Thread: A serious question for the longer term residents here in LOS.

Originally Posted by keda

I would get the mrs to donate 100 bt to the head guy (she knows him, and yes they are accessible) at your village temple, not anonymously into the box, and to make sure to mention to him that a mountain monk gave it to your kid.

Good suggestion

Jeez what all the fuss about??
Nothing...

ask questions
be vigilant
tell the kids to be wary and report
but don't frighten them

I think you handled it appropriately. Might be nothing, but it is a bit strange. There is a house across the street and down a bit inhabited by priests-in-training (many of them foreigners here in the Philippines to learn both English and priest stuff). You see them wandering around the neighborhood with their priest books mumbling to themselves. They always want to chat with my kids when the twins are out biking around. My kids have been instructed (by the Missus) to be polite and say hello, and then to keep on biking. Myself, I think they are just bored shitless, but I don't disagree; I don't like adults they don't know talking to my kids, much less those in easy-to-fool-ya uniforms - like priests, monks, police and the like. Better safe than wondering why you never thought to do something.......

I don't trust any of these orange robed fuckers.

Send the kids round again JJ, and tell them not to come back empty handed.

Originally Posted by SEA Traveler

Best to error on the side of caution here JJ.

Originally Posted by jandajoy

The latest update is, after a long conversation with Joy we agree, finally, that "not making a problem" is not an option. The situation needs to be discussed within the community. On a friendly personal level. Preferably, wives of police officers, Government officials etc etc should be involved in the discussion. She's off doing this now. It's agreed that shit happens and maybe it's a good idea for people to be responsible rather than avoid "problems". A bit of a break through I think.

although that seems like overkill when nothing has happened

Originally Posted by DrAndy

Originally Posted by SEA Traveler

Best to error on the side of caution here JJ.

Originally Posted by jandajoy

The latest update is, after a long conversation with Joy we agree, finally, that "not making a problem" is not an option. The situation needs to be discussed within the community. On a friendly personal level. Preferably, wives of police officers, Government officials etc etc should be involved in the discussion. She's off doing this now. It's agreed that shit happens and maybe it's a good idea for people to be responsible rather than avoid "problems". A bit of a break through I think.

although that seems like overkill when nothing has happened

Nothing has been kown to happen as yet. I assume that JJs kids are not the only ones in the district.

and give the guy a bad name for being generous?

just a few chats with other parents would be enough

Originally Posted by keda

I would get the mrs to donate 100 bt to the head guy (she knows him, and yes they are accessible) at your village temple, not anonymously into the box, and to make sure to mention to him that a mountain monk gave it to your kid. These folks know their own, and you can probably leave it to him from there.

Very good Keda.

A similar route suggested by another bloke I respect on the other board.

Yes, it's the plan.

Tomorrow Joy will go to visit the boss monk (whom she knows) with the 2 kids in tow.

They, the kids, will give the boss monk 100bht and Joy will explain why.

Should the boss monk wish to talk to the kids whilst Joy is there, no worries.

They'll then leave.

People in the village will know exactly what has been done and we'll leave it there.

Thanks one and all for your input, advice and suggestions.

sometimes this place is a life saver.

My wifes father was a monk for ten years and was privvy to many things that go on by some of the monks.Monks do not give 100baht away for nothing is her experienced opinion. It is a parents responsibility to ensure they provide the best safety possible for their kids. Anyone who takes this situation lightly is either not a parent or is at best a most ir-responsible one.

Originally Posted by Aussie Tigger

My wifes father was a monk for ten years and was privvy to many things that go on by some of the monks.Monks do not give 100baht away for nothing is her experienced opinion. It is a parents responsibility to ensure they provide the best safety possible for their kids. Anyone who takes this situation lightly is either not a parent or is at best a most ir-responsible one.

Pretty much an international view I'd have thought.

No great insights there.

Originally Posted by billy the kid

Grooming,, JJ , may be a monk, may not be a monk.
should check him out.
'why' would someone give kids 100 baht.

ive done it before, on kids day, nothing sinister in that, lil lad from the soi in bkk where i stay, so its not all sinister


jj's situation is abit different though, must admit

For those that are interested, an up date.

The kids and wife met with boss monk this morning. They had a nice chat with the old boy. The 100 baht was given to him to do with as he will and he's said that he'll look into the situation.

He reaffirmed to the the 2 kids that it's not smart to accept gifts from strangers. The kids were suitably impressed.

That would have me worried being a parent myself.

Get the kids a mobile phone if they aint got one to keep your mind at ease

Originally Posted by sabaii sabaii

Get the kids a mobile phone if they aint got one to keep your mind at ease

Considered that but we reckon the village grapevine will probably work better.

Plus, of course, the fact that a mobile phone would last about 5 minutes.