Why do some members disrespect others in advice groups for expats in Thailand?

Stu *********

Because there are a lot of ignorant people in this group. They feel better about their pathetic lives when they put someone down for asking a question. Typical bullies that peaked in highschool and came to Thailand because uneducated Thai girls will take their money.

Roger **********

Cos lots of older white men bored out of their brains .

Samuel ***************

I agree

Ning ******

That is the culture of some people, normal for them. Just block them 🙂

Richard **********

It's that lack of accountability and that failed desire to forge a career in comedy that a few seem to continually seek on this forum. Let them comment and just disregard their flailings.

Keith *********

Trolls and keyboard warriors are the norm these days. It seems to me that they are basically unhappy people who get off on upsetting people.

Another word for them is "bully".

Don't take the comments from these disturbed people personally. See their comments as their self portrait.

Peter ********

People like taking the piss

Have a thick skin

Learn to have a rapier wit to reply to perceived insults

Or get a “ safe space “ to go to , or use a comfort blanket

*********************************************************************************

%3D%3D

Winston ********

I am with you 200%

Tim **********

Because there know all knobs

Samuel ********

Some people believe that sharing honest experiences comes across as disrespectful. In this group, there’s an emphasis on handling things independently in a D-I-Y fashion.

I find it unreasonable to rely on these so-called agents who overcharge for basic services you need to live here in Thailand. Doing things properly and following the official process can save a lot of money compared to engaging in bribery and corruption.

At the same time, others seem fine with resorting to insults.

Phil ***********

Your right it feels a proper troll group this one full of pattaya cucks and self righteous old plebs

Brian *********

The simplest answer is some people truly have nothing better to do but attempt to push down others because of how miserable they are inside. That’s my simplest answer. 🤷‍♂️

Ian **********

This op has certainly opened a can of worms! After reading a lot of the comments, I think a lot of you need to calm down and chill out.

Many comments are from teachers with a brain, and when you have to read some of the silly requests on here that's why people get frustrated and let certain people know how stupid their posts are!! Thank you and good night..

Sam *********

Plenty of scumbags in this group, And most of the other groups. If I was a mod I would just instantly kick and ban all these bums who keep giving smooth brain sarcastic answers.

Brandon ************

generally personal attacks are removed and the perpetrator is warned. Other than that advertising or other blatant misbehaviour is removed but we try to keep the group as open as possible.

But if anyone ever thinks something is inappropriate they can use the built in Facebook tools to report to the moderators and the questionable content will be reviewed.

Sam *********

I just reread this and isn't it better not to keep the group as open as possible? It's not a democracy, it's a dictatorship with the mods and admin team at the top. Allowing toxic members to throw up word vomit constantly because it keeps the group "open" is retarded. If you see someone give a smartass, snarky, sarcastic answer to someone asking a question, just ban hammer them on the spot, the culture of the group will be better for it. Hua Hin Beginners & Locals does this and that group is incredible.

Brandon ************

I'm only a moderator, I'm not the admin. I don't make those decisions.

Sam *********

Why not ask for that option to be enabled for the mod team so you can make the decisions? Easy fix

21 hours ago

Brandon ************

I can do everything as a moderator. What I mean is that I don't set the official "policy" of the group.

21 hours ago

Sam *********

Why not just ask the admins to make it policy then? Again, super easy fix, just kick and ban any sarcastic dickheads and ornery geezers

20 hours ago

Reply to

Sam *********

Ralph *******

I think it’s a result of frustration with the same questions being asked or stupid questions being asked.

Peter **********

cos theres a lot of gits here

Derek *******

it’s because a lot of expats are deeply upset, unhappy and angry people for some reason

Ralph *******

@Derek ******

I can’t understand it myself. I went to a club full of old expats. Some had their wives with them. But none of them looked happy! Aren’t they ‘living the dream’?

Danny *******

@Ralph ******

This may be a surprise to you but most of us don’t hang out in clubs. That’s for kids. We are retired and enjoying a different lifestyle.

