@Sam ********

So which one are you? As for me I am here in Thailand because of work and because it is wonderful place t live for the time being. I actually do not fit into either of the categories you suggested. But with regards to "A"... I see your point and agree that they are the "problem". As for B.... I find the word "estranged" perhaps a bit harsh as there could be several reasons such as simple escapism to re-booting to trying to overcome a disaster to starting over, etc. We each have our own reasons. We each have our own demons, fears, longings, dreams, losses. Each can be perpetuated our own emotions and/or conditions of our lives. What I find difficult to accept is your categorizing those factors (letters "A" and "B"). Then again and to be truthful, I was happy to get the hell out of the US under Trump.

@Terary *********

deserve it... well... to a point. But sure go ahead and bash your country all you want. But at least bash it with the intention of making things better and not just out of hatred. That behavior is part of the present problem after all.

@Terary *********

Regarding your first paragraph.... People in France will be mad at you for not speaking... or worse speaking French badly. Same is true in Italy, Spain, Germany if you can't, won't or butcher their languages. Funnily enough in Poland they don't. But as for the rest of your posts... agreed.

Okay the American bashing should really stop. I know that my country has its bad points but that was not the issue in the post. So to address that... I find it impossible to learn Thai. Why? Maybe because I speak French and German and English? But the post is right one really should at least try.

Talk to an agent first... like TVC here.

@Bra****

o could take your opinion on. However I take.my car toa mechanic rather than doing the work myself out of ease and a wish to let someone else do the job while I sit on a beach. If it costs me money... well so what. No such thing as a free lunch and means I can enjoy my retirement. You have issues with that... so be it. But enjoy the time we have.

Oh come on... every situation has different requirements.... call an agent and be done with the questions!

Not BKK....

My typos aside... I actually can tell you about 3 people who wound up in the local lock up by an IMO here after they were asked to pay extra for a 90-day and extra for an Extension of Sta y. They were released when the TP showed up after I got a call as the US Liaison here and requested it. We know that here in the Kingdom rules are rules... that is when anyone wants to pay attention to them, or the situation is so terrible that the usual 'Rule Blindness' is out of the question. With reference to being "cowedly".... well... if you want to put your head into the lion's mouth and perhaps suffer from it go ahead. But as we foreigners have no real Rights here... why stand on one's soap box and shout to a crowd that is not listening? With regards to "offering a bribe..." wouldn't do it personally. But if approached by an officer telling me that for some Tea Money to make whatever go away.... well... I might think about it. Oh hell, have you been pulled over for speeding lately? Pay the officer bht or go to the office and pay 500 or more. Is that a bribe? Sure, it is because it will never be recorded. Or how about dropping a cigarette butt on the sidewalk (along with the rest of the trash) and being knabbed for 1000bht ... is that a bribe or is it a fine that will never be recorded? Personally, I would always ask for a receipt. For by doing so you might find that the request goes away or at the very least you can hold the powers-to-be to a higher standard than they are used to. After all the two-price system here is an example of corruption. But I do not find ALL corruption to be a terrible thing. For it's a system that has been ingrained within societies for centuries. Fighting against it is a noble cause. But you will need people and court systems willing to listen and that do not have their own hands in the cookie jar. I don't bribe. I don't simply accept the request for one. But then again after 15 years here I can see that request coming a mile off and so know how to avoid entering its trap.