it is cooler and then alternate one lap running, then walk the next but get in dips at the bars (on the right of the park) and bicep pullups and chinups on the other side of the park. Do 10 laps like that and you have a pretty good work out with about 4km run and 4km walk + 5 sets or more of dips, pullups and chinups.

Thanks for this. I was looking for a park to workout in.

Heard lumpini park has a good outdoor gym type setup, but that protestors are still there so didn't bother to check it out.

Lumpini is much bigger and has a proper running route. There is an outdoor gym indeed, but I have never been and I imagine it could be a bit intimidating since it's used by Thai bodybuilders who can't afford a proper gym. The protesters shouldn't be an issue though.

Post: #218

shifting gears: does anyone here have experience with training mma in thailand? aka just opened a gym in phuket, looks amazing but does seem very expensive (almost usd400/month)

http://www.akathailand.com/training/pricing/

Post: #219

training mma/Thai boxing is wayy too expensive in Thailand. I have done it in England for over 6 years, but there was no way I was going to pay the crazy prices in Thailand to train.

Mike Swick is a trainer there, so it can't be too bad, not heard of there BJJ instructor before, but it says he is a black belt, so sure you can learn alot from him.

Can't advise on that gym though, not been.

Post: #220

I train in Bangkok. I'm a BJJ blue belt with some boxing/mma experience. Good and affordable BJJ here in BKK, no MMA really though.

My friend trains at Phuket Top Team and has nothing but great things to say about it. It is expensive though. Most MMA and Muay Thai camps in Phuket are meant for people looking to train full time and also people on vacation. Phuket Top Team has a great schedule and instructors. If you plan to train full time it is worth the money. Otherwise, maybe not.

Post: #221

Cheers, I'm going to go check them out, there's also tiger, i think that's where alistar went for his last camp (thereem.com) pretty awesome. I want to train daily for a couple months and also want good weights. Faitex in pattaya was amazing, went last year, but i can't take more that 4 days of p-town at a time so that won't work..

Post: #222

From everything I've heard, which is a lot, Tigers focus is on bringing people in for a week or month, running them through some padwork without teaching the much technique, and making their money with a huge volume of students. I hear the quality of training is not great.

I've heard much better things about Phuket Top Team whose focus is more on having a smaller number of students, but more of a real fight camp atmosphere. If I had to pick between the two, knowing what I know, I'd definitely go to Phuket Top Team.

Post: #223

Hello again, thank you guys for your tips. I am so satisfied with Nasa Vegas that I will stay here - captured my flag 2 days ago and went to nice exchibitions with 2 dates from ThaiFriendly - it's so much fun

So I am in the game now - my only problem is the time it takes to do all the pre-work online - I sit in Starbucks in Siam for hours prequalifying girls on TF and then contacting via line - it works, but it's really a work like thing - I get results so I don't bother.

Regarding Gym:
I am following the Hollywood Blueprint Transfomation process, so I am not allowed to have alcohol, a strict diet and specific isolation training for a few muscle groups - I like the protocoll, but I really need an incline treadmill and at least a few decent free weights - Nasa Vegas is brilliant for that, and I don't have too much trouble with the TF dates with this hotel - for pulling from Clubs it will be hard - but let's see. I book every week, so I could change again.

I'm happy now here in Thailand - the girls are amazing, and the dates are nothing like back in Germany - the girls are paying for me, showing me around - amazing!

So much thanks for alle the tips, and will report later ...
now I go with one girl to pattaya over the weekend

Post: #224

http://blog.uber.com/ubersplash

Quote:#UBERSPLASH ON-DEMAND! JUMP ON BOARD THIS SONGKRAN!

Happy Songkran, Bangkok! If you’re in town this weekend, here’s how you can spice up your Songkran with some Uber Fun!

HOW TO GET SPLASHED THIS SONGKRAN

Download the Uber app for iPhone or Android & register for an Uber account
Between 10am – 6pm Sunday & Monday, request the “Songkran UBERSPLASH!” option via your app.
If the water trucks are available, you & your friends can climb aboard and party with us for 20 minutes. Enjoy our giant super soakers and refill your guns, then grab some Songkran-savvy Uber swag to take back with you.
THE DETAILS

It’s free to request an #UBERSPLASH! However, demand will be high and supply will be limited. If a splash truck is unavailable, try again a bit later!

We’re going to be at Silom, Khao Sarn & RCA on Sunday, April 13 & Monday, April 14 from 10 am – 6pm.

Seems kind of cool since it is free.

Post: #225

I'm excited for Songkran boys! Might even do like the Thais do and go buy a tacky flowered shirt .

Since it's my first songkran I'll probably be hitting all the usual Bkk spots so someone PM me if they'd like to join. Hopefully there's no confrontations with any greasy backpackers.