Ralph *******

@Danny ******

It wasn’t that sort of club but I don’t know a word to describe it. It’s called a resort and it’s just a bar where old expats hang out. Not like a Thai bar more like a pub.

Reply to

Ralph *******

Derek *******

@Ralph ******

I have no idea. I can’t understand it either. But I see it and it’s not just Thailand.

Reply to

Derek *******

Keith ************

I block every single person who gives an answer that is snarky. They get a pass if there's anything useful in the reply though.

Erick ********

I agree with you. I think some people use FB just to entertain themselves and think such remarks are funny. They wait to see how many remarks they can get.

Joe ********

Think about the type of people who move to Thailand, and then spend all day on the internet. They probably don't have jobs. They are probably being fed welfare crumbs by their governments. They probably have no other purpose or means or producing value. So what do people like that do? They sit around all day picking at others so they don't have to look in the mirror. Don't let these people bother you. They are literally the lowest and most worthless humans that their society produces, short of pedos. We should all show them and their pathetic lives the pity it deserves.

Jason ********

@Joe *******

id rank youtubers and "influencers" in the mix.

Reply to

Jason ********

Jay *********

Simple they're Aholes. Social media trolls who were bullied as kids. Now, they feel secure in being bullies themselves knowing they wouldn't be that way face to face. I love it when these trolls respond to me. I try my best to expose their weak personality.

Frank **********

I agree with everything Brandon said.

James ******

People ask questions on here, because they are after answers of people that have been there and done it so be kind and give your time served advice.

Jason ******

Totally agree,there's a lot of angry little ex pats 😂😂

Charlie *********

It’s really quite basic. There are those lacking whatever it is that would make most people think of googling or searching the group itself first, and there are those that will be rude and nasty to them because of it - indeed, there are many who are petty for just about any reason at all. The relative anonymity of social media makes it easy for both.

Brenton ******

Why not just close this forum down and use google?

Brandon ************

@Brenton *****

I don't think you would like the real answer to this question

Reply to

Brandon ************

John ***********

I don't mean to be disrespectful, just adding a little humor sometimes.

I apologize if my humor is dry, definitely take after my dad.

Otherwise, humor is the best medicine.

Charlie *********

@John **********

I’ve done this a lot. I’ve learned that a lot doesn’t translate to the written word. I usually include something to indicate I’m only teasing when I’ve used sarcasm and such.

Reply to

Charlie *********

Kean *****

If U can help....help! If not, leave for others to help🙏

Brandon ************

Sometimes I miss Billy. At least his useless posts were entertaining :'(

Helen ********

there are a few posts here by one individual that I always want to say "Billy, is that you?".

Brandon ************

@Helen *******

he had 3 profiles at one point. I think because he forgot about his previous one and created a new one.

Reply to

Brandon ************

Bryce *******

Agreed, Lester.

Gordon ************

What time’s the last train to Clarksville ??

Bryce *******

@Gordon ***********

I'll meet you at the station.

Stu *********

@Bryce ******

But at what TIME!??? 🤣

Gordon ************

@Bryce ******

What’s the Platform number ??

Reply to

Gordon ************

Jared **********

Ask stupid questions, get stupid answers

Some of y’all are taking fb way too seriously for a few cheeky comments

Brian ********

Some people do that to boost their own egos. It's called being an ego maniac with an inferiority complex. It's a sad way to live, really.

John ***********

It's when you go to saying offline what you are saying online that the problem truly begins.🙄🙁

Matt ******

There are a lot of bitter old guys in here that think its some highground to be an expert on how things work in Thailand, its really pathetic and sad

Matt ******

@Phil **********

Clearly you are one of the assholes of this group if my comment triggered you.

Todd *********

and here you are being a bitter old guy. Pathetique really. #ironic

Matt ******

I don't know how long you two have been in this group but all I ever see is nasty comments from long-term expats that live here, Todd, how on earth is what I said even close to being bitter? I am stating the facts of this groups, in fact I have seen you posting many nasty comments on this page so you are not one to talk.

Reply to

Matt ******

Kim *********

nonsense

Matt ******

What is nonsense? Bitter old guys existing?

