To men who live in Phillipines/Thailand (safe, place, people)

[okaythen01]

so what are some of the downsides of living in Thailand or Phillippines? What are some of the stuff expats complain about? I am sure there are so and you want to find out before it's too late...like after you already moved, get a house etc

[Smtchll]

Cheap girls? They're just gonna use you for your money, but hey if that's what you want, then I hope you enjoy being played. In the end, it won't be so cheap, they'll soak you dry. Old white men are walking targets in the Philippines. They get robbed, sometimes kidnapped. Thats the risk they take for a cheap girl. I hope it's worth it

[minibrings]

People have mentioned the lower cost of living, but no one has mentioned the medical care. Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok provides excellent care at a price much lower than the US. Manila also has its share of good medical facilities. When you're older and retired this is a consideration.

Downside to Thailand? If you're not used to heat and humidity.. it will take some getting used to it. If you are in Bangkok be prepared for crowds in addition to heat and humidity. There is a sex trade but you can just ignore it. there have been incidents where the international airports were shut down by anti-government protestors. There have been problem areas in the area close to the Malaysian border with a muslim minority that have been discriminated against.

Downside to the Philippines? Depending where. If Manila, the weather, pollution, crowds. Countryside gorgeous. Have to worry about corruption.

In both places most everything (food, clothing, entertainment) will be much cheaper. Imported items from the US and Europe will cost more than here.

I'd be happy to retire in either country; though lately Laos is on my list of favorite places...

[okaythen01]

for Thailand I have heard that they treat foreigner living there like 2nd class citizen....they only love themselves...and if you have a problem with a thai you need to always back down...coz they always take care of their kind and you are a foreigner...any truth to that?

[sponger42]

Originally Posted by okaythen01

for Thailand I have heard that they treat foreigner living there like 2nd class citizen....they only love themselves...and if you have a problem with a thai you need to always back down...coz they always take care of their kind and you are a foreigner...any truth to that?

Sounds like you've never been to Thailand.

I've only visited, but we were treated very well, as opposed to more hostile receptions in Vietnam and China. Even in tourist traps like Patong, on a slow night an "escort" might strike up a friendly real conversation with you (even if you're not a potential customer) and yet you'll never hear a hint of negativity toward foreigners or impoliteness.

There were wonderful and friendly people worldwide, but I'd rank the Thais as near if not at the top.

[surfscuba]

i lived in thailand for a year and while i enjoyed travelling and seeing the sights, i couldn't live there the way it is.
nightmare traffic and accidents, broken and crowded sidewalks, beggars and stray dogs, steamy and polluted, dirty and trashy, corrupt cops and gangs, etc.
my friend in phils has it worse with more poverty and guns there, but he and his buddies live in a gated secure compound and just stay there and boat and scuba. straight from manila airport and straight back.

[Teak]

For one of the best sources of information regarding life in Thailand, do a google search on "Stickman Bangkok". He posts letters from people living in Thailand, and for the most part, it ain't pretty. Yeah, some people make a decent go of it, but there are many issues that a foreigner needs to deal with to live successfully amongst the Thai.

[adolpho]

Tension builds over rally The largest English Language newspaper in Asia.

[maglev101]

Originally Posted by Teak

For one of the best sources of information regarding life in Thailand, do a google search on "Stickman Bangkok". He posts letters from people living in Thailand, and for the most part, it ain't pretty. Yeah, some people make a decent go of it, but there are many issues that a foreigner needs to deal with to live successfully amongst the Thai.

stickman bkk - isn't that basically a guide to prostitution?

[Teak]

Originally Posted by maglev101

stickman bkk - isn't that basically a guide to prostitution?

He started out providing a guide to Bangkok nightlife. As he has gotten older, the posts have begun to encompass broader issues including general life in Thailand. I wouldn't discount the site for its prior reputation.

I don't do nightlife here in Malaysia, but I find the letters that other readers post interesting for the similarities in the male-female relationships.

Forewarned is forearmed.