Thread: Am I being too protective......

My son is 17. He wants to go out with his mates on New Years Eve, but I'm not keen on the idea despite the fact that at I was going to see bands like the Clash, the Stranglers, The Slits etc in 70's Britain when I was just 13.

Thailand has got me a little nervous, he wants to go to a well known club in the Asoke area, but in the current climate with alleged Police harrasment I'm a bit nervous about this. It's a different situation here, there is no protect and serve. He is not Thai enough to be seen as a local (especially one with any clout) but is not western enough to be treated warily by the police. They've only got to get their hands on him and we'll be in a classic ransom situation.

I'd tell them to fuck off myself but I realise I'd get no Embassy backup with the lad having Thai citizenship. The last person I know that had a son in trouble with the police and refused to pay 30,000 Baht to take him home didn't see him walking free for 6 months.

Anyone think I should just let him go (remembering I am away that evening and not close to hand should anything happen). Thailand is far safer than where I grew up in so many ways, the main fear is of those who are supposed to help people......

Mine are not going to the countdown this year, but I let them go with a gang from their school last year. They had a good time, but it was well coordinated with the mom and I knowing the family driver that picked them up, and the driver who brought them home.

I am happy they have not asked to go this year. But Jan 25 they are going way the hell out near Bang Na for a 1975 concert. 6,000 standing only seats and they want to be at the front, I believe now called the nosh pit? Good luck buddy, Happy New Years as well.

I said no and he accepted it, but that reaction actually makes me think that he is a better bet to behave than if he had tantrum-ed.

I let him go to Khaosan a few weeks ago with some friends and that went well. He kept me updated. I just think that NYE is a bit of a zoo, in some ways he may be more hidden away and in others there may be more predators.......

Tough dilemma I guess going with dad not an option?

To know your son you must also know his friends and I bet they are not a bad lot.

It is often hard to say no but better than being sorry.

Anyway he is not of legal age to enter a club where alcohol is being sold so just tell him you trust him and his time will come.

Have a great New Year.

Originally Posted by aging one

Mine are not going to the countdown this year, but I let them go with a gang from their school last year. They had a good time, but it was well coordinated with the mom and I knowing the family driver that picked them up, and the driver who brought them home.

I am happy they have not asked to go this year. But Jan 25 they are going way the hell out near Bang Na for a 1975 concert. 6,000 standing only seats and they want to be at the front, I believe now called the nosh pit? Good luck buddy, Happy New Years as well.

It's the mosh pit

A nosh pit is London Pub like the Henley Arms

Let him go - Thailand is safer than the UK for my money any day.

Originally Posted by Iceman123

Thailand is safer than the UK for my money any day.

With all due respect, I just don't see how such statements can be justified. If I were in Bob's situation, I'd be petrified of drunk policemen with guns, the Thonglor police mob out to kidnap, Police/army owners of nightclubs and the lack of safety concerns, yabba heads with guns in either their pocket or their Fortuner, upsetting some local hiso, wanna be hi-so or just army above the law-so... I never had these problems in London, going out 3 nights a week from the age of 16 for a couple of decades... When things went wrong (which they did a couple of times) the police turned up and sorted the mess out...

bobcock- the new softcock

At 17 years old my mates and I were doing our own thing.

Once we got our car license it was game on.

Gota cut him lose bob.

If you say no, and are not home, will he go anyway?

I have 3 boys, had the same dilema but you can't live their lives for them. They are now spending the wisdom you dispensed to them in the first 17 years of their lives. I'm impressed he told you of his real plans and then accepted your block.
Only you know he is grown up enough but dont stop him just for your own peace of mind ?

Originally Posted by Bower

I'm impressed he told you of his real plans and then accepted your block.

So am I,

Jesus, try telling a 17 year old in Australia he can't go party with his mates on New Year Eve in the city.

Be a friggin riot go down.

Maybe Thai born lads are different, I don't Know.

Why don't you tell him how you feel and why, but let him make a decision based on your feelings?

Find a minder for him.

Originally Posted by Iceman123

Thailand is safer than the UK for my money any day.

Originally Posted by Jesus Jones

Why don't you tell him how you feel and why, but let him make a decision based on your feelings?

That does not work with teenagers I tried it. Think back yourself, mine are angels compared to me at 17.

Originally Posted by ENT

Find a minder for him.

I will have several at this The 1975 concert. If they ever knew they would really kill me.

Trust is the key word, but its hard to let go as a parent. This city is so frigging huge compared to where I grew up. But its all good.

I am glad to see Bob is not the only one, and I hear from HillBilly regarding his teenage daughter over the phone once in a while. Good fathers will be good fathers.

But as Bobcock says the situation here is different.
My kids grew up in an even much worse environment of Mexico city. It was and still is much more violent and unstable. They were quarantined much of the time because it was so dangerous.
Their subsequent father in law was shot in the face during a robbery!

Sensible call not to let him go out in the height of the madness.

Originally Posted by Neo

Originally Posted by Iceman123

Thailand is safer than the UK for my money any day.

I imagine Soap dodger land is much the same as Australia, the youth go out with the sole purpose of getting hammered out of their minds.

Blood bath on New Years, broken bodies, numerous fights and mindless violence is a top night out for much of the youth.

Is it like that for the average Thai youth ?

Originally Posted by aging one

Originally Posted by ENT

Find a minder for him.

I will have several at this The 1975 concert. If they ever knew they would really kill me.

Trust is the key word,

Being seen to trust them to be responsible is important but you can't trust those they'll inevitably meet up with Just don't let them know they're being looked after.