Reply to

Matt ******

Ralph *******

I think bitter old guys shouldn’t join these pages. Problem is, when you get old you have less time for time wasters and idiots. And, unfortunately, a lot of the questions aren’t worth asking or are just stupid. It sets them off.

Pat ****

absolutely true.

Reply to

Pat ****

Mary ********

Because some westerners bring their drama with them and want everyone else to be as unhappy as they are. I normally just block the repeat offenders so I don't see their comments, it's the easiest way rather than allowing them to suck you into their unhappy ways.

Jason ********

A lot of folks are just bitter farang and hate puppies.

Sad little humans.

Todd *********

@Jason *******

you sound awfully bitter. Sad

Jason ********

@Todd ********

really? How so?

Enlighten us.

Reply to

Jason ********

Kenny *****

This is something that i really dont understand and annoy by it.

If a person is asking a question that has been answered 16 times or 1600 times. Those people that are so annoyed by it would not just skip it, but no they rather take the time to reply with some stupid and disrespectful answers. Whats up with that?

Todd *********

full on fools

Brandon ************

because how do I know to skip it without reading it? Therefore I'm already inconvenienced. Along with hundreds or thousands of others. Because one person thought they were more important than everyone else so they don't have to do any of their own research first.

Brian ********

oh you poor thing. You know, you could just leave all together instead of being so horribly inconvenienced. Simplify your life if it really stresses you out.

Ruth *******

He’s the moderator (or, at least one of them). Telling him to leave is kind of counterproductive.

- I think at this point you know how much I respect you. However, having needed to do searches in groups of late, I have to tell you that it’s not as easy as it once was. I don’t know if it’s a change in the FB algorithms or just the quantity of content.

The searches I’ve done were regarding:

- visas in Vietnam on a Vietnam group

- motorbike lessons in Vietnam

- property searches in a property group

- ***trying to find the window in which one can apply for a non-O visa extension in Bangkok***

For the last one, I searched this group as well as other visa pages. I could not find the answer, even though I know, for a fact, that I’ve seen this discussed multiple times over the years.

I am quite adept at using proper search terms. I’m a former sw engineer and long-term Facebook user. The search function is simply behaving differently. I did not ask my question, because I knew I would be attacked on the group. I don’t think a healthy group is one where long-term members are afraid to post.

Brandon ************

I prefer to help people that have real questions, thanks

Brian ********

then just scroll on by. No problem at all.

Brandon ************

It is. I had to waste my time reading it. Along with countless others. Wasting cumulative hours of people's times. Because they didn't want to spend 5 minutes doing their own research.

Brian ********

again, if this bugs you so much, leave the group. Easy peasy.

Brandon ************

you're telling a moderator to leave the group. Genius here

Brian ********

so if it bugs you as much as you say, quit being a moderator. Really, you are making a big deal over nothing. Seems you are bringing on the stress yourself.

Reply to

Brian ********

Mike **********

@Kenny ****

Keyboard muscles.

David ***********

@Kenny ****

I can understand why people ask the same question. I have just scrolled through close to a years posts on another Facebook page looking for an answer I know is there and yes I did a search first. But it would be easier to repost and hope a kind heart out there answers.

Reply to

David ***********

This is Facebook. Just filter it out. Remember some people have nothing better to do than sit at the bar with a beer. For heavons sake do not join the Bangkok Post page, it's worse.

Ellen *************

so bad your explanation it is the victims who should dodge the bullets rather than the drunks not be invited to bring their guns?

Because it’s worse this is ok? What a standard.

Groups are only like this in Thailand and Vietnam. It’s ridiculous.

David ***********

@Ellen ************

now that is confusing. How did you equate victims with people asking the same question as others? Where do guns come into it.

Ellen *************

no thank you. 🙂‍↔️ nope.

Reply to

Ellen *************

Ruth *******

I actually recently encountered a guy who implied that that’s what all men do. 😂 😂 😂. I said “in your circle” and he blocked me.

Ellen *************

indeed the desperate and silly attempts to normalize this behavior is embarrassing.

