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Why are responses to questions in expat groups sometimes hostile?
expat experiencesUbon Ratchathanicommunity dynamicsonline interactionssocial media behaviorvisa advice
Jan 5, 2026
4 months ago
Alistair *************
ORIGINAL POSTERI recently joined this group having relocated from Scotland to Ubon Ratchatani in September 2025.
Are responses to questions asked in good faith always this hostile?
Are responses to questions asked in good faith always this hostile?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster, a recent Scottish expat in Ubon Ratchathani, expresses concern about the often hostile nature of responses to questions in online groups. Community comments suggest that while some members exhibit insecurity and engage negatively, others recommend blocking hostile figures and emphasize the usefulness of the group. There is a recognition that some questions may seem naive, prompting varying levels of sarcasm in replies. Overall, the conversation acknowledges both the challenges and camaraderie within expat communities.
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Wayne *******
"Dont come if you cant afford it" is my favourite at the moment 😁
Thai *******
Best way do a Google search first to get a sort of answer then go on to a forum for more people's experience
Luke *********
Generally
Jeremy ********
Welcome to Thai FB groups
Adam ******
To be fair there are a lot of stupid questions asked, makes you wonder how some folk made it here. 'How much does it cost to live in Thailand?' 'How much does a visa agent charge?' 'Should I change my money now or wait until I come in May?' 'How do I get a taxi from Swampy to Pattaya?' 'How much to build a house?' etc etc etc.
Wayne *******
@Adam *****
Those are valid questions to someone who has never been or doesnt know anyone who has. There was a time when you knew the same as those asking the questions you dont like! Not having a dig, just balncing it. People should just scroll by IMO but each to their own
Willy *******
@Adam *****
But the point is just to ignore questions someone feels dummy - and not starting to ridicule people who askStuart ***********
That's true and not providing enough information to gain a good response, things like; no nationality provided, type of visa required (retirement, marriage etc) and age...
Reply to
Stuart ***********
Reply
Jonnie *******
A few Scottish expats in Ubon, there’s always a few generally I think it comes from the famous barstool philosophers club who’s members have nothing better to do in their life, all the best for the new year,, “lang may yer lum reek”
Davey ********
Ali some muppets on this app who have nothing better to do than reply with ridiculous comments 🤣🤣👍⚽️🍻
Marty *********
There are some Facebook groups for the Ubon Ratchathani area.
Stuart ***********
Just block the people that are hostile or sarcastic. This group then becomes a very useful source of information
Doug *******
@Stuart **********
Maybe a simple question but if I block the handful of redundant jerks will I still see all posts and comments exactly the same except THEIR comments will be absent?Stuart ***********
Yes, it just means you don't see their comments and they can't see yours.
Reply to
Stuart ***********
Reply
Alistair *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart **********
great advice, thanks!Mma *******
@Alistair ************
For the most part Brandon Thurkettle and Stuart Cummings are your go to. They are immersed in the nitty gritty.Reply to
Mma *******
Reply
Farang *********
Well do not knock it, show them the posts and it keeps the Haggis at bay in Knoydart.
The simple answer is yes. But there is some excellence advice.
The simple answer is yes. But there is some excellence advice.
Alistair *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Farang ********
you have to catch the haggis first, and they are notoriously elusive!Reply to
Alistair *************
Reply
Mark *********
There are some very insecure people, usually men, who love to slam others using the anonymity of posting online. Real creeps. It boosts their egos to (try to) denigrate others.
Pete *******
Would hope not but some do and not sure why
Alistair *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Pete ******
so far I would say that every question I have seen asked in the group has been met with at least one hostile response.I was an ex-pat in the San Francisco Bay Area for 5 years; Stockholm, Sweden, for two years; Kyiv and Uzhorod, Ukraine for 2 years; and El Paso and Austin, Texas, USA, for 1 year.
There always seems to be an element amongst the ex-pat community which is embittered and cynical.
I have already seen the same thing in Thailand and so I am consciously not fraternising with other farang. I moved to Thailand because I love the country, the culture, the people, and the food and want to get immersed in day-to-day Thai life which is why I am learning the language.
Jamie ******
Fellow Scot here ..I would suggest you keep your involvement with foreigners to a bare minimum ,more so Facebook and internet ..you can get most of the information you need from Thais and regarding visa situation ,once you get the information either here or from a reliable agent then tjats about all the interaction one needs .
I get it ,,being a Scot we are used to being friendly and open with people ,,that’s our “ currency “ not to say thete arent other nationalities whi arent helpful also ..but too many peoole are here and bring their baggage and arrogance with them .
We are all jock tamsens bairns ,,enjoy Thailand
I get it ,,being a Scot we are used to being friendly and open with people ,,that’s our “ currency “ not to say thete arent other nationalities whi arent helpful also ..but too many peoole are here and bring their baggage and arrogance with them .
We are all jock tamsens bairns ,,enjoy Thailand
Jeremy ********
@Alistair ************
yes I moved to Pattaya for the culture and museums as wellPete *******
@Jeremy *******
cannot do the busy places now. Rural life is good for retirementReply to
Pete *******
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Roland ********
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