Reply to

Ellen *************

John ***********

Is the paper free there? It's a behind the paywall job anywhere else. Perhaps you can get the paper's news and views by reading between the lines? Besides there is something distinctly likeable in the image of sitting at bars with beers in the tropic, particularly if the ceilings are high colonial style, the G&T's chill and tinkling, and fan blades are lazily swishing overhead

David ***********

@John **********

I view Bangkok Post on Facebook just to keep up with what is going on. Not a great reader of the news.

I must admit occasionly sitting at a bar Raffles style has it's pleasures but not at a bar on Pattaya beach road day after day.

Reply to

David ***********

John *******

Huh?

George *******

I typed in Google yesterday. Did the 2004 Tsunami affect the Gulf of Thailand. AI, came back with the answer ',YES'. Well it didn't affect the Gulf of Thailand, it affected the West coast, which is the Andaman Sea. So much for googles AI 😂😂😂

Ruth *******

@George ******

I live in Bangkok and was planning a trip to return there from Da Nang last week. A typhoon was expected and I was trying to find out if the airport was going to be closed the day of my flight as it had been once before. I wanted to plan appropriately as I had an appointment with immigration.

I tried multiple methods of searching and could not get the information. Everything I found was vague or about a previous typhoon, despite the fact that I was entering the name of the typhoon.

Additionally, as it pertains to this group, Google will often point people to visa agents or lawyers whose information is not necessarily reliable. While this group is only people, when one person comments and another corrects, then another and another, one can weed through and figure out who can be trusted.

Bonnie *********

Not if they know a modicum of searching. The example you provided to me was more willful misinformation than anything.

Maybe people need to brush up on their skills.

I'm on a VPN for Philadelphia so I got these results.

Ruth *******

Thank you for proving my point. Please point out the visa information on the first link found on your list. The proper link for the full site for the Thai embassy is Thaiembassy.org, not Thailandembassy.org. I don’t know what that link you posted is, but it looks a bit questionable. None of your links point to the right place.

Bonnie *********

Strange but if you click inside, it takes you to the appropriate Thai Embassy page.

Reply to

Bonnie *********

Kim *********

@George ******

this is the answer from Chatgpt

Greg ******

“an” answer from ChatGPT

Kim *********

Greg Hoff really? an implies there are more answer so this is THE answer from Chatgpt. What a ridiculous thing to say - this was meant to show the vast difference between Google and Chatgpt with the exact same question but apparently that doesn't interest you

Greg ******

ChatGPT is not a static model. When asking anything but the most direct question, it can and will give different answers.

Source: I train these models for work.

But I guess that doesn’t “interessant” you. Believe what you want to believe.

Kim *********

@Greg *****

you never make typing mistakes? What an unsympathetic and arrogant fool you are

Reply to

Kim *********

Todd *********

First day on the web?

Stefani ********

@Todd ********

maybe

Reply to

Stefani ********

Don *****

Not everyone knows how to search through a group or knows that it’s possible unfortunately and people tend to forget there are elderly among us who hate technology as it is. Also because people don’t seem to understand the entire purpose of a Facebook group centered around a subject is to hear first hand what other people are experiencing and be given the opportunity to engage with them further on the subject rather than a google search and reading through a blog or an otherwise unquantifiable source. Words on a page don’t really have the same meaningfulness as a conversation around a subject. Also people are losers …they like being mean spirited. It makes them feel powerful.

Bonnie *********

@Don ****

I'm old, so that excuse is an excuse. You don't want to learn something, so you demand others do your work? You need to pay someone then.

Free labor demands from a capitalist USian. Who would have guessed.

Don *****

Bonnie i pay my employees well. This is a Facebook group. Nobody is working here. I personally don’t mind assisting the elderly when they ask questions here. Standing at the front of the line to tell everyone their question is stupid is a sign of misery. Take your vitamins.

Reply to

Don *****

Dava ***********

well said!

Greg ******

🏆

Reply to

Greg ******

Brandon ************

Generally it comes about when people ask incredibly basic or easy to answer questions that they could have gotten the answer themselves if they just typed the question directly into Google. In fact they would have gotten the answer FASTER if they just typed it into Google.

Otherwise there are the people who ask a question that has been asked 16 times already this week, and all they would have to do is the bare minimum to help themselves by scrolling back a little bit or using the search feature of the group, rather than expecting everyone else to do the work for them.

Edward ********

STOP supporting such rude people.

Brandon ************

@Edward *******

Reply to

Brandon ************

Zoe ******

We all have a choice to not be rude and judge people without knowing their situations. We all have a choice to not comment on posts we think are not worth our time rather than making spiteful comments. I’ve lived in a few different countries, expat groups in Thailand have some of the worst behaviors from members. So please don’t make excuses for those rude people. Every time they put down those comments, they are making conscious choices that reflect on their moral values. Those groups are supposed to be about getting help from real people with their real experiences. If you tell newcomers if they don’t want to be bullied, they should google every question that might have been answered many times on here, then exactly what value does your group add? More and more these groups are becoming hate groups where bored people watch trolls pick on new comers and Admin let it happen time after time. For one, there’s absolutely no excuse to bully someone when they post anonymously. Where is the rule that says we MUST know what a stranger looks like on FB before we put down our big egos to help them?

Paul ********

with all due respect I agree in some aspects but google has answers to questions but this a group for answers and advise. The people who ask don’t want to troll through loads of post for the answer they want up to date answers. Like up to date local immigration requirements I think.

Bonnie *********

@Paul *******

Yeah, like I can't scroll (let alone use the search feature) past two posts to find the answer that was posted to this same question 6 hours ago.

Not much changes in 6 hours.

Quit excusing laziness.

Paul ********

Agree but there are a lot of dicks out there 555

Brandon ************

@Paul *******

Then people should say something like "I found this answer, can anyone verify that it's correct?" At least show that they tried and put in even a moment of effort.

Reply to

Brandon ************

Glenn *****

so what, just ignore it if it is beneath you, otherwise you are a troll.

Bonnie *********

@Glenn ****

He's the moderator of this group. How about you do you, and don't worry about others doing themselves, in whatever form that takes.

You're just doing what you're accusing others of doing, and to a moderator, of all people.

Sheesh.

Brandon ************

@Glenn ****

🧌🧌🧌🧌

Reply to

Brandon ************

Stefani ********

still not an excuse for rudeness

Ellen *************

I felt the same way. OP asked and he explained- thereby clarifying to the ones that participate in this behavior, that it’s understandable and they need not worry about curbing their urges to eviscerate someone coming for exactly what the name says. It says advice it doesn’t say specifics, it doesn’t say advice after you’ve reached a certain level of knowledge - people sometimes don’t know what advice they need ffs!!

And I admin 3 groups- most people don’t know how to find the rules in a group or that groups have a search bar.

Brandon ************

how is it not rude for someone to be so lazy that they can't even do the bare minimum before burdening thousands of other people with their question? Seems like that's what is rude.

Joseph *********

very judgemental...do yiu know all the circumstances of the questioner?

It's easy to scroll on if the question is "stupid".

No question us stupid if uts relevant to the asker!

Bonnie *********

There are numerous stupid questions, and horribly stupid ones of late.

If people find this group, they can also help themselves. Who plans to visit a country (Thailand) without visiting the Thai Embassy website for their country.

Stupid questions are more plentiful than the scorn they rightfully generate.

Joseph *********

be like a Thai and dont respond to stupidity.

Thais often say more by saying nothing. Ditto

Bonnie *********

Why? That's condoning/inviting more bad behavior.

Ruth *******

This looks like the Thai embassy and is not. People have good reason to ask questions.

*********************************************************

Dianne *****

yes, that has long been confusing for newbies. In most countries a visa agency couldn't call themselves a name using the word "Embassy." I haven't looked at their site recently, but in the past the information that they shared wasn't always 100% up to date

Bonnie *********

It does not look like an embassy website.

Brandon ************

if the question is relevant to them, and it's that important, they can spend 5 minutes doing a little research first.

Joseph *********

again presumptions re skills.

Kim *********

if they are skilled enough to open a Facebook account and post a question don't you think they are "skilled" enough to click on a browser icon and type a question?? Actually it requires 0 "skills"

Joseph *********

I don't judge because I get bamboozled at times.

If I can help I do!

If I carn't I scroll on!

No worse than asking where a building is when yiu are standing in fron of it and cannot see it.

Today I was in a large crowded market in Asia.

I was looking for an umbrella.

I was standing looking at one stall and a lady asked what I was looking for. When I responded "umbrella"!

She called over a young assistant and told me to follow......I was escorted to another tiny stall in a secluded part of the market to a stall that had about 6 folding umbrellas.

That's what I call help in real life.

No giving complicated directions....just follow OK.

Danny *******

That’s kind of judgmental don’t you think?

Brian ********

how are they "burdening thousands of other people with their question"? Has there been an epidemic of broken scrolling thumbs that I'm unaware of? Seriously, instead of being jerks people can just scroll on. It's not hard or burdensome at all.

Brandon ************

Because the thousands of other members in this group have to read their question because they were too lazy to do any work themselves.

Brian ********

that isn't a burden on most people. You seem to need work on having patience and understanding.

Stefani ********

again, no need to be rude. If you don’t want to be burdened helping others, you could leave the site

Bonnie *********

You're being rude to the mod; what's your excuse?

Kim *********

what a foolish remark. Every day he helps a lot of people. And the answers are always top notch.

Ken ***********

I agree 100 %

Ken ***********

if you look at past posts,

has contributed thousands of knowledgeable posts helping many. He has not been rude or disrespectful. You need to get your facts straight before telling people to leave this group.

Ellen *************

@Ken **********

indeed he has been helpful- 💯! but leadership would suggest keeping the knives out to a minimum and trying to create a peaceful group. I am shocked and disappointed but not… this was exactly the answer to OPs question ‘why is it like this?’ - well

@ ***************

y, because it’s allowed and now it’s received an empathetic stamp of approval. Cuz there’s a good reason to be rude. Wah. 🙄

Jack ****************

@Ken **********

actually Brandon snaps at people somewhat regularly. He is absolutely a fountain of useful information, but has also become a cranky old man who is angry that people are on his lawn. Further, his ideas about google and Facebooks searchability are not in line with the experience of the masses. It is, often, not as simple as he wants to believe. And lastly, this is literally a forum for basic advice populated by people who are choosing to be here. AND (and this is the funniest part) Facebooks algorithm is an ASSHOLE. I almost NEVER see basic questions. So the theoretical number of unconvinced people is actually much lower than 75k but the best part is - he sees TONS of these posts because he interacts with them and Facebook assumes he likes them! The more you reply bitchily to a type of content the more Facebook is going to feed you that content. Brandon is creating his own problem.

Ruth *******

You sound like you’ve been here a long time. As you’ve stated,

has been the source of a wealth of information for a long time. However, you have to admit that the questions of late have really become rather tedious. The questions do seem to be more and more those that are not appropriate for a Facebook group.

While I absolutely agree that Google searches are not as easy as people think, nor are YouTube searches and watching through a whole lot of garbage content when trying to find something useful (I’m always annoyed when people tell posters to watch some YouTube videos without specific recommendations as to creators), some of the questions here lately have been absurd. Asking about weather in a certain month, when that is one thing one certainly can search, is silly. I understand why someone like Brandon, who tries to be truly helpful, might get a bit cranky.

On the other hand, I never see him attack the stupid questions. He, like I, likely just scrolls by. I think we have too many pointless posts, but I don’t mind scrolling by to help those who need it and be able to rely on this group when I do.

Jack ****************

you say "I have to admit" but I don't because the fraction of the content Facebook shows me is not the same fraction it shows you and both of these are tiny fractions of the total content.

You are actually upset with Facebook because it is designed to show you more of what pisses you off.

Brandon ************

I see every post because I'm an admin. And I have to approve every single post.

Ken ***********

I follow this forum regularly and I am impressed with his thorough, well informed answers. I have not noticed sour answers. I regularly use internet search (not google) and ChatGPT for questions and the information is 90% correct but should be verified.

I do feel the posters who do not do any research on simple questions are entitled and lazy...but what can be done ?

Bobby *******

you should be booted from the group for the questions you ask and this rude rant directed towards a moderator here

Reply to

Bobby *******

Max **********

Not everyone is on Facebook all the time. There are always newcomers and people looking for advice apart from what’s on Google.

Not everyone is smart as you and knows the same question has been asked 16 times.

Bonnie *********

Yet they find this group. Lame excuse for laziness. Infantilizing people doesn't do them, or anyone, any good.

If they can't figure out simple basics, perhaps they shouldn't be traveling.

Ruth *******

or maybe they’re just not experienced traveling

Reply to

Ruth *******

Sam *********

I really don't think that holds water considering they're smart enough to ask the question in the group, But not to click the little search icon that's in their field of view and ask the same question.

Ruth *******

Some people don’t know they can search in Facebook. HOWEVER, they certainly should know they can search Google for questions like “what is the weather in April” and they’ll get more reliable answers than on Facebook.

On the flip side, many of the snarky people make the same “jokes” (if they can even be called such and the same people “like” or applaud them every time. How many times do we need smart alecks telling people they shouldn’t bring their wives on their vacations to Thailand…that has NOTHING to do with asking a question too many times. How many times do we need to a plethora of degrading comments in general about women?

I simply see many men who moved to Thailand trying to escape miserable lives and they just brought their misery with them. They then bully others thinking that making others miserable will make them feel superior. I’m sure they get a quick adrenaline rush, especially when they then get applause from other miserable people, but long-term they’re still miserable.

Ellen *************

thank you. The string of explanations basically justifying belittling people is exactly what I expected to see. A prescribed amount of empathy? That’s why the world is like this. Absolute strangers coming to a place for exactly what the name invites them for doesn’t require empathy and no one is some humanitarian sharing advice in such a place 🤦🏻‍♀️ the rationalizing probably goes on for the rest of the 100 comments. I expected nothing less. This OP isn’t the first person to suggest it’s not necessary to insult and humiliate strangers, but this is SEA in a nutshell. The majority of western men are mediocre where they came from and elevated here and then they act like this.

It will really destroy your hope if you’re not careful 😔 I don’t have a prescribed amount of empathy’… that’s the silliest thing I’ve heard today. we have an endless supply, but not near as much as we do childish, mean arrogance. 😔

Ruth *******

@Ellen ************

It’s not all of SEA. Honestly, you will find some expats like this throughout, but Thailand seems to attract the most. Unfortunately, it’s also currently my favorite location for other reasons, although recent policies along with this negativity are making other locations more and more appealing.

Ellen *************

I’ve lived in Thailand and Vietnam both for extended periods of time- I suppose it is a bit worse in, Thailand but it’s just so ick.

Sam *********

You're right about miserable guys here, I've never met so many grumpy losers and ornery geezers in my life. I can't imagine being as mad at the world as some of these people are

Sam *********

I'm with you, it's a delicate balance that requires a bit of patience from everyone involved.

Reply to

Sam *********

John ***********

The people that you describe are also remote from our prescribed empathy bandwidth too. How can you relate to someone who hasn't seen the question posed any of those 16 times!? You've witnessed every first time offender, on repeat, every time you've patiently offered advice, almost hosted minor welcome to country ceremonies, but ......... now you just can't take it anymore!!!!!! You snap, and words flow forth, like the tsunami on the horizon you never saw coming. People say things, stuff happens ... hopefully, life goes on. That's what living online is like. Offline's probably not so much different either.

Brandon ************

You don't have to be smart to find out a question has been asked 16 times. You just need to be willing to inconvenience yourself and do at least a little bit of research before you decide to inconvenience 75,000 other people.

I guess that requires consideration rather than intelligence. Both seem to be in short supply nowadays.